Developing Quantitative Modeling Tools for Design and Performance Assessment of Integrated Water Management Systems: a U.S.-China Joint Research Project

该项目的目标是开发量化模型和相关数据库，以表征和评估不同配置的水基础设施系统，并为综合水管理(IWM)系统的设计和运行提供数据支持的决策工具。这项研究将解决采用水资源综合管理系统的一个关键技术障碍，方法是建立一套量化模型，用于设计和评估各种配置的水基础设施系统在其使用期限内的情况。具体地说，该项目将1)开发低计算成本的统计网络拓扑模型，以表征和预测不同配置的水基础设施网络的水力性能；2)在水资源综合管理模式下调查供水、雨水和废水网络之间的相互依存和动态相互作用；3)根据替代水源、再生技术和最终用途的类型评估潜在的人类和生态系统健康风险；4)利用生命周期和系统方法评估现有和新兴的水处理技术对不同规模的水资源管理系统的适用性和可持续性。该研究计划建立在几个伙伴机构的8名参与研究人员的互补专业知识的基础上，并利用多个正在进行的项目和其他资源。这项高度协作的教育和推广计划包括：1)开发最初将在现有课程中使用的网络课程模块，并将其整合为一个完整的网络课程，在所有合作机构教授；2)在研究实验室之间以及与科学界和普通公众共享数据的手段；3)对公用事业操作员、城市用水规划者和高中科学教师进行培训；4)让高中生参与为研究中的少数族裔人口提供服务的大量人口；5)中美合作机构之间的教职员工和学生交流计划。该计划的实施将通过高度多学科、跨文化的计划培训下一代水专业人员，并为他们配备技术工具，使不同规模和经济发展状况的城市实现城市水的可持续性。该奖项由CBET环境可持续发展项目和国际科学与工程办公室共同资助。

The objective of this project is to develop quantitative models and associated databases to characterize and evaluate water infrastructure systems of different configurations, and enable data-supported decision making tools for design and operation of integrated water management (IWM) systems. The research will address a critical technical barrier in adopting IWM systems by establishing a set of quantitative models for design and assessment of water infrastructure systems of various configurations over their lifetimes. Specifically, the project will 1) develop statistical network topology models at low computational cost to characterize and predict hydraulic performance of water infrastructure networks with different configurations; 2) Investigate the interdependency and dynamic interactions among water supply, storm water and wastewater networks in an IWM paradigm; 3) Assess potential human and ecosystem health risks based on the types of alternative water sources, reclamation technologies, and end uses; 4) Evaluate the suitability and sustainability of existing and emerging water treatment technologies for IWM systems of different scales using a life cycle and systems approach. The research plan builds upon complementary expertise of 8 participating researchers at several partner institutions, and leverages multiple ongoing projects and other resources. The highly collaborative education and outreach plan includes: 1) development of web-based course modules that will initially be used in existing courses, and integrated into a complete web-based course to be taught at all partner institutions; 2) means for sharing data among research labs and with the scientific community as well as the general public; 3) training for utility operators, urban water planners, and high school science teachers; 4) engaging high school students from schools serving large population of under-represented minorities in research; 5) a faculty and student exchange program between U.S. and Chinese partner institutions. Implementation of the plan will train the next generation of water professionals through a highly multi-disciplinary, cross-culture program, and equip them with technical tools enabling urban water sustainability for cities of different size, and economic development status. This award is co-funded by the CBET Environmental Sustainability program and the Office of International Science and Engineering.