1. A method for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN), the method comprising: simulating, by a water distribution system, a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN; estimating, by the water distribution system, a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation; collecting, by the water distribution system, real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN; estimating, by the water distribution system, an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information; and controlling, by the water distribution system, the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting, during the non-supply hours, for managing the water supply in the WDN.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN is generated based on historical supply information associated with the WDN.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the historical supply information comprises at least one of a supply plan associated with the WDN, information related to schedule of supply, location of supply valves, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), demand across consumer connections and properties of the WDN.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein generating the hydraulic model comprises analysing a Pressure Dependent Demand (PDD) relationship in the WDN, using predetermined model generation tools.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the real-time flow information comprises at least one of pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN, demand across consumer connections and information of losses in the WDN.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optimal operational setting comprises at least one of a minimum valve opening angle of each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN during the non-supply hours.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the simulation of the hydraulic model is continued until the target average minimum pressure is maintained in the WDN, in the non-supply hours of the WDN.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the target average minimum pressure is less than a pressure value required for extracting water at consumer connections.

9. A water distribution system for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN), the water distribution system comprising: a memory; and a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory, and configured to: simulate a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN; estimate a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation; collect real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN; estimate an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information; and control the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting, during the non-supply hours, for managing the water supply in the WDN.

10. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor generates the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN based on historical supply information associated with the WDN.

11. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the historical supply information comprises at least one of a supply plan associated with the WDN, information related to schedule of supply, location of supply valves, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), demand across consumer connections and properties of the WDN.

12. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 10, wherein generating the hydraulic model comprises analysing a Pressure Dependent Demand (PDD) relationship in the WDN, using predetermined model generation tools.

13. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the real-time flow information comprises at least one of pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN, demand across consumer connections and information of losses in the WDN.

14. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the optimal operational setting comprises at least one of a minimum valve opening angle of each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN during the non-supply hours.

15. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor continues to simulate the hydraulic model until the target average minimum pressure is maintained in the WDN, in the non-supply hours of the WDN.

16. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the target average minimum pressure is less than a pressure value required for extracting water at consumer connections. Dated this 29th day of January 2020 SANDEEP N P OF K&S PARTNERS AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT IN/PA - 2851 , Description:FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 [39 OF 1970] & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See section 10; Rule 13] TITLE: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING WATER SUPPLY IN A WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK” Name and Address of the Applicant: HITACHI, LTD., 6-6, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8280, Japan. Nationality: JAPAN The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed. TECHNICAL FIELD The present subject matter is, in general, related to resource management and more particularly, but not exclusively, to method and system for managing water supply in a water distribution network. BACKGROUND In intermittent water distribution systems, water is supplied with high pressure only for a few hours of the day, called the ‘supply hours’, to meet consumer demands. During the supply hours, water distribution pipes will remain full and an optimum pressure will be maintained at consumer nodes to enable the consumers to withdraw the water. However, during non-supply hours, the water distribution pipes will be empty, posing a serious risk of allowing contaminated water to enter into the water distribution pipes through small leakage points in the water distribution pipes. The risk of contamination increases when the water distribution pipes or supply lines are laid close to drainage channels or other contaminated sources. Additionally, since the water distribution pipes are empty during the non-supply hours, there is a chance that surrounding air gets filled in the water distribution pipes, causing rusting of the metal distribution pipes. Moreover, a transition between the supply hours and the non-supply hours may also reduce life of the water distribution pipes since a sudden stress will be applied on the water distribution pipes at the start of the supply hours. The conventional solutions to address the above problems disclose converting the distribution plan into continuous supply systems. However, the continuous supply systems often become cost intensive and result in bottleneck of water source availability. Moreover, converting a regular distribution plan into a continuous distribution plan requires replacement of distribution pipes, construction of new storage reservoirs and water treatment plants. It is also observed that, even after conversion into continuous supply mode, the distribution systems are still operated in an intermittent supply mode due to lack of water source availability. Due to the above reasons, converting the distribution systems into a continuous distribution system has not been the best solution for the water distribution systems. The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY One or more shortcomings of the prior art may be overcome, and additional advantages may be provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages may be realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure. Disclosed herein is a method for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN). The method comprises simulating, by a water distribution system, a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN. Upon simulation, the method comprises estimating a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation. Further, the method comprises collecting real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN. Thereafter, the method comprises estimating an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information. Finally, the method comprises controlling the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting for managing the water supply in the WDN. Further, the present disclosure relates to a water distribution system for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN). The water distribution system comprises a memory and a processor. The processor is communicatively coupled to the memory and is configured to simulate a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN. Upon simulation, the instructions cause the processor to estimate a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation. Further, the instructions cause the processor to collect real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN. Thereafter, the instructions cause the processor to estimate an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information. Finally, the instructions cause the processor to control the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting for managing the water supply in the WDN. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and regarding the accompanying figures, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram illustrating a water distribution system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 3A - FIG. 3B show graphs illustrating comparison between the existing supply plan and the proposed supply plan in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether such computer or processor is explicitly shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method. The present disclosure relates to a method and a water distribution system for managing water supply in a water distribution network. In some embodiments, the method of present disclosure proposes controlling an intermittent water distribution system in the non-supply hours of the distribution plan. The flow and pressure characteristics of the water flowing through the distribution pipes is controlled to maintain only a minimum pressure in the water distribution pipes, during the non-supply hours. This avoids extraction of water through consumer nodes during non-supply hours and also, creates resistance to entry of contaminated water into the distribution pipes since a positive pressure is always maintained in the distribution pipes. Moreover, keeping the distribution pipes full even during the non-supply hours prevents the air filling in the distribution pipes, thereby resulting in reduction of rusting and deterioration of the distribution pipes. Additionally, this arrangement also ensures that there will not be a sudden stress/pressure on the distribution pipes when the supply is resumed, thereby increasing life of the distribution network. One of the main differences between the existing techniques and the method of present disclosure is that the existing techniques focus on pressure management during the supply hours of the Water Distribution Network (WDN). However, the existing techniques do not consider managing the pressure during the non-supply hours of the WDN. Additionally, the existing techniques do not consider information related to the flow of water, pressure at specific locations and specific consumer meter data and hydraulic model analysis for estimating an optimal control strategy for the WDN. On the other hand, the proposed method considers issues associated with an intermittent water distribution system and provides an effective control logic to be applied during the non-supply hours of the WDN. In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment 100 may include a Water Distribution Network (WDN) 101, a water source 103, a water distribution system 105 and a water distribution planning model 115. The WDN 101 may be a supply network comprising, without limiting to, distribution pipes, connectors and the like and used for distributing water from the water source 103 to a plurality of consumer nodes. The water source 103 may be a source of the water, from which the water is distributed to the plurality of consumer nodes. As an example, the water source 103 may include, without limiting to, an overhead tank, a reservoir and the like. In an implementation, the WDN 101 may be configured with a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 107 and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 109. The plurality of FCVs 107 may be configured for controlling the flow of water through the WDN 101. That is, for example, the plurality of FCVs 107 may be used for reducing and/or increasing the volume of water flowing through the WDN 101. In an implementation, the plurality of FCVs 107 may be associated with bulk flow meters for measuring the real-time flow information related to the WDN 101. As an example, the bulk flow meters may be placed at an inlet position of the supply pipes in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, additional flow meters, such as Automated Meter Reading (AMR) flow meters, may be installed at selected consumer locations for determining settings for the plurality of FCVs 107. In an embodiment, the plurality of PRVs 109 may be configured for measuring and controlling the pressure of water flowing through the WDN 101. In an implementation, the plurality of PRVs may be associated with pressure sensors for measuring the value of pressure across the WDN 101. As an example, the pressure sensors may be installed at highest and lowest elevation points on the WDN 101 for effectively measuring the pressure values across the WDN 101. The values measured by the pressure sensors may be used to determine settings for the respective plurality of PRVs 109. In an implementation, the location for configuring the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be determined based on factors including, without limitation, length/size of the distribution pipes, demand across the WDN 101, number of consumer nodes connected to the WDN 101 and the like. In an embodiment, plurality of flow transducers 111 (i.e. bulk flow meters) and plurality of pressure transducers 113 (i.e. pressure sensors), associated with the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 respectively, may be used for transmitting the measured values of the flow and pressure to an external system such as the water distribution system 105. In an embodiment, the water distribution system 105 may be a computing system, which is communicatively associated with the WDN 101, through the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, to collect various flow information related to the WDN 101 and configured to manage water supply in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the water distribution system 105 may be operated from a remote location. Alternatively, the water distribution system 105 may be operated locally by an authorized personnel such as a water inspector or a water supplier associated with the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the water distribution system 105 may also be associated with a water distribution planning model 115. The water distribution planning model 115 may be a well-structured and documented repository that comprises all the information related to the WDN 101. As an example, the water distribution planning model 115 include, without limiting to, a hydraulic model of the WDN 101, historical flow information of the WDN 101, list of components and their configurations within the WDN 101 and the like. In a general scenario, the WDN 101 may be configured with an intermittent supply plan, which means that the WDN 101 supplies water to the consumer nodes only for a particular period, known as the ‘supply hours’. In other words, the WDN 101 is temporarily suspended at all the times other than the supply hours. During this condition, each distribution pipe in the WDN 101 may be maintained at an ‘empty’ state to ensure that the water is not flowing through the WDN 101. However, this arrangement results in issues such as mixing of contaminants with the water, reduction in life of the WDN 101 and the like. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a method, according to which, a certain quantity of the water, that is sufficient to maintain a target average minimum pressure in the WDN 101, is maintained in the WDN 101 even during the ‘non-supply hours’ of the WDN 101 to keep the supply pipes in the WDN 101 filled with water. Accordingly, determining the target average minimum value and maintaining the determined value in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours remain key aspects of the method of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, in order to manage the water supply through the WDN 101 as illustrated above, the water distribution system 105 may be initially configured for simulating a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 for non-supply hours of the WDN 101, for determining the target average minimum pressure to be maintained in the WDN 101. That is, the water distribution system 105 may fetch the hydraulic model of the WDN 101, which is stored in the water distribution planning model 115 and simulate the hydraulic model for a non-supply condition of the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure may be maintained by dynamically adjusting the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality PRVs 109 configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, subsequent to simulation of the hydraulic model, the water distribution system 105 may estimate a preliminary operational setting for operating each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. Thereafter, the water distribution system 105 may collect real-time flow information related to the WDN 101 using the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 installed at the optimal locations, during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the real-time flow information may include, without limiting to, the pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN 101, the demand across the consumer connections and nodes and the information of losses in the WDN 101. Since the pressure across the WDN 101 changes with the change in elevation of the WDN 101, measurement of the pressure at the maximum and minimum elevation nodes becomes an important parameter in making accurate estimation of the optimal operational setting for the plurality of the FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. Similarly, the demand and the extent of losses in the WDN 101 are also the important parameters for estimating the optimal operational setting for the plurality of the FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. As an example, the losses occurring in the WDN 101 may include, without limiting to, leakages due to breakage of pipes, partial or improper closure of taps and joints in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, after collecting the real-time flow information related to the WDN 101, the water distribution system 105 estimates an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the optimal operational setting may be estimated by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information. Subsequently, the water distribution system 105 controls the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 using the optimal operational setting, thereby maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 and managing the water supply in the WDN 101. FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram illustrating a water distribution system 105 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the water distribution system 105 may include an I/O interface 201, a processor 203 and a memory 205. The I/O interface 201 may be configured to retrieve the hydraulic model and other information related to the WDN 101 from the water distribution planning model 115 associated with the water distribution system 105. Additionally, the I/O interface 201 may be configured to receive the real-time flow information 215 from a plurality of flow transducers 111 and a plurality of pressure transducers 113 configured in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the processor 203 may be configured to perform one or more functions of the water distribution system 105 for managing water supply in the WDN 101. The memory 205 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 203 and may store data 207. In an embodiment, the data 207 may include, without limiting to, a target average minimum pressure 211, a preliminary operational setting, real-time flow information 215, optimal operational setting 217 and other data 219. In some embodiments, the data 207 may be stored within the memory 205 in the form of various data structures. Additionally, the data 207 may be organized using data models, such as relational or hierarchical data models. The other data 219 may include data such as historical flow information of the WDN 101, and other temporary data and files generated while performing various functions of the water distribution system 105. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be the minimum pressure value that is to be maintained in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 for preventing extraction of water at the consumer nodes. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be the least positive pressure value that is sufficient to prevent contaminated water from entering the distribution pipes from the surroundings of the distribution pipes. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be the minimum pressure value that must be maintained in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 for avoiding sudden pressure surge caused at the beginning of the supply hours and to keep the supply pipes filled with water. In an embodiment, value of the target average minimum pressure 211 for the WDN 101 may depend on parameters such as size and length of the WDN 101, demand across the WDN 101 and the like. In an embodiment, the preliminary operational setting 213 of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be an initial and/or default operational setting of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. The preliminary operational setting 213 of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be determined by the simulation of the hydraulic model of the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the real-time flow information 215 may be the information related to the WDN 101, collected during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the real-time flow information 215 may include, without limiting to, pressure values at the maximum elevation nodes, pressure values at the minimum elevation nodes, demand across the consumer nodes, information of losses in the WDN 101 and other flow related information of the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the real-time flow information 215 may be collected at predetermined regular intervals, for example, once in one hour, one day and the like. The real-time flow information 215 may be used for performing a real-time simulation of the hydraulic model for estimating the optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and each of the plurality of PRVs 109. In an embodiment, the optimal operational setting 217 may be the operational setting of each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and each of the plurality of PRVs 109, which ensures that the WDN 101 is maintained at the target average minimum pressure 211 value. In an embodiment, the optimal operational setting 217 may be estimated by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information 215 of the WDN 101. As an example, the optimal operational setting 217 may include a minimum valve opening angle for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, that needs to be set for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours. In an embodiment, each of the data 207 stored in the memory 205 may be processed by one or more modules 209 configured in the water distribution system 105. In one implementation, the one or more modules 209 may be configured as a part of the processor 203. In another implementation, the one or more modules 209 may be configured external to the processor 203 and may be communicatively coupled to the processor 203. In an embodiment, the one or more modules 209 may include, without limiting to, a simulation module 221, an estimation module 223, a data collection module 225, a controlling module 227 and other modules 229. As used herein, the term module may refer to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) or a memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In an embodiment, the other modules 229 may be used to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the teacher evaluation system 107. It will be appreciated that the one or more modules 209 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules. In an embodiment, the simulation module 221 may be configured for simulating the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 for the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 using historical flow information associated with the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the simulation module 221 may require one or more of the following parameters to perform simulation of the hydraulic model – properties of the distribution pipes such as diameter, length, pipe material and roughness coefficient of the distribution pipes, information of the supply hours and supply schedule for the WDN 101, location information of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, water supply data from bulk flow meter, consumer connection information such as number of consumer nodes, consumption data and location and percentage of leakage in the WDN 101. Additionally, the simulation module 221 may be configured for simulating the hydraulic module using the real-time flow information 215 of the WDN 101 for estimating the optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and plurality of PRVs 109. In an embodiment, the simulation module 221 may repeatedly simulate the hydraulic model until the target average minimum pressure 211 is maintained in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the estimation module 223 may be configured for estimating a preliminary operational setting 213 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 based on simulation of the hydraulic model. Additionally, the estimation module 223 may be configured for estimating the optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 based on real-time simulation of the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information 215. In an embodiment, the data collection module 225 may be configured for collecting information related to the WDN 101 from the plurality of FCVs 107, the plurality of PRVs 109 and the water distribution planning model 115 associated with the water distribution system 105. In some implementations, the data collection module 225 may be configured for collecting flow information from specific consumer locations for analysing the supply through the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the controlling module 227 may be configured for controlling the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 in the optimal operational setting 217 during the non-supply hours. In an embodiment, the controlling module 227 may control position of valves in the WDN 101. For example, the controlling module 227 may set a minimum valve opening angle for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show graphs illustrating a comparison between the existing supply plan and the proposed supply plan in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates an existing and/or conventional supply plan. Here, during non-supply hours, the distribution pipes may be empty and hence the pressure in the distribution pipes may be zero (i.e. both flow rate and network pressure is 0). Additionally, a negative pressure value may also arise in the distribution pipes, due to which, there may be a possibility of sewage or wastewater entering into the distribution pipes through cracks or leakage points in the distribution pipes. The distribution pipes may have a positive pressure only when the water is being distributed through the WDN 101. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, according to the method of present disclosure, a constant positive pressure (i.e. the target average minimum pressure 211) is always maintained in the distribution pipes even during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As a result, the water retained in the distribution pipes creates a resistance to the entry of water from the surroundings and thereby avoids contamination of the water in the WDN 101. Additionally, the arrangement of the proposed method maintains only a minimum pressure at the consumer nodes to avoid water extraction at the consumer nodes during the non-supply hours. Thus, the proposed method aims to achieve the above condition during the non-supply hours, so that the purpose of keeping the distribution pipes full is satisfied along with a very minimal increase in usage of the water, compared to the existing continuous water distribution systems. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of managing water supply in a WDN 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the method 400 includes one or more blocks illustrating methods for managing water supply in a WDN 101 using a water distribution system 105 shown in FIG. 1. The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, the computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform specific functions or implement specific abstract data types. The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, these methods may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. At block 401, the method 400 includes simulating, by the water distribution system 105, a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 for non-supply hours of the WDN 101 in order to maintain a target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be maintained based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 107 and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 109 configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN 101. In some implementations, the hydraulic model may be generated by analysing a Pressure Dependent Demand (PDD) relationship in the WDN 101, using predetermined model generation tools. In an embodiment, the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 may be generated based on historical supply information associated with the WDN 101. As an example, the historical supply information may include, without limiting to, a supply plan associated with the WDN 101, information related to schedule of supply, location of supply valves, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), demand across consumer connections and properties of the WDN 101. At block 403, the method 400 includes estimating, by the water distribution system 105, a preliminary operational setting 213 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, based on simulation. In an embodiment, the preliminary operational setting 213 may be same as the default operational setting of the plurality of FCVs 107 and PRVs 109. At block 405, the method 400 includes collecting, by the water distribution system 105, real-time flow information 215 related to the WDN 101 using the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 installed at the optimal locations, during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the real-time flow information 215 may include, without limiting to, at least one of pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN 101, demand across consumer connections and information of losses in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be associated with the plurality of pressure sensors/transducers and bulk flow meters respectively, for measuring the real-time values of flow and pressure in the WDN 101. At block 407, the method 400 includes estimating, by the water distribution system 105, an optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information 215. As an example, the optimal operational setting 217 may include, without limiting to, a minimum valve opening angle of each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours. At block 409, the method 400 includes controlling, by the water distribution system 105, the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 using the optimal operational setting 217 for managing the water supply in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the simulation of the hydraulic model may be continued until the target average minimum pressure 211 is maintained in the WDN 101, during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be less than a pressure value required for extracting water at consumer connections. Computer System FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 500 for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computer system 500 may be a water distribution system 105 shown in FIG. 1, which may be used for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) 101. The computer system 500 may include a central processing unit (“CPU” or “processor”) 502. The processor 502 may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated business processes. A user may include a water inspector, a plumber, a water supply engineer, a consumer of the water and the like. The processor 502 may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processor 502 may be disposed in communication with one or more input/output (I/O) devices (511 and 512) via I/O interface 501. The I/O interface 501 may employ communication protocols/methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or the like), etc. Using the I/O interface 501, the computer system 500 may communicate with one or more I/O devices 511 and 512. In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a communication network 509 via a network interface 503. The network interface 503 may communicate with the communication network 509. The network interface 503 may employ connection protocols including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/x, etc. Using the network interface 503 and the communication network 509, the computer system 500 may be communicatively associated with a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 107 and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 109 for collecting information related to water supply through the WDN 101. Further, the computer system 500 may be connected with a water distribution planning model 115 for receiving an updated hydraulic model of the WDN 101. In an implementation, the communication network 509 may be implemented as one of the several types of networks, such as intranet or Local Area Network (LAN) and such within the organization. The communication network 509 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of several types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc., to communicate with each other. Further, the communication network 509 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a memory 505 (e.g., RAM 513, ROM 514, etc. as shown in FIG. 5) via a storage interface 504. The storage interface 504 may connect to memory 505 including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fiber channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc. The memory 505 may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, user/application interface 506, an operating system 507, a web browser 508, and the like. In some embodiments, computer system 500 may store user/application data 506, such as the data, variables, records, etc. as described in this disclosure. Such databases may be implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle® or Sybase®. The operating system 507 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 500. Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, APPLE® MACINTOSH® OS X®, UNIX®, UNIX-like system distributions (E.G., BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION® (BSD), FREEBSD®, NETBSD®, OPENBSD, etc.), LINUX® DISTRIBUTIONS (E.G., RED HAT®, UBUNTU®, KUBUNTU®, etc.), IBM® OS/2®, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® (XP®, VISTA®/7/8, 10 etc.), APPLE® IOS®, GOOGLETM ANDROIDTM, BLACKBERRY® OS , or the like. The user interface 506 may facilitate display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through textual or graphical facilities. For example, the user interface 506 may provide computer interaction interface elements on a display system operatively connected to the computer system 500, such as cursors, icons, check boxes, menus, scrollers, windows, widgets, and the like. Further, Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) may be employed, including, without limitation, APPLE® MACINTOSH® operating systems’ Aqua®, IBM® OS/2®, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® (e.g., Aero, Metro, etc.), web interface libraries (e.g., ActiveX®, JAVA®, JAVASCRIPT®, AJAX, HTML, ADOBE® FLASH®, etc.), or the like. The web browser 508 may be a hypertext viewing application. Secure web browsing may be provided using Secure Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), and the like. The web browsers 508 may utilize facilities such as AJAX, DHTML, ADOBE® FLASH®, JAVASCRIPT®, JAVA®, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and the like. Further, the computer system 500 may implement a mail server stored program component. The mail server may utilize facilities such as ASP, ACTIVEX®, ANSI® C++/C#, MICROSOFT®, .NET, CGI SCRIPTS, JAVA®, JAVASCRIPT®, PERL®, PHP, PYTHON®, WEBOBJECTS®, etc. The mail server may utilize communication protocols such as Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), MICROSOFT® exchange, Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), or the like. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may implement a mail client stored program component. The mail client may be a mail viewing application, such as APPLE® MAIL, MICROSOFT® ENTOURAGE®, MICROSOFT® OUTLOOK®, MOZILLA® THUNDERBIRD®, and the like. Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, that is, non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media. Advantages of the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated herein. In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for effectively managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN), particularly, during non-supply hours of the WDN. In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure prevents mixing of contaminated water with the water being supplied through the WDN by maintaining a minimum positive pressure in the WDN. In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure prevents entry of air into the distribution pipes by keeping each of the distribution pipes ‘full’. Restricting the entry of air prevents rusting of the pipes and thereby enhances the life of the distribution pipes. In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure enhances life of the distribution pipes by preventing sudden stress or pressure on the distribution pipes, at the start of the supply hours and by providing a smooth inlet flow control. The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise. The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention. When a single device or article is described herein, it will be clear that more than one device/article (whether they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether they cooperate), it will be clear that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself. Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Referral Numerals: Reference Number Description 100 Environment 101 Water Distribution Network (WDN) 103 Water source 105 Water distribution system 107 Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 109 Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 111 Flow transducers 113 Pressure transducers 115 Water distribution planning model 201 I/O interface 203 Processor 205 Memory 207 Data 209 Modules 211 Target average minimum pressure 213 Preliminary operational setting 215 Real-time flow information 217 Optimal operational setting 219 Other data 221 Simulation module 223 Estimation module 225 Data collection module 227 Controlling module 229 Other modules 500 Exemplary computer system 501 I/O Interface of the exemplary computer system 502 Processor of the exemplary computer system 503 Network interface 504 Storage interface 505 Memory of the exemplary computer system 506 User/Application 507 Operating system 508 Web browser 509 Communication network 511 Input devices 512 Output devices 513 RAM 514 ROM

Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A method for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN), the method comprising:
simulating, by a water distribution system, a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN;
estimating, by the water distribution system, a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation;
collecting, by the water distribution system, real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN;
estimating, by the water distribution system, an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information; and
controlling, by the water distribution system, the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting, during the non-supply hours, for managing the water supply in the WDN.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN is generated based on historical supply information associated with the WDN.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the historical supply information comprises at least one of a supply plan associated with the WDN, information related to schedule of supply, location of supply valves, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), demand across consumer connections and properties of the WDN.

4. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein generating the hydraulic model comprises analysing a Pressure Dependent Demand (PDD) relationship in the WDN, using predetermined model generation tools.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the real-time flow information comprises at least one of pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN, demand across consumer connections and information of losses in the WDN.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optimal operational setting comprises at least one of a minimum valve opening angle of each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN during the non-supply hours.

7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the simulation of the hydraulic model is continued until the target average minimum pressure is maintained in the WDN, in the non-supply hours of the WDN.

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the target average minimum pressure is less than a pressure value required for extracting water at consumer connections.

9. A water distribution system for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN), the water distribution system comprising:
a memory; and
a processor, communicatively coupled to the memory, and configured to:
simulate a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN;
estimate a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation;
collect real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN;
estimate an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information; and
control the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting, during the non-supply hours, for managing the water supply in the WDN.

10. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor generates the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN based on historical supply information associated with the WDN.

11. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the historical supply information comprises at least one of a supply plan associated with the WDN, information related to schedule of supply, location of supply valves, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), demand across consumer connections and properties of the WDN.

12. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 10, wherein generating the hydraulic model comprises analysing a Pressure Dependent Demand (PDD) relationship in the WDN, using predetermined model generation tools.

13. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the real-time flow information comprises at least one of pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN, demand across consumer connections and information of losses in the WDN.

14. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the optimal operational setting comprises at least one of a minimum valve opening angle of each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN during the non-supply hours.

15. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor continues to simulate the hydraulic model until the target average minimum pressure is maintained in the WDN, in the non-supply hours of the WDN.

16. The water distribution system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the target average minimum pressure is less than a pressure value required for extracting water at consumer connections.

Dated this 29th day of January 2020

SANDEEP N P
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
IN/PA - 2851

, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; Rule 13]

TITLE: “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING WATER SUPPLY IN A WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK”

Name and Address of the Applicant:
HITACHI, LTD., 6-6, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8280, Japan.

Nationality: JAPAN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter is, in general, related to resource management and more particularly, but not exclusively, to method and system for managing water supply in a water distribution network.

BACKGROUND
In intermittent water distribution systems, water is supplied with high pressure only for a few hours of the day, called the ‘supply hours’, to meet consumer demands. During the supply hours, water distribution pipes will remain full and an optimum pressure will be maintained at consumer nodes to enable the consumers to withdraw the water. However, during non-supply hours, the water distribution pipes will be empty, posing a serious risk of allowing contaminated water to enter into the water distribution pipes through small leakage points in the water distribution pipes. The risk of contamination increases when the water distribution pipes or supply lines are laid close to drainage channels or other contaminated sources. Additionally, since the water distribution pipes are empty during the non-supply hours, there is a chance that surrounding air gets filled in the water distribution pipes, causing rusting of the metal distribution pipes. Moreover, a transition between the supply hours and the non-supply hours may also reduce life of the water distribution pipes since a sudden stress will be applied on the water distribution pipes at the start of the supply hours.

The conventional solutions to address the above problems disclose converting the distribution plan into continuous supply systems. However, the continuous supply systems often become cost intensive and result in bottleneck of water source availability. Moreover, converting a regular distribution plan into a continuous distribution plan requires replacement of distribution pipes, construction of new storage reservoirs and water treatment plants. It is also observed that, even after conversion into continuous supply mode, the distribution systems are still operated in an intermittent supply mode due to lack of water source availability. Due to the above reasons, converting the distribution systems into a continuous distribution system has not been the best solution for the water distribution systems.

The information disclosed in this background of the disclosure section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that this information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.
SUMMARY
One or more shortcomings of the prior art may be overcome, and additional advantages may be provided through the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages may be realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

Disclosed herein is a method for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN). The method comprises simulating, by a water distribution system, a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN. Upon simulation, the method comprises estimating a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation. Further, the method comprises collecting real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN. Thereafter, the method comprises estimating an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information. Finally, the method comprises controlling the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting for managing the water supply in the WDN.

Further, the present disclosure relates to a water distribution system for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN). The water distribution system comprises a memory and a processor. The processor is communicatively coupled to the memory and is configured to simulate a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN for non-supply hours of the WDN for maintaining a target average minimum pressure in the WDN based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN. Upon simulation, the instructions cause the processor to estimate a preliminary operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, based on simulation. Further, the instructions cause the processor to collect real-time flow information related to the WDN using the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs installed at the optimal locations, in the non-supply hours of the WDN. Thereafter, the instructions cause the processor to estimate an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information. Finally, the instructions cause the processor to control the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs using the optimal operational setting for managing the water supply in the WDN.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and regarding the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram illustrating a water distribution system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A - FIG. 3B show graphs illustrating comparison between the existing supply plan and the proposed supply plan in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the present disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.
The present disclosure relates to a method and a water distribution system for managing water supply in a water distribution network. In some embodiments, the method of present disclosure proposes controlling an intermittent water distribution system in the non-supply hours of the distribution plan. The flow and pressure characteristics of the water flowing through the distribution pipes is controlled to maintain only a minimum pressure in the water distribution pipes, during the non-supply hours. This avoids extraction of water through consumer nodes during non-supply hours and also, creates resistance to entry of contaminated water into the distribution pipes since a positive pressure is always maintained in the distribution pipes. Moreover, keeping the distribution pipes full even during the non-supply hours prevents the air filling in the distribution pipes, thereby resulting in reduction of rusting and deterioration of the distribution pipes. Additionally, this arrangement also ensures that there will not be a sudden stress/pressure on the distribution pipes when the supply is resumed, thereby increasing life of the distribution network.
One of the main differences between the existing techniques and the method of present disclosure is that the existing techniques focus on pressure management during the supply hours of the Water Distribution Network (WDN). However, the existing techniques do not consider managing the pressure during the non-supply hours of the WDN. Additionally, the existing techniques do not consider information related to the flow of water, pressure at specific locations and specific consumer meter data and hydraulic model analysis for estimating an optimal control strategy for the WDN. On the other hand, the proposed method considers issues associated with an intermittent water distribution system and provides an effective control logic to be applied during the non-supply hours of the WDN.
In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The environment 100 may include a Water Distribution Network (WDN) 101, a water source 103, a water distribution system 105 and a water distribution planning model 115. The WDN 101 may be a supply network comprising, without limiting to, distribution pipes, connectors and the like and used for distributing water from the water source 103 to a plurality of consumer nodes. The water source 103 may be a source of the water, from which the water is distributed to the plurality of consumer nodes. As an example, the water source 103 may include, without limiting to, an overhead tank, a reservoir and the like. In an implementation, the WDN 101 may be configured with a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 107 and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 109. The plurality of FCVs 107 may be configured for controlling the flow of water through the WDN 101. That is, for example, the plurality of FCVs 107 may be used for reducing and/or increasing the volume of water flowing through the WDN 101. In an implementation, the plurality of FCVs 107 may be associated with bulk flow meters for measuring the real-time flow information related to the WDN 101. As an example, the bulk flow meters may be placed at an inlet position of the supply pipes in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, additional flow meters, such as Automated Meter Reading (AMR) flow meters, may be installed at selected consumer locations for determining settings for the plurality of FCVs 107.

In an embodiment, the plurality of PRVs 109 may be configured for measuring and controlling the pressure of water flowing through the WDN 101. In an implementation, the plurality of PRVs may be associated with pressure sensors for measuring the value of pressure across the WDN 101. As an example, the pressure sensors may be installed at highest and lowest elevation points on the WDN 101 for effectively measuring the pressure values across the WDN 101. The values measured by the pressure sensors may be used to determine settings for the respective plurality of PRVs 109.

In an implementation, the location for configuring the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be determined based on factors including, without limitation, length/size of the distribution pipes, demand across the WDN 101, number of consumer nodes connected to the WDN 101 and the like. In an embodiment, plurality of flow transducers 111 (i.e. bulk flow meters) and plurality of pressure transducers 113 (i.e. pressure sensors), associated with the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 respectively, may be used for transmitting the measured values of the flow and pressure to an external system such as the water distribution system 105.

In an embodiment, the water distribution system 105 may be a computing system, which is communicatively associated with the WDN 101, through the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, to collect various flow information related to the WDN 101 and configured to manage water supply in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the water distribution system 105 may be operated from a remote location. Alternatively, the water distribution system 105 may be operated locally by an authorized personnel such as a water inspector or a water supplier associated with the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the water distribution system 105 may also be associated with a water distribution planning model 115. The water distribution planning model 115 may be a well-structured and documented repository that comprises all the information related to the WDN 101. As an example, the water distribution planning model 115 include, without limiting to, a hydraulic model of the WDN 101, historical flow information of the WDN 101, list of components and their configurations within the WDN 101 and the like.

In a general scenario, the WDN 101 may be configured with an intermittent supply plan, which means that the WDN 101 supplies water to the consumer nodes only for a particular period, known as the ‘supply hours’. In other words, the WDN 101 is temporarily suspended at all the times other than the supply hours. During this condition, each distribution pipe in the WDN 101 may be maintained at an ‘empty’ state to ensure that the water is not flowing through the WDN 101. However, this arrangement results in issues such as mixing of contaminants with the water, reduction in life of the WDN 101 and the like. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a method, according to which, a certain quantity of the water, that is sufficient to maintain a target average minimum pressure in the WDN 101, is maintained in the WDN 101 even during the ‘non-supply hours’ of the WDN 101 to keep the supply pipes in the WDN 101 filled with water. Accordingly, determining the target average minimum value and maintaining the determined value in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours remain key aspects of the method of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, in order to manage the water supply through the WDN 101 as illustrated above, the water distribution system 105 may be initially configured for simulating a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 for non-supply hours of the WDN 101, for determining the target average minimum pressure to be maintained in the WDN 101. That is, the water distribution system 105 may fetch the hydraulic model of the WDN 101, which is stored in the water distribution planning model 115 and simulate the hydraulic model for a non-supply condition of the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure may be maintained by dynamically adjusting the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality PRVs 109 configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN 101.

In an embodiment, subsequent to simulation of the hydraulic model, the water distribution system 105 may estimate a preliminary operational setting for operating each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. Thereafter, the water distribution system 105 may collect real-time flow information related to the WDN 101 using the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 installed at the optimal locations, during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the real-time flow information may include, without limiting to, the pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN 101, the demand across the consumer connections and nodes and the information of losses in the WDN 101. Since the pressure across the WDN 101 changes with the change in elevation of the WDN 101, measurement of the pressure at the maximum and minimum elevation nodes becomes an important parameter in making accurate estimation of the optimal operational setting for the plurality of the FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. Similarly, the demand and the extent of losses in the WDN 101 are also the important parameters for estimating the optimal operational setting for the plurality of the FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. As an example, the losses occurring in the WDN 101 may include, without limiting to, leakages due to breakage of pipes, partial or improper closure of taps and joints in the WDN 101.

In an embodiment, after collecting the real-time flow information related to the WDN 101, the water distribution system 105 estimates an optimal operational setting for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 for maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the optimal operational setting may be estimated by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information. Subsequently, the water distribution system 105 controls the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 using the optimal operational setting, thereby maintaining the target average minimum pressure in the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 and managing the water supply in the WDN 101.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram illustrating a water distribution system 105 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an implementation, the water distribution system 105 may include an I/O interface 201, a processor 203 and a memory 205. The I/O interface 201 may be configured to retrieve the hydraulic model and other information related to the WDN 101 from the water distribution planning model 115 associated with the water distribution system 105. Additionally, the I/O interface 201 may be configured to receive the real-time flow information 215 from a plurality of flow transducers 111 and a plurality of pressure transducers 113 configured in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the processor 203 may be configured to perform one or more functions of the water distribution system 105 for managing water supply in the WDN 101. The memory 205 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 203 and may store data 207.

In an embodiment, the data 207 may include, without limiting to, a target average minimum pressure 211, a preliminary operational setting, real-time flow information 215, optimal operational setting 217 and other data 219. In some embodiments, the data 207 may be stored within the memory 205 in the form of various data structures. Additionally, the data 207 may be organized using data models, such as relational or hierarchical data models. The other data 219 may include data such as historical flow information of the WDN 101, and other temporary data and files generated while performing various functions of the water distribution system 105.

In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be the minimum pressure value that is to be maintained in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 for preventing extraction of water at the consumer nodes. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be the least positive pressure value that is sufficient to prevent contaminated water from entering the distribution pipes from the surroundings of the distribution pipes. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be the minimum pressure value that must be maintained in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 for avoiding sudden pressure surge caused at the beginning of the supply hours and to keep the supply pipes filled with water. In an embodiment, value of the target average minimum pressure 211 for the WDN 101 may depend on parameters such as size and length of the WDN 101, demand across the WDN 101 and the like.

In an embodiment, the preliminary operational setting 213 of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be an initial and/or default operational setting of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109. The preliminary operational setting 213 of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be determined by the simulation of the hydraulic model of the WDN 101.

In an embodiment, the real-time flow information 215 may be the information related to the WDN 101, collected during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the real-time flow information 215 may include, without limiting to, pressure values at the maximum elevation nodes, pressure values at the minimum elevation nodes, demand across the consumer nodes, information of losses in the WDN 101 and other flow related information of the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the real-time flow information 215 may be collected at predetermined regular intervals, for example, once in one hour, one day and the like. The real-time flow information 215 may be used for performing a real-time simulation of the hydraulic model for estimating the optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and each of the plurality of PRVs 109.

In an embodiment, the optimal operational setting 217 may be the operational setting of each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and each of the plurality of PRVs 109, which ensures that the WDN 101 is maintained at the target average minimum pressure 211 value. In an embodiment, the optimal operational setting 217 may be estimated by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information 215 of the WDN 101. As an example, the optimal operational setting 217 may include a minimum valve opening angle for each of the plurality of FCVs and the plurality of PRVs, that needs to be set for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours.

In an embodiment, each of the data 207 stored in the memory 205 may be processed by one or more modules 209 configured in the water distribution system 105. In one implementation, the one or more modules 209 may be configured as a part of the processor 203. In another implementation, the one or more modules 209 may be configured external to the processor 203 and may be communicatively coupled to the processor 203. In an embodiment, the one or more modules 209 may include, without limiting to, a simulation module 221, an estimation module 223, a data collection module 225, a controlling module 227 and other modules 229.

As used herein, the term module may refer to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) or a memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. In an embodiment, the other modules 229 may be used to perform various miscellaneous functionalities of the teacher evaluation system 107. It will be appreciated that the one or more modules 209 may be represented as a single module or a combination of different modules.

In an embodiment, the simulation module 221 may be configured for simulating the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 for the non-supply hours of the WDN 101 using historical flow information associated with the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the simulation module 221 may require one or more of the following parameters to perform simulation of the hydraulic model – properties of the distribution pipes such as diameter, length, pipe material and roughness coefficient of the distribution pipes, information of the supply hours and supply schedule for the WDN 101, location information of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, water supply data from bulk flow meter, consumer connection information such as number of consumer nodes, consumption data and location and percentage of leakage in the WDN 101.

Additionally, the simulation module 221 may be configured for simulating the hydraulic module using the real-time flow information 215 of the WDN 101 for estimating the optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and plurality of PRVs 109. In an embodiment, the simulation module 221 may repeatedly simulate the hydraulic model until the target average minimum pressure 211 is maintained in the WDN 101.

In an embodiment, the estimation module 223 may be configured for estimating a preliminary operational setting 213 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 based on simulation of the hydraulic model. Additionally, the estimation module 223 may be configured for estimating the optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 based on real-time simulation of the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information 215.

In an embodiment, the data collection module 225 may be configured for collecting information related to the WDN 101 from the plurality of FCVs 107, the plurality of PRVs 109 and the water distribution planning model 115 associated with the water distribution system 105. In some implementations, the data collection module 225 may be configured for collecting flow information from specific consumer locations for analysing the supply through the WDN 101.

In an embodiment, the controlling module 227 may be configured for controlling the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 in the optimal operational setting 217 during the non-supply hours. In an embodiment, the controlling module 227 may control position of valves in the WDN 101. For example, the controlling module 227 may set a minimum valve opening angle for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B show graphs illustrating a comparison between the existing supply plan and the proposed supply plan in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates an existing and/or conventional supply plan. Here, during non-supply hours, the distribution pipes may be empty and hence the pressure in the distribution pipes may be zero (i.e. both flow rate and network pressure is 0). Additionally, a negative pressure value may also arise in the distribution pipes, due to which, there may be a possibility of sewage or wastewater entering into the distribution pipes through cracks or leakage points in the distribution pipes. The distribution pipes may have a positive pressure only when the water is being distributed through the WDN 101.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, according to the method of present disclosure, a constant positive pressure (i.e. the target average minimum pressure 211) is always maintained in the distribution pipes even during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As a result, the water retained in the distribution pipes creates a resistance to the entry of water from the surroundings and thereby avoids contamination of the water in the WDN 101.

Additionally, the arrangement of the proposed method maintains only a minimum pressure at the consumer nodes to avoid water extraction at the consumer nodes during the non-supply hours. Thus, the proposed method aims to achieve the above condition during the non-supply hours, so that the purpose of keeping the distribution pipes full is satisfied along with a very minimal increase in usage of the water, compared to the existing continuous water distribution systems.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of managing water supply in a WDN 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the method 400 includes one or more blocks illustrating methods for managing water supply in a WDN 101 using a water distribution system 105 shown in FIG. 1. The method 400 may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, the computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform specific functions or implement specific abstract data types.

The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, these methods may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

At block 401, the method 400 includes simulating, by the water distribution system 105, a hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 for non-supply hours of the WDN 101 in order to maintain a target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be maintained based on a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 107 and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 109 configured at predetermined optimal locations in the WDN 101. In some implementations, the hydraulic model may be generated by analysing a Pressure Dependent Demand (PDD) relationship in the WDN 101, using predetermined model generation tools.

In an embodiment, the hydraulic model corresponding to the WDN 101 may be generated based on historical supply information associated with the WDN 101. As an example, the historical supply information may include, without limiting to, a supply plan associated with the WDN 101, information related to schedule of supply, location of supply valves, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), demand across consumer connections and properties of the WDN 101.

At block 403, the method 400 includes estimating, by the water distribution system 105, a preliminary operational setting 213 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, based on simulation. In an embodiment, the preliminary operational setting 213 may be same as the default operational setting of the plurality of FCVs 107 and PRVs 109.

At block 405, the method 400 includes collecting, by the water distribution system 105, real-time flow information 215 related to the WDN 101 using the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 installed at the optimal locations, during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the real-time flow information 215 may include, without limiting to, at least one of pressure values at maximum elevation nodes and minimum elevation nodes of the WDN 101, demand across consumer connections and information of losses in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 may be associated with the plurality of pressure sensors/transducers and bulk flow meters respectively, for measuring the real-time values of flow and pressure in the WDN 101.

At block 407, the method 400 includes estimating, by the water distribution system 105, an optimal operational setting 217 for each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109, for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101, by simulating the hydraulic model using the real-time flow information 215. As an example, the optimal operational setting 217 may include, without limiting to, a minimum valve opening angle of each of the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 for maintaining the target average minimum pressure 211 in the WDN 101 during the non-supply hours.

At block 409, the method 400 includes controlling, by the water distribution system 105, the plurality of FCVs 107 and the plurality of PRVs 109 using the optimal operational setting 217 for managing the water supply in the WDN 101. In an embodiment, the simulation of the hydraulic model may be continued until the target average minimum pressure 211 is maintained in the WDN 101, during the non-supply hours of the WDN 101. As an example, the target average minimum pressure 211 may be less than a pressure value required for extracting water at consumer connections.

Computer System
FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 500 for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the computer system 500 may be a water distribution system 105 shown in FIG. 1, which may be used for managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN) 101. The computer system 500 may include a central processing unit (“CPU” or “processor”) 502. The processor 502 may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated business processes. A user may include a water inspector, a plumber, a water supply engineer, a consumer of the water and the like. The processor 502 may include specialized processing units such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc.
The processor 502 may be disposed in communication with one or more input/output (I/O) devices (511 and 512) via I/O interface 501. The I/O interface 501 may employ communication protocols/methods such as, without limitation, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB), infrared, PS/2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, Digital Visual Interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), Radio Frequency (RF) antennas, S-Video, Video Graphics Array (VGA), IEEE 802.n /b/g/n/x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), Global System For Mobile Communications (GSM), Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or the like), etc. Using the I/O interface 501, the computer system 500 may communicate with one or more I/O devices 511 and 512.
In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a communication network 509 via a network interface 503. The network interface 503 may communicate with the communication network 509. The network interface 503 may employ connection protocols including, without limitation, direct connect, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10/100/1000 Base T), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), token ring, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/x, etc. Using the network interface 503 and the communication network 509, the computer system 500 may be communicatively associated with a plurality of Flow Control Valves (FCVs) 107 and a plurality of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) 109 for collecting information related to water supply through the WDN 101. Further, the computer system 500 may be connected with a water distribution planning model 115 for receiving an updated hydraulic model of the WDN 101.
In an implementation, the communication network 509 may be implemented as one of the several types of networks, such as intranet or Local Area Network (LAN) and such within the organization. The communication network 509 may either be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of several types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc., to communicate with each other. Further, the communication network 509 may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc.
In some embodiments, the processor 502 may be disposed in communication with a memory 505 (e.g., RAM 513, ROM 514, etc. as shown in FIG. 5) via a storage interface 504. The storage interface 504 may connect to memory 505 including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), fiber channel, Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, Redundant Array of Independent Discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.
The memory 505 may store a collection of program or database components, including, without limitation, user/application interface 506, an operating system 507, a web browser 508, and the like. In some embodiments, computer system 500 may store user/application data 506, such as the data, variables, records, etc. as described in this disclosure. Such databases may be implemented as fault-tolerant, relational, scalable, secure databases such as Oracle® or Sybase®.
The operating system 507 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 500. Examples of operating systems include, without limitation, APPLE® MACINTOSH® OS X®, UNIX®, UNIX-like system distributions (E.G., BERKELEY SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION® (BSD), FREEBSD®, NETBSD®, OPENBSD, etc.), LINUX® DISTRIBUTIONS (E.G., RED HAT®, UBUNTU®, KUBUNTU®, etc.), IBM® OS/2®, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® (XP®, VISTA®/7/8, 10 etc.), APPLE® IOS®, GOOGLETM ANDROIDTM, BLACKBERRY® OS , or the like.
The user interface 506 may facilitate display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through textual or graphical facilities. For example, the user interface 506 may provide computer interaction interface elements on a display system operatively connected to the computer system 500, such as cursors, icons, check boxes, menus, scrollers, windows, widgets, and the like. Further, Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) may be employed, including, without limitation, APPLE® MACINTOSH® operating systems’ Aqua®, IBM® OS/2®, MICROSOFT® WINDOWS® (e.g., Aero, Metro, etc.), web interface libraries (e.g., ActiveX®, JAVA®, JAVASCRIPT®, AJAX, HTML, ADOBE® FLASH®, etc.), or the like.

The web browser 508 may be a hypertext viewing application. Secure web browsing may be provided using Secure Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security (TLS), and the like. The web browsers 508 may utilize facilities such as AJAX, DHTML, ADOBE® FLASH®, JAVASCRIPT®, JAVA®, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), and the like. Further, the computer system 500 may implement a mail server stored program component. The mail server may utilize facilities such as ASP, ACTIVEX®, ANSI® C++/C#, MICROSOFT®, .NET, CGI SCRIPTS, JAVA®, JAVASCRIPT®, PERL®, PHP, PYTHON®, WEBOBJECTS®, etc. The mail server may utilize communication protocols such as Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP), Messaging Application Programming Interface (MAPI), MICROSOFT® exchange, Post Office Protocol (POP), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), or the like. In some embodiments, the computer system 500 may implement a mail client stored program component. The mail client may be a mail viewing application, such as APPLE® MAIL, MICROSOFT® ENTOURAGE®, MICROSOFT® OUTLOOK®, MOZILLA® THUNDERBIRD®, and the like.

Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer-readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, that is, non-transitory. Examples include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, hard drives, Compact Disc (CD) ROMs, Digital Video Disc (DVDs), flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.

Advantages of the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated herein.
In an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a method for effectively managing water supply in a Water Distribution Network (WDN), particularly, during non-supply hours of the WDN.

In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure prevents mixing of contaminated water with the water being supplied through the WDN by maintaining a minimum positive pressure in the WDN.

In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure prevents entry of air into the distribution pipes by keeping each of the distribution pipes ‘full’. Restricting the entry of air prevents rusting of the pipes and thereby enhances the life of the distribution pipes.

In an embodiment, the method of present disclosure enhances life of the distribution pipes by preventing sudden stress or pressure on the distribution pipes, at the start of the supply hours and by providing a smooth inlet flow control.

The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment", "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments", "some embodiments", and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "including", "comprising", “having” and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention.

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be clear that more than one device/article (whether they cooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether they cooperate), it will be clear that a single device/article may be used in place of the more than one device or article or a different number of devices/articles may be used instead of the shown number of devices or programs. The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments of the invention need not include the device itself.

Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Environment
101 Water Distribution Network (WDN)
103 Water source
105 Water distribution system
107 Flow Control Valves (FCVs)
109 Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs)
111 Flow transducers
113 Pressure transducers
115 Water distribution planning model
201 I/O interface
203 Processor
205 Memory
207 Data
209 Modules
211 Target average minimum pressure
213 Preliminary operational setting
215 Real-time flow information
217 Optimal operational setting
219 Other data
221 Simulation module
223 Estimation module
225 Data collection module
227 Controlling module
229 Other modules
500 Exemplary computer system
501 I/O Interface of the exemplary computer system
502 Processor of the exemplary computer system
503 Network interface
504 Storage interface
505 Memory of the exemplary computer system
506 User/Application
507 Operating system
508 Web browser
509 Communication network
511 Input devices
512 Output devices
513 RAM
514 ROM