Water distribution system design integrating behind-the-meter solar under long-term uncertainty

Abstract

Water distribution systems (WDSs) are important urban water infrastructure supporting a wide range of human activities. Due to the significant amount of energy consumed by the WDS throughout its lifespan, the operation of WDSs may have a significant impact on the environment, affecting the sustainable development of cities into the future. Behind-the-metre (BTM) solar photovoltaic (PV) system integration has been considered an effective way to reduce the impact of WDSs on the environment. However, solar PV technology is developing rapidly. Combined with long-term changes in water demand driven by population growth and urbanisation, the design of a WDS considering BTM solar has become a more challenging task. In this study, the co-design of WDS integrating BTM solar PV systems under changing future conditions in terms of water demand and solar PV technology development is investigated. It has been found that the BTM solar PV system and the potential development in solar PV technology effectively improve the robustness of WDS design under uncertain future water demand. The outcomes of this study can be extended to guide infrastructure design to provide sustainable infrastructure for future cities, and therefore cities can continue to support human activities in deeply uncertain future.