Experimental tests were performed to demonstrate applicability of remote real time control (RTC) of pressures for leakage reduction in water distribution networks (WDNs). The experimental tests were carried out in a laboratory pilot system equipped with a motorized plunger valve. A RTC system with the adoption of an integral-type control algorithm was implemented in order to adjust the valve on the basis of pressure measurements acquired in real time. A numerical model of the pilot system was used to verify the suitability of the hypothesis of steady-state conditions in simulating the laboratory tests. The results of the experiments show that, under appropriate calibration of the control algorithm, the RTC system is able to perform effective control of the pressure. Comparison between results of the simulations and experiments reveals that the steady-state model describes correctly the evolution of the pressure control processes observed in the laboratory pilot system, thus opening perspectives for testing remote RTC schemes for leakage management in real WDNs.

进行实验测试以证明压力的远程实时控制（RTC）可用于减少供水网络（WDN）的泄漏。实验测试是在配备有电动柱塞阀的实验室先导系统中进行的。实施了采用积分型控制算法的RTC系统，以便根据实时获取的压力测量值来调节阀门。在模拟实验室测试中，使用了先导系统的数值模型来验证稳态条件假设的适用性。实验结果表明，在适当校准控制算法的情况下，RTC系统能够对压力进行有效控制。