Optimization of Water Distribution Based on Head loss Analysis Using EPANET Software

Abstract

Water is a vital resource that supports various sectors of life, particularly agriculture. In irrigation systems, efficient water distribution is often hindered by pressure loss (head loss) caused by friction between the water flow and pipe walls. This study aims to analyze head loss in irrigation networks using the Darcy-Weisbach equation and compare the results with simulations conducted using EPANET software. The analysis involved manual calculations based on field discharge data and network simulations replicated in EPANET. The results showed an accuracy level of 80.69% with a relative error of 19.31%. Network modification was performed by increasing the pipe diameter in the primary channel (P1-P4), resulting in a uniform discharge of 0.04 L/s in secondary channels and 0.02 L/s in tertiary channels. This modification reduced the average head loss by 69.72%, indicating a significant improvement in water distribution efficiency.