*2.4. Smart Real Time Control and Operation*

Some papers inserted in the Special Issue regarded the innovative topic of implementation of real time control and operation of smart devices in water networks. This aspect represents one of the main operational challenges for water utilities to definitively shift towards the paradigm of a smart water network.

A first contribution of this section of the Special Issue dealt with the optimal placement of pressure sensors using fuzzy logic. Indeed, smart pressure sensors can be used to detect leakage in water distribution systems. However, it is challenging to find a suitable location for such sensors to gain the maximum benefit, while considering budget and other constraints. In [13] the optimal placement of pressure sensors in water distribution systems was investigated by considering the nodal sensitivity to leakage, data uncertainties and node entropy in order to cover a maximum area by a sensor. The authors successfully showed the application of their approach to a benchmark system and also to a real-world case study.

In the work of [14], the authors presented an interesting application on real-time pressure control by analyzing different stochastic consumptions. As known, pressure management in water distribution systems is important to supply water in sufficient quantity and quality in a cost efficient and reliable way. If there is an excess pressure in a water distribution system, pressure control valves can be used, but the challenge is to cope with many different water consumption states. The researchers performed a numerical investigation of flow-dependent pressure controllers from the literature and assessed their performance based on a stochastic demand model to mimic realistic conditions. They found that different controller schemes perform quite similar. Therefore, they suggested using the scheme with a simple structure without performing any forecast of future demand.
