Interdependent electric and water infrastructure modelling, optimisation and control

The phrase water‐energy nexus is commonly used to describe the inherent and critical interdependencies between the electric power system (EPS) and the water distribution system (WDS). In this study, the analytical framework capturing the interactions between these two critical infrastructures is examined and a mathematical model to describe the associated dynamics is developed. Based on the time scale of these associated dynamics, the EPS simulation is conducted using time‐series power flows following unit commitment and optimal power flow solutions. The WDS control optimisation–simulation model formulated here is solved using a genetic algorithm solution technique interfaced with EPANET. An integrated simulation engine of the interdependent infrastructure systems was created to conduct long‐term simulations. The simulation engine was applied using representative WDS and EPS networks. The implemented control optimisation benefits both systems by reducing the effect of severe contingencies. The results of the simulations conducted prove the applicability of the proposed methodology for long‐term, water‐energy nexus contingency simulations having both power outages and droughts.