Short communication: Degree of utilisation - the reciprocal of the peak factor. Its application in the operation of a water supply and distribution system

Abstract

The degree of utilisation provides both a technical and economic connotation to the analysis of peak (load) factors. It is the reciprocal of the peak factor and should be measured within specified time-intervals that will provide realistic values for the specific purposes of a particular analysis of a water supply and distribution system. This paper briefly reviews some previous studies on peak factors and suggests a method of examining peak factors and their associated degree of utilisation in terms of probability theory in an attempt to provide greater insight when analysing the optimal investment level required in water infrastructure. The application of this concept is specifically relevant, although not restricted to, the operation of water supply and distribution systems for short time horizons. Low degrees of utilisation indicate the uneconomical practice of maintaining excess capacity to accommodate a short interval of peak demand.

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