E-NET: Laboratory-Scale WDN Supporting Advanced Water Management Research

<p dir="ltr">In recent years, numerous innovative solutions and methodologies have been developed to optimize water distribution networks, addressing key challenges such as leakage detection, district metering, energy recovery, pressure-reducing valve (PRV) placement, and pressure optimization to minimize water losses. These solutions have been often developed using numerical models and simulations. The “Experimental Network for the Evolution of the Digital Twin” (E-NET) project aims to bridge the gap between advanced numerical modelling and real-world application by providing an experimental and numerical benchmark; a cutting-edge solution for developing and validating algorithms, methodologies, and technologies — including software and communication tools. E-NET lab scale network is being implemented in the Hydraulic laboratory of Politecnico di Milano, inspired to be one of the most used benchmarks in literature. The facility enables rigorous testing under both steady-state and transient conditions, supporting comprehensive experimental validation. Furthermore, by offering hands-on experience, the E-NET project fosters skills development and promotes a deeper understanding of the practical benefits and capabilities of innovative solutions, ultimately accelerating their widespread adoption. This paper presents the scaling procedure and outlines the main characteristics of the network.</p><p dir="ltr">This paper was presented at the 21st Computing and Control in the Water Industry Conference (CCWI 2025) at the University of Sheffield (1st - 3rd September 2025).</p>