Resilience-Informed Economic Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Interdependent Water–Energy Microgrids

Coordinated water–energy system operations are increasingly vital due to their interdependencies and cascading effects. This study introduces a novel resilience-informed economic nonlinear model predictive control (RENMPC) strategy for a water distribution system (WDS) integrated with an islanded microgrid (MG). Addressing seasonal variations, dynamic demands, and pump and tank resilience indices, the RENMPC leverages feedforward and feedback controls to optimize pump schedules and economical power dispatch. Using seasonal water demand data from Telford, Pennsylvania, the WDS is powered solely by an islanded MG. A 3-day simulation demonstrates demand compliance, with renewable energy utilization reaching 65% in summer. The integrated WDS-MG system achieved an 11% increase in renewable energy use, a 6% reduction in electricity consumption, and an 8% decrease in operational costs compared to standalone WDS operation. These results highlight the benefits of integrating water and energy systems for sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient operations.