4.4. Inflow node

The Inflow node allows you to define flows into your model. Inflows include runoff generated for defined headwater and residual catchment areas in the river system, point sources of water such as inter-basin transfers, and return flows from water users. Inflows are not used to account for rain falling directly on water bodies.

Feature Editor 6 shows the feature editor of an inflow node. You can describe inflows either by using an expression or by supplying a time series. To load an inflow file, click Load to import the flow time-series data and specify the column containing the number, as well as the units. Table 3 shows the format of a comma-separated (.CSV) file for providing time-series data. Data files of this kind do not stipulate units. You specify the appropriate units in the feature editor using the Units: drop-down menu.

To configure the inflow node model choose Add if adding an inflow to the network or Replace if overriding the flow and constituents with a defined time series.

Forecasting inflows

Selecting Forecast (Feature Editor 7) allows you to forecast flows in two ways. Unlike Operations, it does not require a run of the warm period to initialise its calculations. The Operations forecast model is used in an ordering system, and determines how much flow might occur. These forecasts are needed in addition to what is in storages to determine how much water might be available to distribute in the current and coming days. The Recession Forecast model creates a recession forecast model for the network defined in the Schematic Editor.

Select Constituents (Feature Editor 8) to forecast constituents. This functionality is yet to be documented. If you would like assistance, please call 1300-5-WATER (1300-592-837).

See the chapter on for more information.

 Inflow node (data file format)

Where: date is the date of observation in dd/mm/yyyy format (eg 31-12-2000)
value is the observed value (eg 2600).