VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

102-0227-00L 6 Credits MSC D-BAUG
You're viewing possible stale or outdated data. Please check the latest semester for more up-to-date information.

Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modeling in Urban Water Management

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Max Maurer, Prof. Dr. Eberhard Morgenroth
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:31:32

Abstract

Systematic introduction of material balances, transport processes (kinetics, stoichiometry and conservation), ideal reactors, residence time distribution, heterogeneous systems, dynamic response of reactors, parameter identification, local sensitivity, error propagation, and Monte Carlo simulations. Introduction to real-time control (PID controllers). Extensive numerical simulations with coding.

Objective

The goal of this course is to provide the students with an understanding of how urban water system can be described with mathematical models, and give them the to plan experiments, to evaluate error propagation and to test simple process control strategies in the field of process engineering in urban water management.

Content

The course will provide a broad introduction into the fundamentals of modeling water treatment systems. The topics are: - Introduction into modeling and simulation - The material balance equations, transport processes, transformation processes (kinetics, stoichiometry, conservation) - Ideal reactors - Hydraulic residence time distribution and modeling of real reactors - Dynamic behavior of reactor systems - Systems analytical tools: Sensitivity, parameter identification, error propagation, Monte Carlo simulation - Introduction to process control (PID controller, fuzzy control)

Resources

Lecture Notes

Copies of handouts will be available digitally.

Literature

There will be a required textbook that students need to purchase: Willi Gujer (2008): Systems Analysis for Water Technology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Digital
The exam takes place on devices provided by ETH Zurich.
There will be three exams distributed throughout the semester. The second and third exam are written on the computer. The final course grade is calculated as a weighted average of these three exams, with a weighting of 25% for each of the first and second exams and 50% for the third exam. To obtain the credits a grade of 4.0 must be reached in this weighted average. If you miss an exam you will need a certified medical excuse or prior instructor approval, otherwise a grade of 1.0 will be given for that exam. In the case of a missed exam with excuse/approval, a makeup exam will be scheduled that will be fair but comprehensive and challenging. If you write the first exam you are not allowed to withdraw from the course anymore and it will count as your first attempt. If your average grade is below a 4.0 you must retake this course (or at least the three exams) the next time this course is offered.

Registration & Places

Max Places
50
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 15.08.2025 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Systems Analysis and Mathematical Modeling in Urban Water Management
Exercise classes from 9:45 to 11:30 in HIL B18.1 on all lecture days (i.e. every Friday).
  • Fri 08:00-09:35 (HIL E 9)
4 h weekly

Offered In