This summer when India experienced drought, we realised that we are not yet geared
up to handle such crisis situations which affect millions of people. The increasing
demand for water is expected to rise in the near future due to population growth,
over extraction of water, climate change or even changing lifestyle.
Although around 70% of the earth's surface comprises water, our concern is how to
use water in the most effective and efficient manner. Water management is a key
issue, as it is a large scale system, involving a lot of processes such as source
water management, purification, distribution to users, sewerage disposal and so
on.
The major problems faced by the water supply system are Non-Revenue Water (NRW),
leakage or wastage of water, maintaining the quality of water, energy consumption,
operation and maintenance.
A recent study revealed that large amounts of water are lost during distribution.
Such leaks are costly for Utility companies as well as increase the pressure on
the environment. It does not make commercial sense to invest millions in additional
reservoirs, treatment plants and pumping stations, when as much as 60% water is
unaccounted for.
To overcome the challenge, utilities need information-enabled systems which can
identify the losses, manage operations and help key stakeholders make better operational
decisions.
The Internet of Things (IoT)..
During the last few years, the internet revolution has redefined the way information
is shared amongst various systems, with more and more devices now being connected
over internet. IoT is creating a "Solid Platform" through which assets, people,
products and services act as an enabler to help take real-time decisions, improve
asset performance, reduce risks, empower people and help to ensure product quality
and operational excellence.
IoT is also playing a significant role in the utilities industry. With a global
focus on water efficiency, conservation of water and water sources and reduction
in energy consumption, the industry is opting for intelligent instruments, faster
and reliable communication technologies and newer applications to enhance operations.
IoT is breaking down traditional industry boundaries and more and more field devices
are now connected over internet through SCADA system and with the use of intelligent
controllers and field devices..
Accordingly, IoT's most widely cited applications include Advanced Metering Infrastructure,
Remote Assets Management and Predictive Maintenance, which can help the water sector
to reduce equipment failure and unexpected downtime.
For water utility companies, adoption of IoT will be beneficial to lower costs,
optimise asset utilisation and improve services.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
AMI system is one of the technologies adopted by utility companies to reduce distribution
losses. It enables two-way communication over a fixed network between the utility
system and the metering endpoints. It provides utility companies with real-time
data about water consumption and allows customers to make informed choices about
water usage based on the price at the time of use.
The use of AMI applications are expanded from meter reading to remote connect-disconnect,
flow/pressure monitoring, pump monitoring and others.
The projected benefits from these investments are water demand forecasting, accurate
estimation, consumption pattern and assets monitoring.
Remote Assets Management
In recent years, advances in information gathering techniques over internet of remote
assets spread across geographies are helping utilities to dramatically improve operation,
maintenance and optimise performance.
Asset Management includes various stages such as identification of assets, their
criticality, acceptable levels of service, health/condition monitoring, maintenance
record keeping and monitoring asset life.
24x7 asset monitoring helps to provide real time information about equipment conditions,
allowing operators / technicians to assess internal components using metrics to
determine when corrective action is needed.
With this information, operators can decide on replacements, rehabilitation, repair
or surplus schedules and develop budgets.
For example, the sensors enable operators to conduct Motor Vibration Analysis, and
determine whether vibration levels developed within a motor are within limits. The
levels of specific vibrations alert technicians to potential future equipment failure.
When equipment conditions fall outside normal conditions, operators have the information
needed to identify causes. With this information, corrective action can be taken
if required.
Asset management can help water utilities in maximising the value of an asset over
its life cycle, prevent costly unplanned system outages, conduct timely asset maintenance
which further extends equipment life and ensures reliable water supply for its consumers.
Energy Efficiency
Water industry operations are relatively energy intensive due to use of large size
equipment like pumps, compressors and motors. The rising energy cost and tighter
budgets are forcing utilities to adopt new ways of managing energy consumption.
With the help of intelligent communicable devices, communication infrastructure
and smart applications, there is a great potential for energy saving.
IoT systems can help water utilities to manage plant assets better and take intelligent
and informed operational decisions.