System for monitoring the condition of pumping stations and drinking water tanks using MF&IPM technologies based on new energies

Abstract

The goal of this invention is to present an improved system and remote monitoring method that is self-sufficient in designing and manufacturing sensors and hardware and software modules. Another goal of this invention is to present a remote monitoring system that, due to the capabilities of its designed sensors, provides an optimal method for energy efficiency, prevents wastage, and avoids water loss. Consequently, it can prevent catastrophic events and damage to the ecosystem.

Description

System for monitoring the condition of pumping stations and drinking water tanks using MF&IPM technologies based on new energiesTechnical Field

[0001] The technical domain of the invention pertains to electricity within the realm of fluid control and measurement, particularly in contexts like potable water. This device continuously controls and physically supervises water pump stations and reservoirs, transmitting all quantitative, qualitative, and protective data of these stations to a dedicated software.

[0002] Quantitative data includes measurements and transmission of all electrical panel data, telemetry, well-related information, posts, and networks. Qualitative data involves measuring and transmitting information about chlorine levels, water turbidity, pH levels, and protective data includes monitoring and sending all entry and exit data, identifying power outages, theft detection through station images, and more.Background Art

[0003] In the pursuit of evolving and improving the outcomes of the research for Invention Number 73623 dated 10 / 11 / 1390, inventor: Rezvan K. Bermeh Ziar aimed at devising a system for collecting and transmitting protective data from water pump stations based on utilizing telecommunication infrastructure. However, this only led to the gathering and transmission of protective data from pump stations and potable water reservoirs, leaving other issues within the water and sewage industry unresolved. This invention aims to address these challenges by enhancing methods for collecting, measuring, and transmitting all types of data — quantitative, qualitative, production and consumption levels, etc. — using advanced technologies.

[0004] In today's water and sewage industry, numerous mechanical volumetric counters are used for water measurement. Extracting data from these counters typically involves physical means due to their widespread geographic usage and on-site presence, rendering data extraction both costly and, in some cases,impossible within a specific time frame due to difficult-to-reach locations. As water and sewage companies are water producers, knowledge of the produced water volume is crucial for both short-term and long-term planning. The objective of this project is to extract data from mechanical volumetric counters and send this data online via the internet. Challenges include the absence of electricity at the counter installation site, the presence of mechanical counters, data transmission to a central web-based server, among others.

[0005] In water and sewage companies, there is often a significant distance (several kilometers) between pump stations (water wells) and potable water storage tanks. Despite these conditions, this project foresees automatic and intelligent overflow control of the tank, shutting down water pumps to prevent excessive water loss. This involves establishing local communication between the water well and the tank using a radio controller. Other functionalities anticipated for this system include utilizing telecommunication infrastructure to send all data related to electrical panel status, electrical parameters, water quality parameters, produced water quantity, protective parameters to the designated software in the center. Data transmission occurs via telecommunication network infrastructure and through short message service (SMS), GPRS, and radio channels, supporting analog and digital inputs, internal data logging with a USB port for data extraction via flash drives, connectivity with mechanical, magnetic, ultrasonic, and various level sensors, simultaneous control of multiple pumps, pressure sensor integration for pump line control, and design of tank level sensors, among other specific applications.

[0006] Drawbacks of the Old Cable Control System:• High costs for channel digging and cable laying for manual float installation, especially in rocky and tough terrains.• Inefficiency of these systems beyond a distance of 1 kilometer.• High voltage drops along the path.• Risk of cable damage by farmers and various excavations, leading to high maintenance costs and the need for total cable replacement.• Inability to transmit data from reservoirs and pump stations' statuses.• Customer dissatisfaction, water and electricity loss.• Lack of complete confidence in the system and high depreciation.• Cable theft, etc.

[0007] Benefits of Remote Volumetric Counter Reading Systems:

[0008] For precise online information regarding water production and preventing water loss due to sudden consumption increases resulting from pipeline breaks, precise future planning, prediction of consumption growth or reduction, online comparison of consumption growth with regional population patterns, and offering solutions for optimal usage and protection of underground water tables to prevent reckless extraction, using remote reading systems for volumetric counters is essential.

[0009] By installing this system on old mechanical counters using renewable energy sources, one can easily cover a wide area and transmit all consumption-related data to any desired location. This allows real-time knowledge of production levels, facilitating timely action to prevent wastage.

[0010] Radio Communication for Station Control:

[0011] Effortless control of production and consumption by connecting the reservoir and pump station via radio. The water volume produced from the pump station is measured using a mechanical or ultrasonic volumetric counter, and a similar counter is used in the reservoir for output control. Real-time data access enables optimal planning based on these data.

[0012] Additionally, by separating the receiving, processing, and communication parts in the current invention and connecting them via a unified software core, system stability is increased, reducing repair costs.

[0013] To tackle radio communication interruption issues, the RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) is designed to have hardware-based support for four communication protocols, with software prioritization, APN, GPRS, SMS, and a web server. Modular radio connections are also feasible. In case of protocol issues, the system automatically switches to the next protocol as per a predetermined plan, ensuring continuous communication.

[0014] This RTU has a wireless communication system with sensors and neighboring control systems within a 20-meter radius, minimizing wiring density, simplifying system maintenance and reducing the cost of wiring operations.

[0015] In the hardware section, considering that the RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) modules designed for this device, the controller module, and the I / O module are all domestically designed for hardware, along with all VGA modules, GSM modules, controller modules, and Al modules in the monitoring section. All their components are procurable within the country. Despite having proprietary loggers for these devices and all the mentioned equipment, they are user-friendly in terms of operation, process control, and equipment handling in execution, maintenance, and repair sections. Data transmission occurs via telecommunication network infrastructure and through short message service (SMS), APN / GPRS, and radio channels, supporting analog and digital inputs, internal data logging with a USB port for data extraction via flash drives. Connectivity options include power meters, mechanical, magnetic, ultrasonic volumetric counters, various level sensors, simultaneous control of multiple pumps, pressure sensor integration for pump line control, and pump control based on line pressure, among other specialized applications.

[0016] The design and installation of brass and MF switch level sensors deserve mention. The brass-made level sensors do not corrode in water, offering unique advantages such as no deposition, no rusting, no need for repeated cleaning, and high precision. Besides measuring tank levels, these sensors prevent tank overflow and pump dry operation. Additionally, the design and installation of magnetostrictive sensors utilizing the Villari effect and magnetic technology incorporate a magnetic float that changes position with the fluid level, providing extremely high precision up to 0.5 micrometers.

[0017] The design of low-power modules for using solar energy to supply the device's power needs, temperature sensors, and nanosensors for human versus animal detection to indicate a person's physical presence at the station are among other exclusive innovations of this system.

[0018] Intelligent control for energy saving in four seasons and three tariffs, graphical display of pump performance, both graphically and as a closed loop, on installedstation devices and in software. Additionally, pump control manually, based on time, or via telemetry without the need for a command clock represents another exclusive innovation of this system.

[0019] The design and installation of an internal data logger capable of graphing and reporting parameters serve as further innovations, offering data storage capabilities for up to 10 years.

[0020] Moreover, the designed UPS for this system has an isolated three-phase input, which, with a three-phase input and single-phase output capability, can store 24 hours of power for a 50-watt consumer and can detect phase loss, phase sequence, power outage, voltage drop, and has an internal battery with 24h backup. It has a serial output for connection to monitoring devices with the capability of sending data online, with 8 digital inputs, an analog input for pump control, phase control, load control, and manual or automatic pump operation.Solution to Problem

[0021] In water and wastewater companies, controlling and monitoring the extraction and transfer of quantitative and qualitative data and protecting wells, reservoirs, and pipelines are very important and vital. Prevention of tank overflow and water wastage, parameters such as temperature, flow, pressure, chlorine levels, turbidity, etc., are values that need continuous monitoring and control if necessary.

[0022] Considering the vast geographical spread of rural areas and their dispersion, identifying wells where the water level has dropped, causing the well to dry up and the pumps to malfunction, as well as identifying wells that excessively extract water from underground aquifers beyond their permissible limit and preventing overflow and water wastage, preventing pumps from drying up, and identifying faults in water transmission lines are some of the challenges.

[0023] Additionally, real-time readings of mechanical volumetric meters that lack remote reading capability due to their mechanical counter and lack of electricity at the volumetric meter installation site, and the method of data transmission to the central web-based server are existing challenges that indicate the water andwastewater companies' need for an optimized and improved system compared to previous systems.

[0024] The goal of this invention is to present an improved system and remote monitoring method that is self-sufficient in designing and manufacturing sensors and hardware and software modules. Another goal of this invention is to present a remote monitoring system that, due to the capabilities of its designed sensors, provides an optimal method for energy efficiency, prevents wastage, and avoids water loss. Consequently, it can prevent catastrophic events and damage to the ecosystem.

[0025] Another objective of this invention is to present a comprehensive remote control system and method for pump stations, drinking water reservoirs, and other fluids, which, considering the low-power module design using the LOWPOWER method, can be done in a much more cost-effective and energyefficient way compared to previous methods.

[0026] Another goal of this invention is to enable online reading of mechanical meters that, due to their use over a wide geographical range, are read physically and locally, and due to the presence of mechanical counters, do not have the capability of remote reading. The extraction of data from the mechanical counters of different models of meters is another aim.

[0027] Another objective of this invention is to record production information from the meters for data monitoring and planning in different time intervals.

[0028] Another objective of this invention is to send and receive data remotely without the need to visit the site (using 5 protocols simultaneously in this invention).

[0029] D: Local control and control processes on consumption and alarm notification by the device

[0030] V: Designing native software with technical and managerial capabilitiesTechnical Problem

[0031] One of the major challenges in this project is the retrieval of data from various counters and essentially converting bulky mechanical counters into digital onessuch as ultrasonic and magnetic counters. This replacement imposes significant costs on water and sewage companies, which, given the current budgets, renders it unfeasible. Moreover, in rural areas where water reservoirs are located upstream and are kilometers away from the pumping station, electricity is not available. In this project, planning has been made to use renewable energies to supply the required device power and to leverage the existing elecommunications infrastructure for data transmission.

[0032] All available magnetic and ultrasonic counters in the market operate on electricity and must be installed at the pumping station, making it impossible to install them for measuring and managing water reservoirs.

[0033] In the software section of the system, remote reading of mechanical volumetric meters via the web and work on designing the hardware part of the data collection from other equipment such as panels, chlorine levels, turbidity, etc., will be done natively. The design of sensors with millimeter precision, or even less, to monitor all the levels of drinking water reservoirs or fluids, is emphasized.

[0034] The latest frequency measurement technology for measuring water reservoir levels has been used in these sensors, made of brass material, which are non- corrosive in water, and their high accuracy distinguishes them. Designing and installing brass and switch sensors mf for reservoir level measurement with millimeter precision has been mentioned. These reservoir level sensors, made of brass, do not corrode in water, which, along with their high accuracy, are the unique advantages of these sensors that prevent reservoir overflow and pump drying.

[0035] Additionally, the design and installation of magnetostrictive sensors, utilizing the Villari effect and magnetic technology, with a magnetic float that changes position with the fluid level, creating an output with very high accuracy at 0.5 micrometers, have been designed.

[0036] Designing low-power modules to use solar energy to supply the device's power requirements, designing and installing temperature sensors, and designing and installing nanosensors to differentiate human presence from animals forphysical presence indication in the station are among other specialized innovations of this system. Intelligent control for energy consumption savings in 4 seasons and 3 tariffs and displaying pump performance graphically, as well as in a closed loop format in installed station devices and software, plus pump control in (manual, timed, telemetric) mode without the need for a control clock, are other proprietary innovations of this system.

[0037] Designing and installing an internal datalogger capable of graphing and reporting parameters is another innovation of this system. Additionally, designing native software that, besides monitoring stations, allows for specific control commands to be applied to them. There is also the possibility of reporting on the performance and specific parameters of the station (temperature, etc.) and printing it. The described software, which is web-based, has been defined as an application, and hackers cannot hack it under any circumstanceAdvantageous Effects of Invention

[0038] The advantages of this invention include: a. Measurement, collection, and transmission of all quantitative, qualitative, and protective information of drinking water pumping stations b. Protection of underground water aquifers c. Identification of wells where the water level has dropped, causing well drying and pump drying d. Identification of wells that excessively extract water from underground aquifers beyond their permissible limit and prevention of excessive extraction and water wastage e. Prevention of pump drying f. Online reading of mechanical volumetric meters via the web using renewable energies g. Fully native software based on non-hostile defense standards h. Prevention of tank overflow and water wastage and protection of the ecosystemi. Identification of faults in water transmission lines j. Energy saving k. Fluid flow detection based on electrostatic field l. Multi-purpose protective system using IR, DIF, MOTION technologies m. Custom-designed sensors for different parts of the device n. Use of renewable energies (solar) to supply device power consumption o. Real-time information on water production and consumption, precise water and energy managementBrief Description of Drawings

[0039] Fig 1 : System Parts,

[0040] Fig 2: Illustration Below

[0041] Fig 3: ANTENNA Socket

[0042] Fig 4: OUT Socket

[0043] Fig 5: Wiring and operation

[0044] Fig 6: Contact 2, 3 and 4Description of Embodiments

[0045] Fig 1 :

[0046] POWER Socket: Input for the device's power supply. It indicates an error message if the voltage is below a specific range.

[0047] ANTENNA Socket: Input for the device's antenna to receive transmitted information.

[0048] OUT Socket: Output for automatically turning the pump on and off.

[0049] MONITORING Port: Output for transferring data related to the tank's status and the device's receiver-to-tank transmitter communication.

[0050] CODE Port: Input for the coding system.

[0051] NETWORK Port: For transferring GPRS data to the monitoring device.

[0052] Fig 2:

[0053] Based on the illustration below, the device is equipped with sockets and ports, each serving a specific function:

[0054] POWER Socket: Input for 220-volt power to turn on the device.

[0055] OUTPUT Socket: Used for turning the pump on or off via a specific software through Short Message Service (SMS).

[0056] INPUT Socket: Contains inputs that announce the status of certain parameters of the electrical panel (phase control, pump on / off status, and the manual or automatic status of the panel) to the monitoring device.

[0057] TELEMETRY Port: Indicates information from the telemetry device (tank level, receiver-to-tank transmitter communication status).

[0058] ANALYZER Port: Input for the water analyzer device (chlorine level, turbidity, pH, etc.) to communicate with the monitoring system for data transmission to the relevant software.

[0059] POWERMETER Port: Input for the power meter device to communicate with the monitoring system for the transmission of 36 electrical panel quantitative parameters.

[0060] SECURITY Port: Input for the alarm system to communicate with the monitoring device for the security of the pump station.

[0061] Wiring and functionality of the input-output sockets of the device:

[0062] POWER Socket: The first socket from the right, having four contacts. The upper two contacts are connected to the 220-volt power supply. The lower two contacts are reserved for relays.

[0063] The letter 'P' signifies phase, and 'MP' indicates neutral in Latin.

[0064] Fig 3: ANTENNA Socket: It has two contacts. It's crucial to note that the contact on the right must be connected to the shield wire of the antenna, while the contact on the left should be connected to the core wire.

[0065] Fig 4:

[0066] OUT Socket: It consists of three contacts, with the bottom contact being common due to the raised portion on the top side of the socket. Its functionality is as follows: when the pump activation command is received, this contact switches to the left-side contact from the top. It sends the pump activation command to the contactor in star-delta panels and on the 'run' contact in soft start panels. In cases where the receiver's connection with the tank transmitter is disrupted, the device gives an error, and the common contact switches to the contact on the right, which is connected to the panel clock. Essentially, the pump control is automatically handed over to the panel clock.

[0067] Fig 5:

[0068] Wiring and operation of the input-output sockets of the monitoring device:

[0069] POWER Socket: Wired exactly like the telemetry device.

[0070] OUTPUT Socket: This socket has 6 contacts. Contacts 1 and 3 are normally closed, connected in series with the telemetry control wire. Its function is to turn off the pump through SMS software.

[0071] Fig 6:

[0072] Contact 2 and 4 are normally open and are connected in parallel with the common contact and the pump-on contact of the telemetry. Their function is to turn on the pump through the software (SMS).

[0073] INPUT Socket: At the end of the socket, four numbers are indicated. Contact 1 is the common terminal. When the other contacts switch onto this contact, it communicates the following statuses to the system:

[0074] Contact 2: This contact, along with contact 1 , connects to the open blade of the star-delta contactor to indicate the pump's on or off status.

[0075] Contact 3: This contact, along with contact 1 , connects to the open blade of the manual mode switch in the panel. When switched, it indicates that the panel is out of telemetry mode.

[0076] Contact 4: When the panel phase control operates and is in a fault condition, contact 15 switches to control phase onto 16, supplying power to the relay coil.Simultaneously, with the relay contacts (normally open), contacts 1 and 4 switch, indicating that the phase control has operated (there's an error)Examples

[0077] The proprietary innovations of this system include the design and installation of nano sensors to distinguish human presence from animals at stations, designing and installing brass and MF switch sensors for reservoir level measurement with millimeter precision. The brass-based level sensors, being non-corrosive, non-tarnishing, not requiring frequent cleaning, and offering high accuracy, prevent tank overflow and pump dry operation.

[0078] This system is responsible for collecting all pump station information, including reservoir levels, water quality and quantity parameters, electrical panel data, security systems, etc., for transmission to the dispatch center. It is produced as a PLC-like system designed for use in water supply networks, incorporating proprietary technologies such as radio control, ARM processors, RTU, and a specific logger.

[0079] Given that the RTU modules designed for these devices, as well as the controller, I / O module, VGA, GSM module, Al module in the monitoring section, are all domestically designed, and all their components are obtainable within the country. Moreover, with the specialized logger and all the mentioned equipment, these systems are user-friendly in terms of operation, control of processes, execution, maintenance, and repair. After assembly onto PCBs and assembly boards, each part of these devices undergoes quality testing using a simulated real environment in the boxing stage. They are designed, tested, and after potential defects are resolved during the testing phase, they are mass-produced.

[0080] Furthermore, the design of low-power modules for using solar energy to power the device and intelligent control for energy savings across four seasons and three tariffs, displaying pump performance graphically in a closed-loop format in both the installed stations and the software, along with pump control in manual, timer, and telemetry modes without the need for command hours, are other proprietary innovations of this system. Additionally, the tank level control up to 64 levels in counting mode (option), the design and installation of an internal datalogger with the ability to plot graphs and report parameters, represent other proprietary innovations of this system. This software not only monitors stations but also allows for the implementation of specific control commands on them.

Claims

Claims

1. It is claimed to be an enhanced system and device for remotely collecting and transmitting data from pump stations and drinking water reservoirs, self-sufficiently designed with the inclusion of four sensors using MF, Magnetostrictive, PIR, and Frequency technology, along with a hardware module controller with proprietary programming and web application software.

2. Online reading of mechanical counters, which due to their use across a wide geographic range are physically read and lack the capability for remote reading due to the presence of mechanical counters in different models.

3. In line with Claim 1 , offering a remote monitoring system and method, which, due to the capabilities of its designed sensors, provides an optimal method for energy conservation, preventing water loss, saving water from underground reservoirs, and thereby preventing environmental disasters and damages to the ecosystem.

4. In line with Claims 2 and 1 , providing a comprehensive remote control system and method for pump stations, drinking water reservoirs, and other fluids, which, due to the low-power module design, can be performed in a much more cost-effective and energy-efficient manner than previous methods.

5. Recording production data from counters for monitoring and planning in various time intervals.

6. Sending and receiving data remotely, Claim 1 , and 2 without the need for on-site visits (utilizing 5 protocols simultaneously in this invention).

7. In accordance with sections 4, 5, and 6, local control and control processes on consumption and alarm notification by the device.

8. Designing native software with technical and managerial capabilities in accordance with Claims 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

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