Distributed Sensor Nodes for Sewer Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combined sewer overflow (CSO) events occur due to excessive inflow in wastewater treatment facilities during wet weather, leading to environmental contamination and requiring costly infrastructure changes or in-line storage solutions that are prone to communication and control failures.
Innovation Solution
A distributed monitoring and control system with nodes (iNodes, rNodes, aNodes, gNodes) that use wireless communication and a control algorithm to regulate sewer flow without a central computing element, allowing for decentralized, robust, and accurate monitoring and control of sewer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a central processor is used to process large amounts of information from sensors, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but system vulnerability to central computer failure increases and robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized monitoring system into multiple distributed sensor nodes, each capable of independent information processing. Instead of one central processor handling all sensor data, each node processes its own sensor information locally, eliminating the single point of failure and maintaining monitoring accuracy through distributed computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary mechanism that enables distributed nodes to exchange information without requiring a central processing hub. This allows nodes to share sensor data and coordinate their operations while maintaining independence and robustness against individual node failures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If in-line storage with real-time monitoring is implemented, then combined sewer overflow is reduced, but communication and control system expenses increase and the system becomes prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into autonomous wireless sensor nodes distributed throughout the sewer infrastructure. Each node independently monitors local conditions and communicates findings wirelessly, eliminating the need for expensive and vulnerable centralized communication infrastructure while maintaining effective overflow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional wired mechanical communication systems with wireless communication technology. This substitution reduces installation complexity and cost while improving system reliability by eliminating physical connection vulnerabilities, allowing nodes to transmit data without susceptible wiring infrastructure.
3Reliability
If distributed nodes with wireless communication are used, then system robustness and ease of installation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs each wireless sensor node to be a universal, multi-functional unit that can perform sensing, processing, and wireless communication tasks. This standardization allows identical nodes to be manufactured using the same processes and then deployed in various locations throughout the sewer system, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced capabilities of individual nodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed monitoring and control system includes a plurality of nodes forming a redundant communication network. Each of the nodes includes a processor, a memory and a transceiver. At least one of the nodes includes a sensor for acquiring information. At least one of the nodes includes an actuator. At least one of the processors is programmed with a control algorithm to receive information acquired from the sensors, calculate a control command and communicate the control command to the actuators for execution.