Fluid Network Sensor Placement via Directed Graph Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid networks, such as water and gas distribution systems, often experience issues like leaks, corrosion, and contamination that go undetected until they cause significant infrastructure damage, health risks, or environmental hazards, necessitating a method for early or real-time detection and preemptive action.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for optimally determining sensor placement and coverage in fluid networks by creating a model with directionally connected nodes, using sensors to collect data, and analyzing it with a processor to identify anomalies and predict potential issues, allowing for early detection and preemptive measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional monitoring methods are used in fluid networks, then infrastructure damage and health risks occur, but early detection capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by strategically placing sensors at optimal locations in the fluid network before problems occur. The system uses a mathematical model to determine sensor placements that maximize detection capability for potential issues like leaks, contamination, and pressure anomalies, enabling early detection before infrastructure damage or health risks materialize.
2Reliability
If sensors are placed throughout the fluid network, then detection coverage is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining that different locations in the fluid network require different sensor placements based on their specific characteristics. The mathematical model analyzes the network topology and identifies optimal sensor locations that provide maximum detection coverage for each local area, rather than uniform sensor distribution. This approach achieves comprehensive detection coverage while minimizing the total number of sensors needed.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive monitoring is implemented, then problem detection is improved, but data analysis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring fluid network parameters and comparing measured values against expected ranges. When anomalies are detected, the system provides feedback signals that trigger alerts and enable proactive responses. The mathematical model incorporates feedback loops that adjust monitoring based on detected conditions, improving detection accuracy while managing data analysis complexity through structured evaluation criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for determining sensor or infrastructure placement in a fluid network, for determining an anomaly of interest in the fluid network, and for optimally determining sensor coverage in a fluid network, which are based on a model of the fluid network represented by a directed graph.