Hydraulic Analysis Platform for Water Leak Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water utility systems face challenges such as water leakage, inaccurate billing, lack of real-time monitoring, and inefficient distribution due to reliance on traditional metering devices and manual monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic analysis platform that integrates operational and asset management utility datasets, including GIS, SCADA, AMI, and hydraulic models, to manage a hydraulic distribution network. This platform receives sensor readings for water flow and pressure, performs water mass balance, and identifies anomalies to detect leaks and optimize water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional metering devices and manual monitoring are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources (AMI, SCADA, GIS, hydraulic models) into a unified data fusion layer that integrates disparate operational and asset management datasets. This merging approach improves measurement precision by cross-validating data from multiple sources while managing complexity through a structured integration framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform performs multiple functions including data collection, mass balance calculations, leak detection, and system optimization within a single unified system. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision across various monitoring tasks while the modular architecture manages the inherent complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If automated meter reading and advanced metering infrastructure are implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a data fusion layer that acts as an intermediary between various data sources (AMI, SCADA, GIS) and the analysis engine. This intermediary layer standardizes data formats, handles data quality issues, and coordinates information flow, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision from the underlying infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is divided into distinct functional modules: data collection layer, data fusion layer, mass balance calculation layer, and leak detection layer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing overall system complexity while preserving the high measurement precision capabilities of the AMI infrastructure.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring features are added, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform implements continuous feedback loops where mass balance calculations compare expected versus actual water flows, and discrepancies trigger leak detection algorithms. This feedback mechanism improves reliability by automatically detecting and alerting system anomalies, while the rule-based feedback structure manages complexity through standardized response protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mass balance calculations and anomaly detection before full leak investigation is initiated. This preliminary action improves reliability by early detection of potential issues, while the staged approach manages complexity by only activating full diagnostic procedures when necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods directed to managing a hydraulic distribution network of a water utility are described herein. In examples, a data model is configured to receive data from a plurality of hydraulic sensors located at a boundary zone of the water utility. In some examples a water mass balancer determines the presence of an anomalous event based on a metered amount of water flowing into the zone of the water utility and a metered amount of water flowing out of the zone of the water utility. To identify a location of the anomalous event, a hydraulic model performs a plurality of simulations at multiple locations of the zone of the water utility by generating simulated data for one or more hydraulic sensors within the zone of the water utility based on the data received from the plurality of hydraulic sensors located at the boundary zone of the water utility.