Pressure Sensor Device for Utility Network Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure sensor devices in utility networks, such as water distribution systems, have high power consumption and short battery life, making them inefficient for continuous monitoring and data transmission, especially when detecting pressure transients that can lead to leaks and bursts.
Innovation Solution
A pressure sensor device that calculates and transmits statistical parameters like skewness and kurtosis from pressure measurements, reducing data transmission and power consumption, allowing battery operation with extended life, and enabling monitoring of pressure transients in utility networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous monitoring of pressure is performed in utility networks, then relevant information on pressure conditions and pressure transients is obtained, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor device performs periodic pressure measurements at predefined time intervals rather than continuous monitoring. The measurement system is configured to take discrete samples of pressure data at scheduled moments, reducing overall power consumption while still capturing pressure transient events that occur during the monitoring period
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-calculates statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis) from collected pressure measurements before transmission. By preparing and condensing data locally in advance, the device minimizes the need for frequent high-power wireless communications, thereby extending battery life while maintaining monitoring reliability
2Loss of information
If continuous transmission of pressure data is performed, then complete pressure information is provided, but data traffic increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts and transmits only the essential statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis) that characterize pressure transients, rather than transmitting complete raw pressure data streams. This extraction approach maintains the informational value needed for monitoring while dramatically reducing data transmission volume and associated energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms raw pressure measurements into condensed statistical parameters through local processing. By changing the form of data from detailed time-series measurements to aggregated statistical descriptors, the device reduces communication bandwidth requirements and power consumption for data transmission while preserving the ability to detect and analyze pressure transient events
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively reduces power consumption and extends battery life while providing valuable information on pressure transients, enabling remote monitoring and reducing data traffic, thus aiding in the detection of potential leaks and system damage.
Implementation Method 1
A measurement system with a pressure sensor is arranged for performing measurements of pressure
Data Source
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Figure 3b
AI summary
The invention provides a pressure sensor device arranged for measuring a pressure in a fluid pipe system, e.g. a utility network. A measurement system with a pressure sensor serves to measure pressure in the fluid pipe system, and a data processing unit determines at least one statistical parameter in response to a plurality of pressure measurements. Data packets with the statistical parameter is then transmitted by means of a communication module, e.g. via a data network which serves for remote reading of utility meters. The statistical parameter is selected from the second, third and fourth statistical moments of the pressures measured with the plurality of measurements of pressure. The pressure sensor device in a battery driven form can be placed at remote locations in a fluid pipe system to monitor pressure transients, e.g. in a water distribution system. Especially, a time stamp may follow the statistical parameter(s) sent, such that it is possible to track pressure transient creating events on the fluid pipe system.