Water Meter Analytics for Leak Detection and Damage Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack an effective method to detect and mitigate water leaks in residential and commercial properties, leading to potential damage and increased water bills, as existing technologies struggle to accurately identify and respond to varying types and severities of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A connected-home monitoring system that includes a water meter analytics unit, capable of analyzing water consumption data to detect leaks, classify their severity, and initiate appropriate actions such as shutting off the water supply or alerting residents, using sensors and communication networks to monitor and manage water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If water consumption data is analyzed using traditional methods, then leak detection capability is limited, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical leak detection methods with data analytics processing. The water meter analytics unit analyzes water consumption data patterns to detect leaks, substituting physical detection mechanisms with computational analysis of usage patterns, thereby improving detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the water meter analytics unit to automatically detect and classify leaks without external intervention. The analytics unit independently processes water consumption data, identifies anomalies, determines leak types, and triggers appropriate responses, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall complexity
2Reliability
If automated leak response actions are implemented, then property damage is reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures response actions for different leak types before leaks occur. The water meter analytics unit is programmed with predetermined responses (e.g., shut off valve activation for severe leaks, notifications for minor leaks), allowing automated execution when leaks are detected, thereby ensuring reliable damage mitigation without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the water meter analytics unit continuously monitors water consumption data, compares it against established patterns, and automatically adjusts responses based on detected anomalies. This feedback mechanism enables reliable automated response while maintaining manageable system complexity through rule-based decision-making
3Speed
If continuous water monitoring is performed, then leak detection speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water meter analytics unit performs periodic analysis of water consumption data at intervals rather than continuous real-time monitoring. The system analyzes data patterns at scheduled times, which maintains effective leak detection speed while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the analytics processing is triggered periodically based on data availability or time intervals
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a storage device, for performing leak detection. In one aspect, the method includes actions of obtaining water consumption data that is based on first sensor data generated by a connected water meter that is installed at a property, determining, based on the obtained water consumption data, (i) that a water leak is occurring at the property and (ii) a type of water leak that is occurring at the property, in response to determining (i) that a water leak is occurring at the property and (ii) a type of water leak that is occurring at the property, determining, based on a type of water leak that is determined to be occurring at the property, an operation to mitigate potential damages caused by the water leak, and initiating performance of the operation in order to mitigate potential damages caused by the water leak.