Unaccounted Water Estimation via Missing Meter Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utilities face challenges in accurately measuring and monitoring unaccounted-for resources in distribution systems due to inaccuracies in metering, leaks, and theft, exacerbated by missing readings from inoperable or non-responsive meters and synchronization issues, which hinder the identification of the source and cause of missing resources.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates missing meter readings to ensure a complete set of data for calculating unaccounted-for resources, using two-way communications modules to issue read commands and receive actual readings, and employing algorithms to compute the difference between supplied and consumed resources, allowing for the determination of unaccounted-for quantities over defined time periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual meter reading methods are used in large distribution systems, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to inability to gather readings from large numbers of meters in short time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical meter reading with electronic communications modules that automatically transmit meter data wirelessly to a central host computer, eliminating the need for physical meter reading and enabling rapid collection of readings from numerous meters simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The metering system performs self-reading and automatic data transmission through communications modules integrated at each meter location, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and enabling continuous automatic monitoring of resource consumption
2Productivity
If wireless communications modules are deployed at meters for automatic reading transmission, then productivity improves, but reliability deteriorates due to missing readings from inoperable or non-responsive meters
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements data validation and error handling mechanisms that anticipate and compensate for potential communication failures, ensuring that missing or corrupted readings are identified and managed before they compromise the overall measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The central host computer receives communications from meters and can send commands to request additional readings or validate data integrity, creating a feedback loop that ensures complete and accurate data collection even when individual transmissions fail
3Ease of operation
If meters use internal clocks for reading intervals without synchronization, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to readings being out of synch with defined time periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements synchronized periodic reading intervals where all meters in the distribution system take readings at coordinated time points based on a common time reference, ensuring that aggregate consumption data accurately reflects consumption over defined time periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-coordinates reading schedules and time synchronization before data collection begins, establishing a unified timing framework that ensures all meters are ready to report simultaneously at the start of each measurement period
Data Source
AI summary
A method of accounting for the quantity of water or other distributed resource in a distribution system utilizing automated meter reading and reporting. Missing readings are identified and estimated to allow the quantity of unaccounted for water always to be computed.