Integrated Water Network Decision Support System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing water supply networks lack comprehensive and integrated decision-support systems, leading to inefficiencies due to standalone applications with different data formats and sources, resulting in complex decision-making processes that are prone to errors and overlook important data.

Innovation Solution

A modular, integrated system with a central data processing device and integration device that connects various functional units and applications via standardized interfaces, enabling access to a wide range of data and facilitating decision-making through real-time data integration and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple standalone systems and applications are used for different functionalities, then specific operational aspects can be addressed, but the overall decision-making complexity increases and data consistency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional coverageVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple standalone systems and applications into a single integrated decision support system that provides comprehensive functionality for operational planning, maintenance, and control of water supply networks, eliminating the need for multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system is designed to perform multiple functions including hydraulic modeling, economic analysis, maintenance planning, and real-time monitoring within a single platform, making it universally applicable to various water network management tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If different data sources and databases are used, then comprehensive information can be collected, but time expenditure for merging information increases and error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoiddata integration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple data sources including historical data, real-time sensor data, hydraulic models, and economic parameters into a single integrated database, eliminating the need for manual data merging and reducing error risks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops that automatically update and synchronize data from various sources in real-time, ensuring data consistency and eliminating manual intervention for data reconciliation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If standalone systems are used with different data formats, then specific applications can be maintained independently, but additional effort is required for data transfer and conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem independenceVSAvoiddata exchange ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs universal standardized interfaces and common data formats that enable seamless data exchange between all functional modules, eliminating the need for format conversion while maintaining system independence through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2350757B1System and method for taking optimized decisions for water supply networks and/or water utilities
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP2350757B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2350757B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for optimized decision-making in water supply networks and/or water supply operations, comprising at least one central data processing device and a control system having at least one integration device and at least one functional unit for identifying and/or processing status information affecting the respective network or operation, wherein the functionality of the at least one functional unit can be integrated and/or incorporated into the control system by means of the integration device such that the control system functionality is expanded by the functionality of the respective functional unit and/or control system and the at least one function unit cooperate such that individual functions and/or the functionality of the respective functional unit can be called up and/or executed and/or utilized via the integration unit and/or the control system and resulting additional status information can be obtained and provided for decision-making, particularly relating to a technical task or technical problem. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for executing the aforementioned system.