Implementation of a Pressure Monitoring System Backed by IoT for Water Supply Networks!
When it comes to the applications of IoT, there are countless applications in the modern-day world. One of those is monitoring Pressure in Water Supply Networks! There are countless IoT sensors and analysis systems that work to undertake the task. Here is more on the same.
Water shortage has been an evergreen issue for the world for some time now. As per UNICEF, almost half of the world’s population could be residing in areas facing water shortage by 2025. Moreover, speculation suggests that around 700 million people could be displaced by extreme water scarcity by 2030.
Now, one of the chief reasons behind this water shortage is the wastage of water, not intentionally but due to improper distribution. There are countless regions across the world that face water shortages due to improper distribution, water leakage, and malfunctioning equipment. Arid and semi-arid geo-areas of the world, like Africa, face a lot of water scarcity.
As IoT has influenced almost every industry sector, it has the full potential to solve the water management crisis too. How? Let’s read this article ahead and find out!
An Overview of IoT-Based Pressure Monitoring System
So far, companies around the world have used SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems to keep a check on water distribution systems. These systems were great but still limited to some extent. They weren’t that good at monitoring the entire distribution system.
Unlike them, IoT is way ahead. It has all the components that make the system well-timed, secure, and safe. The modern-day IoT-based pressure monitoring systems have the following elements!
Let’s break down these systems and their functioning one by one!
Data Collection System
The data collection system includes everything that can collect data in one way or the other. These devices are primarily sensors in the water distribution system. The sensors used can be:
- Pressure transducer: The sensor converts the hydraulic pressure into an electrical signal that can be fed to a microcontroller for analysis. If the pressure goes over a threshold value, an alarm can be triggered to inform the nearest control station.
- Limit switch: As the sensors would be fitted at a remote location, there is a probability that they will get stolen. But, with IoT devices, you can prevent that. A limit switch can be used to warn the user if there is an attempt to steal the device.
- Float switch: As the name suggests, a float switch is a sensor switch that measures the level of water inside a container. Therefore, if in the water distribution network, an alarm is raised by the float switch, you can instantly know if the water is overflowing. These sensors can help in keeping water loss to a minimum.
- Smart water meter: Smart water meters are a combination of various sensors that track the quality, pressure, and quantity of water. With such smart meters, one can easily find out which water line consumes the most water and check if it is worth that quantity. The problem of water wastage can be swiftly solved with that.
- IoT Water Valve: Water valves are an excellent choice if you want to measure and manage the pressure of water. Some water valves can also inform you about the temperature. Keeping a check on these parameters, one can take swift measures to prevent water wastage.
All of these IoT sensors can be integrated into a water distribution system to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Communication and Networking System
The second stage that comes in an IoT-based water supply network is the communication and networking system. These systems are meant to transfer information from remote sensors to the central database and computing systems.
The information can be in the form of voltage levels, current, pressure units, etc. Different types of protocols play a critical role in that, such as LORAWAN, NB-IoT, Cat, SigFox, etc. These protocols are used in combination with smart devices like microcontrollers to transfer data to the central hub, like a gateway or cloud-based data analysis system.
Be informed that the role of microcontrollers here is to transmit data, nothing else. The energy consumption and execution time of microcontrollers like Arduino are kept low to ensure energy efficiency.
Database Storage and Analysis System
This is the part where the actual magic of the entire IoT-based water pressure monitoring and distribution system happens. Once the data from all the nearby and distant sensors is received by the database and analysis system, the calculations are done on the data.
There are various frameworks and tools that can be used to perform data analysis. One of those tools is the ThingSpeak platform. It allows various modules to work in sync with each other and ensure that data analysis is performed accurately and alerts are sent timely wherever necessary.
The ThingSpeak platform allows modules like MATLAB, React, ThingHTTP, and TimeControl to keep data analysis and sharing on track. The TimeControl module checks and receives fresh information after a fixed period of time for analysis. The MATLAB module performs the required analysis of the data to produce an outcome or value for the IFTTT module to compare.
React is the module that analyzes the incoming data and raises the alarm when a loss of data is observed. It can also be leveraged to perform analysis on previously fetched values. Lastly, the Thing HTTP module is used to send messages and alerts to external devices and web services to take the required action.
IFTTT: It is a program that has the job of automating tasks. One can add conditions in the program regarding the obtained pressure and other values and define an outcome. If the outcome is not as required, the program can send out alert emails.
Visualization Systems
This system is the last resort, where the obtained data is visualized on a dashboard by the waterworks department. Engineers and technicians can see this live data on various devices like phones, tablets, and laptops and take action based on that.
How IoT Solves Existing Problem of Pressure Monitoring on Water Supply Networks?
IoT is a technology that is growing stronger each day. With the rise of 5G services in various countries, IoT has become a pillar for industrial growth. However, the way it can help solve the existing Problem of Pressure Monitoring on Water Supply Networks is mind-blowing. Here are some key pointers proving the same!
- Where water is distributed to cities from distant areas, pressure transducers, float switches, limit switches, IoT valves, and other sensors can be installed in the pipelines to get live updates on water pressure, temperature, water overflow, etc.
- The data reaped from these sensors can be fed to a database and analysis system via communication and networking technologies like LORAWAN, NB-IoT, Cat, SigFox, etc.
- Further, data analysis devices and technologies like MATLAB, ThingHTTP, React, and IFTTT can be used to detect changes or abnormalities in the sensor behavior to get the outcomes.
- These obtained outcomes and results can be viewed on visualization systems for better understanding.
Based on the above process, the required steps can be taken to manage water and prevent its wastage. If required, remote teams are sent to see what the issue is and fix it there and then.
IoT Applications for Water Pressure Monitoring
The application of IoT in water pressure monitoring can be applied in various ways, such as.
- Pressure management systems in local societies, communities, and residential areas.
- Industrial water management, such as in milk plants, sewage treatment plants, food companies, and more.
- Irrigation and farming activities
- Water quality testing in water treatment and purification plant.
Wireless Pressure Monitoring for Water Network
Though all the devices used in the IoT based pressure monitoring system are wireless, there are some that are better than the rest. For example, there are NB-IoT modules produced by various brands that help in the seamless transmission of data over the air.
NB-IoT is a standard that helps in the transfer of data between devices that work on low power while being a part of the IoT network. Here are some benefits of the devices working on the Narrowband IoT standard.
- These devices consume less power which makes them last for over three years.
- The NB-IoT devices are low-cost and super simple to operate.
- Integrated batteries, so there is no requirement for an external power supply.
- They can be easily controlled and configured remotely, like setting the acquisition interval, alarm upper and lower limit, and sending interval.
Other than NB-IoT, devices working on standards like LTE-M or Cat-M1 are also ideal for pressure monitoring in water networks.
Conclusion
In an abstract way, we can say that IoT can greatly help in implementing the pressure monitoring system for water supply networks. And it is not just a hint or speculation; there are many firms around the world that are actively working and supplying these systems to customers for implementation.
