IIoT Based Utility Management And Saving Module

Growing scarcity of fresh water resources, growth in urban population, environmental regulations and process inefficiencies are all contributing to a dilemma in the Water/Wastewater industry. Connected machines and devices are reshaping the way utilities are operating, allowing them to make smarter and better informed decisions. It is estimated that the amount of energy wasted as a result of traditional methods of water processing and delivery can be reduced by up to 25% through more dynamic, analytics and real-time system monitoring. With the volatility of energy prices, need to improve sustainability, continuous changes in legislation and increased instances of funding available for energy efficiency initiatives; there is greater opportunities to effectively manage fresh water supply and safely process wastewater.
Many utilities have initiatives that are focused on conservation of energy, through the use of motion- sensitive energy efficient lights, limited time use of HVAC systems, solar panel installations (primarily based on electric utility grants), energy efficient devices and system wide collaboration of storage through reservoirs. These actions focus on the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) of the facility rather than directly affecting energy conservation; energy conservation is a by-product of these efforts. Incorporating the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), in contrast, has and can enable direct energy savings for the smart utility of today.
Disruptive technologies are emerging at an unprecedented rate and it is challenging to know which technologies offer genuine savings versus those that may be rendered obsolete before they achieve their potential. It is challenging for organizations to decipher through the hype and identify those technologies that are applicable to their needs and can deliver an immediate positive return on investment. Within this utility sector, the benefits of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications should and are slowly being piloted to create new value in information about elements of business processes that manage existing assets for increased reliability, optimization, supply chains and customer relationships. The IIoT solutions available allow integration of sensing, communications, SCADA and analytics capabilities that has been emerging over recent years. With the increase in pervasive computing devices, lower cost sensors that collect and transmit data, new analytic tools and economic data storage options; a utility can capture more data in real-time at a lower cost and in some cases from previously inaccessible areas that improves field, system and plant performance.

Our waste in utilities is staggering. This doesn’t mean literal trash, but in the services we need but don’t use. We lose a lot of water to pipe leaks, bursts, theft and inaccurate meters. We also waste more than double the amount of energy we use every year. It’s such a big problem that many different sectors, from corporations to cities, have teamed up to find a way to combat this issue.
It turns out that the issue can only really be tackled at the distribution level. Without a way to know exactly how much everyone needs, it’s hard to distribute what’s needed. Thankfully, the IoT has given us enough information that we can accurately measure how much water and electricity is required in different areas. The more efficient use in our utilities can cause a waterfall of surplus throughout other sectors, too, allowing for a better economy all around.

Putting efficient measures in place at the distribution end is wonderful and important, but this does not address the consumer’s end. The problems of burst pipes and theft are still very relevant, even with the extra knowledge. However, knowing about the problem is half the battle, especially when it can be fixed. With more help from the IoT, the whole system can become as efficient as possible.
The most important component after the IoT itself is the equipment used to measure our data. Products like smart meters, smart thermostats and other AI-enabled technology that can judge information for itself is integral to getting precise information into the IoT. A smart energy grid helps with the flow of electricity and increases efficiency. There’s something to be said for the amount of money it would take in upfront costs to update infrastructure. However, it should be looked at as more of an investment than anything.

Having the numbers certainly helps, but we don’t know the future until things happen. What we do have is information to make a good guess of what may occur on the horizon. Disastrous, sudden events can’t really be accounted for except in separate incident planning, but day-to-day operations should be fairly predictable.
Most of the predictions lie in the customers and area the utilities are based in. Consumer behaviours will show in your data, like if they water their lawns regularly or if they have gardens that need extra hydration. The area is just as much a factor, though. Storms, reoccurring natural events like floods and earthquakes, climate models and local weather forecasts can help the utility industry get an idea of what to expect. The only downside is that this is a job that never rests and is constantly changing.

from the IoT, but not a lot of data can be garnered if there’s little information to gain. Implementing sensors and other smart equipment will help immensely to set this up. However, money is always going to be an issue. It’s vital, then, for the utility industry to include IoT development and use in its budget

We all have to start somewhere. Even if you start using the IoT with the infrastructure and equipment you currently have, you should see a rise in efficiency and lower waster numbers in no time. This could save money and leave the door open to better equipment in the future, which will result in even more money down the road. The cycle will just keep going to bigger and better things so long as we work smarter instead of harder. With the IoT, we can turn any sector into a more efficient version of itself and make room for the future. That’s what the utility industry needs to focus on energy efficiency

For the IoT to work as intended, it has to be a part of every aspect. There’s a lot of potential to be had from the IoT, but not a lot of data can be garnered if there’s little information to gain. Implementing sensors and other smart equipment will help immensely to set this up. However, money is always going to be an issue. It’s vital, then, for the utility industry to include IoT development and use in its budget

We all have to start somewhere. Even if you start using the IoT with the infrastructure and equipment you currently have, you should see a rise in efficiency and lower waster numbers in no time. This could save money and leave the door open to better equipment in the future, which will result in even more money down the road. The cycle will just keep going to bigger and better things so long as we work smarter instead of harder. With the IoT, we can turn any sector into a more efficient version of itself and make room for the future. That’s what the utility industry needs to focus on energy efficiency

For the IoT to work as intended, it has to be a part of every aspect. There’s a lot of potential to be had To enable energy efficiency at utilities, IIoT should be implemented, so that engineering analyses can occur on the additional real-time data from remote systems, motors and other larger energy consuming equipment, which makes analysis quick, straightforward, and more accurate. IIoT strengthens the capabilities for real-time alerts, ability to predict energy demand, usage patterns, and ways to optimize energy consumption when integrated with industrial control systems data sets. Energy efficiency is becoming an issue many utility owners are focusing on; it is estimated that a majority of pump systems are oversized, many by more than 20%. With electricity costs accounting for 40% of the total cost of ownership (TCO) of a pump, managing the energy of this asset is key. The solution for these issues can be found in Intelligent Pumping, which incorporates IIoT. This approaches result in energy savings, increased equipment lifetime, and maintenance cost reductions by providing higher quality and precise data to operate.

One major source of electricity usage in water/wastewater facilities involves the pumping and aeration equipment systems. Implementing a data-driven framework for improving the performance of water/wastewater pumping systems has been realized using data science techniques, modelling, leveraging IIoT technology and computational intelligence. A pump systems’ performance is measured in energy consumption and pumped water/wastewater flowrate. Many pumps typically operate below their best efficiency point (BEP), resulting in excess energy being transmitted into vibration, heat and noise – all which increases maintenance and energy costs. When equipment is not optimized for best efficiency, pump systems consume maintenance budgets by decreasing the mean time between repairs. Organizations must focus on total life cycle cost (LCC) instead of initial purchase price.

With poorly designed wireless communication technologies for wide area field networks, lapses in security and reliability; many existing consumer options for wireless connectivity have failed to meet the needs of industrial applications. To address the security and reliability concerns, IEEE published a new standard for private, licensed wireless field area networks known as 802.16s

Combining IIoT, Automation and Energy Management initiatives, we can provide the water utility industry a historic future. With IIoT sensors now offering a substantially cheaper price point with new battery powered networking solutions; the price barrier has been significantly reduced. Cutting-edge, IIoT water solutions are gaining traction with private and municipal water utilities, which see data and analytics as critical tools for overcoming the issue of aging water infrastructure. The ability to interconnect things, services and people via the Internet improves data analysis, increases productivity, enhances reliability, saves energy and costs, and generates new revenue opportunities through innovative business models. The industrial internet of things and the cloud services that support this ecosystem also offer the benefit of bringing world-class analytics within reach of smaller production facilities. Conversely, efficiencies driven by increased IIoT based remote monitoring and control also expose water systems to cyber-attacks or hacks, which could affect delivery. As water and wastewater operations leverage new technologies, there must be an increased focus on using secure and reliable wireless networking technology, anomaly detection and re-designed system architecture.

Hikar Industrial IoT is improving water management through:

• Water leakage detection. Increases energy efficiency by correlating energy patterns to production and process variables. Analytics to detect water loss and theft and pressure management
• More efficient systemic water management. These IIoT water sensors track water quality, temperature, pressure, consumption, and more. These devices typically communicate directly with a water utility company to analyse the data and share with the consumer in an easy-to-understand format. Users can then understand how their consumption compares to city averages, previous months, and more.
• Water quality and safety monitoring.
• Transparency on wholesale/retail consumption. Respond to fluctuations in energy cost or new compliance requirements. Model performance in support of energy budgeting and contract negotiations
• Prescriptive maintenance on infrastructure. Predictive and preventive maintenance and anomaly detection through IIoT data platform
• Industry consolidation as technology firms build utility track records and larger industrials find synergies within their product portfolios
• Incentives for manufacturers to develop comprehensive “smart pumping systems”

If you are willing to explore the opportunities within the IoT energy and utility sphere, contact us to receive a free expert consultation by booking our free consultancy now.

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