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Activity Funded

Towards Integrated Real-Time and Smart Water Leak Detection and Operation

Para uma Integração em Tempo-Real e Inteligente da Operação com a Deteção de Fugas de Água

Reference
2024.07270.IACDC
Project Start Date
2025-03-01
Project End Date
2026-01-31
Principal Investigator
Scientific Area
Engineering and technology
Funding Program
Inteligência Artificial, Ciência dos Dados e Cibersegurança de relevância na Administração Pública

Abstract

The operational efficiency of Water Distribution Systems (WDS) is compromised by the socio-economic, environmental and resilience challenges, due to climate change impacts on the availability of water resources, operational issues (e.g., infrastructure aging, leakages, water quality), increasing energy prices, difficulties in knowledge retention in public administration and aging workforce, and the prevalence of leaks, which not only result in substantial water loss but also contribute to environmental degradation and financial losses. This scenario underscores an urgent need for innovative solutions capable of addressing these multifaceted challenges. The I-ReTiS-Leaks D&Op project presents a pioneering approach to revolutionize WDS by integrating real-time water leak detection and location into smart water operations and public administration training. This initiative emerges in response to the pressing challenges faced by water utilities. The traditional approach to managing WDS has predominantly relied on periodic manual inspections, and reactive maintenance strategies. These methods are not only labor-intensive but often result in delayed responses to leaks, leading to significant water losses and increased operational costs. In contrast, the I-ReTiS-Leaks D&Op project leverages the latest advancements in AI and data analytics, providing a more proactive and efficient solution to quickly detect water losses. Physics-informed AI, a core component of the project, represents an innovative fusion of data-driven models with the underlying hydraulic behavior of the water network. This integration ensures accurate predictions of system behavior, outperforming conventional data analytics models that may overlook complex and time-consuming. The use of real-time data analytics further improves the system's responsiveness, allowing  detect and locate leaks immediately - a significant improvement over traditional methods that identify problems long after they have occurred, resulting in wasted resources and financial loss. Moreover, the project's methodology emphasizes the optimization of WDS operations. By employing smart technologies that adapt to (i) varying demand patterns, (ii) time-differentiated energy prices such as Real-Time Pricing (RTP) vs Time-of-Use (TOU), (iii) local available renewable energy generation, (iv) state-of-the-art variable speed pumps (frequency drives), and (v) potential system vulnerabilities, I-ReTiS-Leaks D&Op not only aims to address leaks but also to optimize the overall efficiency of WDS operations, including human efficiency in the public administration. This approach reflects a shift toward more integrated and intelligent WSS management capable of reducing resource waste, increasing financial competitiveness, and improving continuity and quality of service. The I-ReTiS-Leaks D&Op project also includes a Prototype Demonstration in an Operational Environment (the integration of the Technology in Real-Time for the benefit of public water utilities), being a crucial phase in the development and deployment of innovative technologies. This task holds significant importance, such as (i) validation of technology (functionality, reliability, and effectiveness under real-world conditions), proving that the technology can achieve its intended impact; (ii) identification of improvements since real-time operational deployment allows to identify unforeseen challenges where the technology can be improved, ensuring the final solution is robust and user-friendly; (iii) stakeholder engagement with end-users, staff, and other stakeholders during the demonstration that allows for valuable feedback, and (iv) assessment of regulatory and compliance requirements with relevant standards for widespread adoption in public water utilities. Special focus is made in public administration, managers of water utilities. The impact of the I-ReTiS-Leaks D&Op project extends beyond immediate operational improvements. By reducing water loss and enhancing WDS efficiency, the project contributes to the objective 6, 7 and 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Additionally, water losses are associated with waste of a large amount of energy. The expected reductions in non-revenue water, energy use and the project's emphasis on sustainability practices underscore its potential to influence policy and public standards in water management.

Institutions

Main Institutions

  • Universidade de Aveiro (UA)

Other Institutions

  • Gotas Digitais, Lda. (SCUBIC)

Funding 118.480,84 €

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) - Portugal

0,00 €

União Europeia - Estrutura de Missão Recuperar Portugal (UE - EMRP)

118.480,84 €
  • 2025-03-01 a 2026-01-31
  • 2024.07270.IACDC