AMI Hughes Be2010

8/3/2019 AMI Hughes Be2010

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Getting Smarter with Advanced

Metering Infrastructure

Dave Hughes

American Water

Bentley Be Conference

May 19, 2010

AMI for Water Utilities Best Practices for

Selection, Acquisition & Implementation


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Largest investor-owned

water services provider

in North America

Serves 16.2 million

people

Operations in 32 states

and Canada

7,000 employees

308 individual service

areas

71,500 km (45,000 miles)

of distribution mains

American WaterAmerican Water

Utility Only

O&M Only

Both


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Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

AMI Terminology and How AMI Works

AMI and Improving Water System

Operations

AMI and Improving Hydraulic Models

AMI Fostering a Fit BetweenOperations & Models


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AMR/AMI TerminologyAMR/AMI Terminology

AMR - automated process that collects readings from customersmeters without directly accessing the meter and can export reads toa remote central location

AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) automated process thatcollects readings and other data, typically without going to the metersite, often two way communication to facilitate data transfer

Ancillary devices

Actuators - using the AMI communication network to operateequipment (e.g., customer shut-off valves)

Sensors using AMI communication to process information frommonitors other than meters (e.g., leak detectors)

Intelligent meters Reading devices with internal datastorage/analysis capabilities to provide information/alerts tosupersede or supplement readings

Interval Reads - providing multiple period water usage data atpredetermined or remotely configurable time intervals withindividual collection transmissions


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Meter

RepeaterC

omLink 1

ComLink 2

Hardware

Application

Software

CISHost Controller

First Hop (LAN) Backhaul (WAN)

Receiver

Encoder

Transponder

MIU

Data

Coll.Unit

Other

Systems

Advanced Metering InfrastructureAdvanced Metering Infrastructure

Other Sensor

Encoder

Transponder

Intelligent

CPU, Memory

Meter Data

Management

System

(Database)

Actuator


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Mesh NetworkMesh Network Architecture and SpeedArchitecture and Speed

MIU DCU

MIU

MIU

MIU

MIU

DCU

DCU

DCU

Collector/GatewayMIU

MIU

MIU MIU

MIU

MIU

MIUMIU

MIUMIU

MIU

MIU

Modified or partial Mesh Network

FullMesh

Network


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Improving Water System OperationsImproving Water System Operations

Meter selection and accuracy

Non Revenue Water Evaluation (DMA)

System Leak Monitoring

System Backflow

Water Quality Monitoring


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Fixed Network Radio AMI RequirementsFixed Network Radio AMI Requirements

Two way communication with MIU

Synchronized time

Programmable MIU units

Battery Power!

Smart MeshPhoto courtesyItron

Photo courtesyAclara

Photos courtesySensus


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Meter Age/Registration ChangeMeter Age/Registration Change

How long should meters be left in service?

Most meters last a long time, only a few fail

Function of: meter cost, installation cost, cost of water(&

WW), volume passed, inflation rates, discount rate, rate of

accuracy decline

(Data courtesy Kansas City Water Services Dept.)

y = -0.2654x + 101.15

0

20

40

60

80

100

0.00 5.00 10.00 15.00 20.00 25.00 30.00

Yrs in Service

Accuracy


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Large Meter Replacement Doubled TotalLarge Meter Replacement Doubled Total

RegistrationRegistration

Data courtesy San Diego Water Department

0.0

50.0

100.0

150.0

200.0

250.0

300.0

350.0

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 41 43

Pre-Exchange Actual ADC

Post-Exchange ADC


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AMI Can SupportAMI Can Support

Large Meter ManagementLarge Meter Management

Right-sizing analysis

Right-typing analysis

Flow profile(depends on time interval)

-

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

3/2/20

09

3/3/20

09

3/4/20

09

3/5/20

09

3/6/20

09

3/7/20

09

3/8/20

09

3/9/20

09

3/10/2009

3/11/2009

3/12/2009

3/13/2009

low flow

high flow


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District MeteringDistrict Metering

Areas of the system receive

water supply from limited,

metered mains. When metered

use (overnight flow) is

unusually high, that DMA istargeted for a leak survey.

Districts allow leak survey teamsDistricts allow leak survey teams

to focus on problem areas.to focus on problem areas.

District metering promotes stepDistrict metering promotes steptesting to find leaks.testing to find leaks.

District metering quantifies leakDistrict metering quantifies leak

for water audit analysis.for water audit analysis.


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AMI Can Help Track and IdentifyAMI Can Help Track and Identify

NonNon--Revenue WaterRevenue Water

Controllable NRW constant level

suggests source is leakage

Metered Usage

NRW

Supply to system

Variable NRW level suggests

source is meter error or theft

Metered Usage

NRWSupply to system


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Sensors Expand AMI ApplicabilitySensors Expand AMI Applicability

Distribution system leak detection

Conservation

Backflow detection

Automatic shutoff

Pressure sensors


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Using AMI for ContinuousUsing AMI for Continuous

Acoustic Monitoring (CAM)Acoustic Monitoring (CAM) Acoustic monitoring interfaces to AMI

systems to provide routine leak detection FCS Permalog attaches to valve nut in street,

transmits separately from meters Gutermann Zone Scan units attach to valve

nut, transmitter housed in valve box.Developing remote correlation capability.

Itron MLOG units attach to service line

Find small leaks sooner, when they areeasier to repair and can be scheduled

Reduce crews or improve service level


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MLOG Acoustic MonitorMLOG Acoustic Monitor

Installed near a water meter.

Easily strapped to service pipe ormeter

Maintenance-free, now able tosurvive meter pit environment.

Battery Life Radio MLOG8 yearsand Fixed Network 15 years.

Fixed Network AMR sends data tohost on website daily. Mobile Units,a separate controller unit acquiresup to 11 days of history.


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Permalog Acoustic MonitorPermalog Acoustic Monitor

Installed on operating nut ofwater valves. Magnetic bottomsecures unit

Newer model more robust forvalve box environment

Battery Life 510 years

Unit sends leak or no leakcondition through to network,Datamatic will send data

For Mobile Units, a separatecontroller unit acquires data


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StarZoneScan Acoustic MonitorStarZoneScan Acoustic Monitor

Installed on operating nut ofwater valves. Magnetic bottom

secures unit

Connects directly to AMR

Transmitter in valve box

Battery Life 10 years

Fixed Network AMR sends

condition through network

Zone Scans to be used to

correlate leaks.


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Fixed Network & CAMFixed Network & CAM

Schematic courtesy of Hexagram

WaterMeter

American Water Computer

WaterMeter WaterMeter

MLOG

CAM

SOFTWARE

Billing Meter reads

MeterReads,

MeterStatus

Acoustic (leak) Data

Billing, and recent Meter reads

Selected Reports

SelectedMeter reads

Meter

Transmitter

Units

Data

CollectorUnits

Acoustic(leak) Data


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The Meter/AMR/AMI/AcousticThe Meter/AMR/AMI/Acoustic

Monitoring Relationship MazeMonitoring Relationship MazeMeters Network AMI Acoustic Monitors

Itron MLOG

Permalog

Gutermann

Echologics

Itron

Datamatic

Aclara

Neptune

Sensus

Elster

Badger

Mueller Systems

Metron Farnier

KP Electronics

Itron 2nd generation

Metrotech

Neptune

Sensus

Elster

Badger

Actaris

Mueller

Systems


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Using Acoustic Monitors

Deploy units about every block. Leaks are detected usually up to

400 feet (some systems 1000 feet). Leak sound does dissipate

over distance especially where pipe materials changes from metal

to plastic and back.

User detection skills improve with experience. In time, history and

knowledge of background noise sources helps discern between

leak and other noise.

Pinpointing leaks normally accomplished by one technician and

leak noise correlator in between 30-90 minutes.

Correlators can be compromised by daytime noise. Mixed results

from overnight correlation units.


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How Continuous AcousticHow Continuous Acoustic

Monitoring WorksMonitoring Works Monitor listens and identifies the minimum

sound in intervals in early morning hours.

The single nightly data point broken down into

frequencies associated with leak noise and

shows the leak noise frequencies .

The monitor reports on highest differential

between lowest noise displayed and highest

overnight sound.

The software interprets changes and magnitudeof sounds to rate the location as a possible

source of a leak.


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Continuous Leak Survey Data

There is a typical brief

initial noise peak as

leaking pipe smoothesand moves soil away

from pipe

The software displays a history showing the noise level at each day.


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Find the Leak that Never SurfacesFind the Leak that Never Surfaces

This leak

was

destined to

flow to the

nearby river

or into thestorm sewer

above

without

coming to

the surface

for years.Found by

acoustic

monitoring


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Initial Results 2005 487 MLOG leak detecting sensors

were installed in Connellsville inSpring 2005.

From June to December 2005 46

leaks were reported in Connellsville

(18 in 2003, 12 in 2004).

24 of the 46 leaks were identified by

acoustic monitors and repaired in

advance of surfacing. Another 10

were MLOG identified before

surfacing but appeared before repair

made. The remaining 12 surfacedand were repaired.

With the reduction of blowoff flow

and leaks, flow is consistently down

about 255,000-285,000 gpd in 2006.

NRW Volume Connellsville, 2006

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

1/1/2006 4/1/2006 7/1/2006 10/1/2006

annualflow(

gpm

)ofdetecte

d

leaks

NRW volume 12 month average


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Piloting Results Connellsville 2005Piloting Results Connellsville 2005--20082008

200 leaks occurred during period of which154 detectable. Undetectable leaks largelydue to sudden breaks.

Of the 154 leaks, 64 (42%) were detectedand repaired before surfacing and 31 (20%)were detected acoustically but surfacedbefore repairs were made.

The major cause for not detecting overnightleaks (38%) is believed to be the use of

plastic and repair clamps for ferrous pipemain repairs that lessen leak noisetransmission.


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Evaluating the Benefits/Costs ofEvaluating the Benefits/Costs ofAMIAMI--Based CAMBased CAM

Significant leakage and non-revenue water? Minimal payback if there are few leaks to find

What kind of leakage? Acoustic monitoring best at finding hidden leakage

How much are leaks costing? Beneficial if your water is expensive and/or scarce.

Staff/crews available to pinpoint, repair promptly?MOBILE AMR/MLOG Reduction

0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

0.0%

3.0%

6.0%

9.0%

12.0%

15.0%

18.0%

21.0%

24.0%

27.0%

30.0%

33.0%

36.0%

39.0%

42.0%

45.0%

48.0%

NRW change f rom MOBILE AMR

NRW change f rom FIXED NETWORK AMR


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INCREMENTALINCREMENTAL Benefit/Cost of AMIBenefit/Cost of AMI

AcousticL

eak DetectionAcousticL

eak DetectionDirect Benefits Direct CostsImproved reduction in water losses

Reduction in leak detection staffingand equipment

Sensors, installation

Additional leak detectioncrews

Ongoing sensor repair,replacement

Computer, software

Indirect Benefits Indirect Costs

Improved reduction in risk/cost ofmajor failures

Unit repairs less costly

Extended life of mains

Better perception of system reliability

Better understanding ofreplacement needs

Additional costof digging up mains

Additional cost ofmain and servicerepairs

X


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Backflow AlertsBackflow Alerts

Water running backwards is a sign

of poor operation, emergency or

improper customer activity

Intelligent meters are capturingbackflow alarms internally

The WaterRF project

demonstrated the feasibility of

direct alarms to alert operators ofsystem problems

Backflow alerts also provided

indication of meter issue.


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Sample dataSample data


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Field Test ResultsField Test Results PA systemPA system

Installed 60 backflowmeters out of 5000 meters locations strategicallyselected

Found 13 instances of

backflow in one year fromsix locations

24 instances, 11locations in 2 years

Some patterns frommain breaks

Several locationssuggest pump surgeissues and warrantfurther investigation


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Other Monitoring applicationsOther Monitoring applications

Continuous WaterPressureMonitoring

Useful method to calibrate hydraulic model

or spot system anomalies Unexpected low pressure during high flow

periods suggests unexpected demand(theft?) or poor hydraulic conditions (low Cfactors or closed valves)

Unexpected low pressure during all flowconditions suggests leakage.

Could place on hydrants and equip withalarms to spot authorized and unauthorizedhydrant use


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Other Monitoring applicationsOther Monitoring applications

Water Temperature Monitoring

Changes in temperature (associated with surface water supplies in

temperate climates) may be a trigger for water main failures

Abnormal changes in temperature may indicate higher flow into an

area or water quality issue.


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Early warning could avoid or mitigate impact of such attacks

Water Quality Monitoring andWater Quality Monitoring and

Drinking Water SecurityDrinking Water Security Monitoring as a precaution to threats

Intentional:

Physical- (i.e. arson, cyber-attack, sabotage, terrorism, vandalism)

Psychological- (i.e. hoaxes, incitement of panic, misinformation)

Unintentional:

Intrinsic system failure- Computer and system component failures

Cascading effect failures- Source water contamination from chemical

spills, power loss


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Deploying Water Quality MonitorsDeploying Water Quality Monitors

What parameters to monitor

Types of monitors

- Contaminant detection,

communications & reliability

On-line data management (alarms)

Selecting sites for sensor deployment

Cost estimates for sensor deployment


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MultiMulti--parameter Water Quality Monitorsparameter Water Quality Monitors

Probe SystemsProbe Systems


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SensorSensor ReliabilityReliability

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90100

Temp

(212,846)

SC

(212,778)

Chlorine

(110,135)

pH

(212,846)

ORP

(150,468)

DO

(132,308)

Turbidity

(132,308)

Sensor(number of measurements)

PercentAd

justment Uncorrected

Corrected

(5%-25%)

Deleted

(>25%)


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Making Sense of SensorsMaking Sense of Sensors

Determining anomalies (alarms) from WQ data:

Need to identify baseline water quality information &

understand sensitivity

Have sound sensor QC to determine performance issues

Ascertain impact of environmental or operational

parameters on baseline

Define degree of deviations from baseline that would

constitute an alarm


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SensorLocation

Cost of Units forces optimization

Contaminant concentration

Injection site

Duration (or rate) of injection

Exposure

All non-zero demand nodes

assumed to be equally

vulnerable to introduction of

the biological or chemical

contaminants.

Time delay from detection

to implementation of a

mitigation response

assumed to be zero.Practical LocationsOptimal Locations


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Can be operated by fixed

network and mobile AMI

Open, closed and trickle

position

Self-exercising

Issues with installation,

regulations, cost.


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Shutoff Valve Economics

High cost to install

throughout a system Units are expensive

Risk of vandalism Cost to adjust plumbing

Control units have cost

Where is the payback

Potentially useful for

property transfers, vacationproperties, collections,

multiple feed customers.

TRANSCEIVER

WATER METERWATER VALVE

PORTABLE

TRANSCEIVER

I-PHONE

PORTABLE UNIT




TRANSCEIVER


PORTABLE

TRANSCEIVER

I-PHONE

PORTABLE UNIT




TRANSCEIVER



PORTABLE

TRANSCEIVER

I-PHONE

PORTABLE

TRANSCEIVER

PORTABLE

TRANSCEIVER

I-PHONE

I-PHONE

PORTABLE UNIT








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AMI Can Improve Hydraulic ModelsAMI Can Improve Hydraulic Models

Demand analysis

Pressure Monitoring

AMI Fostering the Merger of Model & OpsAMI Fostering the Merger of Model & Ops

System Anamolies


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Hydraulic Models and DemandHydraulic Models and Demand

Customer accounts can be assigned by code to

nodes in model and hourly interval data can be

derived by AMI and incorporated

Average day

Peak day

Variations for temperature/season

Use in a neighborhood can be assigned for

projecting growth


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Pressure MonitoringPressure Monitoring

System pressures can be gathered from

field monitors to find anomalies.

Low pressure regardless of demand suggestscontinuous flow (leakage)

Low pressure that follows high demand

suggests closed valves, lowerC valves in pipes

Sudden drops in pressures at some sites (like

hydrants may help identify illegal water use


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Ultimate ModelingUltimate Modeling

Pressure and use can follow predictable patternsdepending on day of week, temperature and recentprecipitation.

Imagine dialing into model these parameters andobtaining predicted levels of pressure and flow andcomparing to field data.

Sudden deviations from model can be used to track

leaks, maintenance activities (flushing) and otherunusual events.

Impacts of new mains, pump changes can beevaluated and model recalibrated.


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Questions

Dave Hughes

[email protected]

856 346 8320


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AMR/AMI Technology Risk ManagementAMR/AMI Technology Risk Management

Technical obsolescence

Lack of standards

Lack of interoperability

Application and third party software

Battery life

Excessive failure rates; system failures, product recalls

Radio frequency incursion

Programming errors

Documents

AMI Hughes Be2010