Utilizing Smart Technology for Water Distribution Management · Abdulrahman Alshehri, Saudi Water Forum 2019 Indoor Leakage Detection No leak toilet meter ground tank Roof tank multiple

Utilizing Smart Technology for Water Distribution

Management

Dr. Abdulrahman Alshehri

General Manager of Smart OperationNational Water Company

Saudi Water Forum 2019

Utilizing Smart Technology for Water Distribution Management

Dr. Abdulrahman Alshehri

General Manager of Smart OperationNational Water Company

Saudi Water Forum 2019

Content

Smart Network in Water Distribution

Technologies & Solutions

Smart Network Pilot Application

Challenges & Looking Forward

Utilizing Smart Technology for Water Distribution ManagementAbdulrahman Alshehri, Saudi Water Forum 2019








Why Need Smart Water Network

Water distribution has traditionally been a low-tech sector.

Significant challenges require new approach:• Population growth• Increasing urbanization• Inefficient network• High expectations of service quality • Water scarcity• High cost of water • Ageing assets

Technological advancements provide new opportunities to address these challenges



What Is Smart Network

Integrated set of products, solutions and systems that enable utilities to remotely and

continuously monitor and diagnose problems, prioritize and manage maintenance issues and

use data to optimize all aspects of the network.

Provide water customers with the information and tools they need to make informed

choices about their behaviors and water usage patterns

Comply transparently and confidently with regulatory and policy

requirements on water quality and conservation



Smart Network Approach

Information Integration Innovation

making full use of all data produced

utilizing IT systems to maximize investments

having the flexibility to meet future challenges




Operation SystemsNetwork Sensors

Information Integration Innovation



Smart Network ApproachNetwork

• Sectorization (DZ/DMA)• Infrastructure works• Hydraulic integrity

2 3 4 5 6

• New Operation Plan & SOP• Build staff capacity on advanced Systems• Know-How Transfer• Agile & predictive operational model

Operation

• types of data needed• Suitable sensors

Sensors

• Locations• How many

• Auto Pressure Modulation• AMR / SMI• GIS & Hydraulic Models• Remote leakage detection

Systems

Real

Time

GP

RS PSTNW

MAX

XDSL

• Flow monitoring (water & WW)• Water Quality monitoring• Integrated WMS

.

.

.

Smart Water Distribution




Smart water network is not just a collection of advanced equipment, but a comprehensive and integrated enhancement on all aspects of the business.

Smart is not just technology, it’s a mindset

strong expertise in water networks management combined with optimized tools and information systems is the key for Smart Water Networks !








Smart Technologies in Water DistributionSmart Technologies & solutions for water distribution can be divided into two categories:

• Physical (valves, sensors, controls, meters, analyzers)• Virtual (data handling, software, communications, integration, automation algorithms)

Source: SENSUS Water 20/20



Pressure Sensors• Pressure Sensors and flow meters are critical tools for operating any water network system• Wireless transmission of measurements through GSM or radio communication• Can provide alerts for abnormalities (SCADA, SMS)



Pressure Control

Pressure Control Valves (PRVs) are valuable tools for water network operationPRVs can be manual, and also automatically controlled for smart pressure modulation



Pressure Control

• Automatic Pressure Management with modulating controller• Automatically adjust PRV to provide needed pressure 24/7• No need for operator input• Transfer pressure variation from inside the network to the PRV.

Controller on entry valve to the zone, automatically modulates pressure based on demand, daily, without

user interference

Change from a fixed PRV outlet to a flow modulated pressure within

the Zone

Pressure is stabilized at critical point inside the Zone



Smart Metering & AMR

Replacing mechanical meters with smart meters:- Non moving parts- Ultrasonic or electromagnetic measurement technology, enhances accuracy- No impact of air on measurements (in intermittent supply)- Alerts & Alarms available from Smart meters (low flow, backflow, leakage, battery, tampering, etc.)



Smart Metering & AMR

Automatic & remote collection of consumption data from Smart Meters

NWC Systems

6 Minutes

NWC-AMR

SFTP

amr.nwc.com.sa

Read and Alarms

UI

Bu

lk m

eter

s p

roto

cols

Gateways

Drive By

Bulk meters

Centralized AMR System @ NWC

Smart Meters

AMR (automated meter reading) :

• Long-range VHF radio communication between meters & gateways

• Gateways communicate to NWC through GPRS

• Each meter periodically transmits : meter reading, backflow, leak alert, fraud alarm, battery etc.

• Secured data transmission

• Central Metering Data Management system

• Dedicated Web service to customers

MDM



Fixed leakage detection (Noise Loggers)

• leak monitoring system offers the possibility of detecting the locations of leaks at an early stage.• The technology is dependent on pipe material, distance, and external noise• Requires skilled operators for interpretation and decision making



Water Quality

• online analyzers provide remote monitoring of water quality parameters.• Parameters available are limited by advances in equipment adaptability to field conditions• Interrupted supply could damage membranes• LIMS provide a platform to collect, analyze, and distribute water quality data



Water Management System• WMS integrates all available data from existing systems into a central “data hub”, enabling

Smart Operation decisions on the network, using real time data, or near real-time

• Many providers of different WMS applications

Needs to be:• adaptable to utility needs• Easy to use and customize• Scalable and portable



Water Distribution Program Visiblity

• The Supply Schedule is published on the Company’s website for all customers to view• Enhanced communication with customers about service, using technology• Example of smart innovation for intermittent supply conditions








Smart Network Pilots

• NWC started exploring smart technology for network management, through pilots.• Several pilots are in the works (Jeddah, Madinah, Riyadh)• Below is an overview of a completed successful pilot in Jeddah



Smart Network Pilot in Jeddah

Chosen Pilot Zone : Alsulymaniah District

No. Customers 1000

Population 28,000

Total Demand (m3/d) 9,000

Network length (km) 23

Customers’ reservoirs (m3) 27,000 Integrated into SCADA application

Installed latest technologies

Upgraded infrastructure



Smart Network PilotsImplementing Distribution Zone

• Isolate the zone hydraulically from the rest of the network

• Single entry point to supply the zone with PRV and flowmeter

• Connecting the zone to SCADA

Automatic Pressure Management

• Implementing automatic pressure control through mathematicalalgorethim to adjust pressure based on network behavior, with nointerference from operators

• System can be configured and adjusted remotely from SCADA



Smart Network PilotsAMR

• Raise all meter boxes on the wall

• Replace all meters (966)

• Consumption data can be viewed and analyzed remotely

Fixed leakage detection (Noise Loggers)

• 70 noise loggers installed for nonvisible leakages detection

• Loggers transmit data through SIM cards and GPRS communication

• Analysis of data to determine leakages locations and field intervention

noise detectors in the zone



Smart Network Pilots

Sectorize(DMZ)

Auto Pressure

Mngt

GIS

AMR

Remote leake

detection

water quality

Analyzer

WW Flow

hydraulic model

INTEGRATED

SCADA

APPLICATION

This pilot is unique in the INTEGRATION of technologies from different providers



AMR Benefits

Refilling StorageDaily

consumptionSupply

StoppageRefilling Storage

No More Readers

Real NRW

Consumption Behavior

Complaints Analysis

Accurate Bills

Reduce Cost

Sample of real AMR data for a residential customer (villa)



AMR Benefits

Non-Ramadan Time Diurnal Curves

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

0:00 3:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00 0:00

Diu

rnal

Coe

ffic

ient

Non-Holiday and Non-Ramadan Time

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

0:00 3:00 6:00 9:00 12:00 15:00 18:00 21:00 0:00

Diu

rnal

Co

eff

icie

nt

Ramadan Time

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

Ramadan Time Diurnal Curves

• The Smart Zones provided a valuable insight into variation into demand patterns throughout the day, and across the week, and the impact of seasonal changes.

• The lifestyle change for the residents in Ramadan is evident in the graphs below.

• Notice the spike in water demand around Friday’s prayer time.



Noise Detectors Benefits

70 Noise sensors for leakage detection

27 leaks 8 leaks

noise detectors in the zone

Repairing detected invisible leaks reduces registered noise across the Smart Zone

Noise levels was good surrogate for invisible leakages



Continuous Supply Benefits

Continuous Supply*

89,151 m3

82,872 m3

6,279 m3

7 %

4

2

16

Supplied Quantity

Registered consumption

Lost Quantity

NRW

No. leaks

Pressure (Bar)

Tankers requests

*10 day samples comparison

Continuous supply results in:

Slight increase in consumption

Intermittent Supply*

84,994 m3

75,436 m3

9,558 m3

11 %

26

4

86

significant drop in losses

significant drop in drop in no. leaks

Better level of service to customers (significant drop in tankers requests)

Intermittent Supply Continuous Supply



Advanced Pressure Management Benefits• A System of Pressure Regulating Valve (PRV) & automatic Modulating controller• Provide enough pressure to supply all customers, while preventing excess pressure that causes leakages

High pressure outside the zone

Pressure reduced inside the Zone

Controller on entry valve to the zone, automatically modulates pressure based on

demand, daily, without user interference

Excess Pressure reduced > 50%

from 5 bar to 2 bar

Water Demand dropped by 15%

comparing flow data before & after system installation

Change from a fixed PRV outlet to a flow modulated pressure within the Zone

Pressure is stabilized at critical point inside the Zone



Indoor Leakage Detection

No leak

toilet

meter

ground tank

Roof tank

multiple leaks

leaks

Ground tanks and toilets constitute 80% of indoor leaks

• Customers’ indoor water system (tanks, roof tanks, pluming) is an extension of the water system, and impacts overall consumption.

• Insight into indoor conditions is vital for water network operator



Smart Zone Business CasePayback on investment Methodology

Project Costs

AMR & Noise sensors 3,770,000

PRV Chamber 540,000

Advanced Pressure Management 125,000

Complementary hydraulic works 283,000

Aquadvanced Water Management system 364,000

TOTAL COST 5,082,000

Gains per Year

Meter Reading cost reduction 46,000

Water Loss saving 625,000

Leaks Repairs reduction 288,000

Complaints Handling 72,000

Billing Accuracy improvement 277,000

Additional costs of operating new systems - 200,000

TOTAL YEARLY GAIN 1,108,000

Payback period of the project = 4.6 years

OPEX savings per customer > 1,000 SAR

Payback period can be reduced below 4 years on future zones (learning curve & economy of scale)



Smart Zone Demo

Short Video of integrating Smart Zone in SCADA Application:

Monitoring reporting

PerformanceManagement

User friendly interface

Event Management



Summary of Achieved Benefits

For Nov. 2016, 1st month after commissioning

Comparing 2 weeks before & after Installing Pressure Management

After Installing Pressure Management & advanced Press. Management

Comparing Qrt 4 2015 vs 2016 Business Case Analysis

The smart zone is still operational today, with limited operator interference








Challenges to Smart Water implementation

• To combat the growing challenges of water sector, Adopting smart technologies for water distribution is a necessity, not a luxury.

• Smart water distribution is between “early adoption” and “standardization” phases • Service & technology providers are continually developing solutions to address utilities needs • Utilities are progressively embracing smart solutions

• Some obstacles facing Smart implementation:- Prerequisites (infrastructure, data, maturity, operational readiness)- Investments in changing technology- Incompatibility between providers (commitment)- communications protocols- Cybersecurity- instrumentation and data quality



Water 4.0

• Water 4.0 is a concept that has recently been raised as the “future” of the water industry

• Finding solutions to the challenges mentioned previously is the way to reach that future, and will open the door for wide adoption of smart technologies in water distribution sector

Source: Water 4.0, German Water Partnership

Documents

Utilizing Smart Technology for Water Distribution Management · Abdulrahman Alshehri, Saudi Water Forum 2019 Indoor Leakage Detection No leak toilet meter ground tank Roof tank multiple