REAL-TIME MONITORING AND CONTROL FOR EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT OF DRINKING WATER NETWORKS: THE BARCELONA CASE STUDY

摘要

This paper contains an overview of the developments of the European project EFFINET in the Barcelona site, on the specific subject of real-time monitoring and control. The EFFINET project has a broader scope: it envisages the development of an integrated real-time water resource management system based on advanced ICT technologies of automation and telecommunications for improving the efficiency of drinking water networks in terms of water use, energy consumption, water loss minimization, and water quality guarantees. The proposed water management system, which is linked to SCADA and GIS systems, integrates the following three main modules: (ⅰ) a decision-support module for real-time optimal control of the water transport network, operating the main flow and pressure actuators (pumping stations, pressure regulation valves) and intermediate storage tanks to meet demand using the most sustainable sources and minimizing electricity costs, thanks to the use of stochastic model predictive control algorithms that explicitly take into account the uncertainty associated with energy prices and actual demand: (ⅱ) a module monitoring water balance and quality of the distribution network in real-time via fault detection and diagnosis techniques, using information from hundreds of flow, pressure, and water quality sensors, and hydraulic and quality-parameter evolution models, to detect and locate leaks in the network, possible breach in water quality, and sensor/actuator failures: (ⅲ) a module for the management of consumer demand, based on smart metering techniques, producing a detailed analysis and forecasting of consumption patterns and providing a service of communication to consumers, together with economic measures to promote a more efficient use of water at the household level. Two real-life pilot demonstrations in Barcelona (Spain) and Lemesos (Cyprus), respectively, will prove the general applicability of the proposed integrated ICT solution and its effectiveness in the management of drinking water networks, with considerable savings of electricity costs and reduced water loss while ensuring the high European standards of water quality to citizens.