Now, the project ‘Sample’ will regulate water pressure and detect leakages in the pipe system by using IT systems. The Innovation Fund has invested DKK 2.2 million in the project.

The it-based pressure management system will ensure that the pumps in the pipe system adjust the water pressure to keep it constant regardless of consumption. The algorithms controlling the pump pressure will be developed further to locate the leakages. The water companies expect the system to reduce energy consumption by 10 % and reduce the cost of leakages by 50 %.

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– We will develop an IT-based pressure management system that can help utilities with the time-consuming task of detecting water leakages. This will provide a more fast and safe detection so that the leakages can be repaired quickly. If we can help the water utilities to save expenses they can deliver cheaper water to consumers, says the head of the project, Professor Rafael Wisniewski from Aalborg University.

The solution is designed to make it easy  for the water utilities to use, while  eliminating expenses on consultancy or programming hours.

– It is crucial that it becomes a plug and play product so that small utilities also can benefit from the technology. The plug and play solution will open up new market opportunities while ensuring global market shares in sustainable water supply technology for Danish companies, says Chief Engineer Carsten Skovmose Kallesøe from Grundfos.

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Traditionally, management and monitoring of utility networks are based on detailed networking models that are difficult to maintain and are vulnerable to changes. The results of the new project will be algorithms and embedded software that can be integrated into the individual components in the utilities. It also makes the system more robust and flexible.

‘Sample’ is a collaboration between Aalborg University, Grundfos and water utilities in Ballerup and Randers.

Source: The Innovation Fund Denmark