BridgeThings

Case study: Monitoring real-time water flow & consumption in an IT commercial facility via wireless technology.

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Commercial building

Company profile

A global technology company with a long history of innovation in the field of information technology. It has a diverse portfolio of products and services, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.

Project Requirement

Our Client manages a leading technology company with numerous office buildings across the country. To reduce water usage and improve efficiency, They decided to implement a water flow and consumption monitoring system in all its facilities. The project’s goal was to accurately measure and track water usage in real-time, identify waste areas, and implement corrective measures to reduce overall consumption

Challenge

One of the main challenges faced in implementing a water flow and consumption monitoring system was the sheer size and scale of the project. With numerous buildings located all over the country, finding a solution that could quickly implement and seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructure was critical. In addition, they needed a system that was accurate, reliable, easy to use, and capable of handling large amounts of data.

Products

Ultrasonic water flow meter

Ultrasonic Water Meter

Ultrasonic water meters are flow meters that use high-frequency sound waves to measure the water flow rate in a pipe. As the sound wave travels through the water, it is affected by the velocity and direction of the flow. Can calculate the flow rate of the water by measuring the time it takes for the sound wave to travel through the water and the change in frequency of the wave. The flow rate calculates the total volume of water that has passed through the meter. Can use this information to monitor water flow and consumption in various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

modem rs485 transceiver

4G Rs485 Telemetry

4G RS485 telemetry is a type of remote communication system wireless technology and the RS485 serial communication protocol to transmit data over long distances. It is commonly used for remote monitoring and control of devices and systems, such as water and gas meters, environmental sensors, and industrial equipment. 4G RS485 telemetry systems typically consist of a transmitter and receiver, which connect to a device or system that needs to be monitored or controlled. The transmitter sends data from the device or system over a 4G wireless network to the receiver, typically located at a remote location. The receiver then converts the data into a form that can be interpreted and used by a computer or other device.

Solution

We implemented a wireless water flow and consumption monitoring system using advanced sensors and software(IoT Platform) to meet these challenges. The sensors were installed throughout the buildings, including restrooms and other high-use areas. The data collected by the sensors was then transmitted wirelessly to a central server, where it was analyzed and used to generate reports and alerts. The system is designed to accurately measure and track water usage in real-time, allowing it to identify waste areas and implement corrective measures to reduce overall consumption.

Installation pics

Real time water consumption monitoring
IBM3
IBM1
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IoT Platform

Day wise Water consumption
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Outcomes

Implementing the wireless water flow and consumption monitoring system successfully achieved significant water usage reductions across all of its buildings. The system helped identify areas of waste and inefficiency, allowing corrective measures such as fixing leaky pipes, installing low-flow fixtures, and implementing water-saving policies. In addition, the system provided valuable data and insights that allowed us to make informed decisions about water management and conservation. Overall, the project was a win-win for both company and the environment. The company reduced its water usage and environmental impact while improving efficiency and saving money on water costs.

Benefits of Water Quality Monitoring solutions

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Without a doubt, water is a vital reserve for our planet. Not only for standard usage, but its application in companies also enables us to make and refine other resources and products necessary for our life and sustainable living.

With 71% of water covering the earth’s crust, only 2.5% or less is potable. However, we have been using this irreplaceable resource for years. It has led to severe consequences in the form of increased concentrations of pollutants in freshwater reservoirs and water scarcity in various parts of the globe.

Freshwater origins are depleting at an intractable rate, and presently, there is no option to enhance the situation other than monitoring and maintaining the best quality of water bodies. However, water quality measurements today are done manually, which poses several challenges.

Concerns related to the manual method of water quality monitoring

Manual methods for measuring water quality, in addition to consuming time and money, also pose the following problems:

 

    • An error may be generated when water quality readings are taken procedure manually.

    • If readings are incorrect, data quality decreases. Moreover, developing valuable insights from this information also takes substantial time.

    • The effectiveness and economy of manual water quality measurement could be much higher, requiring a lot of time and effort.

    • Staff must be adequately trained to prepare them for on-site readings.

    • Manual testing of probes and sensors also takes up much productive time that could be used for efficient reading procedures.

How to Monitoring Water Quality with IoT:

The challenges cited above make the manual measuring of water quality entirely redundant. Intelligent water quality monitoring systems using IoT are needed to survey different parameters that define water quality automatically.

The Internet of Things has enabled the development of water quality monitoring systems that mitigate the above mentioned problems. Can real-time mass measurements of water resources be made with sensors and probes from remote locations?

These devices and platform suites share live information about the quality of a liquid. Using this platform, a person or company can take practical steps to ensure water quality. Some variables that are counted through remote water quality monitoring devices are:

Turbidity:

Turbidity is caused by particles suspended or dissolved in water that scatter light making the water appear cloudy or murky. High turbidity can significantly reduce the aesthetic quality of lakes and streams. It can harm fish and other aquatic life by reducing food supplies, degrading spawning beds, and affecting gill function. It can increase the cost of water treatment for drinking and food processing.

pH:

Water pH determines the solubility (the amount that can be dissolved in water) and biological availability of chemical elements ( carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen) and heavy metals. The range is 0 to 14, 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, and a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity. copper, cadmium, etc.)

Temperature:

The temperature of the water plays a vital part in marine life and its habitat. For industrial applications, the water’s temperature is also paramount to observe for efficient operations and increased production rate.

Dissolved Oxygen:

BOD, or biological oxygen demand, is a rudimentary parameter for various microorganisms’ fragmentation of organic compounds in the water.

Conductivity and TDS:

Since water is a universal solvent, it dissolves almost all available salts. A high concentration of TDS (Total Dissolved Salts) in water raises its conductivity, affecting the reproduction and growth of aquatic organisms.

Salinity:

High salt stability in water also boosts salinity. Saline water cannot be used for drinkable objectives and isn’t suitable for domestic, industrial, or agricultural usage.

When estimated via water quality monitoring devices, these parameters permit an IoT approach to achieve real-time water quality monitoring that can utilize to develop valuable insights and take informed actions.

Water quality monitoring

 

Dashboard in water quality monitoring

Applications of Automatic Water Quality Monitoring Systems

The Internet of Things technology has enabled the creation of intelligent water quality monitoring solutions evolving the modus operandi of different industries. Below is a list of some sectors that can help with the execution of these methods:

Water Utilities:

Water suppliers and utilities must ensure a supply of nutrient-rich water that customers can utilize for drinking and additional purposes. By implementing IoT-based water quality measurement solutions, utilities can monitor distributed water quality in overhead tanks and pipelines.

Agriculture:

Optimum water quality is a requirement for a high work of crop production. Based on the crop to be farmed, the sensors and probes can be used to pinpoint pollutants that can hinder its growth. It will allow agriculturalists to improve their irrigation techniques and secure a high product of healthy crops.

Aquaculture:

Aquaculture directs the breeding of aquatic organisms, like fishes, in an undisturbed atmosphere. Water quality is essential in promoting the growth of healthy fish and crustaceans in large numbers so they can be used as livestock.

Research Facilities and Laboratories:

Because of the wireless measurement of water quality parameters, laboratories and test sites can conduct experiments without worrying about mistakes generated due to the presence of adulterants. To conduct conclusive experiments, laboratories and research buildings need nearly 100% pure or distilled water. Water with low pH and suspended particles are hence necessary for determining accurate and reliable results.

Wastewater Treatment:

Wastewater forged is to be feted and addressed before it is terminated into a freshwater body. Smart water quality monitoring systems utilizing IoT optimize the review processes & reduce the need for manual interference. Monitor parameters like TDS, Temperature, and turbidity to ensure that the water has sufficiently ministered before it is secreted.

Manufacturing Units:

Production and manufacturing-based firms frequently discharge chemicals and other toxic fluids into rivers. Strict regulations are imposed on them to ensure that no harm is done to aquatic life. Factories can monitor real-time water quality to confirm compliance with the set regulations.

Key Takeaways:

Using IoT technology, measuring water quality can be done automatically from far-off locations via advanced telematics. The applications of water quality systems in various fields are limitless and will, therefore, change how these sectors operate.

Case study: Advanced temperature monitoring and control in a radiant cooling system for a wide floor surface area.

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About client

Our client is a leading solutions provider in the Radiant cooling and heating industry. They are awarded the prestigious WWF Climate Solver for their radiant cooling solutions. Over a decade, they have provided innovative, sustainable, and scalable energy efficiency solutions in various sectors ranging from Pharma, Food, Construction, IT, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Defense, Power, etc.

Challenge 

Radiant cooling systems are an efficient and effective way to regulate the temperature in a building or space. These systems work by circulating cool water through pipes or tubes beneath a structure’s floor, walls, or ceiling. This cool water absorbs heat from the surrounding air, helping keep the space comfortable. The challenge with radiant cooling systems is accurately monitoring and controlling the temperature of the floor surface. If the floor is too cold, it can be uncomfortable for occupants and may result in decreased energy efficiency. On the other hand, if the floor is too warm, it may not effectively cool the space. Another one is to monitor the temperature for a wide floor surface area.

Products

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Thermostat
7 Channel Actuator controller (Gateway)

Solution

To address the challenge of accurately monitoring and controlling the temperature of a radiant cooling system, a custom solution has been designed using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) surface temperature beacons, a wireless thermostat, and a 7-channel actuator controller (gateway).

  1. Install BLE surface temperature beacons on the floor in a representative location. These beacons continuously measure the temperature and transmit the readings at a fixed interval (1 minute by default).
  2. Data received from wireless surface temperature beacons are sent to the thermostat, and the thermostat will transfer the data to the 7-channel actuator controller (gateway)
  3. Program the wireless thermostat to control the temperature of the space based on the temperature readings from the wireless surface temperature beacon and to measure the space’s humidity to prevent floor condensation.
  4. Program the 7-channel actuator controller (gateway) to receive temperature readings from the thermostat and to control the flow of cool water through the radiant cooling system based on these readings.
  5. Monitor the system’s performance using the thermostat and the 7-channel actuator controller (gateway). Adjust the settings as needed to ensure that the floor’s temperature is maintained within a comfortable range.

This solution offers precise temperature control, energy efficiency, comfort for occupants, and easy maintenance and calibration. By accurately controlling the floor’s temperature, the radiant cooling system can operate at maximum efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs while ensuring the comfort of the space’s occupants. Wireless technologies also simplify the installation and maintenance of the system, as it eliminates the need for wiring between the various components.

Outcome

  • Precise temperature control: The wireless surface temperature beacon allows for real-time temperature monitoring of the floor surface, ensuring that the radiant cooling system operates optimally.
  • Energy efficiency: By accurately controlling the floor’s temperature, the radiant cooling system can operate at maximum efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs.
  • Comfort: By maintaining a comfortable temperature range, the radiant cooling system helps ensure the convenience of the space’s occupants.
  • Easy maintenance and calibration: The BLE surface temperature beacon, thermostat, and 7-channel actuator controller (gateway) are easy to access for maintenance and calibration, ensuring the system operates at its best.
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