Why do we need a more intelligent water management?

Case

Smart device cuts 90% of energy usage

Through the installation of a smart pressure management device, an Irish water company was able to reduce their pump usage by more than 90%; practically, for 22 hours each day.

Charleville is a small town located in Munster, the most southerly of Ireland’s four provinces. The Charleville water supply scheme that delivers water to the town and surrounding area includes a covered distribution reservoir, similar to thousands across the British Isles. However, the reservoir is the location chosen by a major water supply company to install and trial a smart PMD (Pressure Management Device).

Plug and Play

The PMD is a ‘plug and play device’ that is capable of measuring pressure, flow and level; it can be fitted to a wide variety of different valve types. In the case of reservoir, an AVK Series 879 dual-solenoid control valve is installed below ground. It is linked, via a ducted hydraulic drive, to the associated PMD and valve controls housed above ground in a stone-built booth some 20m away. The PMD was installed at the end of 2019, and has now been running successfully for about two years (December 2021).

Energy Saving

Prior to the installation of the PMD, the pumps at the Charleville reservoir had worked continuously 24/7 to maintain the reservoir at full capacity. Now, the reservoir inlet (the location of the control valve and PMD) is closed off to allow the water level in the reservoir to drop before the pumps are activated. 

This has brought two major benefits:

  • Water quality has improved due to increased water turnover, and
  • There have been huge energy savings as the pump’s activity has been reduced by 22 hours per day.

Also, it is projected that this will have a major impact on the longevity of the pumps, which means less maintenance/replacement costs.

Pump with AVK pressure management device for cutting 90 percent of energy usage
AVK smart device saving 90 percent of energy usage
PMD installed at UK water company for saving more than 22 hours of unnecessary pumping each day

Internet of Things

Whilst the reservoir is a closed-loop installation, the full benefit of smart water devices like the PMD are realised when they are distributed across the water network. The ability of smart water devices to send and receive data and instructions via the Internet of Things (IoT) enables water companies to respond to network events in real time. It is envisaged that the PMD will be integrated into the water company’s SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system.

AVK valve solution

Smart products from AVK UK

Adding a smart level to your water network comes with a broad range benefits.

Want to learn more about the smart range from AVK UK?

GO TO AVK UK's WEBSITE
AVK smart device cuts 90 percent of energy usage

Within the subject of Water and Energy...

Water and energy are inseparable elements. Water management needs energy, and energy production needs water. Learn how we aim for energy-neutrality in the processes, and how this is part of our common UN goals for sustainable development.

READ ARTICLE

Case

Digitalisation ensures safe and clean drinking water

Skanderborg Forsyning has a vast supply area in which they need to ensure safe and clean drinking water for the consumers. But it can be challenging to get a general overview of the fire hydrants’ status because they are placed around the supply area.

Case

Smart, data-driven application takes irrigation efficiency to the next level

Based on satellite information and meteorological data, farmers can achieve more productivity, reduce their water consumption and better handle changes in the climate.