PFI-TT: Leakage detection in water distribution systems using routine pressure measurements

Award ID: 1919228

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Partnerships for Innovation - Technology Translation (PFI-TT) project is in enabling a new and cost-effective solution to leakage detection in water networks. Leakage in water pipelines is a major problem for many water utilities as it leads to significant economic losses and cause service disruptions threatening public safety. Most utilities currently use methods that can be expensive, time consuming, and require trained personnel. This project will perform proof-of-concept studies with two partner utilities to evaluate the commercialization potential of fast leakage detection software using routine pressure measurements. If successful, this will transform the leakage detection industry by providing an operational tool for utilities that can detect leaks using pressure information collected as part of their day-to-day operations. If leaks can be identified early, utilities can fix them as part of planned maintenance operations rather than waiting for them to become major catastrophic water main breaks. This will not only result in significant cost and water savings but also reduce associated risks to public health and safety from major water main breaks. The project will train emerging professionals in entrepreneurial leadership through focused training with close interaction and mentoring from commercialization experts and business professionals. The proposed project will evaluate the potential of commercializing fast leak detection methods previously developed by the project team by integrating these methods into an IoT (Internet of Things) platform and performing proof-of-concept studies with partner utilities. Most utilities currently employ intrusive methods based on acoustic or infrared signals. The leakage detection methods have been to be two to three orders of magnitude faster and more accurate than existing simulation-optimization methods for leakage detection using pressure. The major goals of this project are the following: (a) test and validate the leak detection approaches for real networks by conducting a series of proof-of-concept studies using artificially introduced leaks with two utilities, (b) working with an industrial partner, develop an IoT platform to seamlessly acquire data from multiple sources and facilitate execution of hydraulic model-based leak detection analytics in real time, (c) develop plans for commercialization of the IoT platform and the associated leak detection analytics, and (d) participate in entrepreneurial leadership and commercialization training. This project is expected to lead to new findings regarding the commercial adoption of leakage detection technologies that use hydraulic models and routine pressure measurements enabled through IoT platforms. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

NSF Program Director: Jesus Soriano Molla