"Vodovod i Odvodnja d.o.o." Šibenik supplies water to over 45,000 metering points, including the islands of the Šibenik archipelago. Monthly meter readings and monitoring of the water supply network on these islands, miles away from the mainland, have proven to be particularly challenging. IKOM has installed a solution for its long-time client by establishing a fixed network on the two largest islands, Zlarin and Kaprije. With the communication infrastructure set up on the islands, water utility administrators now have daily meter readings at their fingertips, just a few clicks away.
Challenges:
- Operational costs: The water utility faced high operational costs associated with meter reading, such as trips of meter readers to the islands, fuel and personnel costs, boat rentals, and expenses for resolving leaks and other infrastructure issues due to accidents.
- Measurement accuracy: Outdated water meters did not provide accurate consumption data, complicating billing and loss identification.
- Response time: Given the low population density of the islands outside the tourist season, monthly or bi-monthly meter readings proved to be too long of a period for detecting anomalies, bursts, leaks, etc.
Project goals:
"Vodovod i Odvodnja d.o.o." Šibenik engaged IKOM d.d. with the aim of addressing the aforementioned challenges through the modernization of the metering system on the islands. The key project goals included:
- Reducing operational costs of water resource management through more efficient monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure.
- Improving the accuracy of water consumption measurement through the implementation of modern metering technologies.
- Enabling rapid identification and resolution of issues in the water supply network through real-time monitoring and data analysis.
Solutions:
IKOM approached the project with the aim of addressing the key challenges faced by the water utility through the implementation of a modernized metering system. The solution encompassed four main components:
Advanced Ultrasonic Water Meters:
- The introduction of advanced ultrasonic water meters, specifically Hydrus meters from the partner company Diehl Metering, was proposed for highly accurate water consumption measurement and leak detection.
- These meters utilize ultrasonic technology to measure water consumption, providing unparalleled accuracy and reliability compared to traditional mechanical water meters. Additionally, these advanced meters are equipped with built-in wM-Bus communication modules, enabling remote reading and real-time consumption monitoring.
Communication Infrastructure:
- Concentrators for data collection were implemented at strategic points across the islands, facilitating daily continuous data transmission from the meters to the data monitoring and administration platform. This infrastructure utilizes secure and reliable communication protocols for data transmission, ensuring data integrity and protection.
Software Platform for Data Analysis:
- The IKOM Meter Data Manager server platform was implemented, enabling analysis of collected water consumption data, identification of abnormal consumption patterns, and real-time leak detection. The platform also allows for report generation and alarms to assist operators in promptly addressing issues in the water supply network.
Education:
- Comprehensive education was provided to the client's technical staff to ensure successful implementation and optimal utilization of the new metering system. The education covered management of the new metering devices, usage of the software platform for data analysis, and best practices for maintenance and management of infrastructure.
- Through this integrated approach, IKOM ensured a solution that addresses the key challenges of "Vodovod i Odvodnja d.o.o." Šibenik in water resource management, enabling significant cost savings and operational efficiency improvement.
Implementation:
The project implementation proceeded through three phases to ensure a smooth transition and minimize interruptions in water utility services.
Phase 1 - Installation of Advanced Meters:
- An assessment of the existing infrastructure was conducted, and preparations were made for the installation of advanced water meters.
Phase 2 - Establishment of Communication Infrastructure:
- Communication infrastructure was set up to enable wireless data transmission from the meters to the central management system. The system consists of concentrators at strategically determined locations and signal boosters in necessary areas.
- Communication links were tested to ensure the reliability and security of data transmission.
Phase 3 - Introduction of Software Platform:
- The IKOM MDM software platform was implemented for the analysis and management of collected data.
- Technical staff were trained in using the new platform, including how to analyze water consumption data, identify, and resolve issues in the water supply network.
Results:
The implementation of the smart water metering system has brought significant benefits to "Vodovod i Odvodnja d.o.o." Šibenik, including:
- Reduction of operational costs through efficient maintenance and management of infrastructure.
- Improvement in measurement accuracy - The implementation of advanced water meters resulted in a 40% increase in the accuracy of water consumption measurement, enhancing billing accuracy and reducing water losses.
- Rapid identification and resolution of issues - Monitoring enabled quick identification and resolution of issues in the water supply network, thereby reducing water losses by 80%.
- Increase in customer satisfaction - Improved service and transparency in water consumption measurement contributed to increased customer satisfaction.
- Education and awareness-raising - Training of technical staff and a broader awareness campaign within the local community about the importance of sustainable water resource management contributed to the long-term positive impact of the project.
