Autonomous metering system for monitoring water consumption

Abstract

Faced with water scarcity and its rising costs, it is necessary to use it in a rational way. This study proposes the development of an autonomous system of water monitoring in condominiums (smart houses), through meters that use turbine flow sensors and ZigBee technology for sending data to a coordinator, allowing monitoring of the consumption at various points of a building in almost real time. Users can read the consumed volume using a smartphone application. This stimulates a more rational way of using water, besides enabling alerts for leaks in pipes, faucets, showers and toilets. The accuracy of this sensor was compared with a mechanical flow meter and an ultrasonic sensor in the laboratory, all presenting errors smaller than 10% of readings for water flow above 2 L/min. The quality of the ZigBee network was analysed, in terms of interference with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth devices and a microwave oven, to assess if there are data losses in the sensor network and only Bluetooth caused losses, showing robustness in the combined ZigBee and Wi-Fi. HIGHLIGHTS Wi-Fi and Zigbee wireless technology can coexist well with other networks.; A simple flow sensor can be installed in a residence and monitor water consumption with a satisfactory accurateness.; Monitoring water consumption in real time promotes a rational way of consuming water, besides decreasing water bills.; The cost can be attractive to a condo's management company prorate water use in condominium.;

Keywords

• autonomous meters
• internet of things
• rational use of water
• smart house
• water smart meters
• zigbee