Since 2014, China’s government has been actively advancing smart water management, with various agencies like the State Council and the Ministry of Water Resources driving this growth through supportive policies. These policies have progressively evolved from basic automation to sophisticated, intelligent water management systems. This shift reflects a heightened focus on utilizing advanced technologies to optimize water resources management, moving from merely improving water services to creating comprehensive smart systems that are sustainable and efficient.

The Role of Perception in Smart Water Management

In smart water systems, the perception layer functions as the “nervous system,” gathering real-time data on the water network’s condition and layout. This system leverages cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, big data, and digital twins to offer a real-time overview of urban water management. The perception layer is critical for ensuring that the data collected is accurate, stable, and reliable, supporting the effective management of water resources.

An exemplary model is the Pudong New Area Rural Domestic Sewage Supervision Platform, which monitors 358 sewage treatment plants and 730 pumping stations. This platform ensures that water quality and operational standards are met through real-time sensors, highlighting the critical role of precise data collection and processing in maintaining sustainable water management systems. The success of such platforms is heavily dependent on the accuracy of the data collected by the perception layer, which must be transmitted stably and processed reliably.

Sensors: The Backbone of the Perception Layer

Sensors are vital to smart water systems, serving as the “nerve endings” of the perception layer by collecting essential data on water quality, quantity, and pressure. However, traditional sensors often face challenges like inaccuracy, slow data collection, and high costs. To address these issues, the smart water industry is exploring innovative technologies such as video monitoring and remote sensing.

For an effective smart water system, the perception layer must fulfill several key criteria:

Real-time Data Transmission: Rapid data processing and analysis are essential for timely decision-making. This allows water management systems to respond promptly to any issues that arise, thereby minimizing potential disruptions.

Cost-effective, Low-power Sensors: Given the large areas these systems cover, sensors must be affordable and energy-efficient. These characteristics are crucial for maintaining a wide network of sensors without incurring prohibitive costs.

Low Maintenance: Sensors should require minimal maintenance to ensure continuous data collection without frequent servicing. This is particularly important in remote or hard-to-reach areas where maintenance can be challenging.

Recent advancements in sensor technology, such as the TMS-E3000 multi-parameter water quality analyzer and the new generation of ultrasonic water meters, are enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of data collection. These innovations are contributing to more robust and automated water management systems, improving overall performance.

Building a Strong Perception System: Key Steps

Creating an effective perception layer in a smart water system involves a systematic approach that includes the following steps:

Identify Needs: The first step is to clearly define what needs to be monitored, where, and how. This involves understanding the specific requirements of the water system, such as which parameters need to be measured (e.g., water quality, flow rate, pressure) and the geographic areas where monitoring is necessary. By identifying these needs upfront, the right sensors and technologies can be selected to meet the project’s goals.

Technical Evaluation: Once the monitoring needs are identified, the next step is to evaluate the technical requirements for the sensors. This includes determining the accuracy required for the data, the frequency of data collection, and the environmental conditions in which the sensors will operate. During this phase, it’s important to compare the planned requirements with the actual capabilities of available sensors. For example, if a sensor’s expected battery life does not align with its power consumption, adjustments need to be made to ensure that the project remains both feasible and practical.

Develop Specifications: Based on the technical evaluation, a detailed specification document should be created. This document outlines the specific requirements for the sensors, including accuracy, power consumption, data transmission methods, and durability. Having detailed specifications ensures that the sensors chosen for the project meet the necessary technical standards and are capable of performing under the expected conditions.

Supplier Evaluation: With the technical specifications in hand, the next step is to evaluate potential suppliers. Since smart water systems often require sensors to be installed in difficult-to-reach or harsh environments, it’s essential to select equipment that requires minimal maintenance. This reduces operational costs and ensures long-term reliability. Supplier evaluation should consider factors such as product quality, certifications, customer service, and pricing. A site visit to the supplier’s production facilities can provide valuable insights into their capabilities and help verify that they can meet the project’s demands. Preparing a “Supplier Basic Situation Survey Form” before the visit can help ensure that the evaluation is thorough and focused.

Cost Evaluation: Cost evaluation goes beyond the purchase price of the sensors; it includes the total cost of ownership. This encompasses installation, communication, operation, and maintenance costs, as well as the sensor’s expected lifespan. To accurately estimate these costs, it’s important to refer to the “Smart Water Scenario Network Topology Diagram,” which outlines the installation complexity and the layout of the communication network. Creating a “Sensor Cost Accounting Table” can help organize and manage these expenses, providing a clear financial overview that supports budgeting and economic evaluation.

Field Testing: Field testing is a critical step to ensure that the sensors can withstand the challenging environments in which they operate. This involves verifying the sensors’ performance under real-world conditions, focusing on data transmission efficiency, stability, and energy consumption. To conduct a thorough test, a “Sensor Field Testing Plan” should be developed. This plan outlines the objectives, methods, schedules, and expected outcomes of the tests, including how sensors perform under extreme conditions like high humidity or temperature. After testing, a detailed report should be prepared, summarizing the sensor’s strengths, potential limitations, and any recommendations for improvement. This report is crucial for making informed decisions about sensor deployment.

Maintenance Support: Maintenance and support are crucial to the long-term success of a smart water system. Given the unpredictable environments where sensors are deployed, choosing a supplier that offers comprehensive after-sales service and technical support is vital. This ensures that the system continues to operate effectively and that data collection remains accurate and reliable over time. Maintenance support should include regular updates, troubleshooting assistance, and the availability of replacement parts.

Case Studies and Future Trends in Smart Water Systems

Case Study 1: Changzhou’s Integrated Digital Drainage Platform

Changzhou’s digital drainage platform integrates data from multiple sources, including sewage treatment plants, pumping stations, and pipelines. The system provides real-time monitoring and early warnings, significantly improving efficiency and environmental management. This platform has saved significant labor and operational costs while enhancing urban water management and has been recognized as a leading example in smart water management.

Future Trends in Perception System Construction As smart water systems continue to evolve, several trends are expected to shape their development:

Real-time Perception: The integration of intelligent control and data-driven decision-making will drive innovation in water management. Real-time perception systems will enable more accurate and timely responses to changes in water systems, improving overall efficiency and sustainability.

Standardization: Developing unified specifications and standards for perception systems will be key to avoiding fragmented systems and ensuring seamless integration across different smart water projects. Standardization will facilitate the interoperability of systems and technologies, leading to more consistent and reliable water management practices.

Case Study 2: Intelligent Dosing System in Suzhou

In 2023, Suzhou Water Supply Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, developed an intelligent dosing system for water supply plants. This system leverages big data to improve the stability and efficiency of water production, showcasing the potential of smart technologies in water management. By automating the dosing process, the system reduces the need for manual intervention and minimizes the risk of errors, leading to more consistent water quality and operational efficiency.

Case 3: Integrating AI and Digital Twins in Water Management

The integration of the perception layer with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins is revolutionizing the water industry. Digital twins, which are virtual replicas of physical water infrastructure, enable simulation, interaction, and fault prediction. This technology allows for more efficient operation and maintenance of water infrastructure, enhancing overall management and reducing the likelihood of failures. By simulating real-world scenarios, operators can foresee potential issues and address them proactively, leading to more reliable and efficient water management systems.

Case 4: Driving Innovation in the Water Industry

The development and application of smart water perception systems are fueling innovation in the water industry. This progress has led to the creation and enhancement of related software, hardware, and solutions. It has also attracted companies from various sectors with technological expertise, injecting new ideas, technologies, funding, and talent into the industry. This influx of resources and innovation is driving the modernization and upgrading of water management, making it more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to future challenges.

The evolution of smart water systems in China demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating advanced technologies into water management. Through strategic planning, technical innovation, and rigorous evaluation processes, these systems are becoming more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to future challenges. As the industry continues to advance, the focus on real-time perception, standardization, and the integration of AI and digital twins will likely drive further innovation, setting new benchmarks for smart water management globally.