Network of Sensors Holds Promise for Better Monitoring Systems

When it comes to monitoring water and wastewater systems, a whole network of wireless sensors is better than one. The value of a network of sensors to help efficiently operate and maintain infrastructure was the focus of a research project recently carried out by the University of Regina and the National Research Council – Centre for Sustainable Infrastructure Research (NRC-CSIR).

Mohamed El-Darieby of the University of Regina and Mahmoud Halfawy of the NRC-CSIR led the research, which was based on the premise that a network of sensors would be more effective than one sensor. Within a cluster of sensors, each individual sensor can monitor a certain function in a specific region of the infrastructure system.

“Monitoring infrastructure systems is of major importance to municipalities,” says El-Darieby. “North American cities lose millions of dollars worth of drinking water because of leaks in drinking water pipes. Existing technologies such as SCADA systems have well-known limitations. Recent advances in wireless and sensor technologies enable infrastructure monitoring in a more economical and efficient manner.”

Together with a research team, El-Darieby and Halfawy studied how, where, and how many sensors to place in a system so that the condition of the infrastructure can be measured most effectively. The research also set out to determine the most effective type of wireless technology to be used by the sensors.

“Based on the findings of the research project, a report will be developed that outlines the economical, operational, and technological factors that affect large-scale sensor deployment in infrastructure,” explains El-Darieby.

With the completion of the research and the report, El-Darieby and the research team will be ready to put their findings to the test. “In the following phase of the project, we will deploy sensory equipment on the University of Regina campus with the possibility of extending the testing to parts of downtown Regina,” says El-Darieby.

The tests of the sensory equipment will mainly involve drinking water and sewage water systems. However, El-Darieby notes that “most of the design aspects of the project are applicable to other infrastructure systems.”

The project is a collaboration between the University of Regina and the NRC-CSIR. Communities of Tomorrow is also supporting the research. The organization provided funds of $14,000 for the first phase of the project.