Costly water losses in municipal water systems could be significantly reduced using sensors and new artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Costly water losses in municipal water systems could be significantly reduced using sensors and new artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo in collaboration with industry partners, the technology has the potential to detect even small leaks in pipes.It combines sophisticated signal processing techniques and AI software to identify telltale signs of leaks carried via sound in water pipes.
The acoustic signatures are recorded by hydrophone sensors that can be easily and inexpensively installed in existing fire hydrants without excavation or taking them out of service.
“This would allow cities to use their resources for maintenance and repairs much more effectively,” said lead researcher Roya Cody, a civil engineering PhD candidate at Waterloo. “They could be more proactive as opposed to reactive.”
Read more at University of Waterloo
Image via University of Waterloo
