Qatar Water Distribution Systems: Transition to Smarter Networks Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Qatar drinking water supply and distribution infrastructure has experienced a remarkable expansion and growth during the past decade. Transition of this critical infrastructure sector to smarter systems is necessary to ensure reliable, energy-efficient, and low-impact water service to the countryĆ¢ s thriving economy and population in the face of water, energy, and environmental security challenges. The goal of this research proposal is to design and build an integrated cyberphysical system and a test and evaluation pilot facility for smarter operation of municipal water distribution systems in Qatar. The cyberphysical system approach synergizes distributed sensor network, computation models, pervasive control schemes, and communication system. This will enable automated and self-healing operation and enhance performance, energy-efficiency, reliability, and resilience of water distribution systems. While the intellectual merit and innovation of this research proposal lies in the overall integration of sensing, computation, control, and communication through a unified cyberphysical systems approach, the significant contributions contained within each of the four topical areas should not be overlooked. This proposal advances existing mobile and stationary water sensor networks technology to enable realtime sensing and communication at unprecedentedly fine temporal and spatial resolutions. Computationally efficient and accurate algorithms are adapted to simulate system behavior and mine data in near realtime scales to support predictive operations. Optimal pervasive control methods are developed to facilitate system automation and fault prevention informed by sensor readings and simulation projections. Reliable and fast information exchange between sensors, models, and controllers under rate and power constraints is achieved using specialized communication systems. The outputs of this project will be a versatile, smart cyberphysical water system and a pilot pipeline facility that can be used for broad purposes and applications. It will be used in this project for smarter water distribution systems pressure management and distributed disinfection in Qatar to enhance energy efficiency, hydraulic integrity, and contamination management and reduce leakages and water service interruptions. The primary focus of this project is on municipal water distribution systems of Qatar but the outputs can be equally beneficial to broad networks in the region and world. This interdisciplinary research collaboration directly addresses Qatar water, energy, and public health grand challenges and assists water utilities to reduce their associated impacts on Qatar environment.

date/time interval

  • 2016 - 2019