Keep an 'Ear to the Ground' - New IoT Acoustic Logger Transforming Water Networks
Category: In the News
10 Oct 2022
WaterGroup, Australia's prominent water utility metering and service provider, announced today the launch of 'SmartEAR', a SebaKMT IoT noise logger built to detect leaks in water networks. Thanks to the advances in modern IoT technologies, the SmartEAR makes it much easier to monitor critical or troublesome water mains. Instead of requiring two or even three devices to detect a leak, record and send it to the cloud, the SmartEAR does it all in one.
"We are excited about the many new developments incorporated into the SmartEAR. It is much simpler to deploy and maintain than the early pioneering technology, the N3 system. It now allows recording up to 10s noise files at configurable times and intervals. Together with the completely revised cloud-based monitoring platform Poseyedon, it provides Australian utilities with previously unavailable opportunities to address water loss", says Guenter Hauber-Davidson, Managing Director of WaterGroup.
"In combination with targeted strategically deployed smart metering, monitoring water supply networks has never been easier and more cost effective. It will help us in our mission to make undetected critical leaks a thing of the past", adds Guenter.
"Now, in times of plenty when La Nina fills our dams, is the ideal time to proactively install state-of-the-art water loss management systems so that we are ready for the next drought".
"Handy, robust, durable, so easy and quick to install, these are the statements of recent test customers who have installed the SmartEAR ", says SebaKMT.
This small powerhouse, with a battery life of up to 9 years, can be conveniently and flexibly accommodated in below-ground hydrant compartments, valve boxes and other very tight spaces.
The 'SmartEAR-GO!' app displays data and lets utilities install and manage the devices with a guided installation routine. Another useful feature is the antenna test. Open and close the lid, and it will measure the current signal strength and quality in one-second intervals. If required, the signal can be boosted by various external antenna solutions.
The SmartEAR comes pre-programmed to enable quick leak detection. Thanks to the built-in NB-IoT / CAT-M1 combi module and its magnetic attachment, it is a simple plug & play installation.
"Once customers receive the SmartEAR from us, they are already assigned to a cloud customer account. The respective measurement data is then fed directly into the user's cloud. The specific GPS positions of the SmartEAR can either be recorded or saved on-site in seconds, using the SmartEAR-GO App or later in the office via the site manager function of the Poseyedon Cloud", says Guenter Hauber Davidson, Managing Director of WaterGroup.
Once in operation, the SmartEAR determines the probability of leakage in the water network each day.
"You can learn more about the smart algorithms and improved measurement methods by joining our November webinar and learning about predefined and customisable measurement profiles, permanent measuring, and the integrated motion sensor. Oh, and there's one more thing – it can also correlate," says Guenter.
"We think this smart, next-generation IoT noise logger, together with the optimally coordinated smartphone app for easy commissioning and the also new and optimised database-based cloud platform "POSEYEDON", form a coherent end-to-end concept that will enable Australian utilities to locate leaks in their supply network in a targeted and effective manner in the shortest possible time. Within months, customers will be able to drastically reduce leak rates, minimise water losses, reduce energy and operating costs, and get back the acquisition costs," adds Guenter.
