BCWWA 2006 Vancouver 1 of 7

PIanning for OptimaI ControI over Water System Operation

Author: Dan Ehrenreich, Motorola, Tel Aviv, srael
Co-Author: Frank Tarbox, CTH Systems; Calgary, Alberta
BCWWA 2006 Conference, Vancouver BC
Overview
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) solutions provide a base for
more reliable operation of water systems and significant operating and financial
benefits, both, which are important to utility management. They provide means for
increased productivity, reducing the number of failure events, reduced losses due to
damages and minimal losses of potable water. System parameters, which are
communicated via wireless data network present true conditions, and commands
sent from SCADA Centrals to remote sites that are aimed to achieve optimal, reliable
and safe operation.
Figure 1 below outlines the "shop floor to top floor interaction involving operation
and control of remote site and information flow to management and company
finance. n order to implement such solutions, SCADA systems shall allow for
seamless network communications from any Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) to any
RTU and from any RTU to the SCADA computer.
SCADA systems help achieve optimal system
operation by adding new features to the system such
as: Pressure Reduction Valve (PRV) control, pump
operation sequencing, electric energy consumption
efficiency monitoring, historical scenarios' analysis,
web access, SMS via cellular phone, etc. On the top
of these operating benefits, utilities may achieve
reduction of their electric power bill, more convenient
work for their maintenance teams, more effective and
faster handling of critical events, reducing indirect
costs contributed by communicating and storing
redundant data, etc.
Reliable supply of high quality water to urban and rural customers and agriculture
can only be assured with the use of a SCADA system combined with wireless data
communication and automated control. Use of SCADA for management of water
networks also results in many intangible benefits, which are as important as the
financial improvements. f only the quantifiable benefits are taken into consideration,
such as interruptions of supply, quality of the potable water and prevention of water
contamination the system might not in all cases justify the expenditure. However if
the above mentioned factors are also included such as: fewer, simplified handling of
the water infrastructure, more satisfied operators, improved level of service and
enhanced customer satisfaction implementation of a SCADA systems more than
justify the investment.
Site Site
Operation ControI
Figure 1
Management
& Finance
SCADA
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The principles presented in this paper reflect Motorola's accumulated experience
during the past 35 years with supply of SCADA system parts (RTUs and
communications) and integrating a large number of SCADA systems worldwide.
FieId Sites Operation
Efficient monitoring of water distribution networks has long been a challenge for
management, even in countries with well-developed infrastructure and good
operating practices. The principles involving such solution lead to the use of SCADA
systems combined with wireless communication and RTUs, which perform the
monitoring and control functions as specifically required for each site. Obviously,
every function performed at a remote site must be linked to a specifically defined
operating or cost benefit, as otherwise it makes no sense to implement that function.
Reservoir Monitoring Devices: Water level in reservoirs is usually monitored via 2
status sensors and one analog sensor. The purpose of the 2 status sensors
(maximum level and minimum level) is obvious, and the information provided by the
analog sensor may help monitoring the rate of change and the actual level in
between the extremes indicated by the status level switches.
The information provided by these sensors is processed by the RTU and the
calculated results provide the following inputs to the SCADA control center:
Actual level which can be below or above the planned level for that time
Rate of change (above normal) as expected for the that time of the day
Reservoir overflow condition (causing loss of potable water)
Pressure and Flow Monitoring Devices: Pressure sensors are usually installed next
to valves and are aimed to provide input to Pressure Reduction Valves (PRV), which
are controlled by the RTU.
Benefits: Maintaining stable pressure help optimizing the flow rate and also:
Minimize leaks through non repaired pipe breaks
Reduce misuse of water due to high pressure
Allow reducing the pressure as needed
Record flow and pressure data in each section
Pumping Stations' Control: SCADA RTUs perform monitoring and control of pumping
stations and measures electricity consumption. Controlling the pumping station
operation and measurement of the power consumption allows:
Early warning on an overloaded pump which may cause malfunction
Detection of a faulty or inefficient pump (damaged membrane)
Periodic pump sequencing, aimed to minimize wearing out of a pump
Optimal pumping cycles as per electricity Time of Use (ToU) rates
Monitoring the operating hours (of pumps) in between maintenance
Monitoring of electric power outage at pumping stations
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Water Quality & Contamination Detection: Nowadays water utilities are obliged to
test and confirm the high quality of potable water. This requires constant monitoring
of the water quality parameters by SCADA RTUs installed in remote installations
which are configured to report to the control center when an event takes place.
Benefits: Measurement of the water quality allows performing emergency shut down,
thus providing enhanced security for the public.
Early detection of water contamination by fault (wrong chemical treatment)
Prevention of risk to public resulting from a terror action
Managing Remote Sites
Properly engineered SCADA systems shall allow for seamless communications
between all RTUs to all RTU s and from any RTU to the SCADA Master Control
Center (MCC).
Such communication networks may comprise of; Analog VHF or UHF radios, digital
or analog trunking radios, microwaves, satellites, Multiple Address Systems (MAS),
wide band Spread Spectrum data networks, GSM/GPRS, iDEN/Nextel, or CDMA.
The following features and benefits shall be considered.
Instant Data Communication: This function is highly important as the operator must
be updated as soon as possible on every event happening at remote sites, and must
have the ability to send commands which may have to be implemented right away.
Benefits: Having a reliable communication solution in place provides:
Remote monitoring and control of pumping stations, valves and reservoirs
mmediate alert to the operator on any changes or alarm conditions
Accumulated Data: Provides opportunity for analyzing the collected historical data in
the database of the SCADA computer. This allows better planning of installation
expansions, performing post event analysis and estimating expected water
consumption (weekends, holidays, etc.). Having this data available to "top floor
provides:
Smarter decisions as per expected benefits contributed by new investments
RO calculations based on historical data of the cost of infrastructure
malfunctions
nformation on locations of pressure fluctuations resulted by variable flow
Detection of over supply resulted from leakage or fraud (theft of fresh water)
System Health Monitoring: Water is considered a top critical utility supply to the
public and also for agriculture. Consequently, municipalities are obliged to provide a
high level of service, which can only be achieved by implementing SCADA solutions
that provide communication coverage to all field-installed equipment.
Constant water level monitoring in reservoirs
Monitoring the operating efficiency of each pump
The monitoring of electric power supply to pumping stations
Leak detection along main pipes resulted from bursts
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Operating PRV Stations: mplementing water pressure control using PRV stations
may directly reduce costly losses resulting from difficult to locate bursts and
leakages. t requires installation of flow meters and pressure controlled valves.
These are combined with RTUs and communication located at strategic points, while
each meter is recording the flow into a "metered area with a permanent boundary.
This can be done with a SCADA system with relatively low investments by
introducing zonal monitoring and district metering of water flows.
Use of dynamic pressure control with PRVs helps adjust the supply to the changing
conditions throughout the day and from season to season. This is an efficient tool
that contributes greatly to several aspects of the system's operation:
Efficient use of existing resources and delaying investments in renovations
Delaying investments in development of new water sources and pumping stations
Resulting in reduced maintenance costs and extended life span of the system
Web and Cellular PDA Access: Water utilities are now seeking new ways to
introduce improvements, which may reduce their operating and maintenance costs.
With the introduction of advanced wireless access solutions, utilities may obtain
valuable real time information from anywhere and anytime. Figure 2 below illustrat es
details of a SCADA system screen, showing the key electric parameters and
accumulated flow parameters.
nformation appearing on the SCADA
screen can be accessed locally/directly
or via web servers, which may
communicate to wireless terminals,
cellular phones etc.
nformation available via these devices
provides important and meaningful
details to maintenance teams. They
may immediately respond to an event
even without personally being present
at the operator location.
Using these solutions operators may
consult with experts who are off-shift.
Figure 2
Management and Finance
Management decision to integrate and operate a SCADA system is aimed to improve
their operation via better collaboration between the "shop floor and "top floor teams.
ntegration of such systems involve the use of computer hardware, instrumentation and
sensors, electric control panels, power monitoring devices, software programming,
data communication, equipment and infrastructure, consulting fees, and system
installation and commissioning. Appropriate selection of these components may help
achieving the system goals and expedite the Return on nvestment (Ro). The following
considerations apply to implementing such SCADA solution:
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Electricity Bill Saving: Statistics show that cost of their electric bill represents a
significant portion of water utilities annual expenditure. Therefore, saving on the
electricity bill is an important task and challenge for the "top floor managers. Figure
3 bellow illustrates the electric power consumption by each pump. n order to
achieve these goals, the following may be considered.
Using SCADA solutions monitoring
and recording the actual flow from
and calculating the forecasted
demand for the upcoming hours.
Pumping the water to the reservoirs
using the most suitable pumps
Negotiating reduced cost of
electricity supply with the electric
utility and pay for the electricity
based on Time of Use (ToU).
Monitoring the operating efficiency
of each pump (cubic liters/kWh) and
activating only the healthy pumps.
Figure 3
Reduced Cost of Maintenance: Operating maintenance is probably the 2
nd
largest
expenditure factor considered by electric utilities. These include the cost of all repairs
(damages and preventive maintenance) and the cost of spare parts purchasing and
storing in warehouses. n addition, maintenance cost figures include manpower and
related management at the "shop floor, cost of vehicles etc. The overall figure can be
broken down into several segments referring to the installed system:
Monitoring of pumping stations helps prevent major pump malfunctions
Monitoring pipe pressure fluctuations help preventing pipe bursts
Remote monitoring minimizes the needs of traveling to remote sites
Remote control allows activating emergency shut down in case of trouble
Computerized control allows more effective control on stock of spare parts
Human Machine Interface (HMI) for SCADA: The computer hardware is considered
the "heart & soul" of the system. The reason is that people consider the computer as
the "main thing that makes the system working. Master Control Center (MCC)
software maintenance programs have to be considered as well, since their vendors
from time to time tend to release enhanced versions that must be integrated to the
system.
Other important concerns refer to operator training. Therefore selecting a software type
having a convenient and comprehensive HM is as important as selecting the one with
the most advanced features.
Use of friendly software and HM minimize need for lengthy training
Simple to understand HM minimizes human errors and avoids large problems
MCC and HM, which run on standard platforms, make upgrades simpler
BCWWA 2006 Vancouver 6 of 7
Demand Prediction: Planning of a water system and system expansions are based
on the assumption of growth in both population and demand. The obvious objective
is that the system's capacity must cope with peak demand. Pressure reducers, are
calibrated to maintain a consistent supplyduring normal hours, but they must have
remote control on order to cope with the peak demands as well. Demand prediction
based on accumulated data helps achieving:
Steady supply and stable pressure to end user customers
Optimally filled reservoirs achieved with maximal saving of electric power
Optimally operating pumping stations and planned pumps' sequencing
Water Saving and Losses Reduction: mproperly managed water networks might
result in increased cost, insufficient supply of potable water, frequent travel to remote
sites, unsatisfied customers and more. Such problems might be caused not only by
operating a poorly maintained infrastructure but also by excessive use or misuse of
water. Aimed to minimize these problems, water utilities are required to introduce
improvements by operating their system based on real time data communicated from
remote sites to the SCADA control center:
Maintaining stable water flow pressure in central locations along the pipeline
Calculating sum-check of water flow along the water pipe for loss detection
Reducing pressure during non-busy hours along damaged/leaky pipes
Reduced Cost of Damages: System failures may practically happen anytime and
anywhere. However, by early detection, experienced SCADA operators can reduce
the time from the event occurrence to the start of implementing corrective action.
Using the analyzed data, they can help improve operating reliability, reducing
operating costs and modernizing the water distribution network:
Replace inefficiently operating water pumps ahead of the failure
mmediately act when a corrosion process along pipe is detected.
Prevent small problems to convert to big ones via RTU and communications
Summary and ConcIusions
Reliable supply of high quality water to urban, rural and agricultural customers can
only be assured with the use of an advancedSCADA s ystem combined with wireless
communications, remote monitoring and automated control. Use of SCADA for
management of water networks provide the means for a more effective operation of
the water utility, financial savings as well as intangible benefits, which are as
important as the financial improvements.
f only the quantifiable benefits are taken into consideration, investment in such
systems might not in all cases justify the expenditure. However, if there are improved
operating procedures at the "shop floor, improved information flow to "top floor
management and company finance, fewer interruptions of supplies, simplified
handling of the water infrastructure, more satisfied operators, and enhanced
customer satisfaction, these investments are easy to justify .
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BCWWA 2006 Vancouver 7 of 7
PubIications and References:
1. Cost Benefits resulting from use of Integrated Communications for Distribution
Automation, Dan Ehrenreich, Shlomo Liberman, DA/DSM'95 Asia, 1995.
2. Operating benefits achieved by use of advanced communications Protocols for
DA/DSM systems, Dan Ehrenreich, Dr. Salomon Serfaty, DA/DSM, Vienna 1996.
3. Integration of RF communications for Distribution Automation with Dual
Redundancy, Dan Ehrenreich, Samuel Katar, DA/DSM 97 Asia, Singapore 1997.
4. Electronic Management Systems from Motorola Improve Efficiency of Water
Projects, Dan Ehrenreich, Market Study Report, published in UK, 1999
5. Data Communications for Oil and Gas SCADA Systems. Dan Ehrenreich, Shlomo
Liberman, PETROMN magazine October 1999.
6. Wireless IP Networks Serve Distribution Automation Systems, Dan Ehrenreich,
Utility Automation Magazine, August 2000.
7. Managing Water Infrastructures with SCADA Systems, Dan Ehrenreich, Motorola
Application Notes, July 2003.
8. Data Reliability and Security Considerations for SCADA Systems, Dan Ehrenreich,
Entelec 2004, San Antonio TX, USA April 2004.
9. Operating Benefits Achieved with SCADA for Water Distribution, Dan Ehrenreich,
Motorola, BCWWA Conference, Vancouver BC November 28-29, 2005.
10. Wireless Data Communications for SCADA Systems, Dan Ehrenreich, Motorola
BCWWA Conference, Vancouver BC, November 28-29, 2005.
___________________________________________________________________
Dan Ehrenreich is Marketing Manager at Motorola and handles SCADA Business Development
and support in Canada. He received his B.Sc. in Electronics Engineering in 1975, and joined
Motorola in 1991. Dan may be contacted via email: dan.ehrenreich@motorola.com. For more
details on Motorola SCADA solutions refer to our web site; http://www.moscad-systems.com