Water flow data Monitoring on cloud-based SCADA systems with the nodeG5 Modbus IoT Gateway
The integration of ultrasonic flow meters, temperature, disinfection residual, energy meter and other sensors with the nodeG5 edge IoT Gateway offers a robust solution for water utilities seeking to modernise their monitoring systems on cloud-based SCADA solutions. This white paper explores the process of collecting and transmitting data from TUF-2000 flow meters as an example using the nodeG5 gateway, highlighting key benefits in the application.
Modernising water facilities management
Monitoring data from plant equipment and sensors on cloud & SCADA systems offers many benefits for water utilities, including:
Leak Detection:
Real-time monitoring can significantly reduce water loss. A study showed that implementing smart water management systems can reduce non-revenue water losses by up to 25%[2].
Energy Efficiency:
Cloud-based monitoring enables utilities to optimise pump operations, potentially reducing energy consumption by 10-30%[4].
Operational Cost Reduction:
Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance can lower operational costs by up to 20% by reducing unnecessary site visits and preventing equipment failures[2].
Water Quality Management:
Real-time monitoring allows for rapid response to water quality issues, potentially reducing the risk of contamination incidents by up to 50%[4].
Asset Lifespan Extension:
Predictive maintenance enabled by cloud-based monitoring can extend asset lifespans by 20-30%[1].
Utilisation of the nodeG5 Edge IIoT Gateway
The nodeG5 Edge IIoT Gateway can effectively collect and transmit data from various water utility monitoring systems, including flow meters, temperature sensors, disinfection residual monitors, and leak detectors to cloud-based SCADA solutions built on platforms like on AWS, Azure, AWS or products like OASIS. This integration offers several key benefits:
Comprehensive Data Collection:
The multiple industrial protocols supported by the nodeG5 IoT Gateway, including Modbus RTU/TCP, CAN Bus, RS485, WiFi and Bluetooth, enabling it to interface with a wide range of sensors and equipment used in water monitoring[5].
Edge Computing Capabilities
With the embedded i.MX8Plus coupled AI/ML NPU processing capability, developers can run Docker containers, python scripts & ML inferencing locally for data processing and analysis, reducing both latency, bandwidth usage & response timings[5].
Enhanced Real-time Insights:
Edge computing on the nodeG5 allows for immediate analysis of critical data, improving real-time insight into system operations[3].
Predictive Maintenance:
By leveraging edge computing, utilities can implement predictive maintenance algorithms directly on the gateway, potentially reducing downtime and operational costs by up to 20%[3].
Deploying visual AI recognition on the process floor:
Run low level edge visual-AI inferences on the gateway with connected USB cameras to detect visual anomalies.
Flexible Backhaul Connectivity
With dual Ethernet ports for LAN connectivity and cellular 4G/LTE options, the gateway ensures reliable data transmission via MQTT to cloud-based SCADA dashboards[5].
On Site Control Hub support
With included single HDMI and triple USB ports, establish a control hub with tablets, speakers or cameras using the nodeG5 gateway.
Industrial Certifications & Robust Design for Harsh Environments:
With industrial CE, FCC & RCM certifications and operational temperature from 0 to 60 degrees Celsius, the nodeG5 is suitable for deployment in various environmental conditions typical of water utility installations.
Cost-effective Modernisation:
By integrating with existing SCADA systems, the nodeG5 allows utilities to enhance their monitoring capabilities without the need for a complete system overhaul[3].
Example Workflow:
Data Collection and Transmission with the nodeG5 IoT Gateway to Ubidots for SCADA visualisation & monitoring.
The nodeG5 Modbus IoT Gateway serves as a critical link between TUF-2000 flow meters and cloud based SCADA monitoring platforms such as Ubidots. This process involves several steps:
1. Data Acquisition:
The TUF-2000 flow meters collect real-time data on water flow rates, velocity, and total usage.
2. Protocol Communication:
Utilizing its Modbus RTU/TCP capabilities, the nodeG5 gateway interfaces directly with the TUF-2000 meters via RS485 serial communication, parses the collected data to JSON string or XML format & saves it onto the onboard SQL database.
3. Secure Transmission:
The data can be directly sent or processed first locally before being securely transmitted to Ubidots using the inbuilt cloud client. From there, the user can create their own visualisation, reports & other functions for cloud-based SCADA monitoring[6].
4. Alert Triggering/ Downstream Device Controls:
The nodeG5's ability to run scripts enables the creation of a sophisticated alert & control system:
Custom thresholds can be set for various parameters
Alerts can be triggered based on complex conditions
Notifications can be sent via multiple channels (e.g., SMS, email, or direct to SCADA systems)
Write to downstream modbus or CAN devices from the cloud dashboards for remote control.
5. Other Edge Processing Applications:
Perform initial data processing and analysis at the edge.
Deploy proprietary applications, containers & custom python scripts for uses ranging from local data pre-processing to early detection of equipment failures or visual anomalies
Conclusion
By leveraging the nodeG5's capabilities, water utilities can create a more efficient, responsive, and intelligent monitoring system that addresses key challenges in the industry, such as water quality issues, service interruptions, and aging infrastructure[2].
Citations:
[1] https://epicio.com/2024/06/24/10-reasons-why-the-cloud-is-the-future-of-industrial-monitoring/
[2] https://madison.tech/industries/water-utilities/
[4] https://vroc.ai/industries/water-utilities/
[5] https://amplified-global.myshopify.com/products/modbus-edge-iiot-gateway
[6] https://ubidots.com/blog/cloud-based-scada-a-key-enabler-for-industry40-and-iot-adoption/
