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Alpha Micro’s Electronic Components Drive Efficiency and Sustainability in Smart Water Grids using LoRa®

Introduction

In an era where resource conservation and sustainability are paramount, efficient water management has become a global priority. Alpha Micro, a trusted provider of electronic components, recently partnered with a customer to address a significant challenge: the automation of meter reading and reduction of water leaks in a vast water grid network. The solution, incorporating LoRa® technology, revolutionised water grid management and showcased the immense potential of IoT in the water sector.

Challenge

Our customer faced two significant challenges:

  • Automate Meter Reading: The company needed a solution to automate meter reading across its extensive water grid network. The existing manual methods were time-consuming, error-prone, and did not provide real-time data.

  • Reduce Water Leaks: Reducing water leaks was equally critical to conserve this precious resource and minimise operational costs. Identifying and addressing leaks in a timely manner was a challenge with the current infrastructure.

Solution: LoRa® Technology

Alpha Micro proposed a solution centred around Long Range (LoRa®) technology, which provided the ideal connectivity framework for our customer’s needs. The LoRa® network offered the following advantages:

  • Long-Range Connectivity: LoRa® technology’s long-range capabilities ensured reliable communication over vast areas, even in challenging environments.

  • Low Power Consumption: LoRa® devices had low power requirements, resulting in extended battery life for remote sensors and meters.

  • Scalability: LoRa® technology allowed for the deployment and connection of 440,000 new smart water meters seamlessly.

Implementation

Our customer partnered with BIRDZ, a service provider specialising in data collection and water grid optimisation. Together, they deployed LoRa®-enabled smart water meters and leak sensors throughout the water grid network in Lyon. Alpha Micro supplied the necessary electronic components, including LoRa® modules and sensors, to enable this transformation.

Benefits

  • Water Conservation: By promptly detecting and addressing leaks, the system now saves over one million cubic metres of clean water annually, contributing significantly to water conservation efforts.

  • Operational Efficiency: The implementation increased the overall efficiency of water grid operations from 77% to an impressive 85.2% over four years. Real-time data allowed for proactive maintenance and reduced downtime.

  • Cost Savings: Reduced water losses, improved operational efficiency, and accurate metering contributed to significant cost savings for our customer.

  • Environmental Impact: The reduction in water wastage and optimised operations had a positive environmental impact, lowering the utility’s carbon footprint.

Conclusion

Alpha Micro’s electronic components, coupled with LoRa® technology, played a pivotal role in addressing our customer’s challenges of automating meter reading and reducing water leaks. This innovative solution not only saved valuable resources but also improved operational efficiency and reduced costs, demonstrating the potential for IoT in sustainable water management.