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18 WET NEWS NOVEMBER 2016 real-time or near real-time measurements at specific points of the actual system. SCADA usually involves an historian to review past performance at these points. But a SCADA system cannot predict the future other than by simple extrapolation, and it cannot fill in between sensors without some gross simplification. That is why SCADA and modelling technologies are very complementary. Moreover, models can provide simulated measurements at virtually every point in the system. They fill in the gaps of information where there are no sensors in the SCADA system. Models are also used to predict the behaviour of the system, which, of course, is impossible to measure. Models are also used to predict how the system will behave if certain capital or operational decisions are taken without actually making those changes to the real system. For example, an operator can predict how tank levels and pressures in the system will change as the result of turning a pump on or off without making any changes to the real water system by using a model. This provides the operator with valuable insight that can support decision making. Q Can SCADA, GIS or smart metering data be integrated into a model? Yes. Absolutely. The real-time data from SCADA systems can provide models with their initial starting values for the simulation, such as tank levels and pump and valve settings. We refer to these settings as boundary conditions. Additionally, historic SCADA data can be used to calibrate and validate the model. In other words, it helps ensure that the modelled behaviour actually reflects the performance of the real-world system with some degree of accuracy. This is a very important step in the modelling process. Conversely, models can also be integrated into SCADA systems to improve operational decision making, as I described before. In addition, the results of modelled simulations can be seamlessly integrated into the SCADA soƒware's human machine interface, so operators can benefit from modelling without having to learn an entirely new application and its user interface. This also provides a useful training environment for control room operators and the opportunity to carry out forensic analysis of past events to better understand why it happened and how to respond better in the future. Moreover, GIS has been integrated with models for almost two decades. At first, GIS was primarily used as the source of information for the geometric and physical characteristics of the system. In other words, the pipe locations and physical properties such as material, diameter, and year of installation were managed by the GIS and imported into the hydraulic modelling soƒware to create the basic model. This was a big turning point in the level of detail of modelling when we SUPPORTED BY DRIVING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN THE WATER SECTOR The 5 th annual WWT Water Industry Technology Innovation Conference is the essential event for water industry professionals looking to develop novel technological solutions and drive innovative business strategies. ● Find out how to break down barriers to instigate change ● Learn which technology game-changers could positively impact your business ● Hear how your peers are implementing innovative solutions EXPERT SPEAKERS INCLUDE: BOOK NOW events.wwtonline.co.uk/innovation TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION WATER INDUSTRY CONFERENCE 29 NOVEMBER 2016 | BIRMINGHAM Adam Cooper Director - new retail market Ofwat Bob Taylor Operations director - drinking water services South West Water Amanda Reynolds Customer service director Affinity Water Dale Evans Director @one Alliance Piers Clark Chairman Isle Utilities Dr Paul Rutter Water innovation manager Thames Water Jeremy Heath Innovation manager Sutton & East Surrey Water SPONSORED BY: went from working with schematics of a highly simplified system to "all pipe" models. Now, GIS integration is much deeper and richer than that. Modellers can work directly in GIS soƒware products, and have bi-directional synchronisation between the models and GIS. One of the main benefits of this is that it can extend the reach of the modelling information to executives, managers, and customer service personnel that would never directly use a hydraulic model, but have access to the GIS. Smart metering data can be integrated into models in a similar fashion to SCADA data. The historical data gathered by smart meters can be used to estimate average and peak demands and diurnal patterns needed for the model, and the real-time demand data can be used to set the initial conditions for simulations and for demand forecasting. This nicely illustrates why we believe a common information management environment can be so valuable. It is the integration of all these systems applied to business processes that help utilities achieve better outcomes like reduced costs, improved service, and less risk. Q What kind of data are utilities looking for today? What capabilities do you think they are looking for? Bentley works with utilities all over the world, and I would say that the answer varies, but there are some general patterns. One pattern is starting with modelling as a point solution in master planning and design, and evolving to using modelling as an integral part of an overall asset management process for intelligent infrastructure. In the developing world, we THE CONCEPT • Hydraulic modelling creates a mathematical representation of a real system using a 3D model • Real-time data from SCADA systems can provide models with their initial starting values for the simulation • Smart metering data can be integrated into models in a similar fashion to SCADA data • Many different software types exist – Modelling, GIS, SCADA, smart metering data NEED TO KNOW 1 The models can provide decision-support capabilities to utilities that improve operational efficiency 2 The use of sensors is leading to increased monitoring and measurement of water and wastewater network and plant assets 3 GIS has been integrated with models for almost two decades 4 SCADA and modelling technologies are very complementary THE VERDICT "I think utilities will continue to look for capabilities that can help them minimise the lifecycle costs of owning and operating their infrastructure, while continuing to improve the levels of service they provide with low levels of risk" Robert Mankowski, Bentley Systems see a lot of emphasis on planning and design to improve the level of service within the utility's coverage area. We have some great examples from India of utilities that have transformed intermittent water supply systems into reliable 24 by 7 sources of clean drinking water. We also have some great examples of the expansion of wastewater collection systems, and the social and economic benefits of this. In short, utilities across the world are focused on reducing non-revenue water. This generally has two components, real losses (i.e. leaks) and apparent losses (theƒ or meter issues), and modelling can be very useful in dealing with either. This is very important to utilities because it has a big impact on the costs of treating and pumping, and also on the preservation of a scarce resource, which can be a hot political issue in drought- stricken areas. The cost of energy for pumping can oƒen be one the largest operating expenses for a water utility. We have seen utilities do extensive modelling of their energy costs and integrating these models into real-time systems to improve operational decisions. To summarise, I think utilities will continue to look for capabilities that can help them minimise the lifecycle costs of owning and operating their infrastructure, while continuing to improve the levels of service they provide with low levels of risk. This is the definition of asset management, and, ultimately, that is what it is all about. n Robert Mankowski is vice president, Simulation Product Management at Bentley Systems.

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