By Satish Saini, HEXstream utilities industry specialist  

Electricity, water and gas differ in their physical and chemical properties, as any first-grade science student could tell you. But when it comes to the distribution of those assets from utilities’ supply end to customers’ power outlets, showerheads and ovens, they all share similarities regarding flow and losses.

Different assets, same problems.

Central to each process is flow measurement across networks, which includes monitoring, analytics and optimization across the complex distribution systems, irrespective of the type of asset—energy or water or gas.

Loss detection with electricity, water and gas overlap in terms of path flow, the underlying principles of their distribution, methodologies related to that distribution, and the technologies we use to identify, quantify, report and mitigate losses within the respective distribution networks of utilities. Those distributing these assets can also share loss-mitigation tools and techniques to supercharge their efficiency. 

Let’s explore ways that electric, water and gas loss detection are similar:

1. Data collection for real-time/historical monitoring about supply, flow and usage at different points/nodes of the network is alike across these assets. Think supply storage/stations, feeders/piping, consumer metering, etc. Processes include sensors and telemetry system to measure consumption, flow, pressure, voltage, and other relevant parameters.
2. Identification of technical and non-technical losses in electrical, water and gas are almost identical and can be defined as technical/physical losses due to system infrastructure/leakage and non-technical/commercial losses due to reading, billing errors/ inaccuracies, tempering, unbilled usage/non-recovery of dues and theft/pilferage.
3. Advanced data analytics and pattern-recognition methodologies are similar; in all cases loss detection uses advanced data analytics and pattern/customer usage-behavior algorithms to analyze data flow and identify unusual consumption patterns.
4. Implementation of network nodes, zoning and segmentation follows similar strategies for identifying suspected areas for loss detection, monitoring and analysis. For electrical these include substations, feeder networks, transformers and service lines and customer smart metering. For water and gas these include storage facilities, pipeline networks, local pumping stations, pressure and distribution zones. Among all three assets, the flow and consumption data analysis is almost identical.
5. Operating-parameters analysis for leakage and tampering detection is similar except for the actual physical operating parameters. With electricity we use voltage, current, kW power, kWh energy. With water and gas we use volume, pressure and pressure drops to analyze inefficiencies and losses within networks.
6. Integration of field sensors/IoT devices and smart metering are similar to enhance visibility and control over the parameters along the distribution network, right up to the granular data on consumption. Field-measuring devices and sensors at various nodes, flow meters and pressure sensors help in gathering detailed operational data, enabling better loss detection and management.
7. “Supply & usage” balance analysis in energy and water is also the same as with electrical networks. All compare the total energy supplied with the energy consumed by customers to identify discrepancies. For water and gas networks, the total volume of water supplied is compared to the volume of water/gas billed to customers.
8. Data analytics in decision support and optimization is the same. This helps in all cases for water, gas and electric utilities to prioritize loss-reduction activities such as suspected areas, targeted inspections, maintenance and upgrades. Optimization algorithms are used to inform operational changes in reducing losses.
9. Use of predictive and preventive maintenance are the same in all cases to identify potential failure points before they occur, reducing the likelihood of unexpected losses. For electrical networks, predictive maintenance focus on transformers, feeders, circuit breakers and cables. For water and gas systems it involves storage facilities, pipeline integrity, pressure drops, pumping facilities and pump performance.
10. Customer engagement and behavioral analysis through real-time usage patterns and alerts can help identify unusual consumption fluctuations with all assets and encourage efficient usage to address potential losses.

The challenges in terms of losses and detection methodologies for electric, water and gas distribution are similar. The opportunities for huge efficiency gains across these assets are also alike, particularly among those utilities that embrace the suite of tools and technologies now available to enable greater insight into operations and quicker fixes for losses. When distribution is done right the electrical energy to the socket outlets is sustainable and light above the customer’s shower shines brightly, the stream flows steadily from her showerhead, and that water is nice and warm.

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