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Industrial Research And Consultancy Centre

Ultrasonic water meter

This technology relates to a high-quality, affordable ultrasonic water meter for domestic potable water management. The meter is designed to be accurate, reliable, and rugged, offering features like Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), IoT compatibility, data encryption, and low maintenance. It utilizes ultrasonic technology for measurement, surpassing the accuracy and reliability of traditional mechanical meters. The meter is designed for different pipe sizes and includes a battery with a lifespan of over five years. Rigorous field testing is ongoing to ensure its performance under various environmental conditions, with results comparable to those of imported commercial meters. The technology addresses the need for efficient water management by enabling consumer accountability, equitable distribution of drinking water, and reduction of non-revenue water (NRW), making it ideal for deployment by Water Supply Boards, Municipalities, and Smart Cities.

Faculty
Prof. Nataraj
Department
Systems and Control Engineering
 

The widespread adoption of water metering in India is hampered by the limitations of existing technologies. While ultrasonic meters offer superior accuracy and reliability compared to mechanical meters, the lack of domestically produced options makes them prohibitively expensive due to import costs. Additionally, imported ultrasonic meters' high maintenance demands and operational expenses discourage their deployment. This situation results in a lack of high-quality water meter installations and hinders efforts to achieve efficient water management.

 
  • Ultrasonic water meter with integrated Automatic Meter Reading (AMR): Enables remote monitoring of water consumption data without physical intervention, facilitating efficient billing and water management. 
  • Internet of Things (IoT) compatibility: Allows real-time data transmission and integration with smart water management systems, providing comprehensive insights into water usage patterns and potential leaks.
  •  Rugged and IP68-rated enclosure: Ensures durability and reliable operation in harsh outdoor environments, protecting the meter from dust, water ingress, and physical damage. 
  • Extended battery life of 5+ years: Minimizes maintenance requirements and operating costs associated with frequent battery replacements. 
  • Tamper and low battery alarms: Enhance security and ensure data integrity by alerting authorities to potential tampering attempts or low battery conditions.
 
  • Cost-effective: Offers all the features of imported ultrasonic water meters at a fraction of the cost, making it a viable option for large-scale deployment in India. 
  • High Accuracy: Boasts accuracy better than 2%, ensuring precise water consumption measurement. 
  • Low Maintenance: Designed for durability and long operating life, minimizing maintenance needs. 
  • Data Encryption: Ensures secure data transmission and protects against tampering. 
  • Scalable Software: Offers tailor-made billing software that is adaptable to different user needs and scales. 
  •  Rigorously Tested: Field-tested at multiple locations, including IIT Bombay and BPCL Mumbai campus, to ensure reliable performance in real-world conditions. 
  • Calibrated to Standards: Individually calibrated using a setup designed per ISO guidelines, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
 

This technology centers around a high-quality, affordable, IoT-enabled ultrasonic water meter for domestic potable water metering. While its primary application lies in improving water management for municipalities, water supply boards, and smart cities by enabling accurate billing, equitable water distribution, and reduction of non-revenue water loss, its potential also extends to other sectors. The meter’s adaptability to different pipe sizes and features like automatic meter reading, data encryption, and wireless data transmission make it suitable for monitoring water usage in residential complexes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. Furthermore, its ruggedness, long operating life, and low maintenance requirements make it potentially valuable for applications in agriculture, irrigation, and water-intensive industries seeking to optimize water consumption and minimize waste.

 

Developing an affordable and feature-rich ultrasonic water meter holds significant potential for transforming water management and addressing critical social challenges in regions like India. Its capabilities allow real-time data collection and analysis, empowering water utilities to identify leaks, reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses, and optimize water infrastructure investments. Furthermore, its durability and low maintenance requirements ensure long-term cost savings and sustained performance in challenging environments, maximizing its social impact and promoting sustainable water management practices.

Faculty
Prof. Nataraj

Faculty Name Licensing