Background
Nevis Island, part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean Sea, is renowned for its volcanic terrain, tropical rainforests, and complex topography. The Nevis Water Department is responsible for managing and distributing the island's drinking water resources. It faces challenges such as traditional wired monitoring systems being prone to lightning damage, low efficiency of manual inspections, and difficulty in timely detection of pipeline leaks. Due to the island's unique geographical environment, high-altitude water tanks and dispersed water supply stations make traditional maintenance costly. The water department urgently needs an interference-resistant, low-power wireless IoT solution to achieve remote real-time monitoring, reduce operational costs, and improve water supply efficiency. Against this backdrop, Milesight's intelligent water management solution based on LoRaWAN® technology was introduced. Through wireless sensors, cloud platforms, and predictive analytics, it helps customers build a highly reliable and easily scalable smart water management system.
Challenges & Needs Analysis
Natural Environmental Factors
- Frequent lightning strikes damage traditional wired sensors, increasing maintenance costs.
- Volcanic terrain and high humidity environments accelerate equipment corrosion.
Infrastructure Issues
- Dispersed high-altitude water tanks make manual inspections inefficient.
- Outdated monitoring systems struggle to detect pipeline leaks in a timely manner, resulting in water wastage.
- Pump station pressure adjustment relies on manual operation, leading to increased energy consumption.
System Deficiencies
- The current system relies on passive maintenance, causing delayed fault responses.
- Lack of data integration capabilities restricts the precision and sustainable development of water management.
Solution
The system deploys a specialized combination of intelligent devices tailored to different water management scenarios, creating a comprehensive IoT monitoring and control framework.
System Architecture Overview
The solution utilizes a layered communication network architecture. Milesight UG67 gateways, featuring 8-channel LoRaWAN access and 10kV lightning protection, act as communication relays, with redundant transmission via dual Ethernet ports supporting 4G and fiber optic lines. High-altitude sites are equipped with UG67 gateways and UPS01 power systems for reliable operation in extreme weather. The central platform includes dual-redundant SCADA servers and GPU-accelerated AI workstations for 3D digital twin visualization and AR maintenance guidance. All field devices are ATEX-certified for explosion protection.
Device Deployment and Functionality
- Tank Monitoring: EM500-UDL ultrasonic level sensors are used for non-contact measurements (0-10 meters range, IP68 rating), suitable for high-altitude tanks. The UC300 controller collects water flow data via pulse input and 4-20mA pipeline pressure signals, transmitting multidimensional data via LoRaWAN.
- Pump Station Control: UC300 controllers establish Modbus RTU communication with VFDs via RS485, acquiring 18 motor parameters (current, voltage, frequency). The built-in PID algorithm automatically adjusts pump speed based on pipeline pressure and initiates backup pump switch programs during anomalies. A FLEXEM HMI interface allows control commands and status monitoring.
- Pipeline Pressure Management: EM500-PP sensors monitor critical node pressure (0-1.6MPa range, 0.5% FS accuracy). They collect analog data and monitor valve status via digital inputs. A built-in vibration analysis algorithm detects anomalies like water hammer.
Monitoring data transmitted via LoRaWAN triggers the intelligent analysis module for pattern recognition, potentially linking to video surveillance for on-site verification.
Device List: UG67 (6 units), UC300 (27 units), EM500-UDL (9 units), EM500-PP (13 units), UPS01 (6 units).
Visual Data Representation: A map of Nevis Island shows deployment locations, and a pie chart illustrates water distribution or status.
Results
Tank Monitoring System
The EM500-UDL ultrasonic level sensor and UC300 controller enable intelligent management of high-altitude tanks. Non-contact measurement technology ensures stable operation under adverse weather conditions. Synchronized real-time level and pressure data provide precise information for water resource scheduling. Uninterrupted power supplies ensure continuous monitoring at high-altitude sites, addressing data loss due to power outages.
Pump Station Control System
The UC300 controller and VFD-based system achieve full automation of pump station operations. Real-time motor parameter collection allows automatic adjustment of pump speed to meet demand changes, improving energy efficiency. Built-in fault diagnosis algorithms promptly identify anomalies and automatically activate backup equipment, reducing failure risk. Remote monitoring allows maintenance personnel to monitor and adjust equipment status anytime.
Pipeline Pressure Management
The deployment of EM500-PP pressure sensors establishes a complete pipeline pressure monitoring network. High-precision measurement units capture subtle pressure fluctuations, and intelligent analysis algorithms enable early leak detection and fault warnings. Digital valve status monitoring provides real-time data for pipeline scheduling, automatically adjusting equipment parameters to maintain pressure stability and prevent burst pipes.
Integrated Management Platform
The central management platform integrates data from all subsystems and visually displays network operational status through a 3D interface. The mobile application supports real-time data queries and AR-assisted maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency. The intelligent analysis module optimizes system strategies through deep learning of historical data, supporting management decisions. The modular design facilitates functional expansion and system upgrades.
Why Choose Milesight
"Milesight's high-quality, easy-to-use LoRaWAN® solutions have replaced vulnerable wired systems on Nevis. Rugged, certified devices and a unified cloud platform enable real-time monitoring and efficient management. Clear manuals, responsive after-sales support, and professional service make Milesight the trusted choice for reliable, scalable water management in harsh environments."
Relevant Parties
AMNETPRO SAS
AMNETPRO SAS is a Colombian specialist in industrial automation solutions, focusing on SCADA system integration and IoT technology applications. The company's core competencies include the development of industrial communication protocols, implementation of smart water systems, and deployment of projects in harsh environments, particularly those with high lightning frequencies and high altitudes. Through customized solutions, AMNETPRO SAS has successfully helped clients across various industries achieve equipment connectivity and automation management upgrades, accumulating extensive experience in cross-system integration within the industrial IoT sector. Known for its reliable technical implementation and localized services, the company is a key service provider for industrial automation projects in Colombia and surrounding regions.
