FLUENT 2.0: towards predictive fault management in water distribution networks, through data sharing and open software
- The project is committed to an open and scalable software platform for small and medium-sized municipalities.
- The concept of risk is introduced and the predictive breakdown algorithm is optimised, providing a more sophisticated and efficient management tool for operators, thus improving the quality of service and the sustainability of water distribution networks.
- The initiative is coordinated by the Catalan Water Partnership and funded by ACCIÓ
The FLUENT 2.0 project is being promoted as a direct continuation of the progress made with the FLUENT project. This first phase focused on optimizing more than 2,700 km of pipe network in Catalonia, with the aim of reducing the risk of water leaks. This phase made it possible to establish a database shared between water companies, identifying areas with the highest risk of breakdown and optimizing their maintenance. Aigües de Manresa, TAIGUA (Terrassa Cicle de l’Aigua, EPEL), Aigües de Mataró, AVENTEC and BGEO participated with the coordination of the Catalan Water Partnership.
The FLUENT 2.0 project, started at the end of 2024, capitalizes on these results and introduces new functionalities and technical developments with the aim of becoming an open and useful platform for small and medium-sized municipalities, promoting the digitization and sustainability of water supply systems, thus improving the quality of service and possible water leaks. In this second phase, the same members as in the first phase participate and the UPC (Polytechnic University of Catalonia) has been incorporated.
A more advanced and risk-oriented predictive model
One of the great novelties of FLUENT 2.0 is the integration of the concept of risk into the prediction model. In addition to the probability of breakdown, an analysis of the environmental, economic and social consequences is incorporated, allowing a more efficient management of resources and a more careful prioritization of interventions.
This approach is complemented by a significant improvement in the predictive algorithm, which will now be able to automatically incorporate data and adapt to different data sets (depending on time, space, network or other criteria), improving its training and analysis capacity.
Proof of concept, validation and opening to new municipalities
As part of the development process, a proof of concept with the new improved algorithm is being carried out. This preliminary validation will include the active participation of the operators involved and will be based on internal indicators that allow the effectiveness of the system to be measured.
At the same time, a results viewer and an intuitive application are being developed that allow operators to easily visualize critical points and analysis results. This viewer will facilitate the interpretation of the data and help you make more informed decisions.
The final validation phase will consist of the implementation of the algorithm on the servers of the participating operators, offering the possibility of interacting with the system through the viewer and the application developed.
Finally, the FLUENT 2.0 project also includes a strategy to increase the critical mass of data thanks to collaboration with new operators, especially in small municipalities (less than 50,000 inhabitants). In this way, the aim is to consolidate the project as a reference tool in the management of breakdowns in water distribution networks.
A sustainability-oriented project
The FLUENT 2.0 project is part of the strategy of optimizing the management of water resources, promoting a more sustainable and efficient use of water through advanced and collaborative technologies. By consolidating itself as an open and accessible tool for small municipalities, it promotes the digitization and improvement of water services at the local level.
Both phases of the project have been co-financed by ACCIÓ‘s call for Initiatives to Strengthen Competitiveness, with the support of the Generalitat de Catalunya.
