Section 1: 🌊CENTAUR Project: Innovative AI-Driven Solutions for Cost-Effective Urban Flood Risk Mitigation 🌊🌍1. Project Overview and Co...
Published on by Hossein Ataei Far, Deputy Manager of the Research, Technology Development, and Industry Relations Center at NWWEC
🌍1. Project Overview and Context**
🔹Problem Statement**: Urban flood risk is increasing due to climate change and urbanization, leading to significant damage, health risks, and economic disruption. Traditional responses are costly and disruptive.
🔹Project Objective**: The CENTAUR project aims to develop a cost-effective and resource-efficient system to alleviate urban flood risk by optimizing the use of existing sewer networks rather than building new infrastructure.
🌍2. Technology Development**
🔹Innovative Solution**: CENTAUR uses a Flow Control Device (FCD) managed by a Local Monitoring and Control System (LMCS) driven by an AI algorithm. The LMCS monitors water levels and uses an AI control algorithm to move the FCD and thus control in-sewer flows. Different AI approaches were considered and a Fuzzy Logic (FL) based algorithm was adopted. The FCD has been designed so that it fits into a standard manhole so that no new construction is required. The latest version has been optimized for power requirements. The LMCS has been integrated with the modified FCD to form the market-ready CENTAUR system. The system operates autonomously so requires minimal operator intervention. A web interface allows data to be viewed remotely and also for settings to be updated remotely.
🔹Technological Advantage**: Unlike traditional systems, CENTAUR is less costly, requires no new construction, and is easier to implement in urban areas with land use constraints.
🌍3. Work Performed and Results Achieved**
🔹Initial Testing**: The system was first tested in a laboratory setting, then piloted in Coimbra, Portugal, demonstrating its ability to reduce downstream flow rates and depths.
🔹Re-engineering**: Based on pilot results, the system was improved for greater reliability and cost efficiency, leading to a market-ready demonstration in Toulouse, France.
🌐Technical Details**:
🔹LMCS and FCD Integration**: The LMCS monitors water levels and uses an AI-driven FCD to control flows, optimized for minimal power usage and ease of installation.
🔹Testing and Validation**: The system was tested in a full-scale lab and real-world settings, proving its effectiveness and readiness for market deployment.
🌍4. Exploitation and Dissemination**
🔹Market Impact**: The project has generated significant interest globally, winning awards and involving feasibility studies with water utilities. The first sales are expected in early 2019.
🔹Dissemination Activities**: The project partners have actively promoted CENTAUR to water utilities, policymakers, and the public, highlighting its benefits in reducing flood risk at lower costs.
Reference:
[1] European Union Research Results: https://lnkd.in/d4fanaWB
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