Case Studies

The Customer

MCGM is a leader in Municipal Corporation managing a mega-city, with one of the highest population densities in the world, and its extensive experience in handling complex urban issues makes it a model for Municipalities in India & Beyond. Datamatrix was awarded the single largest Audit assignment in India at the time. The project covered the Greater Mumbai City divided into four zones covering City-1, City-II, Eastern & Western Suburbs.

The Challenge

The drastic variation in sewage flow during the day and significant seasonal variation in the flow rate during monsoon, due to the rainwater entering the sewer network, posed significant challenges for managing the sewage systems. The prior pilot project successfully executed at MCGM - Bhandup Water Works, successfully executing Datamatrix Virtual Pump Station for their Drinking water systems, gives an edge in the competition, with a proven ability to handle this challenge, with its unique technology capabilities.

The Solution

Datamatrix has captured the critical operational data of each pump station and treatment plant for a minimum period of 24 hours to several weeks depending on the criticality of the stations. Datamatrix has further carried out detailed testing of each pump capturing its characteristics operating as at site. It helped to simulate the head, flow and pumping efficiencies against various operating scenarios of the day using the Datamatrix Technology Platform and identify the stress points, overflow and sewerage stagnation threats.

Datamatrix has made specific Reports for Each Pump Station, and made recommendations for:

1. Preferred Machine Sequence for Pumping Operations
2. Recommended Water Levels during the time of day, & Seasons
3. Operational Strategies for Each Station Based on Specific Challenges

Datamatrix has devised an Energy Management and Asset Renewal Policy, and continuous improvement plan over the years which includes:

1. Devised a Method to compare the Performance of each pump set, despite their wide variation capacity and lift, devising a universal comparison of specific energy per unit lift to compare each category and range of pumps, for asset renewal.
2. Devised Detailed Energy Management Plan with Continuous Improvement & Training Program, with Monthly Reporting of Key Performance Indicators across the Stations.
3. Utility wide Strategic Asset Renewal Plan against each Critical Asset (Motor-Pump Set) under each category and range, based on their Performance and Running Hrs, and Perceived Risk and Payback, with flexibility for yearly decision making.
4. Taking up Tariff Restructuring issues with the Energy Regulatory Commission, over the Tariff Disparities between 4 Utilities supplying Power across Mumbai City, for fair and justifiable Tariffs.

Outcomes of the Project

The Audit Report identified & Implemented the following opportunities:

1. Operational Optimisation = 5.3% (50% Implemented in first year)
2. Energy Cost reduction by Power Factor Improvement = 5.2% (Implemented in First Year)
3. Immediate Replacement = 3.3% (Implemented in First Year)
4. Strategic Asset Renewal = 4% (To be Implemented in the next 2 years)

First year implementation under our supervision including tendering and finalisation

The Customer

Municipal Corporations of: 1. Pune Municipal Corporation 2. Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation 3. Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation

The Challenge

Monitoring Pump wise performance is difficult, due to the insufficient straight length or constrained budgets. The Pump stations with Pump wise Flow meters were still having uncertainties due to inaccuracies. There was an identified need among most of the utilities to manage energy, water and asset performance.

The Solution

Datamatrix Virtual Pump Station addressed this need cost-effectively. The remote monitoring and support services made it quite handy for remotely hand holding the operational staff for optimum machine sequencing and a continuous improvement program that helped the customer to systematically implement continuous improvement plans with monitoring measurement and verification.

Outcomes of the Project

The Virtual Pump Stations, in General, Achieved the following Benefits:

1. Integrated Performance management
2. Systematic Representation with Analytics for Spares & Asset Renewals
3. 5-10% Energy Savings across stations
4. Improved knowledge dissemination and learning process

The Customer

The customer is a leading energy and water solution provider in India. Datamatrix is providing the Technology Platform and Expertise for Monitoring Based Commissioning

The Challenge

The fundamental challenge is making use of the Instrumentation data to improve the performance of the Pump Station, demonstrating tangible outcomes to the end customer. This needs deeper analytics, technology, consultancy services, and training

The Solution

1. Datamatrix has Designed & Developed all Dashboards
2. Datamatrix Proprietary Analytics is used at the Back end for Special Analytics
3. Datamatrix Simulation & Validation monitors the deviation from the expected performance, and identifies the root cause.

Datamatrix Provides a Monitoring Based Commissioning Program, with a continuous improvement Plan with the following:

a. Performance Monitoring with M&V & Analytics
b. Condition Monitoring with Alerts & Alarms
c. Asset Life Cycle & Spare Management Advisory, with supporting evidence for recommendations

Outcomes of the Project

Integrated Performance Management: Optimal machine sequencing with the technology. Comprehensive asset management with predictive maintenance. Continuous improvement with best practices for energy, water, and asset management. Cost-effective remote monitoring with support services.

Energy Savings: 5% for large pump stations and 10% for small stations.

Overview

'ClimateWorks Foundation' a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and accelerate climate solutions that scale, engaged Datamatrix to carry out a techno-economic feasibility study for Energy & Water Efficiency in India, to effectively address the water-energy nexus challenges in India.

Problem

In India, over 80% of fresh water resources are used for agriculture, while domestic use has risen from 5% to 6% over the past decade, and industrial use has increased from 10% to 12%. The rapid population growth and industrialization are placing immense pressure on water resources, potentially hindering the country's development. Improving agricultural water use efficiency is crucial to avoid severe constraints on growth.

The Challenge

Energy and water use are interdependent, and there is limited understanding among the government and farmers about optimal use and asset performance due to inadequate measurement of these resources. Current policies, such as heavily subsidized power, often lead to misuse and water shortages at critical times.

Approach

To improve water and energy efficiency and recalibrate subsidies, Datamatrix focused on understanding the link between energy and water use and pumping efficiencies. This understanding is essential for promoting better resource use and boosting agricultural productivity. Currently, there is limited scientific research or evidence to support optimal policies for resource efficiency and sustainability.

R&D Assignment

Datamatrix conducted an in-depth study in five major agrarian states (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, and Karnataka) at the village level. This involved tracking energy and water use and assessing the efficiency of pump sets. Randomly selected pump sets were extensively tested to evaluate water, energy, and asset performance. Datamatrix used its Virtual Pump Stations technology to simulate and validate performance across different seasons.

Findings

Equitable Water Use Based on Cultivation: 24.72% improvement (saves water and energy)
Star-Rated Pumps: 13.56% energy saving
Optimum Pump Selection: 7.64% energy saving
Control & Automation: 5.35% energy saving

Overall Potential:
Energy Saving: 51%
Water Saving: 24%

The study has further revealed that out of the identified 51% energy saving opportunities, 40% of the identified energy-saving opportunities are knowledge-based, while only 11% can be achieved through government pump replacement programs. High costs associated with replacements make them unsustainable without integrating appropriate knowledge interventions.

Overview

Columbia University's Water Centre, in collaboration with the Centre for International Project Trust (CIPT), engaged Datamatrix to address water-energy nexus challenges related to rapid water depletion in deep bore wells at Mahesana, Gujarat.

The Challenge

The water table in Mahesana is declining at an alarming rate of 3 meters per year, causing a crisis for farmers who need to drill new bore wells every three years at a cost of Rs. 20 Lakhs (USD 24,000). Water depletion is linked to withdrawal rates, and there was a need for cost-effective, integrated solutions to monitor water withdrawal and aquifer properties.

The Solution

Datamatrix established virtual pump stations connecting each well to a smart grid of energy meters. By monitoring the energy input to the motors and simulating hydraulic parameters, Datamatrix was able to track water withdrawal and drawdown through the motor's energy signature (Datamatrix Patent).

Outcomes of the Project

This approach helped identify aquifer properties and assess the condition and remaining life of each well. It enabled farmers to switch to less water-intensive crops or, in some cases, to dairy farming with predictable water availability from existing wells.

Overview

Datamatrix has tackled complex sustainability challenges involving interdisciplinary performance issues related to the water-energy nexus. Notable assignments include:

The Customer

NABARD: Engaged Datamatrix to monitor and sustain water resources in a village with a minor irrigation dam funded by USAID.

EESL: 'Energy Efficiency Services Limited' a government-owned ESCO, under an India-Israel Industrial R&D Program, utilized Datamatrix technology for monitoring and optimizing energy and water resources.

The Way Forward

Datamatrix, with its expertise in Building Utilities, Water & Wastewater Utilities is uniquely positioned to address the impending water crisis through their integrated approach. The challenge often lies in the mismanagement of resources due to a lack of understanding of their interactions with other systems and their environment.

Datamatrix aims to lead the development of Sustainable Smart Cities with a 'One Water' approach, inspired by successful models in Singapore, the US, and Australia, supported by cutting-edge technology and research.