System intelligence to support the digital transformation in water management
Wilo presents world first at the IFAT in Munich
Dortmund/Munich. Global trends such as water shortage, urbanisation and climate change currently pose major challenges for the field of water management. From 14 to 18 May 2018, Wilo – in its guise as an internationally active technology company – will present smart and digital solutions to ensure the sustainable use of water as a resource at the world’s leading water management fair IFAT. The focus is on intelligent solutions for system operators as well as on using renewable energy sources to ensure sustainable water supply.
Climate change, continuous population growth and growing water consumption all necessitate new solutions in the field of water management. This need is not just apparent in areas threatened by acute water shortages but can be witnessed around the world – including in industrial nations – in the course of urbanisation, for example. More than half of the global population already live in urban areas, and this figure is rising. This has implications for the environment, infrastructure, logistics and, not least, for water management. In future, cities will require a new approach, which must be holistic, sustainable and efficient. In addition, the rapid growth of cities will lead to the creation of smart urban areas. These urban conurbations make their residents lives safer, more convenient and more pleasant by using state-of-the-art digital IT and communications technologies.
“Smart urban areas are the future markets in which different infrastructures and spheres of life will be connected, both digitally and intelligently,” explains Wilo CEO Oliver Hermes. “Pioneering smart urban concepts and efficient solutions are the response to global megatrends and will be combined in networked conurbations.”
Focused solutions through digitalisation
“The benefits of digitalisation are also of huge importance for water management,” says Marcus Neppl, Head of Sales for Water Management at Wilo. “The growing demands placed on the way we handle water require intelligent systems, but also an increased focus on the integration of renewable energy sources. With our product portfolio, we are underlining our position as a digital pioneer for the pump sector at this year’s IFAT.” With the Wilo-Rexa SOLID-Q combined with Nexos Intelligence, the Dortmund-based technology company has developed an intelligent, stand-alone system solution for smart sewage pump stations that autonomously responds to contemporary requirements. Nexos Intelligence comprises systems that are capable of reacting intelligently to changes in their environment without the operator having to take action. The Wilo-Rexa SOLID-Q sewage pump has been devised to transport untreated sewage in medium-sized pumping stations and is suitable for both wet well and dry well installation. The motor’s integrated DDI contains an IP-based digital Ethernet interface, as well as a data logger, a digital rating plate and an integrated vibration monitor. The Wilo-TP Control system for wastewater treatment plants ensures reliability and efficiency in biological wastewater treatment processes. As a digital interface, it facilitates intuitive monitoring of system operation.
Stand-alone water extraction system using renewable energy
Sustainable methods are increasingly being used in the field of water extraction. In many countries, droughts and water shortages are issues that plague local populations and represent a threat to both agriculture and industry. Ground water is an important source for the water supply. This water can be extracted from wells and shafts using submersible pumps. The design of the Wilo-Actun OPTI-MS allows it to be combined with photovoltaic systems, thereby forming a stand-alone water supply system. In addition to pumping drinking water to supply small settlements, the pump is also suitable for agricultural irrigation purposes and in animal rearing.
“Wilo uses digital technologies to create networked solutions that make the work of consultants, operators and plant engineers easier. We’re expanding our products and systems with the latest control and sensor systems as well as digital interfaces,” Neppl explains. “Intelligent Wilo solutions enable the consistently reliable and effective operation of water supply networks and support our customers in diverse challenges they face: supplying a population with high-quality drinking water and reliably disposing of and treating sewage.”
