ITR/SI: Pervasive Monitoring and Control of Water Lifeline Systems for Disaster Recovery

这项研究应用传感器和控制设备网络来提高民用基础设施系统，特别是公用生命线系统在紧急情况和日常运行条件下的性能。本研究的具体目标是：1)开发能够进行数据采集、无线数据传输、数据处理/分析和供水系统运行控制的概念性系统设计；2)开发基于神经网络的创新逆向分析算法和软件，以接近实时地确定系统部件如管段、管道接头、泵站等所遭受的损坏或故障的程度和位置；3)以孟菲斯光、气和水事业部(MLGW)的供水系统为试点案例研究，展示系统设计所带来的改进。这样设计的系统代表了公用事业公司目前使用的新一代大大扩展和增强的SCADA(监督控制和数据采集)系统。在这个扩展版本中，水力数据通过网络通过有线和无线混合通信进行传感和传输。该网络将自动检测来自某一地区的数据聚集的聚集点，并触发本地处理。这些要点将产生摘要，然后可以传递给中央观察员。两个地理上相距遥远的首席调查员在结构/力学、生命线系统分析和系统故障的社会经济影响以及计算机操作系统、网络协议和传感器网络方面提供专业知识。土木工程和计算机科学专业知识的结合代表了这项研究的理想跨学科联盟。每个人都将为一名研究生提供支持和建议，并通过互联网和经常安排的邀请公用事业组织潜在最终用户的会议进行交流。预计将对生命线工程、传感器网络技术、复杂系统的仿真和基于神经网络的分析以及生命线运营和管理实践的前沿研究产生广泛影响。

This research applies networks of sensors and control devices to enhance the performance of civil infrastructure systems, particularly utility lifeline systems, under both emergency and daily operational conditions. Specific objectives of this research are to: 1) develop a conceptual system design capable of data acquisition, wireless data transmission, data processing/analysis and operational control of a water delivery system; 2) develop innovative neural network-based inverse analysis algorithms and software to determine in near real-time the extent and locations of damage or malfunction sustained by system components such as pipe segments, pipe joints, pumping stations, etc., and 3) use Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) Division's water system for a pilot case study to demonstrate the improvements offered by the system design. The system thus designed represents a new generation of vastly expanded and enhanced SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems currently used by utilities. In this expanded version, the hydraulic data are sensed and transmitted through mixed wired and wireless communications through the network. The network will automatically detect aggregation points where data from a region are accumulated and trigger local processing. These points will produce summaries that can then be passed on to central observers. When necessary, observers will be able to "drill down" on specific details with explicit queries and control.The two geographically distant Principal Investigators provide expertise on structures/mechanics, lifeline systems analysis and socio-economic impact of system failure and in computer operating systems, network protocols, and sensor networks. This combination of civil engineering and computer science expertise represents an ideal interdisciplinary coalition for this research. Each will support and advise one graduate student and communicate each other through internet and frequently scheduled meetings inviting potential end users from utility organizations. Broad impacts are expected on the frontier research in lifeline engineering, sensor network technology, simulation and neural network-based analysis of complex systems, and on the practice of lifeline operation and management.