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

本研究应用传感器和控制设备的网络，以提高民用基础设施系统的性能，特别是公用事业生命线系统，在紧急和日常操作条件下。 本研究的具体目标是：1）开发一个概念性的系统设计，能够进行数据采集，无线数据传输，数据处理/分析和供水系统的运行控制; 2）开发创新的基于神经网络的逆向分析算法和软件，以近实时地确定系统部件（例如管段，管接头，泵站等，以及3）使用孟菲斯光、气和水（MLGW）分部的水系统进行试点案例研究，以证明系统设计所提供的改进。因此，设计的系统代表了新一代的大大扩展和增强的SCADA（监控和数据采集）系统目前使用的公用事业。在这个扩展版本中，液压数据通过网络通过混合有线和无线通信进行感测和传输。该网络将自动检测来自某个区域的数据积累的聚合点，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。 在必要时，观察员将能够“深入”了解具体细节，并进行明确的查询和控制。两名地理上相距遥远的首席调查员提供结构/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的专业知识。 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。 每个人将支持和建议一个研究生，并通过互联网和经常安排的会议，邀请潜在的最终用户从公用事业组织相互沟通。 预计将对生命线工程、传感器网络技术、基于仿真和神经网络的复杂系统分析等前沿研究以及生命线运营和管理实践产生广泛影响。

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.