Development of Technological Building Blocks for Smart Water Networks

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e2cc_iotwn

Lacroix

Iot: Integrate Lacroix IoT platform components such as Device Management and Connectivity, and Data sharing & AI modules.

Cyber secured water network remote management, services based on generated data for water leak detection, equipment predictive maintenance.

Context and Purpose

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The E2CC_IOTWN project is a continuation of the E2CC_Platform initiative. It aims to develop complementary technological components tailored to the specific needs of drinking water networks. The project demonstrates the relevance of an Edge-to-Cloud continuum through a concrete industrial use case: optimization of water distribution networks.

Led by LACROIX, the project spans 54 months (2024–2028) and is structured to align closely with the technical roadmap of E2CC_Platform.

Technical Objectives

E2CC_IOTWN focuses on the development of three key technological components:

  • Device Management & Connectivity: Enables operational management of connected devices (updates, security, configuration) and facilitates the integration of new equipment using standard IoT protocols.
  • Artificial Intelligence Modules: Detect anomalies in network data (e.g., pressure variations, predictive maintenance, …) with continuous learning capabilities and sector-based localization.
  • Supervision Interface: Provides operators with a clear and concise visualization of network performance and enables feedback to improve AI models.

Synergy with E2CC_Platform

The project is closely integrated with E2CC_Platform, leveraging its deliverables—such as architecture, cybersecurity, and orchestration—to build a comprehensive and interoperable solution. This synergy allows:

  • Validation of technological components in a real-world environment.
  • Extension of the platform’s capabilities to broader IIoT use cases.
  • Technical and strategic alignment between both projects.

Technological Challenges

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E2CC_IOTWN addresses several key challenges related to Edge-to-Cloud communication:

  • Interoperability: Seamless integration of heterogeneous devices and cloud platforms.
  • Edge Deployment: Local execution of AI algorithms to reduce latency and ensure resilience.
  • Data Synchronization: Consistent data flow and processing between edge and cloud layers.
  • Cybersecurity: Secure end-to-end updates and security assets management for connected devices.
  • Orchestration: Coordinated updates and supervision across distributed systems.

Experimentation and Dissemination

The developed technologies will be tested in a real-world drinking water network, with structured feedback from operational users. A dissemination strategy is also in place to promote the project’s outcomes to industrial and institutional stakeholders.