Smart Metering Leak Detection

177f8b0d-9f9a-4092-b8d9-fb87eaec0943

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ISCF
ISCF
ISCF
ISCF
ISCF

£545,425

March 31, 2021

June 30, 2021

This project aims to analyse the data that is already gathered by smart gas meters and use it for other purposes:

1)To identify potentially dangerous gas leaks in houses. This could be achieved by comparing real time data with previous patterns in gas consumption, while looking for anomalous usage. In particular, unusually large gas flows through the meter could indicate a leak inside the building.

2)In planned maintenance and construction activities on the gas networks. These operations sometimes require portions of the network to be isolated, potentially cutting off the gas supply to a group of customers. Historical gas consumption data could be used to allow more efficient planning and operations.

3)To detect appliances that are performing inefficiently. This has benefits in terms of energy efficiency for financial and environmental reasons. It could also identify appliances that are generating carbon monoxide, which has a health benefit for gas customers.

4)To detect potential problems outside the house, on the gas networks. If multiple customer meters detect issues, then it might be possible to determine gas supply problems or to identify leaks on gas mains outside the properties.

The intention is to use the existing data assets and infrastructure and gas consumption data that is already collected for other purposes, and to provide another incentive for customers to install smart meters. It is possible that other utility usage data could be used in conjunction with the gas meter output.

This technology could be applied to the current natural gas system, but will become even more important if the UK starts moving towards its net zero targets by introducing hydrogen into the gas distribution system. Establishing the technology and methodology to analyse real time gas usage data could provide safety and environmental benefits, without the need to install new hardware in each house. This is a critical step towards the use of net zero energy systems.

If the UK's gas distribution network is converted to carry hydrogen then new gas meters would be required for each customer, so inclusion of additional functionality at this time would not be a significant additional investment. Standardising the data produced and its format, and the technology employed, would therefore be of benefit to future developments.

It is expected that this technology could also have additional benefits, which will be recorded as part of the study for future evaluation.