SUEZ to implement Aquadvanced for Bristol Water

Bristol Water has awarded SUEZ a contract to implement Aquadvanced Energy across its entire water distribution network.

Aquadvanced Energy, formerly known as Derceto’s Aquadapt, is a network-wide optimiser that will allow Bristol Water to operate its system more efficiently by reducing the energy consumption and environmental footprint.

The Aquadvanced system will monitor and control all pumps, valves, water treatment plants and storage in the network to meet customer demand at minimum cost and in real time.

The Aquadvanced implementation process will be completed by September 2019, after which pumping and resource control will be fully automated.

Matthew Stephenson, director of water utilities at SUEZ Water Technologies and Solutions, said: “The Aquadvanced system is a highly advanced network optimiser that typically reduces overall pumping energy bills by 10-15 per cent – a significant saving for most water companies.

"We are delighted to see that Bristol Water have committed their whole distribution network to be optimised, and they follow a growing number of forward-thinking water companies around the world who have opted to move their water distribution into the digital age.”

Aquadvanced Energy utilises SCADA and telemetry systems to read live data and issue commands to pumps and valves throughout an entire distribution system, producing the correct volume of water when and where it is needed.

Ian Badcock, asset management IT projects manager at Bristol Water, said: “We are always looking to do things differently. This really helps us achieve that and makes us much more efficient. This system contributes to our business plan objectives to lower our costs and our energy usage; it makes us a better, more efficient company.”

In contrast to point-to-point optimisers, Aquadvanced looks at operational efficiencies through the whole network and takes into account how distant assets interact with each other.

Therefore, benefits include not only the more common load-shifting savings but system efficiencies such as reduction of water production, improved water quality and increased system resilience.