THE CHALLENGE
Quensus, a UK-based leader in water management solutions, specialises in advanced leak detection and automatic shutoff technologies. Their IoT-enabled LeakNet device captures high-resolution data from multiple water meters and valves, using WiFi to process and analyse data in the AWS cloud securely.
As Quensus developed the third generation of LeakNet, they sought a connectivity alternative to WiFi to better serve large facilities with limited coverage. To meet the diverse needs of customers managing utility infrastructure across vast properties, they needed a robust, scalable, and cost-effective solution.
THE SOLUTION
To enhance LeakNet Gen3's connectivity, Quensus partnered with AWS IoT specialist Green Custard to expand beyond WiFi. Green Custard brought in connectivity specialists RAK Wireless to provide a LoRaWAN network. LoRaWAN’s long-range, low-power capabilities made it the ideal choice for utility management providers, significantly reducing connectivity costs and infrastructure complexity.
A comprehensive site survey was conducted in a large apartment complex to validate LoRaWAN’s suitability. The results confirmed that a single LoRaWAN gateway per ten stories could replace the equivalent coverage of 20–50 WiFi access points, offering substantial savings.
RAK Wireless's RAK3172 module was chosen for its high performance, certification compliance, and seamless integration with existing IoT infrastructure. Green Custard, an AWS IoT specialist, worked alongside Quensus and embedded electronics partner Tebira to design a new schematic incorporating the RAK3172 module. The updated design included enhancements to improve efficiency, scalability, and overall performance.
After manufacturing and testing multiple prototypes, LeakNet Gen3 successfully transmitted data via LoRaWAN gateways over extended distances, securely relaying information to AWS for real-time analysis.
Collaborating with Green Custard on our LoRaWAN-based IoT project for leak detection has been exceptional. Their grasp of AWS services and IoT innovation has immensely bolstered our capabilities. Their team's technical expertise, combined with a collaborative spirit, significantly contributed to the project's success, ensuring that our solutions were technically sound and aligned with our business needs. Green Custard kept us informed throughout the project lifecycle and the outcome is a testament to their commitment. The project has greatly enhanced our ability to install enterprise-grade leak detection systems in large developments, providing substantial value to our business and customers
Dr Dan Simmons
Quensus Founder and Director
THE OUTCOME
The RAK Wireless integration into LeakNet Gen3 marks a significant advancement in IoT-based utility management. LoRaWAN’s extended range far surpasses WiFi, making it an ideal solution for large-scale deployments where traditional connectivity options fall short.
For example, a LoRaWAN gateway replaced 24 WiFi routers in one eight-story building, drastically lowering infrastructure requirements and reducing costs. Additionally, a LoRaWAN-only configuration decreased operational costs per unit by 86%, transforming affordability for end users.
By incorporating RAK Wireless’s RAK3172 module, Quensus continues to push the boundaries of leak detection and water conservation, delivering cutting-edge, cost-effective solutions for the utility management sector. This partnership underscores the potential for LoRaWAN to revolutionise IoT applications, offering seamless scalability and unparalleled efficiency in water and resource management.