Digital Transformation in the Water Distribution System based on the Digital Twins Concept

TL;DR

This work applies Digital Twins to Water Distribution Systems (WDS) to enable real-time monitoring, forecasting, maintenance optimization, and secure operations. It introduces the CAUCCES platform, an integrated DT framework combining IoT, AI/ML models (LSTM, Prophet, LightGBM, XGBoost), and Constraint Programming for maintenance scheduling, with ISO 27001–compliant cybersecurity. Empirical results show forecasting accuracy with MAE = $5.76$ and MAPE = $18.61\%$ for 6-month horizons, and a 14% reduction in completion time with a 17% drop in CO$_2$ emissions from CP-based maintenance scheduling. The study also emphasizes cybersecurity, data governance, and future directions including deeper AI/ML integration, scalability to larger networks, and continued alignment with sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Abstract

Digital Twins have emerged as a disruptive technology with great potential; they can enhance WDS by offering real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and optimization capabilities. This paper describes the development of a state-of-the-art DT platform for WDS, introducing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning models. This paper provides insight into the architecture of the proposed platform-CAUCCES-that, informed by both historical and meteorological data, effectively deploys AI/ML models like LSTM networks, Prophet, LightGBM, and XGBoost in trying to predict water consumption patterns. Furthermore, we delve into how optimization in the maintenance of WDS can be achieved by formulating a Constraint Programming problem for scheduling, hence minimizing the operational cost efficiently with reduced environmental impacts. It also focuses on cybersecurity and protection to ensure the integrity and reliability of the DT platform. In this view, the system will contribute to improvements in decision-making capabilities, operational efficiency, and system reliability, with reassurance being drawn from the important role it can play toward sustainable management of water resources.

Figures (40)

• Figure 1: DTs in the WDS.
• Figure 2: DTs Platform in the Water Distribution Networks
• Figure 3: 2D Map of the village and communication signals
• Figure 4: 3D Map of the village
• Figure 5: Meteorology and Water Consumption Data