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BABLE Solutions are expert-curated blueprints for efficiently implementable Smart City projects. Each Smart City Solution contains detailed and relevant information, while also linking to relevant Use Cases and Innovative Products.
Solution
Clear evidence of techniques used for rainwater harvesting dates back to nearly 4000 years ago. However, the concept of rainwater harvesting may date back almost 6000 years in Ancient China ( Che-Ani et al., 2009 ). It is evident that rainwater harvesting has been part of human history and identity. With modernization and massive urbanization, rainwater harvesting has now become part of the city’s identity. To increase efficiency, the concept of Smart Rainwater Harvesting is being introduced around leading cities. Smart Rainwater Harvesting is characterized by collecting real-time data via sensors in water sources, collection phases, storage phases, and application phases (Behdazian et al., 2018). The data is gathered in a centralized data collection unit where it is monitored and processed. The processed data is then used to make decisions and adapt to specific circumstances. Smart Rainwater Harvesting systems by automated methods can release stormwater prior to rainfall occurring to enlarge the water captivity levels ( Behdazian et al., 2018 ). The main goal of rainwater harvesting systems is to collect and store rainwater during precipitation events for usage in non-drinking water applications ( Pradhan & Sahoo, 2019 ). The smart part of this concept consists of the development of communicating assets integrated with the overall system ( Xu et al., 2020 ). The system makes use of low-cost sensors combined with innovative communication technologies. The technological focus enables several new possibilities for the management of urban water infrastructure in a smart city framework. The performance of the system is strongly dependent on and interconnected with the quality of the weather forecast. The amount of precipitation and patterns of rainfall are integrated into the control strategy to determine discharge volume and closing time respectively ( Pradhan & Sahoo, 2019 ). .
Solution
A smart gateway, as an essential part of the system, connects the smart home with the outside world. This allows the mobile control of devices in the house from remote places, often through smartphones and microcontrollers. External systems and services can be used for better energy usage regulation. Furthermore, the system can be connected to the smart grid as well as electric charging infrastructure to enable better energy efficiency and billing plans, for example, according to peak-time energy consumption or renewable energy content ( European Commission, 2019 ). Problems to be solved Inefficiency Insecurity Lack of comfort Dependency of elderly people High energy costs Energy inefficiency is a huge problem in residential buildings. In Europe, 26% of the total final energy consumption is consumed in private homes. Smart Home Systems can reduce energy losses and increase the overall security and comfort of occupants while specifically improving the independence of elderly people. There are several solutions in the context of Smart Home Systems to solve these problems ( Eurostat, 2018 ). Some marketable outcomes that Smart Home Systems provide are: Subscription-based services that can generate a constant stream of income Big target groups : It can be sold to hospitals and homes for elderly and disabled people, but also for those willing to increase their comfort in a smart home environment The gateways can anonymise and provide data to data platforms, to implement effective analytics and long-term improvement as well as product design. The data can be charged, and the analytic services and their results can also be seen as marketable outcomes.