From Smart to Intelligent Utility Meters in Natural Gas Distribution Networks

We propose a novel method for monitoring gas distribution networks (GDNs) using intelligent sensor nodes that can be integrated with existing smart gas meters (intelligent meters). The method aims at detecting and locating gas leaks in GDNs in real time. The intelligent meters leverage wireless connectivity in existing smart meters to collaborate in implementing this method, which comprises an active acoustic probing phase and a passive linear imaging phase. In the active acoustic phase, the intelligent meters collaboratively discover the topology of the monitored pipeline network using a novel acoustic pulse reflectometry technique. In the passive linear imaging phase, the intelligent meters use their knowledge of the pipeline network topology to create a linear image of the pipeline using the Time-Exposure Acoustic (TEA) algorithm. The resulting image reveals the presence and locations of active gas leaks in the network. We present the theoretical basis of the method and show results of implementing it on experimental data collected in the lab.