| Technology & equipment


(what can be monitored can be more effectively managed) and ensuring the integrity of supply chains. Through alerts around deviations from “normal” data sets, real-time action is also inspired, which can avert disaster and save costs. Data also has the ability to inspire high-level compliance, machine learning, customer service, maintenance schedules, safety and security. Additionally, it gives invaluable insights for the purposes of gauging return on investment and preventing wastefulness.


● Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Visual Inspection – These concepts are becoming increasingly commonplace and are all best guided by data insights – removing the unpredictability and margin of error from human processes.


● Advanced Networks - As IoT technologies evolve, so too do the networks around them. Improved speed, security, and reliability of networks and connectivity infrastructure are the precursor to IoT sensors, wearables, smart cities and homes. IoT technologies and smart technology solutions have also found their way into all areas of businesses and industry, including predictive maintenance for enhanced equipment management, transport and logistics. The applications are endless – and are easily tailored to the specifics of a project or long- term strategic objective.


● Digital Twins - Digital twins are virtual replicas of a physical product, process, or system that bridge the physical and digital worlds. Today’s digital twins use sensors to collect real-time data about a physical item, which is used to create a virtual duplicate of the item. The digital duplicate can be optimised, manipulated and analysed to test different scenarios in a risk-free environment.


What are the challenges for IoT? ● Security - According to research by Russian


multinational cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky published in the first quarter of 2022, 43% of businesses have unprotected IoT infrastructure – and cybersecurity concerns remain a barrier to IoT systems implementation (as reported by 57% of surveyed businesses). As IoT devices become more prevalent – and


as our reliance on them increases – so security concerns take on renewed importance. US technological research and consulting firm Gartner reports that 20% of organisations have experienced cyber attacks on IoT devices over the past three years.


● Chip Shortages - The supply of semiconductor chips for IoT solutions has been put under strain by the high demand in recent times, resulting in a chip shortage. This is expected to limit IoT growth by 10-15% in 2022. The good news is that public and private sector efforts by the European Union are designed to meet the challenges of the shortage and make way for achieved growth potential.


● Latency - Traditionally, the optimal effectiveness and speed of data transmission of IoT technologies has hinged on bandwidth capabilities. Network advances will ensure not only that data is transmitted in real time as required by many applications, but also that this process is done securely. ●


New frontiers


Japanese start-up company Yumes Frontier has developed a 2.7kw micro-hydroelectric system to utilise unused water pipes to help reduce electricity bills in commercial and industrial buildings. Called Crutto, the device uses small amounts of water in factories, buildings, and water purification plants to generate power. It can be combined with solar to provide power for lights and surveillance cameras and is recommended for night time power usage. Development on Crutto started in 2018 and it officially started selling in Japan from September 2021 where three patent applications have been made. The device measures 580mm x 330mm,


weighs 30kg, and is described as being portable and easy to install with a power generation efficiency of up to 87%. It uses the difference in water pressure in piping to generate power and can work only with sealed piping. Minimum operating parameters include a minimum flow rate of 4L/s and a water drop from a height of more than 4m. Applications include using: ● Factory cooling water (drop 12m, flow rate 6L/s)


● Circulating water for air conditioning in data centre buildings (drop 12m, flow rate 4L/s)


● Circulating water for air conditioning in condominiums (drop 80m, flow rate 6L/s)


Payback times have been estimated between eight and nine years, while the expected lifecycle is 20 years.


Below: The 2.7kW Crutto micro hydro system has been developed in Japan


Above: Crutto is described as being portable and easy to install


For more information contact Yu Hayashi, CEO, Yumes Frontier Inc. Email: info@crutto.tech


www.waterpowermagazine.com | November 2022 | 29


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53