What Makes CSOnet Different?

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CSOnet's® Distributed Control utilizes the advantages of robust Local-Reactive Control and the system-wide optimization of Global-Predictive Control.  CSOnet's® breakthrough technology was designed to emphasize the benefits, and address the challenges, of all previously existing RTMC (Real-Time Monitoring and Control) systems .  In order to fully understand CSOnet’s® patented,  distributed, control methodology, we should first define  existing control techniques, and the benefits and challenges of those systems.

In Local -Reactive Control, isolated decisions are made for each control location based on conditions at that specific location.  This type of control does not take into account conditions at any other location or the collective effects from other control sites.  Because there is no need for coordination between control sites, these systems are robust to changes in hydraulic conditions or component malfunction. System-wide performance, however, is poor due to lack of coordination between the control sites

In Global-Predictive Control decisions are made based on the conditions throughout the collective system.  This system requires all sensors to report hydraulic conditions to a central computer that uses a model to generate thousands of “what if” scenarios. An “optimal” decision is made and relayed to valves, gates, and movable weirs for actuation. This process is repeated every 5-15 minutes. While these systems strive to achieve global optimal performance, this is seldom the case due to inaccuracies in the model (typically ± 20%). Moreover, the entire system is highly dependent on a high functioning communication and computer infrastructure for its success, which leads to a high initial cost, high maintenance cost, and system unreliability.

CSOnet’s® Distributed Control utilizes the best concepts from both the Local-Reactive and Global-Predictive Control strategies.  CSOnet® is a decentralized system, meaning that each of the data acquisition points, or Gateways , communicates independently with all surrounding Gateways.  Gateways share data with each other back and forth in what is called a “gossip” approach.  Each surrounding Gateway continues to distribute and collect data with other Gateways system-wide.   This process of sharing data throughout the system is completed within less than three seconds, after which it is uploaded to a secure website, and available for viewing within the minute.  CSOnet’s® optimization software, which is embedded in each Gateway, instantly analyzes this data and makes intelligent control decisions in real-time.  These decisions can be used to:  optimize conveyance through the interceptor and trunk lines; recognize and utilize any available in-line and off-line storage; and dynamically control throttle lines and flows to the WWTP before an overflow occurs.  All of this is done in the field, without the need for a central computing center.