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The first installation of the self-powered PT-1 flow meter in Greece – DEYA Patras

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Patras Water Utility & PYDRO: A Smart Water Management Solution

The Patras Water Utility (ΔΕΥΑ Πάτρας), in collaboration with IDATOR , has implemented PYDRO`s self-powered PT-1 flow meter to enhance the management of its water supply network. This innovative flow meter features an energy recovery system, using water flow to operate independently without an external power source.

The PT-1 - Real-Time Monitoring Solution

Designed for District Metered Areas (DMA), the PT-1 provides real-time data on flow, pressure, and temperature, helping reduce water losses and detect leaks. It also offers remote reading capabilities and integration with telemetry systems, enhancing water resource management.

Beyond hardware, PYDRO aims to be a trusted water data provider, helping utilities manage water efficiently and sustainably.

By combining sensor technology, long-term value creation, and operational simplicity, PYDRO offers a unique solution. Its sensors integrate seamlessly into digital twin systems, providing real-time, high-frequency data to optimize resources, detect leaks, and enhance efficiency. Unlike traditional battery-powered sensors, PYDRO’s self-powered PT1 sensor delivers continuous minute-by-minute data without power constraints.

The PT1 sensor is plug-and-play (water to data), requiring minimal installation effort. It generates its own energy from water flow, eliminating external power needs and reducing maintenance. Over-the-air updates ensure long-term adaptability, keeping the technology aligned with evolving utility needs.

The Sisak Water Utility supplies the Croatian town of Sisak with drinking water via a 519 km long pipeline network that supplies 21,700 users (47,800 inhabitants). As part of its initiative to reduce NRW, the company uses portable, battery-operated flow meters with clip-on clamps to accurately measure flow and pressure. For three years, the Sisak Water Utility has been using the SmartAqua solution to digitize the process of reporting and repairing faults in water supply and other related tasks. The installation of Pydro PT1 underlines the utility's commitment to systematically integrating innovative technologies and digital transformation strategies into its operations. SmartAqua Solution is a Solution-as-a-Service platform designed to elevate water utility management through digital innovation.

SmartAqua Solution serves as a collaborative platform that facilitates the digital transformation of water utilities by offering specialized mobile (iOS and Android) and web applications and services. SmartAqua Solution focuses on the digitalization of operations and maintenance processes and enables all employees at all levels of the company to easily create, access and use digital information.

With ongoing sensor management, firmware updates, and data analysis, PYDRO removes the technical burden from utilities, allowing them to focus on their core mission. The longer PYDRO’s sensors operate, the more valuable their data becomes, creating a strong data-driven advantage that is difficult to replicate.

PYDRO is not just a vendor but a long-term partner. Its combination of smart sensors, continuous support, and actionable insights helps utilities modernize operations and transition from reactive to predictive water management.

Successful Installation in Greece

The collaboration between Patras Water Utility and Idator was marked by excellent communication and support, ensuring the successful installation of the first PT-1 unit in Greece. This solution meets the utility’s needs and supports the digital transformation of water infrastructure.

Patras Water Utility’s Needs

The Patras water supply network is extensive, with most of it zoned for monitoring. Each zone is equipped with flow and pressure recording devices and remote PRV control systems, usually installed in underground chambers, powered by batteries. To extend battery life, data transmission to the utility’s server is minimized.

Beyond these dedicated stations, the utility also requires real-time monitoring in certain areas with minimal space requirements. This calls for energy-autonomous equipment capable of generating power from the water flow itself.

The Local Green Deal (LGD) of Patras prioritizes smart water management to drive sustainability, focusing on modernizing water infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and integrating innovative solutions such as smart metering and water reuse

To address this need, the Patras Water Utility is currently testing PYDRO's self-powered flow meter with sensor-enabled services at a strategically significant point in the network. The device integrates communication equipment without external cabling and includes an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) function to ensure continuous battery charging.

The PYDRO PT-1 Solution

The PT-1 flow meters from PYDRO feature a built-in energy recovery mechanism and are designed for monitoring potable water distribution networks. They provide precise flow and pressure measurement and can be installed at key locations within the water supply system.

Key Features:

WRAS-certified for safe use in potable water networks

Includes a LTE-M / 2G / 3G / NB-IoT communication module

Enables real-time data monitoring and seamless integration with any SCADA or cloud-based software solution.

Applications:

Flow monitoring in designated DMA zones

Leak detection & monitoring within DMA zones

Significant reduction of water losses through pressure monitoring

Built-in Sensors:

Flow rate

Cumulative volume (normal & reverse flow)

Network pressure

Water temperature

Project Summary & Impact

The PT-1 installation represents a milestone in water management. From day one, the unit has provided accurate, real-time measurements, fully accessible via software, enabling more efficient and transparent network monitoring.

The collaboration with Patras Water Utility was outstanding, and PYDRO provided continuous support to ensure the smooth operation of Greece’s first PT-1 unit.

Once again, we are proud of this achievement and confident that our high-quality solutions will fully meet the utility’s needs.