USV System Workflow
To advance water quality monitoring in impounding reservoirs, WSD has initiated the smart use of unmanned surface vessel ("USV") system since 2011. Now in its 4th generation of development, the system performs automatic water quality monitoring and sampling. This system facilitates the effective control of water treatment process at downstream water treatment works to ensure the safety of drinking water supply.
USV System Workflow
The USV system comprises of four electric USVs. Each USV is equipped with a water sampling unit and a water quality monitoring unit capable of measuring temperature, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, pH, chlorophyll-a and blue green algae. In addition, the USVs are fitted with auto-navigation and obstacle avoidance systems for navigating around obstacles during operation.
The system conducts water sampling and real-time water quality monitoring along preset route. Its obstacle avoidance functions allow each USV to navigate safely around obstacles encountered on water surface. Upon mission completion, the system automatically generates graphical water quality distribution map for subsequent water quality analysis.
In 2024, WSD further enhanced the smart route planning and intelligent water quality monitoring and sampling functions. These enhancements enable the USV system to automatically plan the navigation route and respond in real time to changes in water quality. When significant change in water quality is detected, the system will automatically increase the number of monitoring points and perform additional sampling, thereby improving operational efficiency.