CASE STUDY
Smart Water Resource Management in Olhão
Automation and Energy Efficiency at the R6 Ambiolhão Water Reservoir
"We only realize the value of water when the well runs dry." This is one of Ambiolhão core principles. To ensure the continuous supply of water in one of the Algarve most iconic cities, Ambiolhão entrusted Rolear with the upgrade of the reservoir control system. After all, Rolear motto is "Some things just can't stop." And this is certainly one of them.
The Challenge:
The R6 reservoir plays a critical role in supplying water to the city of Olhão, ensuring adequate availability and pressure for the local distribution network. With the goal of modernizing and optimizing the existing infrastructure, Ambiolhão entrusted Rolear.ON, in partnership with SmartConnect, with the renovation of the reservoir’s control system—ensuring greater operational efficiency and service continuity.
The Solution:
Rolear.ON intervention focused on modernizing the electrical and automation systems, introducing advanced solutions for more efficient water supply management. The key improvements implemented include:
- Supply and installation of a 90KVA Himoinsa emergency generator to ensure uninterrupted system operation.
- Installation of new electrical cabling, providing increased reliability and operational safety.
- Implementation of a new Electrical Panel with an Automation System, enabling intelligent management of elevated reservoirs. The system monitors water levels and automatically activates pumps based on supply needs.
- Integration of variable speed drives for a smooth pump start-up, reducing energy consumption and mechanical wear. Four units were installed, one per pump.
- Installation of UPS systems to ensure power continuity in case of grid failure, allowing a safe transition to the emergency generator.
- Automatic PLC redundancy system, enhancing the security and reliability of operational control.
- Four operating modes at the central system: level, timing, pressure, and flow, enabling flexible and efficient supply management.
SmartConnect was responsible for the automation component, integrating the S Monitor platform—already in use by Ambiolhão—to optimize remote control and system monitoring.
Impact and Benefits
With this modernization, Ambiolhão ensures a more efficient, secure, and sustainable water supply for the city of Olhão. The implementation of automation and energy efficiency solutions reinforces the company's commitment to delivering high-quality services to the community.
Rolear.ON continues to establish itself as a strategic partner in the modernization of critical infrastructure, delivering innovative and reliable solutions for the future of essential resource management.
