43671Power Harvesting for SMART Water ValvesClosedStudyInnovate UKWith burst pipes and road closures a part of every day life, it is difficult to ignore the growing problem of a leaking water infrastructure in the UK. One of the underlying problems is a lack of understanding of what is happening within the water network; the volume of flowing water and condition of the pipes are largely unmonitored. Two of the reasons for not measuring the network extensively are the lack of mains electrical power available for water utility providers to measure pressures and flows in the network, and the environmental and economic cost of battery replacement as an alternative. A power harvesting device that generates power from the flowing water would allow measurement and remote control of the water network, in turn reducing leakage. Oxford Flow are developing a reliable and cost-effective method of harvesting power from flowing water and using that power to supply measurement and control equipment around the valves that maintain the function of the water network. This will both increase the understanding of how the water network is functioning and allow the water suppliers greater control over their networks. In the long run, this will reduce leakage rates and the energy required to pressurise the network, allowing water providers to pass the cost savings onto their customers.