Hybrid water collecting and management system using Smart Home Technologies

This paper aims to propose an original approach to classical reusable water collecting and reuse systems, i.e., rainwater harvesting systems (RHWs), drain water collecting, wells, by automating the system using smart Home technology. A hybrid reusable system consists in a combination of available water sources at a certain location or time. This study emphasizes the most efficient and cost- effective solution to be implemented. Designated area of study is a household in city of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The project cost was calculated based on the prices prevailing currently in Romania and European Union. Monetary savings were calculated based on estimated collected water in a specific period of maximum interest. The proposed model for water catchment and management system is designed to be integrated, monitored, and controlled using Smart Home technology, to be able to use PV panels and low consumption equipment. Proprietary Web interface is used for automatic control and supervision. The authors had used original approaches of how to reduce water scarcity by integrating environmentally friendly hardware equipment. The use of this smart home automation solution will lead to reduce water consumption in households and overall environmental advantages. The purpose of this research was to provide an integrated smart home, tested and functional solution for one of humanity's biggest challenge - water scarcity.