The Use of a Decentralized Wireless Sensor Network for CSO Abatement and Control

EmNet, LLC, the City of South Bend, IN, the University of Notre Dame, and Purdue University have developed CSOnet, an embedded sensor network that provides decentralized real-time control (RTC) for CSO abatement. Unlike conventional centralized RTC systems, CSOnet implements optimal control strategies using a distributed network of microprocessors rather than a massive central computer, which results in a system that is robust, incrementally implementable, cost-effective, and easily integrated into any existing infrastructure. CSOnet was demonstrated during a pilot demonstration, which increased the storage ability of a retention basin by up to 110% and cost 55% less than conventional solutions. Furthermore, in a series of computer simulations, CSOnet was able to reduce the amount of overflow by up to 84% through interceptor optimization, to significantly reduce the number of CSO events, and to prevent dry weather overflows.