Instrumentation for Premise Plumbing Modeling

Instrumentation supports premise plumbing modeling efforts by collecting the data needed to test, calibrate, and validate models. There are many different parameters of interest in premise plumbing modeling and a variety of ways to collect the data required. This chapter provides an overview of the data needs for modeling, with considerations for selecting and collecting data using sensors. Parameters of interest for premise plumbing modeling fall into three categories: hydraulic, water quality, and energy. Parameters are discussed in terms of online, continuous monitoring, although grab samples are also an option for many of the parameters. There are several other considerations when setting up instrumentation for premise plumbing systems. These factors look beyond the parameters and sensor types to sensor design, installation, and operation. Integrating these factors within the study design framework is critical to successful data collection efforts.