Final Report Summary - WIDESENS (Water Network Sensors for Widespread Use) Executive Summary:The main objective of the WIDESENS Project is to develop, implement and test a novel multiparametric analytical probe based on unconventional sensors that will be economically viable for widespread use in water networks. The WIDESENS probe shall measure pH, conductivity, bio-fouling, redox-potential and chlorine, for the evaluation of the water quality, and pressure, for the evaluation of the quality of the service and leak detection. Furthermore we will the telecommunications system and the processing and data acquisition software.The project will last 30 months starting in September 2013.WP3. Sensors R&D. Design and fabrication of sensor devices.The fabrication of devices and their initial characterization has been completed. They have been fabricated in the Clean room of the IMB-CNM according to standard microelectronic technologies. 1) ISFETs & REFET for pH 2)Interdigitated electrodes & 4-bar electrodes for conductivity & fouling 3)Pt microelectrode for ORP 4)Au microelectrodes for Chlorine 5)Reference electrode.All these devices have been fabricated and encapsulated on a multi-sensor PCB and have been evaluated in lab & field according to ISO 15839 specifications. The results in the lab demonstrated that sensors accomplish the required specifications of measurement. Parameter Conc. range. Expected/obtained Limit of detectionExpected/obtained Precision (repeatability)*Expected/obtainedpH pH 4,5-10,5/idem na 5% /3,7% pH 7 and 1,4% pH 9.Conductivity 0-3.000 μS/cm** 50 μS/cm / 4.5 μS/cm 5%/ <1% for 600 µS/cm and 2400 µS/cmChlorineFree 0-5 mg/l/idem 0.01 mg/l/0.06 mg/l 10%/ 3% 4 ppm and 5% 1 ppmORP 100-300 mV/idem na 10%/< 1% for 200 mV*Precision (=100*repeatability average/analyte conc.)Two versions of the final multi-sensor PCB have been developed. Version 1: 25 mm wide, 60 mm long and 1.5 mm thick. Version 2: 19 mm wide, 60 mm long and 2mm thick. Probe´s body, mechanics, electronics & software. INCDMTM has developed 3 prototypes for the body and housing: 1) “Insertion version” for pipes of large dimensions, 2) “Mini version” for pipes of small dimensions, 3) Polycarbonate “by pass version” for compatibility with analytical panels. The original objective of self-calibration was abandoned as the first designs were too sophisticated and did not accomplish the objectives of the project (low energy, low cost, long maintenance).Telecommunications module (hardware and software) with different communications options (wired & wireless) so it can get adapted to different situationsField Validation Results. The field validation was carried out in the water network of the water utility EMALCSA in Spain. It was taken up to the end date of the project. It was validated with comments. Validation has not been achieved completely as the measurements were not accurate few days after installation. The reference electrode must still be improved. Several solutions have been devised in D6.3. The duration of the battery is too short (15 days). The main cause is the radio module which in the first version was always on, in the last version an ON/OFF strategy has been implemented and the battery is expected to last much longer.Project Context and Objectives:WIDESENS is a project financed by the FP7 Capacities program for the benefit of SME´s. It is formed by 5 partners:• Wellness Telecom, Spain (Coordinator)• T.E. Laboratories, Ireland• Hydrelis, France• CSIC- Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona, Spain• INCDMTM, RomaniaIn recent years the water sector has become a widespread user of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for planning and operation. These technologies are need not only to comply with stricter regulations and safety measures, rising quality standards and challenging social and environmental demands but also to face serious problems of aging infrastructure, which includes leakage and quality issues related to the water supply network.As a result, there has been a growing demand for Real Time (RT) water management solutions, however, these technologies are still far from mature and they do not provide a real solution to the water sector needs for analysis, control and data measurement. Current water probes/sensors have traditional inconveniences that limit their usage for water quality control in supply networks:• Unsustainable energy consumption• Fragility• Manual calibration at laboratory• High maintenance needs• Electrolyte leakage (for reference electrode)• Lack of accuracyThese technical inconveniences have made sensor grids very difficult to implement but also the total cost of ownership (TCO) (equipment + installation + maintenance) makes economically prohibitive a widespread use. Besides, the key ICT challenges for the water sector relate to the economics of providing arrays of low cost sensors that could be deployed in remote locations, to data communications from these remote locations and to the powering of such sensors and communications.Therefore, the water sector demands the incorporation of new technologies to increase the efficiency of operation without increasing the costs, basically they need an instrument with the features proposed by WIDESENS device. These features are:• It measures the most important parameters related to the quality of water• It is able to detect leaks• It is easy to install• It requires low maintenance and little number of visits• It is low cost• It consumes low powerThe main objective of the WIDESENS Project is to develop, implement and test a novel multiparametric analytical probe based on unconventional sensors that will be economically viable for widespread use in water networks.The WIDESENS probe shall measure pH, conductivity, bio-fouling, redox-potential and chlorine, for the evaluation of the water quality, and pressure, for the evaluation of the quality of the service and leak detection. Furthermore we will develop mechanics that allow self-calibration and cleaning of these sensors, the telecommunications system and the processing and data acquisition software.The project will last 30 months starting in September 2013 and it shall result in several functional prototypes that will be validated in one real drinking water network.Project Results:During the project (month 10 to 30), the consortium has worked towards the consecution of the Widesens probe according to the chronogram of the project. The main result have been the WIDESENS system formed by:• R1. Multiparametric probe• R2. Central Station Software• R3. Telecommunications moduleWP1. Project Management. The structures and procedures necessary for the execution of the project have been established in D1.1. Project Management Plan.WP2. Definition of requirements. This WP was completed in period 1.WP3. Sensors R&D. Design and fabrication of sensor devices. The fabrication of devices and their initial characterization has been completed. They have been fabricated in the Clean room of the IMB-CNM according to standard microelectronic technologies. WP4: Probe´s body, mechanics, electronics & software.INCDMTM has developed 3 prototypes for the body and housing: 1) insertion version for pipes of large dimensions, 2) Mini version for pipes of small dimensions, 3) Polycarbonate by pass version for compatibility with analytical panels.Electronics. The electronics module is a microcontroller (MCU) based module for acquisition, compensation, processing and interface. The MCU includes UART interfaces for debugging and communication.Software. The software developed includes modules on two levels: multiprobe controller and central station.WP5: Telecommunications module. INCDMTM has completed the development of the telecommunications module (hardware and software) with different communications options (wired & wireless) so it can get adapted to different situationsWP6: Integration and validation. Two main sets of tests have been carried out: 1) At TELLAB´s premises in the internal water circuit of the building (insertion version & bypass version) 2) In the water network of the city of La Coruña . The probe was validated with comments.WP7: Dissemination, Exploitation and IPRs. Maintenance of D7.1 Project Website (www.widesens-project.eu) creation of D7.2 video (check website) and D7.3 Final Plan for the Use and Dissemination of Knowledge including: IP protection plan, exploitation plan, dissemination plan and market penetration strategies.The project was disseminated in several international events included as part of the stands of WT, TELLAB and Hydrelis, leaflets were handed and discussions were sustained with attendants. 1.3.1. Work progress and achievements by WPWP3 Sensors R&D Summary of progress towards objectives and details for each task;The different tasks covered within this WP are:T3.1 Design and Fabrication of sensor devices, a REFET and a reference electrode.The sensors fabricated are:• ISFETs (Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor) for pH and REFET (reference ISFET). • Interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) for fouling and 4-bar electrodes for conductivity. • Pt microelectrode for ORP and Au microelectrodes for Chlorine. • Integrated Reference electrode. D3.1 20 units of each sensor: ISFET, IDE, ORP and Chlorine microelectrodes. REFET (5 units) and reference electrode (5 units)” have been produced. h- ISFET Conductivity 4 bars Chlorine Au Amperometric Reference electrodeFigure 1 Individual sensorsAll these devices have been fabricated and encapsulated on a multi-sensor PCB and have been evaluated in next WP6. The evaluation of sensors have been carried out according to ISO 15839 specifications. The results in the lab demonstrated that sensors accomplish the required specifications. For more info on validation see WP6. Figure 2 Individual sensor encapsulated Figure 3 REFET Figure 4 Ag/AgCl reference electrode T3.2 Evaluation of sensors under laboratory conditions.Sensors have been evaluated in the laboratory with IMB electronics using aqueous solutions to obtain their performance characteristics. The calibration of sensors during several days and months provides parameters like: Sensitivity, linearity, Limit of detection (LD), Limit of quantification (LQ), Short term drift, Day to day and on the same day repeatability, etc.The sensors have demonstrated their good performance regarding to reproducibility and stability. The analytical evaluation of sensors have been carried out according to ISO 15839 specifications. The results demonstrate that sensors accomplish the required specifications (Table). Further work is being addressed to determine the long term drift (1 month) and the calibration frequency for all sensors.Parameter Conc. range. Expected/obtained Limit of detectionExpected/obtained Precision (repeatability)*Expected/obtainedpH pH 4,5-10,5/idem na 5% /3,7% pH 7 and 1,4% pH 9.Conductivity 0-5.000 /0-3.000 μS/cm** 50 μS/cm / 4.5 μS/cm 5%/ <1% for 600 µS/cm and 2400 µS/cmChlorineFree 0-5 mg/l/idem 0.01 mg/l/0.06 mg/l 10%/ 3% 4 ppm and 5% 1 ppmORP 100-300 mV/idem na 10%/< 1% for 200 mV*Precision (=100*repeatability average/analyte conc.)**This reduction was discussed with SMEs and considered more adequate for potable watersT3.3 Encapsulation & adaptation of sensorsOne the wafers are processed the individual chips are diced and fixed in a printed circuit board (PCB) strip. Two PCBs will be used in order to reduce volume and facilitate massive encapsulation. The size of this PCB is 25 mm wide, 60 mm long and 1.5 mm thick (Figure 12). Each PCB has a connector for external electronics connexion. First the chips are sealed with an epoxy (Epotek H77, Epoxy Technology, USA) and then the pads are wire-bonded to the tracks of the PCB. Finally, the tracks and wires are covered with a polymer to protect from liquid entrance. Different encapsulant materials have been used and finally the best option is a silicone (Silicone RTV 3140, Dow corning). The complete probe contain two PCBs:1.-One with the ISFET, REFET and IDS chips. This probe will be called ISFET probe. This PCB also contains the TVS (Transient voltage suppressor) for avoiding voltage peaks that could affect the ISFET. 2- Another with the Pt electrode (ORP), the reference electrode, the Au electrode (chlorine), the 4-bars electrode (conductivity), and a NTC commercial sensor (Murata, ref. NCP15XH103F03RC). This probe will be called Multisensor probe. Figure 5 Multisensor ProbeBoth PCBs are fixed together with an epoxy resin (Poxipol). The final thickness of the complete PCB is between 5.5 - 5.7 mm (considering encapsulation and wire bonding). The PCB pair is fixed with the same epoxy to a metallic piece to insert this in the body. Figure 6 Multisensor Probe + metallic supportSignificant results• D3.1 Fabrication of sensors• D3.2. Evaluation of sensors under laboratory conditions WP 4 Probe´s Body, Housing, Electronics and SoftwareSummary of progress towards objectives and details for each task;T4.1 Development of the body, mechanics, electronics & softwareWithin the first period of the project in WP4 we have be started the tasks for:• Design and fabrication of the probe body and housing• Design and fabrication of the electronics and softwareIn the first 9 months of the several designs have been elaborated by INCDMTM and discussed among partners, next we present the final prototypes chosen:INCDMTM has developed 3 prototypes for the body and housing: 1) insertion version for pipes of large dimensions, 2) Mini version for pipes of small dimensions, 3) Polycarbonate by pass version for compatibility with analytical panels. Figure 7 “Insertion version” Probe for pipes > 45mmØ Figure 8 “Insertion version with pressure sensor”. Probe for pipes > 45mmØ Figure 9 “Mini version” for pipes <45mmØ Figure 10 Bypass versionPressure sensorThe pressure sensor is a commercial one with range: 0 - 10 bar, accuracy: ± 1%F.S Operating temperature -10...+60 0C, Consumption < 1mA, Power supply 2.5 - 5Vdc, Dimensions M20x1.5 G1/4, G1/2, Output signal Digital RS485ElectronicsThe electronics module is a microcontroller (MCU) based module for acquisition, compensation, processing and interface. The MCU includes UART interfaces for debugging and communication.The interface between microelectronic sensors and signal processing electronics was an important research issue. It includes the pre-amplifiers + conditioning modules depending on the specific sensor output specifications.The sensors used have different electronics requirements since they are based on four detection fundamentals:• pH with ISFET-REFET is based on potentiometric measurement• Conductivity is based on impedimetric measurement with a fixed frequency• ORP measurement is a potentiometric detection • Chlorine detection is based on amperometric measurement.The solution assures:• Pre-amplifier gain• Offset and noise rejection • Temperature and drift compensation• low power consumption - battery supply The implemented testing schematic is described in the next figures: Figure 11 Sensor interface electronics- FRONT Figure 12 Sensor interface electronics -BACKBattery• type: Lithium: D format • operating voltage : 3.6 V / up to 17000 mAh• low self-discharge capacity, enable high peaks. HousingElectronics are stored inside a water proof box of dimensions 15.5 x 15.5 x 8.5 cmsSoftwareThe software developed includes modules on two levels: multiprobe controller and central station.Multiprobe controller: It is a desktop program that it is used for obtaining data directly from the probe connected to a laptop through a serial cable. In the program we can see the brute values (mV) and also we can introduce the calibration formulas to translate mV to real units of pH, conductivity (µS/cm), chlorine (mg/l), redox (mv) and pressure (bars).USER SCREEN for debugging and setting-upThe following screen shows a debugging version on a PC. The final version has the ADC values in mV and the calibrated values in specific units. Central Station: It is a web application that acquires and stores the raw values, the operator can introduce the calibration formulas. The operator can access both brute and processed data through a web interface with tables and graphs.START SCREEN: Start page for Widesens Central station site it includes a general location for the Widesens stations Map selection: In order to visualize measurement data performed by a station, we can click directly on the station on the map or we can expand Country List, pick a city and its corresponding stations and choose a certain station from those in that particular cityOnsite testsIn addition to these activities a measuring draft stand is being drawn up for laboratory testing of the multiparametric probe in accordance with ISO 15839/ 2007 INCDMTM purchased some equipments necessary of the stand.For testing were purchased Multiparameter for laboratory inoLab® Multi 9430 IDS which measures the following parameters: pH, mV, saturation, concentration, partial pressure, conductivity, specific resistance, salinity, TDS, temperature and Free and Total Chlorine Photometer HI 96711Significant results• Design of 3 body versions: Insertion, mini & by-pass.• Design and fabrication of electronics & softwareWP 5 Telecommunications ModuleSummary of progress towards objectives and details for each task;INCDMTM has completed the development of the telecommunications module (hardware and software) with different communications options (wired & wireless) so it can get adapted to different situationsThe communications systems has been designed considering the following strategy: The first transmission is carried out using a M-Bus RF module using a short distance wireless communication protocol 802.15.4 /EN 13757-2/3/4 (included in the hardware device, battery based) to a GPRS Gateway that is connected to the electric grid. This gateway carries out the largest range transmissions using GPRS. If other communication lines are available the device could be connected by in the included UART serial interfaces through different modules adapted to the condition. The data is transferred in to compatible databases (implemented on a server located now at INCDMTM Bucharest location) and is observed by a specially built internet based browser interface. It was developed also special software for local control and measurement by a PC laptop - used to make a local calibration, measurement and storage of the data.The developed solution was based on IMST products - modules and gateway. The wireless communication module is iM871A with external antenna, it operates in the European 868-870MHz band, the gateway is iG701A. Communication case RF WM-Bus module a) with antenna extender ; b) with antenna coupled on boardCould be used 2 modes for antenna coupling: - one with antenna coupled on board, so the antenna will be in the box- one with the antenna coupled by extender, the antenna could be used out of the box, it will have a better signal.Both of them assured an IP68 protection factor for the device.The Gateway used is also a IMST product.It assured the conversion from WM-bus frequency to the GSM one (GPRS) . RF Gateway solutionSignificant results• Study of options of technologies available, telecommunication protocols and suppliers• M-Bus RF Communications Modules development ongoing• Integration with interface electronics and softwareWP6 Integration and validationSummary of progress towards objectives and details for each task;The work carried in this WP during 2nd period was the integration and lab validation of the sensors, electronics and probes and the field validation tests. During these activities different versions have been developed according to the results obtained. The 5 prototypes of sensors &electronics were validated in lab by INCDMTM, CSIC and TelLab and then in field by subcontracted company EMALCSA supervised by TELLAB.T6.1 Integration and lab validation of whole system.Response characteristics of finals sensors & electronics under lab conditions according to ISO 15839 were validated and results are presented in D6.1 Lab Validation report.Sensors were validated in the laboratory with IMB electronics according to ISO 15839. As shown in the deliverable 3.2 the sensors accomplish with the specifications established in the original requirements.The results obtained demonstrate that the sensors have satisfactory analytical characteristics and comply with D2.2. Overall Widesens requirements specification architecture. A second analytical specification has been included, the accuracy, for comparison with standard methods. As shown all the values obtained with IMB sensors& INCDMTM electronics are lower or equal than the expected. Only in the case of conductivity for the low range the accuracy expressed as bias is high but acceptable for field purposes. At this time sensors were evaluated for day-to day stability under laboratory conditions. ISFETs probes were stable for at least 3 months. Some of them were working after 1 year fabrication. Conductivity sensors were the most durable sensors, they were working even after 1 year. ORP and chlorine sensors lifetime was limited by the reference electrode. The maximum lifetime obtained for these sensors laboratory conditions was 2 months.Regarding integrated reference electrode for chlorine and ORP measurements, the stability of this sensor is more critical because the internal solution needs to be maintained constant to get a stable reference potential. The agarose solution has demonstrated a relative stability of 79 days in controlled solutions (pH buffer and KCl constant).Parameter Conc. range. Limit of detection(Expected) obtained Precision (repeatability)*(Expected) obtained Accuracy (=Bias)**(Expected) obtainedpH pH 4,5-10,5 na (5%) 0,7% (±5%) ±1%Conductivity 600-3.000 μS/cm0-600 μS/cm (50 μS/cm) 20 μS/cm 2 μS/cm (5%) a 2% 3% (± 5%) ±3% ±12%Chlorine Free 0-1 ppm (0.01 ppm)/0.01 ppm (10%) 5% (± 10%) ±8%ORP 100-300 mV na (10%) 1% (±20%) ±17%*Precision (=100 x repeatability average/analyte conc.)**Accuracy (=100 x bias average/analyte conc.)T6.2 Field validation tests. D6.2 Field Validation report.Two main sets of tests have been carried out: 1) At TELLAB´s premises in the internal water circuit of the building (insertion version & bypass version) 2) In the water network of the city of La Coruña The WIDESENS results were compared against reference instrumentation and they were very similar in every case.Sensors were previously calibrated using the certificated solutions form Tellab and after measurements in tap water solution were performed. These were compared with commercial sensors. Results (deliverable 6.2) demonstrate that the values were in agreement between both sensors.Tests in La Coruña were performed with the by-pass cell. For these tests 3 units were used and the total time of tests was 10 days. The results were quite good for conductivity sensors since they were stable for all tests. pH sensors were stale during the first 4 days and after they presented a drift (pH decreasing). This was related to the REFET internal solution leakage due to the flow of water. In the figure below is shown the recording of conductivity and pH during the longest period. However the value obtained during the first days was similar to that given by the Hach panel installed by the company.Regarding chlorine and ORP, the stability results were poorest, achieving stable signal during only three days. In that case the reference electrode loss of internal solution affected more seriously the sensor response. However during stable measurements the chlorine value was comparable to that from the Hach panel the company has installed.According to the obtained results in La Coruña we can conclude that conductivity sensors are working properly and are stable for long periods of time. pH, ORP and chlorine sensors are not stable more than several days and they need to be improved. Failing is mostly due to the internal solution of the REFET and the reference electrode, mechanisms to improve these sensors have been depicted in D6.3.Regarding to the communications systems and protocols. The protocol implemented was a M-Bus standard. It was tested in different places (Romania, Spain and Ireland) and it demonstrated to work correctly. Regarding the electronics, it was tested in laboratory with simulated inputs and the stability was very good. During the project, different improvements have been required such as the isolation of the channels (chlorine and pH mainly from conductivity) to avoid interferences and the amplification of the amperometric signal for chlorine. Finally this electronics has been tested with the multiprobe sensors and according to ISO and the results are in conformity with the specifications described in Deliv. 2.2.Battery lifetime depends of the scheduled sample rates. In Lab Validation period there were tested different sample rates, from minutes to hours. The sample rate used in Field Validation tests was one measurement per hour. The battery lifetime was 14 days, much less than expected, this was due to the radio module which was always on. In the final version some optimizations had to be included for implementing a very low-power regime including an ON/OFF strategy for the radio module.Difference Lab tests and field testsAccording to the results obtained in laboratory tests, if the measurements are carried out under static conditions, the reference solution is maintained within the chamber and the electrodes are working correctly. But as shown from continuous measurements in La Coruña, if there is a relative high flow and due to the pressure differences, the reference solution leaks outside very rapidly. That means that the potential of the REFET and the reference electrode is not constant and then the measurements become wrong gradually. Regarding to the communications systems and protocols. The protocol implemented was a M-Bus standard. It was tested in different places (Romania, Spain and Ireland) and it demonstrated to work correctly. Regarding the electronics, it was tested in laboratory with simulated inputs and the stability was very good. During the project, different improvements have been required such as the isolation of the channels (chlorine and pH mainly from conductivity) to avoid interferences and the amplification of the amperometric signal for chlorine. Finally this electronics has been tested with the multiprobe sensors and according to ISO and the results are in conformity with the specifications described in Deliv. 2.2.Battery lifetime depends of the scheduled sample rates. In Lab Validation period there were tested different sample rates, from minutes to hours. The sample rate used in Field Validation tests was one measurement per hour. The battery lifetime was 14 days, much less than expected, this was due to the radio module which was always on. In the final version some optimizations had to be included for implementing a very low-power regime including an ON/OFF strategy for the radio module.T6.3 Inclusion of improvements and final prototypeThe study of probe, sensors &electronics during this period resulted in the evolution of these devices to obtain the final prototypes reported in Wp3, WP4 and WP5.The final conclusions from the field results were that REFET and reference electrode is suffering degradation due to the leakage of the internal solution. This could be solved by incrementing the internal solution volume or by refilling it. This solution could be solved with a more complex microfluidic structure.Another alternative is the use of commercial reference electrodes that are sold as “free of leakage”. This alternative will be tested in next monthsSignificant results3 types of probes with sensors, electronics, communications fabricatedField validation with resultsDeviationsValidation has not been achieved completely as the measurements were not accurate few days after installation. The reference electrode must still be improved. Several solutions have been devised in D6.3. The duration of the battery is too short (15 days). The main cause is the radio module which in the first version was always on, in the last version an ON/OFF strategy has been implemented and the battery is expected to last much longer.Nevertheless, within the consortium, milestones in the second period have been considered achieved and therefore have been accepted for paymentWP 7 Dissemination, exploitation and IPR´s Summary of progress towards objectives and details for each task;The work carried out in this WP during the first period has been presented in deliverable “D7.3 Final Plan for the Use and Dissemination of Knowledge”.T7.1 Project website The project website is created and updatedwww.widesens-project.euT7.2 Identify, capture and protect IPProperty Rights have been identified and properly addressed within the Consortium Agreement. The RTDs and SMEs, with the input of the Exploitation Manager and IP Specialists continually log and capture IP as it emerges from the research work. The consortium has engaged an IP lawyer during the development of the project to ensure that the work result in patentable results and that the work is not in breach of any existing patents. The main lines that have been followed in the IPR management have included:• Licensing of pre-existing know-how (Background knowledge): the background knowledge will remain of property of each partner, nevertheless it has been already agreed that the background knowledge will be put at disposal of SMEs in the way that it will not undermine the full usability (with no costs) for the SMEs of the foreground knowledge. Background knowledge will be put at disposal of RTD performers royalty-free for implementing the project.• Knowledge gained within the WIDESENS project (Foreground knowledge): The foreground knowledge is ownership of the involved SMEs in an equal manner. The consortium has entered into an agreement regarding the ownership of foreground and access rights to be provided to any SME and RTD performer, for both use and dissemination purposes. 3 key foregrounds have been identified that may generate IP issues:•[R1] Multiparameter probe based on semiconductor sensors•[R2] Central station software•[R3] Telecommunications moduleThe three SMEs are proprietary of the foreground generated equally: [R1]Multiparametric probe [R2] Central station software [R3] Communication module Wellness Telecom 33% 33% 33%Tellab 33% 33% 33%Hydrelis 33% 33% 33%Patentability StudyWe have contacted IP experts (www.clarkemodet.es) and they have concluded that WIDESENS is not in breach of any existing patent. (The patents of ISFET based sensors were published in the nineties (therefore they are expired) and currently the design and architecture related to ISFETs are published and publicly available.CLARKE has stated that the probe is not patentable as it is a conjunction of several already existing devices with the aim to obtain a benefit that would be “expectable”. CLARKE advises against patenting and advises for studying the route of Intelectual Property Right.T7.3 Exploitation PlanThe Exploitation manager in cooperation with the Project Coordination Committee has worked on the Exploitation Plan which is in full accordance with the Grant and Consortium Agreement that has been signed by all partners before the project starts. Specifically the CA establishes in sect. 8 that the (...)knowledge arising from work carried out under the Project shall be the joint property of the SME Partners alone (...)The three SMEs have agreed to have freedom for commercializing the solution separately. It is understood that each SME will commence commercialization efforts in each of their countries of origin so, competition among SMEs should not appear at least during the introduction-to-market stage.T7.4 Dissemination Plan The Dissemination Manager has been responsible for the coordination of the dissemination stage of the project results and has elaborated the dissemination plan in cooperation with the Project Coordination Committe. The information generated during the development of the project it is being disseminated by a wide range of channels and means, the most important are:• Promotion of the Widesens project in all project partners´ web-sites.• Creation and maintenance of the public Widesens website. http://www.widesens-project.eu/• Dissemination materials. Leaflet. Poster.• Promotional video in website • Events and exhibitions detailed bellowThe project was disseminated in several international events included as part of the stands of WT, TELLAB and Hydrelis, leaflets were handed and discussions were sustained with attendants. T7.5 Market Penetration Strategies [Leader: HYDRELIS; Participants: WTELECOM, TELLAB, CSIC, INCDMTM]EM & DM have conducted a comprehensive Exploitation Plan with the collaboration of RTDs in D7.3. This survey provides market data on the competition, potential market and expected sales. T7.6 Scale-up Plans for Product Manufacture This task has been addressed in D6.3 that relates the components and details for product manufacture. T7.7 Promotional VideoDone. Check website please.T7.8 Transfer of Knowledge This task has been addressed in D6.3 that relates the components and details for product manufacture. Significant resultsD7.1 Project webs site www.widesens-project.euD7.3 Final Plan for the Use and Dissemination of KnowledgeD7.4 Promotional Video Potential Impact:1.4. Potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)1.4.1. Potential impact as in the proposal documentThe WIDESENS´potential impacts were defined in the proposal document as next:• Beneficiary SMEs SMEs will receive revenue for the commercialization of the WIDESENS system and it will also complement their current services´ portfolio making it more appealing to City Councils, Water Authorities, Water Utilities and other possible clients.• Water Utilities & authorities-WIDESENS will improve water management processes like the water chlorination, water leak detection, water quality management & assurance. In this way responsibles for the healthiness of water will have greater peace of mind as they will have a method for accurately ensuring the quality of the supply.• Users and citizens- People will enjoy of safer water at home with improved chemical features.• The environment- Less chlorine, better water preservation and leak detection.• EU legislation- Legislation will have to adapt to include the new possibilities offered by the developed technology.1.4.2. Impacts and wider societal implications of the project so farThe main impact so far has been the inclusion of a new product in the portfolio of the three SME companies Wellness Telecom, T.E. Laboratories and Hydrelis.Market has been studied, the competition has been identified, market volume and sales projections have been calculated, a business plan has been forwarded.Sales have not been achieved as the product is not in a commercial stage, as we have mentioned, it needs further development to solve the life problems relating the reference electrode. Solutions to this problem have been suggested in D6.3. The wider societal implications envisaged have not been possible to demonstrate as the pilot activity in “La Coruña” was too small and too short to notice any improvement on the water utilities´operational procedures. Nevertheless the potential effects are considered as “realistic” and “expectable” by the water utilities we have approached if we reached a true long-life sensor and a wide deployment is made over a water network.List of Websites:Project Website is updated and in operation www.widesens-project.eu. Video can be found on the same website and youtube. https://youtu.be/HDFdZ6M3GUA Participant organisation name Country Contact name ContactWellness Telecom ES Antonio Chaparro achaparro@wtelecom.esT.E Laboratories Ltd IR Mark Bowkett mbowkett@tellab.ieHydrelis FR Dominique Gayraud dominique.gayraud@hydrelis.comCSIC- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas ES Cecilia Jimenez cecilia.jimenez@csic.esNational Institute of Research and Development for Mechatronics and Measurement Techniques RO Diana Badea dianammura@gmail.com Related documents final1-widesens-final-report.pdf
