Limerick ‘hackers’ find solution for conservation of industrial water

A SMART industrial water system has won the third annual Analog Devices ‘hackathon’ in Limerick, which set out to examine how the firm’s technology can make better use of natural resources.

Analog Devices, based in Raheen, welcomed 60 staff members to Thomond Park to collaborate, research and design proposals on how the firm’s technology and business models can address real world environmental problems.

And it was a team mainly made up of staff from Limerick which impressed the judges, presenting a full solution to conserve water at an industrial level.

Limerick workers Brian Condell, Kieran Byrce and Ruairi Nealon were joined by Kerry’s Grace Flynn and Cork’s David Ryan.

Explaining the context for their proposal, team member Ruairí explained: “Typically, water is seen as a single use raw material. Fresh water is brought into a plant and used in various processes like cooling systems, or sanitation. It is then disposed of, regardless of quality, at twice the cost of getting it in.”

Team mate Grace added: “Our proposal showed how sensors could monitor and grade the quality of water supply throughout the plant. Using the grading system you can then determine other uses for the water. Designed as a closed system, the cost of bringing water in and out is dramatically reduced which we know in Limerick costs €1.75 to bring in and €2.25 to discard.”

The winning team’s proposal went beyond the technology solution, it also set out a business model that removes one of the obstacles that plant owners face; large capital investment.

“The upfront investment required to install such water recycling systems can be too onerous for plant owners. We developed a business model where we would pay for the installation - so there is no barrier to entry, and we would take 50% of the savings as there will be a return on investment from Day 1,” explained fellow teammate David Ryan.

According to Pieter Kasselman, Senior Software Technologist and one of the Hackathon judges, “The winning proposal was chosen because it was technically viable and backed by a business model that could apply across multiple sectors.”

Ten teams, made up of representatives from a wide variety of functions and skill-sets within Analog Devices, pitched their ideas to six judges, Dragon’s Den style on the second afternoon of the Hackathon.

Other concepts included a ‘Cattle Methane Emission Sensor’ where a sensor is placed on the cows nose (similar to a cow ring) and, following the introduction of seaweed into the diet, the reduction in emissions could be monitored, ‘Smart Bins’ – to identify contaminated recycling waste, ‘Leak Detection Sensors’ to detect smaller water pipe leaks that are harder to find, and ‘Plant Sensors’ to help monitor and control temperature of the soil, moisture, heat and sunlight to reduce plant deterioration and increase sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, John Liddy, General Manager Manufacturing Ireland, Analog Devices, said, “What has been achieved in two days is remarkable. We were particularly struck by the passion, creativity and lateral thinking from all participants.

“Designing technology solutions is one thing, bringing them to market is another so it was impressive to see the focus on changing attitudes as they devised their complete solutions.”

Peter Meehan, Hackathon Project Manager, added, “We were delighted to partner with Science foundation Ireland (SFI) Marine Ecology Group on this event. Their input in advance of the Hackathon was crucial to raising awareness on the issues we’re facing and why on the health and productivity of our natural resources has to be a priority for everyone.”

The company will now examine the feasibility of developing the winning concept into a solution for actual deployment.

This is the third year that Analog has run the Hackathon. Last year, a urinary tract infection (UTI) sensor won the Hackathon which was focused on Assisted Living.