Prototyping of vibration-sensing-actuation device which is contained high-power electrodynamic speaker for diagnosis of actual water main network

Abstract

Water leakage and bursting due to deterioration of water distribution mains lead to water outages and economic losses. To prevent the accidents, we are conducting research to develop measurements and diagnostic methods for buried water mains. In this study, we focused on the shift in eigenfrequencies of in-plane bending vibration of rings because of deterioration. Therefore, we are developing the vibration-sensing-actuation device which detects the frequency changes of in-plane bending mode. The water distribution network is mainly composed from cast iron pipe. Moreover, the attached facilities for example fire hydrant and water valve are contained. Since attached facilities are fabricated from cast iron component, actual water main network is heavy facilities which have high rigidity. In order to excite the desired in-plane bending mode in heavy components, the proposed sensing-actuation device requires the high-power actuator. In this study, we introduce the high-power electromagnetic actuator more than 100W output into the proposed device. Furthermore, the fundamental operational tests were conducted under the various input signals in the laboratory situations. In addition, the field operation confirmation was performed in an actual water main network.