Selection of Water Flow Sensors: An Approach using the PrOPPAGA Method

Abstract

The installation of an appropriate sensor is essential to prevent those losses, promote efficient water use, and ensure the proper functioning of the system, as its absence can lead to difficulties in detecting leaks, lack of control and automation, energy inefficiency, and reactive maintenance. In this context, water flow/speed sensors offer significant benefits, including precise measurements, consumption monitoring, water conservation, energy efficiency, automation, control, and enabling preventive maintenance.The objective of this study is to select the best 1/2-inch water flow/speed sensor for a small reservoir in a public university laboratory in Brazil. To achieve this goal, four sensor models and five criteria were pre-selected, and the problem was modeled using the "Presumption of Gaussian Attitude of Alternatives" (PrOPPAGA) Multicriteria Decision-Making Method.The results of the study indicated that the YF-S201 sensor is the most suitable choice based on the established criteria. This decision is of great importance as it directly impacts the teaching and learning process of both teachers and students by ensuring the efficient operation of the water supply system in the laboratory.