Sensible Flow: IoT-based Smart Retrofit Water Flow Meter for Taps

This paper presents a novel approach to estimate water usage without directly interfacing with the water line. Instead, it utilizes a device that indirectly gauges water consumption by monitoring the position of the tap handle after it is rotated or moved. The setup process for this device is straightforward, as it doesn’t require any modifications to the existing water infrastructure. The system, known as "Sensible Flow," employs a sensor node consisting of an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to track and analyze the movement and position of the tap handle. To ensure accurate readings, the device is initially calibrated using a flow rate sensor or through manual measurement with a known-volume beaker. Once the flow rate is inferred based on the tap handle position, the data is transmitted via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to a base gateway unit. This base unit provides real-time updates on water consumption and can also be configured to send the collected data to the cloud via WiFi, enabling further analysis and monitoring. Extensive testing has been conducted to evaluate the device’s accuracy and performance. The Sensible Flow system provides a cost-effective and non-intrusive solution for estimating water usage, with potential applications in water conservation and management.