Spotlight: Branko Kerkez's S&CC Water Management Project is Making a Splash

Dr. Branko Kerkez, an associate professor at the University of Michigan, is spearheading a cutting-edge project that aims to revolutionize water management systems in communities across the country. His Smart and Connected Communities (SCC) initiative is developing autonomous water systems to tackle the persistent challenges of flooding and urban runoff.

Automating Water Systems for a Smarter Future

For years now Kerkez and his team have been working hand-in-hand with a diverse range of stakeholders, from local community groups to municipal water managers, to better understand the pain points and opportunities in this sector. Their efforts have yielded promising open-source technologies that allow for precise measurement of water levels in watersheds, as well as innovative approaches to controlling water flow in real-time.

"The goal is to create a self-driving water system that can adapt to changing environmental conditions," Kerkez explains. "By integrating sensors, controls, and advanced algorithms, we're working to make water infrastructure smarter and more responsive."

Uncovering Hidden Infrastructure Challenges

Kerkez and his team have already made some eye-opening discoveries through their custom sensing work. In one case, they were able to identify a malfunctioning stormwater basin caused by a construction error - a problem that had gone unnoticed until their high-tech monitoring system flagged it.

"This highlights a critical issue - a lack of data and field measurements has led to inaccuracies in models and design manuals for large water infrastructure projects," Kerkez says. "By measuring real-world performance, we can ensure these systems are functioning as intended and make more informed decisions going forward."
 

April 11, 2023 - Branko Kerkez (second left) and his students interact with Augmented Reality Sandbox in Branco’s lab. 
The sandbox allows users to digitally change the physical topography and hydrology of the space to better understand
 interactions to changes in the environment. It was built for a group for part of a workshop with younger students. 
Photo by Marcin Szczepanski/Lead Multimedia Storyteller, University of Michigan, College of Engineering
 

Scaling Up for National Impact

Kerkez's work has also caught the attention of the private sector, with his startup company, Hi-Fi, expanding into a national provider of flood detection networks. Through partnerships with entities like Verizon, Hi-Fi is deploying its sensor solutions across the Great Lakes, East and West Coasts, and has plans to expand to major hubs like Chicago and New Orleans.

"Companies are investing in pilot projects for communities rather than directly in Hi-Fi," Kerkez explains. "This allows for a longer runway of adoption, as municipal water management can be a conservatively paced industry."

Unlocking the Potential of Real-Time Control

One of the key innovations from Kerkez's team is the use of real-time control systems to dramatically improve the performance of existing water infrastructure. In places like Detroit, modeling has shown that these systems can double the effective capacity of stormwater basins, avoiding the need for costly new construction.

"By integrating sensors, algorithms, and automated controls, we can squeeze much more functionality out of the water systems already in place," Kerkez says. "This is a game-changer for communities looking to upgrade their infrastructure without breaking the bank."

Building Trust and Expanding Horizons

As Kerkez and his team continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in water management, they're also focused on ensuring their technologies are intuitive and user-friendly. Recent research has highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms that underpin trust in these new systems, particularly among water operators who will be responsible for implementing them.

"Our goal is to create tools that are not just technologically advanced, but also easy to use and experiment with," Kerkez says. "That's the key to driving real-world adoption and making a lasting impact on communities nationwide."

With a growing national footprint, innovative real-time control capabilities, and a steadfast commitment to user-centric design, Branko Kerkez and his Smart and Connected Communities project are poised to make waves in the world of water management for years to come.

For further content on this project, check out digitalwaterlab.org for reading materials, videos, and more.