Propuesta de tecnologías de medición para el control de consumos de agua potable en edificios nuevos de la Ciudad de Guayaquil

Abstract

CONDITION FOR PUBLICATION OF PROJECT. This project examines the application of metering and communication technologies to control potable water consumption in new buildings in Guayaquil. The main objective is to design a selection matrix that objectively compares various technological configurations based on accuracy, security, and cost—under the hypothesis that integrating smart metering systems improves operational efficiency and reduces unaccounted-for water losses, in accordance with current regulations and local requirements. The justification lies in the pressing need to modernize water infrastructure and ensure transparent billing, thereby supporting a sustainable service. For this purpose, a systematic review of relevant literature and applicable regulations was conducted, followed by a comparative analysis of different metering technologies (ultrasonic non-intrusive and volumetric meters) and communication protocols (LoRaWAN, fixed RF, mobile RF, and GPRS). These were then evaluated through a cascade-based methodological approach, resulting in various selection matrices. Findings indicate that a configuration involving high-sensitivity ultrasonic meters (R400) combined with LoRaWAN communication enhances the measurement of low and intermittent flow rates, thereby strengthening consumption monitoring and billing accuracy. It is concluded that the developed decision-support tool effectively guides the selection of technologies tailored to Guayaquil’s local conditions and represents a replicable, updatable solution for modernizing the city’s water system. Keywords: Technology, measurement, communication, RF, LoRaWAN.