Demonstration Experiment of Remote Open/Close Water Gate Valves with Water Smart Meter Communication Technology

Kosai City, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. ("Chubu Electric Power"), Nippo Valve Co., Ltd. ("Nippo Valve"), and Hino Engineering, Inc. ("Hino Engineering") have decided to conduct a demonstration experiment of remote opening and closing of water gate valves using the water smart meter communication technology (the “Demonstration").

Kosai City and Chubu Electric Power are promoting initiatives related to automatic meter reading using the water smart meter communication technology, based on the "Agreement on the Collaboration for Sustainable Community Initiatives" signed in March 2023.

In the Demonstration, the operability and feasibility of remote opening and closing of water gate valves will be verified by linking the electricity smart meter communication network provided by Chubu Electric Power and the water smart valve developed by Nippo Valve and Hino Engineering, which can open and close water gate valves remotely, utilizing the water smart meter communication technology for automatic meter reading.

The four parties will study how the early establishment of the remote open/close technology will eliminate the need for on-site dispatch at the start and end of water supply contracts or at the time of water leakage in the customer's residence, thereby solving problems in administrative services, such as eliminating worker shortages and improving operational efficiency, as well as contributing to greater convenience for water users.
In addition, to further improve services to residents, we will aim to create new added value for the water supply business by using automatic meter reading and remote open/close technology.

1. Demonstration experiment period

From April 2024 to March 2025

2. Demonstration test location

3 locations in Uenohara housing owned by Kosai City

3. Demonstration test items

(1) Check the operability and feasibility of the water smart valve
(2) Identification of issues such as functions and specifications for product commercialization
(3) Evaluation of energy efficiency and battery life
(4) Verification of durability in a staging environment