IoT Extreme Weather Early Warning System

A solution developed by divirod, a specialist in water infrastructure and analytics, and Deutsche Telekom provides an early warning of water risks. “As we saw most dramatically in Germany last year, water catastrophes can affect us all,” says Dennis Nikles, CEO Deutsche Telekom IoT GmbH. “With the digital solution from divirod and Telekom water levels can be tracked continuously, precisely and automatically.” Data collected can serve to make the long-term effects of climate change visible. “The technology helps us to think and act proactively and thereby, in the best case, prevent catastrophes or mitigate their consequences,” Nikles adds.

Divirod sensors continuously collect water data such as water levels, tides, snow, ice and rainfall all over the world. divirod customers receive this local, individual data in real time. Wireless modules with Telekom SIM cards in divirod’s sensors ensure swift data transmission. They transmit data via Deutsche Telekom’s global LTE-M network to the divirod cloud.

LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines) is a wireless technology specially developed for the connectivity of applications on the Internet of Things (IoT). It scores points for low energy consumption, a wide range and a high level of availability in places where reception is difficult. Telekom's LTE-M is currently available with 27 partners in 20 countries worldwide to which more are continuously being added. Where LTE-M connectivity is not available the wireless module automatically falls back on 2G or LTE.

“Existing models lack sufficient water data for a precise risk forecast,” says Javier Marti, divirod’s founder and CEO. “We aim to create a water database that is as complete as possible. Our technology is highly scalable, inexpensive and can be used worldwide.”

The technology supports measuring the water level of reservoirs and rivers and collects data about powerful wave activities and possible coastal erosion. The early warning system is already in use around the world. In areas at risk sensors collect water data and issue extreme weather event warnings in Florida or help protect the cultural heritage of Venice in Italy. Drinking water storage area and reservoir data is collected in other regions of the United States and Europe.

The LTE-M-based solution not only helps local authorities to issue extreme weather warnings; divirod RoofWatch’s smart sensors monitor round the clock the roofs of commercial properties, warehouses and residential real estate. Owners are notified automatically and in good time if there is too much water, snow or ice on the roof. That reduces to a minimum the danger of collapse and increases building safety. The technology also identifies clogged drains at an early stage.

“We achieve resilience if we are able to respond smartly and sustainably to the challenges of climate change,” says Marti. “Water data is the key to swift reactions, medium-term decisions and long-term planning.”