IoT no sistema de drenagem como apoio para alerta de inundações

Abstract

In Brazil, among the most recurring problems in urban areas are floods. These are often pre-existing occurrences due to the hydrological and topographic characteristics of the region, but which are enhanced by the effects of urbanization in terms of waterproofing and modification of the hydrological cycle due to human actions. The ways of dealing with these events vary from structural solutions involving large macro-drainage works, to non-structural solutions, which include regulations on land use in risk regions. Between the period of manifestation of the events and the effective adoption of measures to resolve the problems, actions need to be taken to mitigate the risks and negative effects of floods. Composing these actions, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based alternatives stand out, incorporating IoT (Internet of Things) and computerized management in urban security, improving responses to extreme hydrological events. These alternatives fall within the context of Smart Cities, which are cities with high levels of governance and sustainable development. Some research addresses the use of IoT for flood monitoring and alert issuance; however, no research was found that associated IoT, hydrological model and hydrodynamic model for flood forecasting and alerting. From this perspective, this work aims to develop a flood alert system model for watercourses located in urban areas based on IoT solutions and hydrological-hydrodynamic modeling. The methodological approach of this case study was based on a literature review, analysis of official data from the municipality and the watershed, field surveys, hydrological-hydrodynamic modeling, prototyping of the conceptual and physical model of the alert system, and simulation of its application. The object of validation of the study was the city of Ribeirão Preto. The proposed warning system model uses hydrometeorological data found by a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), which are inserted into hydrological and hydrodynamic models that transform rainfall into flow and inform whether or not floods occur, including the times they occur. In the simulation performed, the flood detection model made it possible to issue a flood alert 30 minutes in advance. Therefore, the warning system model is capable of providing information so that Civil Defense or an equivalent agency can issue timely warnings to municipalities at risk so that they can take measures to reduce the social and material losses caused by flooding. It is expected that this model can be replicated in other locations and that it will serve as a basis for studies to improve research in this area.