Earlier this month, Giovanna Cavazzini (University of Padova) attended the ECOS 2025 conference to present our latest work on the H-HOPE project.
Paper title: Unlocking Hidden Hydropower: Energy Harvesting for the Digitalisation of Urban Water Systems
Focus: using vortex-induced vibrations in water pipes and channels to power IoT sensors without batteries
Case study: a wastewater-treatment drainage channel in northern Italy generating roughly 490 kWh per year, enough for real-time monitoring
Self-powered sensors can reduce maintenance visits and give utilities continuous data on flow, pressure, and water quality. The approach fits directly into existing infrastructure, so no major civil works are required.
Giovanna gathered feedback from several network operators interested in pilot installations. We’re now preparing follow-up tests at additional sites and refining the power-management electronics.
If you’d like a copy of the presentation or have a potential trial location, please check our Virtual Research Environment PUBLICATIONS
