CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
30 April 2012
Company News
Autodesk Software Helps Clean Tech Company Fuel ‘Smart Water’ Networks
Autodesk, Inc. has named Israel-based clean technology company HydroSpin as Autodesk Inventor of the Month for April 2012. The company used Autodesk Inventor software and other Autodesk Digital Prototyping tools to develop a micro-generator solution that produces energy from the flow of water inside distribution pipes, saving hundreds of hours of development time and hundreds of thousands of development dollars.
“The demand for safe and clean water is growing exponentially. With the help of Autodesk design and simulation technology, we are creating a solution that enables water monitoring devices to be deployed in locations that do not have ready access to an electrical supply”
The generators power a wide range of “smart water” devices that monitor the movement and quality of water, along with other parameters, throughout the distribution network. In turn, the devices transmit data that might indicate a leak or a broken pipe, helping to prevent waste of one of the world’s most precious resources.
“The demand for safe and clean water is growing exponentially. With the help of Autodesk design and simulation technology, we are creating a solution that enables water monitoring devices to be deployed in locations that do not have ready access to an electrical supply,” said Gabby Czertok, CEO of HydroSpin.
Simulating Performance Through Digital Prototyping
As a member of the Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program — an initiative that provides Autodesk Digital Prototyping software to emerging and established clean tech companies — HydroSpin was able to access a variety of Autodesk tools that sped up the product development process, while local Autodesk reseller Omnitech provided training and support.
HydroSpin used Autodesk Inventor software to support the design of its generator — which is similar in appearance to a fan-like turbine — so that it fit precisely within the confines of the Israel national water company’s detailed specifications without disrupting the flow of water. This helped avoid the “head loss” that could cause customers to experience weak water pressure.
Using Autodesk Simulation CFD software, the design team was able to perform extensive stress tests and flow simulations on the generator to ensure that it could withstand the flow of water at a variety of pressures over an extended period of time.
The company reports that Autodesk Simulation CFD was able to provide insight on the long-term performance of its generator within a matter of hours — a process that otherwise would have required an actual generator to be placed inside of a pipe for hundreds of hours at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars.
“Clean technology companies like HydroSpin save significant time and money when they incorporate Digital Prototyping tools into their workflow. This kind of efficiency enables more resources to be dedicated toward innovations that can have a real impact and create a better world,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president, Design, Lifecycle and Simulation at Autodesk.
About the Autodesk Inventor of the Month Program
Each month, Autodesk selects an Inventor of the Month from the users of Autodesk Inventor software, which takes manufacturers beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping. Winners are chosen for engineering excellence and groundbreaking innovation. For more information about the Autodesk Inventor of the Month Program, contact them at IOM@autodesk.com
About the Clean Tech Partner Program
The Autodesk Clean Tech Partner Program supports the efforts, innovations and environmental advancements of clean technology pioneers, providing world-class software to design, visualize and simulate their ideas through Digital Prototyping. Clean tech companies in North America, Europe, Japan, and Singapore are invited to apply to receive up to $150,000* worth of software for only $50. Access to a collection of Autodesk industry-leading software includes up to five licenses each of Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate, AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite, Autodesk Simulation Mechanical, Autodesk Inventor Publisher and Autodesk Vault Professional software.
About HydroSpin
Founded in 2010 and based in Israel, HydroSpin has developed a unique solution that incorporates in-pipe generators for generating electricity from the flow of water inside pipes and powering smart water monitoring and transmission devices. For additional information, visit www.hydrospin.net
About Omnitech
Omnitech is authorized as the only certified instruction center for Autodesk products in Israel, serving as part of the Autodesk Training Center. The Company, founded in 1979, is part of the Malam Team Group, and it stands out in its ability to respond to the multihued range of technological demands and to supply preferred technology solutions to organizations of all sizes and to all sectors of activity. For additional information, visit http://omnitech.co.il/
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