Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption

Abstract

Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-based system are disclosed using one or more sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof. One or more interface modules are provided as breaker circuits for receiving the generated signals, and a fluid control device is operable for limiting the water consumption. A motherboard receives the interface modules and provides communication therebetween for information processing. Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller, which provides signals to status indicators, and also operates to provide alarm signals via network interfaces to remote locations and to operate an alarm. In an alternate embodiment, a water monitoring system is designed to shut off the water supply to the water device and to shut off either the electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the water device in response to sensing a malfunction through one or more of a number of different sensed parameters. These parameters include a water leak detector located beneath the water device, a water level float sensor, a temperature sensor to sense excess temperature, and a pressure sensor located in line.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 10 / 252,350 filed 23 Sep. 2002.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to the fluid consumption systems in the home and commercial environments. More particularly, the invention relates to automated controls and monitoring of such water-based systems employing methods for detecting, communicating and preventing operational failures. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] There are various water-consuming fixtures, appliances, and systems in both residential and commercial installations. Typical water-based systems include sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, lawn sprinklers, swimming pools and the like. For example, hot water tanks include a heating element located at the bottom of the tank, with a hot water outlet pipe and a make-up water inlet pipe connected through the top of the tank. In water tanks a th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] The invention is designed to monitor and control the daily water consumption flow of all water-based systems in the home or commercial business. These include, for example, water heater, sinks, toilets, dishwashers and clothes washer, swimming pool and lawn sprinklers. The invention includes one or more electrical circuit interface modules in an electrical panel, or motherboard, and each interface module “protects” a branch or area of the home or business from electrical overload or malfunction. The interface module motherboard also “protects” a branch or area of the home or business. The electrical interface module offers protection from electrical malfunction and protection from water / liquid based overloads or malfunctions.

[0014] A motherboard design includes single or dual microcontrollers, user interface, USB port for Web / network interface, video interface, and provisions for up to sixteen s interface modules. One interface module acts as a main shut off valve and controls flow meter expansion connectors, power supply, sealed lead-acid battery backup with charger. Modular in design, the interface module is based on two separate printed circuit boards (PCBs). Up to sixteen interface modules are plugged into the motherboard. Each interface module is connected to one or more water leak sensors that detect water leaks or levels, and a control valve used to control the associated water in feed. When an interface module is used as a water leak sensor, it is attached to the water heater and connected to an interface module. A cutoff valve is attached to the water in feed of the water heater and connected to the same interface module. The motherboard microcontroller monitors the water leak sensor. If the microcontroller detects a leak, it closes the control valve and issues an alarm. An interface module can also be used to monitor the level of water in such items as a swimming pool. A water level detector is attached to the swimming pool along with a control valve that controls the water in feed to the pool. When the microcontroller detects a low level condition, it opens the in control valve and adds water to the pool until the level is normal. Each interface module can operate with direct wire connection, to the N / O or N / C valve and sensor. Individual interface modules can also transmit or receive wireless data, between the valve and sensor directly to the interface module. The interface modules can also be operated in a timed mode or sensor mode. This allows the user to set multiple on / off times for the control valves. This allows the system to control a lawn sprinkler on and off at any given time.

[0019] It is a further object of this invention to provide a monitoring system including a pressure sensor located to sense the pressure variations of the water appliance or system without water flow through the pressure sensor to provide an output for shutting off the water supply and / or the energy supply to the heating unit of the water appliance or system when excess pressure is sensed.

Problems solved by technology

After a period of time, however, mineral deposit buildup and corrosion frequently take place in relief valves and the like, as a result of these periodic operations.

In time, such corrosion or scale build up may impair operation.

When this occurs, the possibility of a catastrophic failure exists.

In addition to the possibility of high pressure explosions taking place in water tanks, other conditions can also lead to significant damage to the surrounding structure.

As hot water tanks age, frequently they develop leaks, or leaks develop in the water inlet pipe or hot water outlet pipe to the tank.

If such leaks go undetected, water damage from the leak to the surrounding building structure results.

While the various systems disclosed in the prior art patents discussed above function to sense potential malfunctioning of a hot water tank to either turn off the water supply, the energy supply, or both, to prevent further damage, none of the systems disclosed in these patents are directed to a safety system for monitoring potentially damaging pressure increases in the hot water tank in the event that the pressure relief valve malfunctions.

This potential condition, however, is one which is capable of producing catastrophic damage to the structure in the vicinity of the hot water tank.

Thus, it can cut off the power to the unit that tripped the alarm.

No matter which sensor is triggered, it appears the unit can only cut off the main water in feed line(s) to the home and can only remove power from the unit plugged in to it.

However, the unit does not have a one-to-one correspondence between a sensor and a control valve.

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