EP2792801A1 - Installation, device and method for eliminating the waste of water when the cold water faucet is opened - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention contemplates a water saving device. This device prevents the cold water that is in the conduit, which is lost when the user waits for hot water, is eliminated in the sewer, having as a principle of operation, the circulation of the water of the conduit of hot water (3) for the cold water pipe (10). The device can be applied to all faucets, without the need to replace existing ones. When the button is pressed, (5) indicates the need for hot water on the terminal (6), giving the operating order to the element (4), via the control unit and the communication (8), which activates the pump (11) and allows the circulation between the branches, until it is at the predetermined temperature. At this moment, the control and communication unit (8) orders the pump (11) to stop the flow of water.

Description

summary

The present invention relates to an installation, a device and a method that allows the elimination of waste of water when the cold water tap is opened.

The device corresponds to an electromechanical equipment, which allows to control the temperature of a fluid, the water, in its point of flow, which makes it possible to eliminate the waste of the cold water, when the user wishes to use of hot water.

The technical field of the invention

The electrical / electronic panorama is set from the usual components, with the hypothesis of adopting low cost technologies, especially on electronic components.

The electromechanical part follows a similar look, either in the electromagnetic valves or in the electric pump.

In the exclusively mechanical part, general purpose materials can be used, especially, mounting boxes and identical materials for final finishing.

Indeed, if the device adopts this type of interpretation and technologies, electrical, electronic and mechanical, allows a final product of low cost, accessible to the majority of the population.

The device has an electronic control system, the articles (4) and (8), near the flow point, powered by one or more rechargeable batteries (28) charged by micro-turbines creating electric current (26) (27) or a similar power source of less than 12 V DC voltage, ensuring the safety conditions for users.

The above principle applies for use with the water button (5) so in the water use areas the systems are completely harmless to the users.

Only the circulation unit (12), which consists of a water pump (11) and respective control (9), is powered by low voltage networks (LV). This system is outside the area of use, so there are no safety issues for the user.

In the power system, the battery is supplemented by an electrical generation system from micro turbines in the pipeline, which make this device autonomous.

The communication between the button (5) and the systems (8) and (9) can be carried out by means of a wire or by Wireless. This button is the key element that allows the beginning of the operation of the system, and can be operated in different ways, such as: a clock that gives the starting order to the recirculation pump a end that, in a given hour, it is possible to have hot water in desired points; an IP (Internet Protocol) device that can be controlled remotely, via the Web and / or mobile phone, allowing the user to operate it wherever it is.

The device has been designed with variants in order to have total versatility, such as the ability to operate without a button, as illustrated on the Figure 3 . The appliance may also have a variant of the continuous adjustment of the water temperature, as illustrated on the Figure 4 . In this configuration, the action options of the device are the same as those mentioned in the previous points.

State of the art

Being the scarcity of water a global problem, there are several inventors seeking a formula for the economy, trying to sign / claw advocating solutions.

• Les documents CA2252350 , US6098213 et US4924536 révèlent des équipements qui transportent l'eau froide inutilisé jusqu'à un réservoir pour, après pouvoir être réutilisé. Ce dispositif est applicable uniquement dans les bâtiments «à la racine» ou dans les existants, mais dans ce cas, avec des changements profonds dans la canalisation, ou sur la construction civile, ayant donc un coût relativement élevé, ce qui implique des changements significatifs même dans le design des divisions où est installé.

Indeed, are mentioned certain documents and, that the evidence to point out that, despite some points of similarity with the patent claimed by us, are in fact very different devices:

• The documents CA2252350 , US6098213 and US4924536 reveal equipment that transports unused cold water to a tank for reuse. This device is applicable only in buildings "at the root" or in existing ones, but in this case, with deep changes in the pipeline, or on the civil construction, thus having a relatively high cost, which implies significant changes even in the design of the divisions where is installed.

Several documents, in particular US7140382 Among others, reveal a thermostatic bypass valve on taps, which opens when the desired temperature is reached, allowing water to pass to the tap. Works for medium pressure differences.

From the point of view of water saving, there are devices that are similar to a saved amount of water, but have the disadvantages above.

From the energy point of view, it is the most energy efficient device, because, unlike the other devices mentioned, it is the only one that is wasted energy of heating the water in the pipe when it is requested by the user, that is to say, there is a concentration only on the expenses in the conduit where the hot water is requested. Indeed, the present invention is, overall, the most efficient and the most versatile, being innovative compared to all others.

Description of figures

• The figure 1 represents the diagram of a typical complete sanitary water installation with hot and cold water faucets. These, instead of individual faucets, can be replaced by mixing faucets.
  This pipeline already included the modification that comes from the incorporation of the invented device. The new elements compared to a normal installation, are the components with the numbers: (4), (5), (8), (9), (11) and (12). These, as indicated in the legend of the figures, will allow - only when the button is depressed (5) - the circulation of the water of the hot water pipe (3) for the conduit of the cold water ( 10) by their faucets. Also highlighted are the directions of hot and cold water in the normal operation of the system without water circulation. When it starts the circulation of the water, whatever the system actuated, when the pump (11) connects this will force the circulation of the water by a system in closed circuit corresponding to the section of the conduit of the water hot and cold water, respectively. It is necessary to emphasize in this figure that, with the new device applied to a traditional channel, will be eliminated many losses of energy, that is to say, for example, if only it is necessary the hot water, to the exit hot water closest to the source, it is not necessary to heat the water of the entire hot water pipe, as is the case with some types of existing solutions.
• The figure 2 represents the device (4), being a single diagram for a tap, so as to raise the base device, which allows the circulation of cold water in the hot water pipe (3) for the conduit of the cold water (10) until the temperature will arrive in the hot water terminal (6) at low temperature, preselected by the user, after 4 minutes at the end of the hot water use, l water flows in the opposite direction of the hot water (18) and therefore the energy of the heat contained in the hot water pipe is accumulated in the tank near the heat source.
• The figure 3 corresponds to the device applied on the tap, focusing on the mechanism responsible for the flow of water in both directions responsible for saving water. In this figure are represented the internal components, so that it allows to build, and where it is identified each element that constitutes it.
  After having programmed the desired temperature on the device, through the multifunction buttons (33), when the button (5) is pressed, this communicates through the antenna (29) with the device (4) indicating the necessity of the hot water in a determined point. The communication and control unit of the device (8) sends the information to the communication and control unit of the pump (9) to start its movement and, at the same time, also actuates the solenoid valve (17) so as to to reach the junction of hot water and cold water.
  When the temperature sensor (25) detects that the temperature of the water is at the desired temperature informs the control unit and the communication (8) and the circuits of the solenoid valve (17) and the bomb (11) are arrested. Finally, the light indicator circuit or the audible indicator circuit is activated as intended. Then, if hot water or cold water is used, it passes through the micro turbines (26) and (27), producing electricity to recharge the rechargeable battery (28). After 4 minutes at the end of use of the hot water, the water flows in the opposite direction of the hot water (18) and therefore the energy of the heat contained in the hot water pipe is accumulated in the tank near the heat source.
• The figure 4 corresponds to the device applied to the tap, focusing on the mechanism responsible for temperature control that allows users to adjust the water outlet temperature (19). Thus, allows users to enjoy the equivalent of an efficient thermostatic faucet without having to replace their faucet groups in the home. Allows that, instead of having to press the button (5) and wait for the signal that indicates that the water is at the desired temperature, allows users to turn on the tap and that the water only comes out when the temperature is the preselected. Thus when the water finish circulating in the recirculation circuit, the valves (21 and 23) open and the water comes to the desired temperature.
• The figure 5 corresponds to the device applied on the tap, but now having all the mechanisms of operation of the device (4). Thus, in this figure are presented the connections between the components that are responsible for the circulation of water ( Figure 3 ) and the components responsible for controlling the temperature of the water ( Figure 4 ). With this configuration, the device (4) has the ability to eliminate waste of water, can takes a large part of the thermal energy that is on the hot water duct (3) when the hot water is used and still has the functionality of controlling the water temperature at every moment, that is, the user sets the desired temperature and this is constant, however the user during use has the ability to increase and decrease the desired temperature.

Legend of figures

1-

Main water supply duct

2-

Heat source with accumulator term

3-

Conduit of hot water

4-

Device applied on the tap

5-

Activation button

6

Hot water tap

7-

Cold water tap

8-

Control and communication system of the device applied on the tap

9-

Control and communication system of PU and water pump

10-

Conduit of cold water

11-

Water circulation pump

12-

Central and circulation unit

13-

Normal direction of water in the hot water pipe

14-

Inverted direction of water in the cold water pipe

15-

Normal direction of water in the cold water pipe

16-

Temperature sensor

17-

solenoid

18-

Inverted direction of water in the hot water pipe

19-

Out of the water

20-

Control and communication system of the solenoid valve (21)

21-

Hot water outlet control solenoid valve

22-

Control and communication system of the solenoid valve (23)

23-

Conduit of the cold water solenoid valve

24-

Mixing box

25-

Temperature sensor

26-

Micro turbine generator of electric current in hot water

27-

Micro turbine generator of electric current in cold water

28-

Rechargeable battery

29-

The internal communication antenna

30-

Indicator light

31-

Sound indicator

32-

Multifunction buttons

33-

The information display

34-

Pressure regulator

Detailed description of the invention Description of equipment

Main Water Supply Line (1): is connected to the public supply network or other supply source. This variable is not relevant for the proper functioning of the device, but it is advisable to colocation a filter to avoid any sands or large size waste that may induce a malfunction, either components of the proposed device or the water supply equipment and pipelines belonging to the circuit.

Heat source with accumulator term (2): is provided by the main pipe (1) and which will have a connection to the hot water pipe (3). It is considered a source of heat for some water heating device, which affects the proper functioning of the device - if the heating system is not automatic and / or does not have hot water available, it becomes impossible to have hot water on the faucets. The accumulator can have several features like keeping the hot water drifted from the solar panels, boilers and still allows the thermal energy that is in the hot water pipe to be taken from this at the end of a water use hot.

Hot water duct (3): is fed by the source of heat (2) and that will provide all the devices (4) and all hot water taps (6) if have or not, installed the device.

Device applied on the tap (4): is connected to the hot water pipe (3), leads cold water (10), hot water tap (6), cold water tap (7) and, on the inside, is connected to a control unit and communication (8). This device, when pressed the button (5), makes it possible to obtain hot water from the tap (6) without the cold water included in the hot water pipe (3) being wasted.

Activation button (5): can be connected by wire or by a wireless device , or also by another mechanism that can operate the control systems and communication (8) and (9). This button serves to inform the system of the need for hot water in a particular place of the water conduit.

Hot water tap (6): is supplied by the device (4); This can be a single faucet or the control part of the hot water of a mixing faucet. Its function is to regulate the flow of hot water that is desired by the user.

Cold water tap (7): is supplied by the device (4); This may possibly be an individual faucet or the cold water control part of a mixing faucet. The functionality of this faucet is to regulate the flow of cold water that is desired by the user.

Internal communication control system of the device applied to the tap (8): it is responsible for the control the same and for the communication between the button (5) and the communication and control system of the pump (9). It is the main system of analysis and control, where it is inserted the desired temperature on the tap; has the security mechanisms and ensures the proper functioning of the system.

Control and communication system of the water pump (9): this can be connected by a wire, by wireless, being its function to control the pump (11).

Conduit of cold water (10): fed by the main line of the water supply (1), which will provide all the devices (4) and all the cold water taps (7).

Water circulation pump (11): when pressed for the operator when the button (5) is pressed, is activated, starting a movement of water circulation in both directions, in the normal direction (13) of the conducts hot water (3) and in the opposite direction (14) of the cold water pipe (10).

Central unit and circulation (12): consists of a water pump (11) and respective control (9). An alternative system to this is its replacement by an expansive vessel, a valve reducing for the conduit of cold water, and a solenoid valve of multiple channels. This solution is less applicable on a large scale because of the need for space, but is the one that uses less energy consumption.

Normal direction of circulation of water in the hot water pipe (13): from the heat source (2) to the device (4) and / or some hot water tap (6).

The inverted direction of the movement of water in the cold water pipe (14): from the device (4) to the main water supply pipe (1) in the cold water pipe (10).

Normal flow direction in the cold water pipe (15): flows from the main water supply pipe (1) to all the devices (4) and all the taps cold water (7).

Temperature sensor (16): this component is an interconnected element (8), which has the functionality of acquiring temperature information of the mixing box (24) and informing the control system (8) so that the solenoid valves (23 and 24) are opened in the correct proportion, so that the temperature remains constant.

Solenoid valve (17): responsible for opening and closing the connection between the hot water pipe (3) and the cold water pipe (10), being activated by the control element (18) and having the functionality of allowing the flow of water only on the duct where hot water is desired.

The inverted direction of the movement of water on the hot water pipe (18): from the device (4) to the main water supply pipe (1) in the hot water pipe (3).

Hot water outlet (19): connects the mixing box (24) to the point of use.

Control and communication system of the solenoid valve (21) (20): it is connected with the control and communication system of the hot water solenoid valve (22), with the temperature sensor (25) and these, depending on the temperature desired by the user, controls the appropriate solenoid valve so that the water at the desired temperature, the two solenoid valves (23 and 24) are controlled by the control system and communication (8) .

Hot water outlet control solenoid valve (21): this valve is responsible for the control of the hot water outlet, controlled by its control system (20) - only allows the hot water to come out at the tap when it reaches the desired temperature. In the variant of the successive regulation, allows the adjustment of the temperature to ensure that the desired temperature, even if there are variations of several variables, according to the solenoid valve of the cold water pipe (23) .

Control and communication system of the solenoid valve (23) (22): it is connected with the control and communication system of the hot water solenoid valves (20), with the temperature sensor (25) and these, according to the temperature desired by the user, will control the solenoid valve, so as to get the water to the desired temperature, the two solenoid valves (23 and 24) are controlled by the control system and communication (8 ).

Cold water outlet control solenoid valve (23): this valve is controlled by the control (22) and has dual function: open to let water from the hot water duct for the cold water duct , when this does not have the desired temperature and allows to adjust the temperature to ensure that the desired temperature, even if there are changes of several variables, until the desired temperature, in tune with the cold water valve (20).

Mixing box (24): this device has the function of mixing the water of the hot water pipe (3) with the water coming from the cold water pipe (10).

Temperature sensor (25): this component is a constituent element of the mixing box (24), which has the functionality of acquiring it and informing the control system (20) and the water temperature (22), to allow the opening of their valves (21) and (23) to always ensure the desired temperature by the user.

Hot Water Micro Turbine (26): takes advantage of the movement of the water to produce electrical energy to charge the rechargeable battery (29).

Cold Water Micro Turbine (27): takes advantage of the movement of the water to produce electrical energy that charges the rechargeable battery (29).

Rechargeable battery (28): its function is to keep the necessary energy to supply all the electrical circuit of the device applied on the tap (4), it is loaded with the micro turbines (26.27).

Internal communication antenna (29): communicates with the activation button (5) and the communication and control system of the pump (9).

Indicator light (30): indicates the good equipment features, hot water availability and other notices.

Audible indicator (31): indicates errors or failures, availability of hot water and other notices.

Multifunction buttons (32): they have the functionality to select the desired water temperature and other parameters.

The information display (33): indicates the temperature at which the water is, the state of the battery and other information.

Pressure regulator (34): allows to change the distance between the connection with the hot water pipe (3) and the cold water pipe (10) of the device applied to the tap (4).

Description of the operating method

1. 1- The beginning of the operation, the beginning of the circulation can be done in several ways, by button 5, which can be included in the device (4), or it can be on a remote control that communicates with the internal antenna communication device (29) of the device (4). Can still be activated by a motion detector that communicates with the internal communication antenna (29) of the device (4) and can be programmed to start traffic at a certain time of the day or even via web or mobile if the CPU (12) is connected to an internet network.
2. 2-When begins the operation through the temperature sensor (25) is checked the temperature of the water on the tap where is needed hot water. If the temperature is below the desired temperature and which has been preprogrammed in the device (4) using the multifunction buttons (32) then it is checked the relevance of the request. The energy used up to this stage comes from the rechargeable battery (28).
3. 3-Once after the water supply (1) the main duct is made a division of the hot water duct (3) and the cold water (10), and both are linked in this point, so if in another point of the installation if to establish another connection between these two same extensions, it is possible to be said that we have a closed circuit. To give the beginning of the circulation of the control system and the communication (8) of the device (4) electronically opens the solenoid valve (17) and, at the same time communicates with the communication and control system of the pump water (9) of the central unit and the circulation (12) which activates the water circulation pump (11) in the opposite direction of the cold water (14), the illuminated indicator (30) indicates that the process is started and that the water begins to flow from the hot water piping (3) to the cold water piping (10), the heat source (2) starts to heat the water up to to that arrives at the device (4).
4. 4-When the temperature measured by the temperature sensor (25) is similar to the preset temperature, immediately, the control system and communication (8) of the device (4) communicates via the internal antenna of communication (29) with the communication and control system of the water pump (9) of the central unit and the circulation (12) which stops the operation of the pump (11) and the solenoid valve (17) is still closed and the water is ready for use, being informed by a buzzer (31) or a light (30) that the water is hot also indicating in the information display (33) that the water can be used.
5. 5-After the water remains hot at the point of use, initiates a predetermined time counter in the control and communication system (8). If the water is not used again is verified by the absence of micro-turbine movement (26), the solenoid valve (17) is electronically opened and, at the same time, communicates with the communication and control system. control of the water pump (9) of the central unit and the circulation (12) which activates the water circulation pump (11), but now this flows in the normal direction of the water conduit cold (15) now circulating the water of the cold water pipe (10) for the hot water pipe, (3) in the inverted direction of the hot water (18) passing the water heating of the pipe by tank located in (2), in this way, if the hot water is not used, it is possible to take advantage of the thermal energy contained in the hot water pipe (3) and if necessary, again, hot water is necessary to start the process.
6. At this time, the water will be hot and ready for use, depending on the desired temperature (21) and (23) the hot and cold water respectively, which are controlled by their control and communication units (20). and 22). The solenoid valves will vary the flow, and the mixture is made in the mixing box (24). If some variables are changed in the installation that affects the change temperature, the solenoid valves (21) and (23) the cold and hot water respectively, will vary instantaneously, thus guaranteeing the constant temperature at the exit of water (19). The electric generator electric microphones (26 and 27) charge the battery (28) and power the device. On the information display (33) it is possible to select different information such as the liters of water saved, the liters consumed by the use, use through micro-turbines analysis (26 and 27), the water temperature via temperature sensor (16) and it is still possible to choose the desired temperature and the desired flow rate, so it is possible to replace the features of a normal faucet.
7. 7-Constantly that the use of hot water is complete, repeats point 5, and if they are used several times, each time a use ends, the counter of 4 minutes starts again, indeed, if the micro turbine (26) does not circulate in the time interval, indicates that hot water has not been used, so when check that the water is not used for a period of 4 minutes, is opened electronically l the solenoid valve (17) and the pump (11), but now this circulates in the normal direction of the cold water duct (15) now circulating the cold water duct (10) for the hot water tube (3) in the opposite direction of the hot water (18) passing the hot water through the tank so that their thermal energy is benefited.
8. 8-When the temperature of the circulating pump water reaches 10 degrees below the temperature of the deposit, the central unit (12) closes the pump and at the same time communicates with the unit (4) so that the solenoid valve (17) is also closed.

Claims (9)

Installation to eliminate waste of water when is open faucet equipped with water supply duct (1), heat source with tank (2), hot water duct (3), water faucet hot (6), cold water tap (7), leads cold water (10), consisting of: water waste eliminating device (4); activation button (5) for initiation of the circuit; central unit and the circulation (12) constituted by the water circulation pump (11) and by the control and communication system (9). Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is open, characterized by having: control and communication system (8) with the central unit and the circulation (12); temperature sensors (16) and (25); solenoid valve (17) with connection between the hot water pipe (3) and the cold water (10); out of the water (19); control system and communication (20) the control valve of the hot water outlet (21); the solenoid valve for controlling the hot water outlet (21); control system and communication (22) of the solenoid valve of the cold water outlet (23); cold water pipe (23); mixing box (24); micro-production of hot water (26) charging the rechargeable battery (28) when the user uses hot water; micro-generator of electric current of cold water (27) charge of the rechargeable battery (28) when the user uses cold water; rechargeable battery (28); the internal communication antenna (29); light indicator (30); sound indicator (31); multifunction buttons (32); the display of information (33); (34) hot (6) and cold (7) hot water faucet regulator. Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is opened according to claim 2 characterized by the solenoid valve (17) being operated by continuous current with a lower voltage of 12 V. Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is opened according to claim 2 characterized by the multifunction buttons (32) these may be digital or analog. Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is opened according to claim 2 characterized by the rechargeable battery (28) being charged by the micro-turbines generating electric current (26) and micro-electric Generators turbines of electric current of cold water (27). Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is opened according to claim 2 characterized by the distance between the connection with the hot water pipe (3) and the cold water pipe (10) be modifiable by the pressure regulator (34). Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is opened according to claim 2 characterized by detecting the non-use of hot water to be effected through the absence of the movement of the microphone -Turbine hot water electric current generator (26). Device for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is opened according to claim 2 characterized by displaying the information (33) showing various information, especially the selected temperature, liters of water consumed and saved or some other information considered relevant. Method for eliminating waste of water when the hot water tap is characterized characterized by being composed of the following steps: a) The circuit is activated through the activation button (5) of initiation of the circuit, or when the scheduled time programmed in one of the multifunction buttons (32) is reached, or through a remote instruction received via wireless or through a motion sensor; b) The flow of water starts with the control and communication system (8) of the device (4) to send an opening command for the solenoid valve (17) and a control system command and communication command the water pump (9) of the central unit and the circulation (12), of the activation of the water circulation pump (11), being emitted a light advice through the indicator light (30) ; c) While the water does not reach the temperature programmed by the multifunction knobs (32) and measured by a temperature sensor (25), the water will keep the circulation of the hot water pipe (3) for the conducts cold water (10) in the opposite direction of the cold water (14), with the cold water being heated through the heat source (2); d) When the water conquers the preprogrammed temperature, the control and communication system (8) of the device (4) communicate through the internal communication antenna (29) with the communication and control system of the pump of water (9) of the central and circulation unit (12) which immobilizes the circulation of water (11) being the closed solenoid valve (17), a luminous advice is emitted through a light indicator ( 30) is sounded through a sound indicator (31) and a message in the informative viewfinder (33) informs that the water has reached a predetermined temperature; e) If, during a predetermined time interval and counted in the control and communication system (8) the hot water is not used, the solenoid valve (17) is opened, the control and communication system of the water pump (9) of the central unit, activates the pump (12) circulation of water (11), making with which circulates in the normal direction of the cold water (15), keeping the water to flow in the cold water pipe (10) for the hot water pipe (3) in the opposite direction of the hot water (18), making with that the thermal energy of the water circuit hot water is used when the circuit is restarted; f) Having the water reached the purported temperature and the desired flow rate, the hot water outlet control solenoid valve (21) controlled by the control and communication system (20), the control solenoid valve of cold water outlet (23) controlled by the system control and communication system (22) varies the flow rates so that the mixing of hot and cold water in the mixing box (24) keeps the temperature constant, controlled by the temperature sensor (16); g) When the temperature difference of the water circulating in the water circulation pump (11) and the selected temperature is equal to a predetermined value, the central and circulation unit (12) stops the pump circulating water (11), communicating at the same time so that the solenoid valve (17) is closed.

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