Control Valve

Abstract

The invention relates in part to an autonomous, self-powered valve for continuous monitoring of water flow within a domestic or commercial water pipe network. The invention also relates to a network in which the valve is remotely monitored for detection of abnormalities in water use patterns.

Claims

1. A device for monitoring and controlling the flow of water through a pipe, comprising: a. at least one detector which measures an environmental parameter of water in said pipe, b. a valve which controls the flow of water through said pipe, an electrical actuator operably coupled to the valve, c. a radiofrequency transmitter for transmitting data; d. a radiofrequency receiver for receiving a signal; and e. a computer processing module adapted to receive real-time data generated by the detector or detectors and compare the data with predetermined data relating to the environmental parameters, wherein the computer processing module is in data communication with the radiofrequency transmitter and radiofrequency receiver, and the electrical actuator moves in response to a signal generated by the computer processing module when a change is detected between the real-time and the predetermined data.

2. A device according to claim 2, wherein the device is further provided with a hydroelectric power generator driven by the flow of water in said pipe that generates an electrical current, and an electrical storage means that stores electrical charge generated by said hydroelectric power generator, such that the electrical actuator is powered by electrical charge stored in said electrical storage means.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the environmental parameter measured is selected from one or more of water temperature, water pressure, and water flow rate.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the detector comprises a flowmeter.

5. The device according to claim 4 wherein the flowmeter is also a hydroelectric power generator.

6. A device according to claim 2 wherein the electrical storage means is one or more batteries.

7. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the radiofrequency transmitter and radiofrequency receiver are both comprised within a transceiver.

8. The device according to any preceding claim wherein the radiofrequency transmitter and radiofrequency receiver are low power, wide area network devices.

9. The device according to claim 8 wherein the radiofrequency transmitter and radiofrequency receiver use spectrum below 1 GHz together with a direct sequence spread spectrum modulation.

10. A device according to any preceding claim which transmits a signal at regular intervals regardless of the status of the device.

11. A device according to any preceding claim comprising means for attachment of the device to an external power source.

12. A device according to any preceding claim which transmits a signal in the event that the charge held in the electrical storage means reaches a certain level.

13. A computer network system comprising a device as claimed in any one of claims 1-12 and a remote central computing apparatus adapted to receive data from the device.

14. A computer network system according to claim 13 further comprising a database capable of storing data received from the device.

15. A computer network system according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the remote central computing apparatus is programmed to compare real time data received from the device, and transmit a signal to the device dependent on the results of the comparison.

16. A computer network system according to claim 15 wherein the signal transmitted by the remote central computing apparatus causes the device to prevent water flow through a pipe.

17. A computer network system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the remote central computing apparatus relays data to one or more further data processing devices.

18. A computer network system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the remote central computing apparatus receives data from a plurality of device as claimed in any one of claims 1-13.

Description

[0049] Further aspects of the invention are now disclosed with specific reference to the figures.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the device of the invention installed within a water pipe.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the device of the invention operating within a network of computers.

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0053] The device (1) is attached to a domestic water pipe (2) via inlet (13) and outlet (14) connectors. Device (1) comprises a detector (3) capable of measuring an environmental parameter of water. Detector (3) includes one or more suitable transponders for converting measurements of environmental parameters into digital information. Water, flowing through pipe in direction “A”, enters the device through inlet connector (13), and passes through detector (3).

[0054] Data generated by detector (3) is transmitted through data link (8) to transceiver (7). Transceiver (7) includes a transmitter and a receiver, and also a processor for converting data into broadcast signal. Transceiver (7) is in electrical connection with electrical storage means (6) via positive (12) and negative (12a) electrical connectors.

[0055] On exiting detector (3), water flows through into (optional) hydroelectric power generator (4). The flow of water through hydroelectric power generator (4) produces an electrical current, which is transmitted via positive (11) and negative (11a) electrical connectors to electrical storage means (6). Electrical storage means (6) accumulates the electrical current generated by hydroelectric power generator (4) and stores it as electrical charge.

[0056] On exiting the hydroelectric power generator (4), water flows into valve (5). Valve (5) may be open, to permit flow of water onwards through exit connector (14), or closed so as to prevent flow of water, or at an intermediate position to restrict water flow.

[0057] Valve (5) is operably connected to transducer (16), which is configured to open or close valve (5) on receipt of the relevant data signal from transceiver (7). Transceiver (7) and transducer (16) are connected via a data link (9). Valve (5) and transducer (16) are in electrical connection via positive (11) and negative (11a) electrical connectors to electrical storage means (6), which provides electrical power to the valve (5) and/or transducer (16).

[0058] Under normal operating conditions, flow and other properties (such as temperature and pressure) of water through the device (1) are measured by detector (3), which converts the measurements into digital data and relays them via data link (8) to transceiver (7). Transceiver (7) broadcasts these data via antenna (15) to remote central computing apparatus. The remote central computing apparatus receives these data, compares them with historic data relating to typical use patterns, and on confirming that the data are within normal parameters, transmits a signal (“normal use signal”) which is detected by transceiver (7).

[0059] On detection of the normal use signal, the transceiver sends a further signal to transducer (16) via data link (9), which is interpreted as an instruction to maintain open, or open valve (5) and permit flow of water through the exit connector (14) of the device.

[0060] If a leak is present elsewhere in the water network (e.g. upstream of input connector (14)), flow and other properties (such as temperature and pressure) of water through the device (1) are measured by detector (3), which converts the measurements into digital data and relays them via data link (8) to transceiver (7). Transceiver (7) broadcasts these data via antenna (15) to remote central computing apparatus. The remote central computing apparatus receives these data, compares them with historic data relating to typical use patterns, and detects that the data are outside normal parameters and transmits a signal (“abnormal signal”) which is detected by transceiver (7).

[0061] On detection of the abnormal signal, the transceiver sends a further signal to transducer (16) via data link (9), which is interpreted as an instruction to close valve (5) and prevent flow of water through the exit connector (14) of the device.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows device (1) of the invention within a network of devices. Device (1) is located in pipe (2) within a domestic or commercial property. Via transceiver (7) it transmits data relating to the environmental parameters, battery and valve status etc. to the remote central computing apparatus (20).

[0063] The remote central computing apparatus (20) has data connections to further devices, which may be wireless or wired. The remote central computing apparatus (20) has a data connection to database (21), which stores historic data relating to the environmental parameters for each user.

[0064] The remote central computing apparatus (20) receives real time data from the user's device (1). Data, both historic and real-time, is relayed to user computer (22) and user mobile device (24) via the internet. Additionally, data, both historic and real-time, is relayed to water supply company computer (23).

[0065] The remote central computing apparatus (20) continuously compares real time data from user device with the historic data stored in database (21). On confirming that the data are within normal parameters, remote central computing apparatus (20) transmits a signal (“normal use signal”) which is received by transceiver (7) of device (1). On detection of the normal use signal, water is permitted to flow through device (1) into the domestic water pipe system.

[0066] Alternatively, if the data are outside normal parameters, remote central computing apparatus (20) transmits a signal (“abnormal signal”) which is received by transceiver (7) of device (1). On detection of the abnormal signal, water is prevented from flowing through device (1) into the domestic water pipe system.

[0067] Additionally, if the data are outside normal parameters, remote central computing apparatus (20) transmits to one or more of mobile device (24), computer (21) or (22). This triggers an alert to the user, and requests that they confirm that the abnormal use is expected, e.g. as a result of installation of a new appliance. If the user confirms the use is expected, this information is relayed to remote central computing apparatus (20), which continues to transmit a normal use signal. On the other hand, if the user confirm the use is indeed unexpected, remote central computing apparatus (20) is triggered to transmit the abnormal signal and so arrest flow of water through the device.