System for domotic control of a plumbing installation and method of operation to increase the water efficiency of the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water control system for the cold and hot water plumbing installations, for consumption or heating and gray water in a home, premises or building which increases water and/or energy efficiency of the installation by means of a method of operation which reduces the water consumption or energy used in its consumption and treatment: detecting and controlling water leaks, avoiding consumption of cold water which is produced while waiting for hot water to come out, reducing the energy required for consuming hot water, reducing consumption of water when it is used for the toilet together with a soap, foam or similar, measuring and controlling the proliferation of Legionella bacteria and other microorganisms, cleaning pipes and in general monitoring the control variables of a plumbing installation and its visualization and interaction by a user or a smart and autonomous IT system.

Claims

1. A water control system adapted for being installed in a plumbing installation which includes a water supply installation and a gray water collection installation, the water supply installation comprising a supply connection, a general pipe, a branching point in which the general pipe is branched towards a hot water branch and a cold water branch, a non-return valve, situated upstream of the branching point, a water heater, with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, situated in the hot water branch, and at least one cold and/or hot water consumption point with at least one tap and to each one of which a cold pipe arrives coming from the cold water branch and/or a hot water pipe coming from the hot water branch and the gray water collection installation comprising a drain through which the water from a consumption point arrives, a gray water pipe which connects downstream to a gray water utilization pipe, the control system comprising at least: a power module which comprises a first power supply, a pumping system with variable flow rate, a first electronic controller, at least one first sensor, at least one first signal transceiver, first indicator for notifications, wherein the power module is installed in at least one point of the plumbing installation, a joining module which comprises a second power source, at least one first valve adapted for putting at least two pipes in fluid communication when said first valve is fully open, a second electronic controller, at least one second sensor, at least one second signal transceiver, second indicator for notifications, wherein the joining module is adapted to be situated in at least one point of the plumbing installation, an initiator module which comprises a third power source, activation elements, a third electronic controller, at least one third sensor, at least one third signal transceiver, third indicator for notifications, an IoT communication module which comprises a fourth power supply, a fourth electronic controller, a fourth signal transceiver and fourth indicator for notifications, wherein the IoT communication module is configured to communicate with at least one of the following elements: a) another module of the water control system, and/or b) a sensor external to the IoT communication module and/or c) an actuator external to the IoT communication module and/or d) a control device external to the IoT communication module, a control and functional extension module which comprises a fifth power supply, at least one second valve adapted for allowing the flow of water in its interior when said second valve is fully open, a fifth electronic controller, at least one fourth sensor, at least one fifth signal transceiver, fifth indicator for notifications, a functional extension bay wherein the control and functional extension module is adapted for being installed at any point between the water supply connection of the water supply installation and the branching point including the supply connection itself and the branching itself, wherein each module comprises a physical communication interface; and wherein the electronic controller of each module has a memory where the information relating to the characteristics and the operation of the water control system is stored and which are configured for managing methods of operation of the water control system and for managing at least one time variable control element.

2. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein the power module is installed in the plumbing installation: a) in the hot water branch before the water inlet to the heater, or b) in the hot water branch integrated into the heater itself or c) in the hot water branch after the outlet of the water of the heater or d) in the cold water branch, or e) the gray water utilization pipe.

3. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein the joining module is installed in the plumbing installation: a) joining at least two points of the cold water branch, or b) joining at least two points of the hot water branch, or c) joining at least one point of the cold water branch to at least one point of the hot water branch or d) joining at least two points of the gray water collection installation or e) integrated in a tap.

4. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the modules comprises a display of the information available in the memory of the water control system with respect to the characteristics and the operation of the water control system.

5. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein the power source is at least one of the following: a) a power cable connected to an electricity network, b) a generator of electric energy using a system of turbines and/or solar cells and/or manual mechanism and/or thermoelectric or piezoelectric materials, c) a rechargeable battery.

6. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein by way of the signal transceiver of each module, each electric controller receives and stores in respective memories information: a) on measurements made by the at least one sensor of respective modules and/or b) obtained by way of external actuators and control devices and/or c) introduced by way of the physical communication interface.

7. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the sensors of respective modules of the water control system is at least one sensor of: a) temperature of the fluid, or b) pressure, or c) flow rate or d) temperature of the environment or e) humidity of the environment or f) chemical properties of the water or g) level of a reservoir or cistern or h) presence and/or distance or i) a biometric property.

8. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein the joining module and/or the control module comprises a repository for introducing liquid and/or solid substances which are mixed with the flow of water during operation, wherein said repository is controlled by at least one valve such that: in a first position, said valve puts said repository in contact with at least one of the pipes of the plumbing installation through which the water circulates through the joining and/or control module, creating a fluid with properties modified by the substance from where the at least one joining and/or control module is installed to a determined consumption point when the valve is open and preventing the opening of the repository for dosing of substances; and in a second position, said valve allows the dosing of substances modifying the properties of the water into the repository while said repository is not connected to the flow of water of the at least one pipe which passes through the joining and/or control module, ensuring using the valve that the flow of water passing through the affected module does not leave through the repository when it is being manually operated.

9. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein the control module also comprises a secondary pumping system.

10. The water control system according to claim 1, wherein there are activation and/or stop conditions which are interpreted a) by the third controller for the initiation of the method of operation of the water control system and b) by at least one of the electronic controllers of respective modules for the finalization of the method of operation of the water control system and where said activation and/or stop conditions are generated by: a) an external element: i) an external control device, ii) an element of the physical communication interface, iii) an external actuator; b) the water control system, as a response to i) a preprogrammed time routine controlled by at least one time variable management element, ii) the information received by at least one of the sensor of respective modules, wherein the activation and/or stop conditions are received in the third electric controller directly and/or by way of the third signal transceiver.

11. The water control system according to claim 10, wherein the activation and/or stop conditions include the measurement of the complete dilution of a substance modifying the properties of the flow in the water using a sensor of the chemical properties of the water.

12. The plumbing installation in the water control system according to claim 1, wherein the hot water branch of the water supply installation comprises at least one of the following: a) at least one additional hot water pipe for the return of hot consumption water, b) at least one closed recirculation pipe for heating a space and/or other fluid; wherein the gray water collection installation comprises at least one of the following: a) an additional gray water utilization pipe which connects the gray water pipe: to at least one point of the cold and/or hot water branch of the water supply installation, and/or to a reservoir or cistern of flushometer, and wherein the additional gray water utilization pipe comprises a non-return valve, b) a gray accumulation reservoir that comprises water discharge conditions by overflowing and/or overweight and sediment/foam remover, and where said gray accumulation reservoir connects to at least three joining points: i) at least one drain from the gray water collection installation, through which water form the consumption point arrives ii) at least an additional gray water collection installation where water does not come from the consumption point, iii) at least a sanitation device, and iv) a waste water pipe.

13. The plumbing installation according to claim 12, wherein said plumbing installation further comprises external sensors and/or external actuators in communication with the water control system, and at least one of the following: a) a flow shut-off valve, b) an additional non-return valve, c) a pressure regulating valve, and d) an air venting valve.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) These and other characteristics and advantages of the invention are found in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment, given only by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the enclosed figures.

(2) FIG. 1 Plumbing installation which includes a water supply installation and a gray water installation provided with a water control system according to the installation possibilities described in the invention.

(3) FIG. 2 Preferred plan of the power module according to the invention.

(4) FIG. 3 Preferred plan of the joining module according to the invention.

(5) FIG. 4 Preferred plan of the initiator module according to the invention.

(6) FIG. 5 Preferred plan of the IoT communication module according to the invention.

(7) FIG. 6 Preferred plan of the control module according to the invention.

(8) FIG. 7 Diagram of the steps of the method of operation of the water control system.

(9) FIG. 8 Preferred example of the water supply installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the preheating of water in the hot water branch prior to consumption.

(10) FIG. 9 Preferred example of the water supply installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the prevention of damage from freezing.

(11) FIG. 10 Preferred example of the water supply installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the analysis and prevention of the proliferation of bacteria.

(12) FIG. 11 Preferred example of the water supply installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the management of heating and/or recirculation networks.

(13) FIG. 12 Preferred example of the water supply installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the modification of the properties of the consumption fluid and/or maintenance of the water supply installation.

(14) FIG. 13 Preferred example of the water supply installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the modification of the properties of the working fluid and maintenance of the water supply installation.

(15) FIG. 14 Preferred example of gray water collection installation provided with a water control system and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the utilization of gray water in a gray water collection installation.

(16) FIG. 15 Preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to a particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the notification and blocking of undesired consumption of water.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(17) A plumbing installation (100) is shown in FIG. 1 formed by a water supply installation (200) where the water is introduced into the supply installation (200) from a supply connection (201) by way of a general pipe (202). Said water supply installation (200) is divided in a branching (203) into at least one hot water branch (210) and at least one cold water branch (220) where upstream of said branching (204) there is a non-return valve (204) which prevents water introduced returning towards the supply connection (201). The hot (210) and cold (220) water branches each provide for at least one consumption point (205) to which it arrives by way of a hot water pipe (214) and/or cold water pipe (221) and where by way of at least one tap (206), the water is discharged towards a drain (301). The hot water branch (220), in turn, has a heater (211) with at least one inlet (212) and at least one outlet (213) of water, and which generates hot water for at least one of the following configurations: a) a hot water consumption branch (210), b) a hot water return branch (215), c) a closed hot water circuit (216) for exchange of heat with the environment or another fluid.

(18) FIG. 1 also shows a gray water collection installation (300) as part of the plumbing installation (100), where the water collected by the drains (301) of the consumption points (205) which generate gray water, is sent through the gray water pipe (302) towards a pipe for utilizing said gray water (303) directly or indirectly, in this last case, by way of an intermediate gray water accumulator reservoir (304). Said reservoir (304) has at least three connections including the following: a) at least one water inlet coming from the gray water pipe (302), b) at least one water inlet coming from the gray water collection pipe (307), c) at least one water outlet towards the gray water utilization pipe (303), and/or d) at least one water outlet towards the pipe for draining waste water (306). The at least one gray water utilization pipe (303) connects to a cistern (207) and/or a flushometer (208) which discharges water towards a sanitation device which generates waste water (306). This sanitation device is where the use of gray water is utilized directly or indirectly, in this last case, connecting the gray water utilization pipe (303) in a connection point (305) with the hot water branch (220) and/or the cold water branch (210) which supply said cistern (207) and/or flushometer (208).

(19) The water control system (1) is formed by at least five modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) where there is at least one module of each type from: a power module (10), a joining module (20), an initiator module (30), an IoT communication module (40) and a control module (50). Each one of these modules is installed in a different location of the plumbing installation (100), in the water supply installation part (200) and/or the gray water collection installation part (300).

(20) The power module (10) is installed in one of the following points of the water supply installation (200) and/or gray water collection installation (300): a) in the hot water branch (210) before the water inlet to the heater (212), b) in the hot water branch (210) integrated in the heater itself (211), c) in the hot water branch (210) after the outlet of the water of the heater (213), d) in the cold water branch (220), e) in the gray water utilization pipe (303) and/or f) in the gray water utilization reservoir (304).

(21) The joining module (20) is installed in one of the following points of the water supply installation (200) and/or the gray water collection installation (300): a) joining at least two points of a cold water branch (220), b) joining at least two points of a hot water branch (210), c) joining at least one point of a cold water branch (220) to at least one point of a hot water branch (210), d) joining at least two points of a gray water installation (300), e) joining at least one point of a gray water utilization pipe (303) to a point of the water supply installation (200) in proximity to a sanitation device where the gray water is discharged and/or f) integrated into a tap (206).

(22) The initiator module (30) and the IoT communication module (40) are not connected to the plumbing, but control it and can be installed close to any installation point (200, 300): near to one of the other modules of the water control system (1) or in a location separated from the same; or even at a point external to the installation itself (200, 300) but in communication with the rest of the modules, exercising effective control over the installation (200, 300). The initiator module (30) and/or the IoT communication module (40) can be fixed in one location or be movable and portable by the user.

(23) The control and functional extension module (50) is installed at any point between the supply connection (201) of water of the supply installation (200) and the branching (203) between at least one hot water branch (210) and at least one cold water branch (220), including the supply connection (201) itself and the branching (202) itself.

(24) FIG. 2 represents a preferred example of a power module (10) according to the invention. This module comprises a physical communication interface with the user (2), a power source (11), a variable flow rate pumping system (12), a first electronic control means (13), at least one sensor (14), at least one signal transceiver (15) and notification means (16).

(25) FIG. 3 represents a preferred example of a joining module (20) according to the invention. This module comprises a physical communication interface with the user (2), a power source (21), at least one valve (12) of at least 2-ways which puts at least two pipes in fluid communication when said valve (22) is in the completely open state, a second electronic control means (23) at least one sensor (24), at least one signal transceiver (25) and notification means (26).

(26) FIG. 4 represents a preferred example of an initiator module (30) according to the invention. This module comprises a physical communication interface with the user (2), a power source (31), a third electronic control means (33), at least one sensor (34), at least one signal transceiver (35) and notification means (36).

(27) FIG. 5 represents a preferred example of an IoT communication module (40) according to the invention. This module comprises a physical communication interface with the user (2), a power source (41), a fourth electronic control means (43), a signal transceiver (45) and notification means (46) and communicates with at least one of the following elements: a) another module of the water control system (1), b) a sensor external to the module (44), c) an actuator external to the module (47) and/or d) a control device external to the module (48).

(28) FIG. 6 represents a preferred example of a control and functional extension module (50) according to the invention. This module comprises a physical communication interface with the user (2), a power source (51), at least one valve (52) of at least 2-ways; on/off and/or gradual opening; electrovalve, manual valve or motorized valve; which in the completely open state allows the flow of water in its interior, a fifth electronic control means (53), at least one sensor (54), at least one signal transceiver (55), notification means (56) and a functional extension bay (57).

(29) In FIGS. 2-6, the physical communication interface with the user (2) in each module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) comprises at least one button and/or a display and/or a touch screen.

(30) In FIGS. 2-6, the control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53) of each module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) are observed which manage the method of operation of the water control system (1) and include at least one of the following time variables management elements (70): a) a clock and/or b) a calendar and/or c) a timer. The control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53) receive information by way of the signal transceivers (15, 25, 35, 45, 55) and store information: a) of the variables measured by at least one sensor (14, 24, 34, 44, 54) and/or obtained by way of actuators and external control devices (47, 48) and/or c) introduced by way of the physical communication interface with the user (2).

(31) In FIGS. 2-6, the notification means (16, 26, 36, 46, 56) in each module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) are observed which are at least one type from among sound, light and/or vibration notifiers to show signals concerning the operating state of the water control system (1).

(32) In FIGS. 2-6, the power source (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) is at least one of the following: a) a power cable connected to the electricity network of the installation, b) a generator of electric energy by means of a system of turbines and/or solar cells and/or manual mechanism and/or thermoelectric or piezoelectric materials c) a battery rechargeable by its connection to a power cable or to an electric energy generator.

(33) In FIGS. 2-6, the at least one sensor (14, 24, 34, 44, 54) of each module with sensor (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) comprises at least one sensor of: a) the temperature of the fluid, or b) pressure, or c) flow rate, or d) temperature of the environment, or e) humidity of the environment or f) chemical properties of the water or g) level of a reservoir or cistern, or h) presence and/or distance, or i) a biometric property; where the biometric sensor comprises at least one of the following elements: voice recognition by means of a microphone, image recognition by means of a camera or fingerprint recognition by means of a fingerprint sensor.

(34) In one particular embodiment, the joining module (20) and/or the control module (50) comprises a repository (28, 58) accessible to the user for introducing liquid and/or solid substances which are mixed with the flow of water during operation. This repository (28, 58) is controlled by at least one valve (22, 52) such that: in a first position, it puts said repository (28, 58) in contact with the at least one pipe of the installation (200, 300) through which the water circulates through the joining (20) and/or control module (50), creating a fluid with properties modified by the substances in effect from where the at least one joining (20) and/or control module (50) is installed to a determined consumption point (205) when the fluid is moving and prevents the opening of the repository (28, 58) for the dosing of substances; and in a second position, said valve (22, 52) allows the dosing of substances modifying the properties of the water to the repository (28, 58) while said repository (28, 58) is not connected to the flow of water of the at least one pipe which passes through the joining (20) and/or control module (50), ensuring in any case that the flow of water passing through the affected module (20, 50) does not leave through the repository (28, 58) when it is being operated by the user.

(35) In one particular embodiment, the control module (50) also comprises a secondary pumping system (59).

(36) In one particular embodiment, the control module (50) is integrated as part of an external control or water flow monitoring system and/or a water treatment system in at least one of the following options: a) a counter, b) a flow rate and/or pressure regulating system, c) an anti-lime system, d) a filtering system or e) a purification system of water for consumption.

(37) In one particular embodiment, at least one module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) of the water control system (1) includes a visualization means (7) of the information available in the control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53).

(38) The water control system (1) is characterized in that there are activation/stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) which are interpreted by the third control means (34) for the initiation of the method of operation of the water control system (1) and which are interpreted by the control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53) of any module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) for the finalization of the method of operation of the water control system (1) and where said activation and/or stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) are generated by: a) a user of the water control system (1) by means of the actuation of: i) an external control device (48), ii) an element of the physical communication interface with the user (2), iii) at least one sensor (14, 24, 34, 44, 54) and/or an external actuator (47); b) the water control system (1), without intervention by the user and automatically, as a response to i) a preprogrammed time routine in at least one control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53) according to at least one variable controlled by at least one time variable management element (70), ii) the information received by at least one sensor (14, 24, 34, 44, 54).

(39) and where the activation and/or stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) are received in the third control means (33) directly and/or by way of the signal transceiver (35).

(40) In one particular embodiment, the activation and/or stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) of the water control system (1) include measuring the complete dilution of a substance modifying the properties of the flow in the water by means of a sensor (14, 24, 34, 44, 54) of the chemical properties of the water.

(41) FIG. 7 represents a block diagram with basic operation for each one of the functions of the system, with objectives and courses different to the water depending on the location of the modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) in the installation (200, 300), the number and type of modules used in each method of operation (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) and the activation and/or stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48). The method of operation of the water control system (1) consists of the following steps: a) proceeding from a water control system (1) whose modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) are in the rest state, the third control module (33) receives an activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48), generated by a user or by the water control system (1) itself automatically; which means that the change of state of the water control system (1) from rest to operating, b) the third control means (33) processes the received condition, determining the action to be executed in each module (10, 20, 30, 40, 50), c) the initiator module (30) executes the action determined by its control means (33) and sends, by means of the signal transceiver (35), a signal to each module (10, 20, 40, 50) with information on the action which each module (10, 20, 40, 50) should execute and, in parallel, sends signals to initiate the method of operation by way of the notification means (36), d) each module of the system (10, 20, 40, 50) receives the original signal from the initiator module (30) by way of its signal transceiver (15, 25, 45, 55), being processed by its control means (13, 23, 43, 53), and executed by the at least one controlled element of: a pumping system (12, 59), a valve (22, 52), a sensor (14, 24, 44, 54), an external actuator (47), an external control device (48), or the element coupled in the functional extension bay (57), e) by way of the notification means (16, 26, 46, 56), the at least one module (10, 20, 40, 50) reflects the receipt of the information and the initiation of the method of operation, and sends a return signal to the initiator module (30) by way of the signal transceiver (15, 25, 45, 55) so that it recognizes the initiation of the operation, which is maintained, by way of the controlled elements (12, 35 60, 22, 52, 14, 24, 44, 54, 47, 48, 58), until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected which returns the modules (10, 20, 40, 50) to the rest condition, f) when an activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is identified in at least one control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53), said control means interrupts the operation of its controlled element (12, 60, 22, 52, 14, 24, 44, 54, 47, 48, 58), sending a signal to the rest of the modules (10, 20, 40, 50) by way of the signal transceiver (15, 25, 35, 45, 55), and sending signals of the finalization of the method of operation by way of the notification means (16, 26, 36, 46, 56), g) the detection signal of an activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is received by the rest of the modules (10, 20, 40, 50) which interrupt the operation of its controlled elements (12, 60, 22, 52, 14, 24, 44, 54, 47, 48, 58), sending signals of the finalization of the method of operation by way of the notification means (16, 26, 36, 46, 56), and sending a signal with information indicating the availability of the water control system (1) for an operation restart to the third control means (33) by means of the signal transceiver (15, 25, 35, 45, 55), h) the information of the executed method of operation is stored in a database (400) of at least one control means (13, 23, 33, 43, 53), the modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) remaining in their original rest state awaiting the new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48).

(42) In one particular embodiment, the method of operation of a water control system (1) is characterized in that prior to step a), the method comprises at least one of the following phases: i) a prior identification process by means of at least one biometric sensor and/or an element of the physical communication interface with the user (2) and/or ii) the dosing of a substance by the user in one of the repositories (28, 58) of the joining (20) and/or control module (50), respectively or in the functional extension bay (57) of the control module (50).

(43) FIG. 8 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention, whose result is the preheating of the water in the hot water branch (210) prior to consumption by means of recirculation, using at least one initiator module (30), situated in proximity to a consumption point (205) and at least one power module (10), situated in the hot water branch (210) before the cold water inlet to the heater (212) and at least one joining module (20), situated joining at least one hot water pipe (214) to at least one cold water pipe (221); the closer the position of the joining module (20) to the last consumption point (205) of the installation (200), the greater coverage the preheating effect will have.

(44) Given activation and/or stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) in the initiator module (30), the joining module (20) changes the state of at least one valve (22) from closed to open, and the affected power module (10) initiates the movement of its pumping system (12), causing the recirculation of water through the heater (211) from the affected power module (10) to the at least one affected joining module (20), in a closed circuit, maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected from: a) detection by way of at least one sensor (14, 24) in at least one power (10) and/or joining module (20) of a temperature and/or pressure of the water and/or determined operating time or b) the activation in any of the modules (10, 20, 30) of an external stop means in the physical interface with the user (2); after which the power module (10) stops the movement of the pumping system (12) and the at least one valve (22) of the at least one joining module (20) changes its state from open to closed again.

(45) FIG. 9 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention, whose result is the prevention of damage due to freezing, using at least one initiator module (30), situated at any point and at least one power module (10) situated in the hot water branch (21) before the cold water inlet to the heater (212) and at least one joining module (20) situated joining at least one hot water pipe (214) to at least one cold water pipe (221); the further away its position to the heater (211), the greater coverage the effect will have of preventing damage due to freezing.

(46) At least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) of at least one initiator module (30) is automatically generated and involves the measurement of at least one sensor (14, 24) of at least one power module (10) and/or at least one joining module (20) of a temperature of the water equal to or less than a value established in a control means (13, 23) of the modules (10, 20) such that the joining module (20) changes the state of at least one valve (22) from closed to open and the power module (10) initiates the movement of its pumping system (12), involving the recirculation of water through the heater (211) from the power module (10) to the at least one joining module (20), in a closed circuit, maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected: from: a) the detection by way of at least one sensor (14, 24) in at least one power (10) and/or joining module (20) of a temperature and/or pressure of the water and/or determined operating time or b) the activation in any of the modules (10, 20, 30) of an external stop means in the physical interface with the user (2); at which the power module (10) stops the movement of the pumping system (12) and the at least one valve (22) of at least one affected joining module (20) changes its state from open to closed again.

(47) FIG. 10 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the analysis and prevention of the proliferation of bacteria, using at least one initiator module (30), situated at any point and at least one power module (10) situated in the hot water branch (210) before the cold water inlet to the heater (212) and at least one joining module (20) situated joining at least one hot water pipe (214) to at least one cold water pipe (221).

(48) At least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) of at least one initiator module (30) is generated automatically by means of at least one time variable management element (70) from a clock and/or a calendar such that the joining module (20) changes the state of at least one valve (22) from closed to open and the power module (10) initiates the movement of its pumping system (12), involving the recirculation of water through the heater (211) from the power module (10) to the at least one joining module (20), in a closed circuit, maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected: from: a) the detection by way of at least one sensor (24) of a joining module (20) of a temperature of the water upon arrival to at least one consumption point (205) and/or a determined operating time used in the process by means of at least one time variable element (70) from: a clock and/or a timer in at least one of the modules (10, 20, 30) or b) the activation in any of the modules (10, 20, 30) of an external stop means in the physical interface with the user (2); at which time the power module (10) stops the movement of the pumping system (12) and the at least one valve (22) of the at least one affected joining module (20) changes its state from open to closed again.

(49) In one particular embodiment, the method of operation of the water control system (1), whose result is the analysis and prevention of the proliferation of bacteria includes the intervention of at least one control module (50) situated in the branching (203) between cold (220) and hot (210) water branches and where said control module (50) injects biocidal substances from its repository (58) to the flow of water of the supply installation (200) during operation of the water control system (1).

(50) FIG. 11 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention, whose result is the management of heating and/or recirculation networks, using at least one initiator module (30), situated at any point and at least one power module (10) situated in the hot water branch (210) before the cold water inlet to the heater (212).

(51) At least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) of at least one initiator module (30) is generated automatically by means of at least one sensor (14) of at least one power module (10), installed in a hot water branch (210) of a temperature of the water equal to or less than a value established in a control means (13, 33) of the power (10) and/or initiator (30) modules and/or by means of at least one time variable management element (70) from a clock and/or a calendar such that the power module (10) initiates the movement of its pumping system (12), involving the recirculation of water through the heater (211) from the power module (10) and throughout the installation in a closed circuit, maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected: from: a) the detection in at least one sensor (14) of a power module (10) of a temperature of the water and/or an environmental temperature and/or a determined operating time used in the process by means of at least one time variable element (70) from: a clock and/or a timer in at least one of the modules (10, 30) or b) the activation in any of the modules (10, 30) of an external stop means in the physical interface of the user (2); at which time the power module (10) stops the movement of the pumping system (12).

(52) FIG. 12 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the modification of the properties of the fluid for consumption and/or maintenance of the installation (200), characterized in that it uses an initiator module (30) for the initiation of the operation and in that in a phase prior to the operation, the user introduces a determined substance in: a) at least one control module (50), by way of the repository (58), the control module being located: in the supply connection (201) or in the general water supply pipe (202) or in the branching (203) between hot water branch (210) and cold water branch (220). b) at least one joining module (20) where at least one joining module (20) is in accordance with one particular embodiment and comprises a repository (28) where a determined substance is introduced, the joining module (20) being located at a consumption point of the cold water branch (220) or hot water branch (210).

(53) When at least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) of at least one initiator module (30) is detected, the joining (20) and/or control module (50) put the substance of the repository (28, 58) in contact with the flow of water, by means of the use of at least one valve (22, 52) when the flow of water is activated at a consumption point (205), maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected or the user advises that the effect of the substance introduced into the flow of water has ended, returning the at least one actuated valve (22, 52) to its original position, interrupting the fluid communication between the repository (28, 58) and the consumption flow.

(54) In one particular embodiment, the effect of a substance introduced into at least one module (20, 50) with repository (28, 58) is reproduced by an external device for water treatment connected to the water control system (1) by way of the functional extension bay (57).

(55) FIG. 13 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the modification of the properties of the working flow and maintenance of the water supply installation (200), using at least one initiator module (30) situated at any point, at least one power module (10) situated in the hot water branch (210) before the cold water inlet to the heater (212) and at least one joining module (20) which according to one particular embodiment has a repository (28) which puts a substance dosed by the user into said repository (28) in fluid communication with the flow of water passing through the module (20) due to the action of a valve (22), the joining module (20) being situated: a) connecting at least two points of a hot water installation (210) and/or b) connecting at least one point of a hot water installation (210) with at least one point of a cold water installation (220).

(56) In a phase prior to operation, the user introduces a determined substance into the repository (28) of the joining module (20) and given at least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) in the initiator module (30), the joining module (20) changes the state of at least one valve (22) from closed to open and the power module (10) initiates the operation of its pumping system (12) moving the water with properties modified by means of the substance dosed into the repository (28) of the joining module (20), in closed circuit through the installation (100), maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected, returning the at least one actuated valve (22) to its original position, interrupting the fluid communication between the repository (28) and the consumption flow and stopping the pumping system (12) of the power module (10).

(57) FIG. 14 represents a preferred example of the gray water collection installation (300) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the utilization of gray water in a gray water collection installation (300), using at least one initiator module (30) situated at any point or close to the consumption point (205) where it is intended to utilize the gray water, at least one power module (10) situated at one point of the gray water collection installation (300) in: a) the additional gray water utilization pipe (303) and which connects to: a) the cistern (207) or flushometer (208) of the sanitation device which discharges the gray water or b) a connection point (305) of the water supply installation (200) which in turn connects to the cistern (207) or flushometer (208) of the sanitation device which discharges the gray water or b) connected to the gray water utilization reservoir (304).

(58) In one particular embodiment, the power module suctions water arriving to the gray water utilization pipe (303) by the effect of gravity when the water is discharged through the drain (301), pumping it towards the sanitation device directly or indirectly, in the first case, connecting said gray water utilization pipe (303) directly to the discharge cistern (207) or flushometer (208) and, in the second case, connecting said gray water utilization pipe (303) to a hot (214) and/or cold (221) water pipe which discharges towards the cistern (207) or flushometer (208) of the sanitation device.

(59) Given at least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) in the initiator module (30), the power module (10) activates the pumping system (12) such that the gray water discharged through at least one drain (301) towards the gray water pipe (302) and from there towards the gray water utilization pipe (303) and/or towards the gray water reservoir (304) are pumped by the power module (10), circulating through the additional gray water utilization pipe (303) for its use in another sanitation device, maintaining the operation until at least one new activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) is detected from: a) the measurement of at least one sensor (14) of flow rate and/or pressure in the power module (10) and whose value is contrasted with at least one control means (13, 33) under whose criterion, including the measurement of time variables (70), the operation concludes, interrupting the movement of the pumping system (12) of the power module (10).

(60) In one particular embodiment, there is a joining module (20) installed in at least any of the locations possible for the power module (10) and which, by means of the opening/closing of its at least one valve (22), allows or interrupts the passage of water towards the gray water utilization pipe (303).

(61) FIG. 15 represents a preferred example of the water supply installation (200) provided with a water control system (1) and a diagram of the method of operation according to one particular embodiment of the invention whose result is the notification and blocking of undesired water consumption, using at least one initiator module (30) installed at any point of the installation preferably close to the inlet to the same, at least one IoT communication module (40) situated at any point and at least one control module (50) preferably installed in the supply connection (201) of the water supply installation (200).

(62) Given at least one activation and/or stop condition (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48) of at least one initiator module (30), the control module (50) detects, by way of at least one flow rate and/or pressure sensor (54) if there is a flow of water which, with respect to the information contained in at least one control means (33, 43, 53), is considered undesirable; a situation in which the water control system (1) executes at least one of the following actions: a) shows a clear notification signal of this condition by way of the available notification means (36, 46, 56), b) sends, by way of the signal transceiver (35, 45, 55), information of this condition to an external control device (48),

(63) such that due to the interaction of the user directly by way of the physical communication interface with the user (2) or indirectly by way of the external control device (48) and/or automatically according to the flow rate and time (70) variables processed by at least one control means (33, 43, 53), the control module (50) changes the state of at least one valve (52) from open to closed, preventing the passage of water through this valve (52) towards the interior of the water supply installation (200).

(64) In one particular embodiment, the functions described use more modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) of the same type and of a different type to the minimum preferably used in the particular embodiments of the method of operation, extending the coverage over which the method of operation has an effect and/or improving the control of the process by means of the operation of additional sensors and actuators in said modules (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) and its activation and/or stop conditions (14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 47, 70, 2, 48).