Energy/Water Usage Monitor

Abstract

A water/energy usage monitor for insertion into a hot water line. The monitor continuously records the flow of water and the temperature of the water in the hot water line by means of a flow sensor and a temperature sensor and calculates the energy used. When the energy used reaches a programmed level, the monitor will issue a signal.

Description

This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT/NZ2005/000328, filed on Dec. 13, 2005, which claims priority of New Zealand application No. 537548 filed on Jan. 10, 2005 and New Zealand application No. 540887 filed on Jun. 22, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is recognized that the usage of hot water is a major factor in electrical or other heating costs in both domestic and commercial situations. In the domestic and hospitality field a predominant use of hot water is in showers, baths and the like. It is recognized that many users, particularly of showers, might not be aware of the amount of hot water and consequently the amount of energy that is being used. Accordingly various devices have been proposed in an endeavour to regulate the usage of hot water.

Australian patent specification AU199226307 (Thompson et al) discloses an electronically controlled mixing valve which is capable of maintaining water temperature at a programmed level and to do this, automatically adjusts the flow of water to maintain that temperature. The disclosed device uses a microprocessor to sense the water temperature and compare it with the programmed temperature.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,094 (Diffut) discloses a unit which includes a temperature and flow rate sensor with the sensors being associated with a main inlet line between the hot and cold lines and the shower head. The temperature sensor generates a signal representative of the water temperature and the flow rate sensor generates a current flow rate signal. The flow rate and the temperature are displayed and can be altered by a control which operates valves to control the flow of hot and cold water. The unit includes a memory and a number of memory buttons to enable different settings to be accessed.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,558 (Cuevas) discloses a shower temperature and pressure control system which includes a mixing valve coupled to the hot and cold water supply. The flow of water is maintained at a constant pressure by a restrictive valve and a temperature sensor in the shower head generates a signal which acts on a mixing valve to maintain the temperature. The device includes an alarm which is activated if the water temperature exceeds a pre-set level.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,157,034 (Buchele) discloses an electronic heat valve to determine the amount of hot water supplied and utilises a first tubular body through which the hot water flows and a return line through which the cooled water flows. Temperature and volume sensors determine the amount of heat differential between the hot water and the returning cool water and transmit the data from this determination to a computer.

It is recognized that in many instances, the user of a shower or a bath is not aware of or interested in the amount of hot water that is being used and so is not aware of the usage of energy required for the shower or bath. It is therefore apparent that there is a continuing need for a monitor that will alert the user to the energy/water usage particularly of showers and baths and thereby provide the possibility of making significant energy savings.

None of the above patent specifications disclose a monitor which can simply be inserted into a hot water line without the necessity for additional and often complicated componentry and which will instantly and accurately display the amount of energy used based on the averaged temperature of the water and the volume of water flowing through the hot water line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a monitor that can be inserted into a water line and which will calculate the average temperature of the water in the water line and the volume of water that has flowed through the water line and provide an estimation of the energy/water usage based on a combination of the average temperature and the flow of water.

In one aspect the invention may be said to comprise an energy/water usage monitor adapted to be connected into a water line, said monitor including

• a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the water in the water line,
• a water flow sensor to continuously calculate the volume of water flowing through the water line,
• a microprocessor to receive information from the temperature sensor and the water flow sensor and to compare the average temperature of the water against the total flow of water and to calculate a continuous estimate of the energy/water usage consisting of a combination of the average temperature of the water and the total volume of water in the water line and to provide a signal when the estimated energy/usage is approaching or has approached a programmed level.

Preferably the monitor includes means to display the estimated energy/water usage.

Preferably the means to display the estimated energy/water usage is a bar graph.

Preferably the signal is a visual display and/or an audible signal.

Preferably the programmed level of energy/water usage can be re-programmed.

Preferably security means are provided to prevent unauthorized re-programming of the level of energy usage.

Preferably the monitor includes means to detect fluctuations in pressure generated by turbulence in the water within the water line.

Preferably the monitor includes means to display the amount of time remaining before the programmed level of energy usage is reached.

Preferably the monitor includes a digital clock to display real time.

Preferably the monitor includes means to continuously display the temperature of the water passing through the water line.

In another aspect the invention comprises an energy/water usage monitor adapted to be inserted into a line formed to receive a flow of water, said monitor including,

• means to continuously calculate the energy/water usage comprising the total volume of water and the average temperature of the water passing through the water line,
• means to compare the energy/water usage against a pre-programmed level of energy/water usage and to provide an indication of the estimated energy/usage of the water that has passed through the water line.

Preferably the indication of the calculated energy/water usage comprises an audible signal and/or a visual display.

Preferably means are provided to progressively display the estimated energy/usage of the water in the water line.

Preferably the display of the estimated energy/water usage comprises a bar graph.

Preferably the monitor includes means to continuously record and log the energy/water usage.

Preferably the monitor includes means to detect fluctuations in the pressure of water in the water line and to compensate for the pressure fluctuations to enable an accurate estimation of energy usage even under low water flow rates.

Preferably the monitor is adapted to be inserted into a water line that extends between the mechanism for mixing hot and cold water and the shower head of a shower.

In yet another aspect the invention is an energy/water usage monitor adapted to continuously estimate the energy/water usage in water flowing through a pipe during the duration of a sampling period, said monitor including:

• means to preset the duration of the sampling period,
• means to continuously estimate the flow of water through the pipe throughout the sampling period
• means to preset the desired temperature values of the water flowing through the pipe throughout the sampling period, and
• means to estimate the energy/water usage based on the combination of an estimate of the total flow of water through the pipe during the sampling period and the average temperature of the water flowing through the pipe during the sampling period, and
• means to display the estimated energy water usage.

Preferably the monitor includes a computer program by which the duration of the sampling period and the temperature value of the water can be preset.

Preferably the computer program can be accessed by means of a password.

Preferably the monitor includes display means wherein the duration of the sampling period and the preset temperature value of the water is displayed.

Preferably the energy/water usage monitor includes means to continuously display the incremental total of the estimate of the energy/water usage.

Preferably the energy/water usage monitor includes means to signal when the estimated water usage has reached the programmed level.

Preferably the signal when the estimated water usage has reached the programmed level is audible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the front of a typical monitor according to this invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the rear of the monitor illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting the operation of the monitor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the monitor has a suitable housing 1 which may be formed predominately from a high impact plastic material. In one preferred form the monitor includes an inlet 2 to enable the monitor to be connected to a water line between the shower mixer or shower mixing devices, such as taps, and the shower head. In another form the monitor can be connected into the hot water line prior to the mixing valve or valves. Typically the inlet may be a 1/2 inch BSP female inlet on the rear face 3 of the monitor for attachment to a hot/cold water line or the hot water line (not shown in the drawings). A compressible flange or the like (not shown in the drawings) may be located on the rear face 3 about the inlet 2 to aid in the installation of the monitor.

The front face 5 of the monitor includes an outlet 6 which may typically be a ½ inch BSP male outlet to which the hot/cold water is connected to a shower unit or a bath. If the monitor is to be used to monitor the energy usage of a bath, then in certain circumstances, the monitor may be connected directly to the hot water line only.

The front face 5 of the monitor preferably also includes a panel having a digital clock 7 to display real time and a temperature display in the form of a bar graph 8 which shows the current water temperature in the main hot/cold water line. The monitor may also include means such as the bar graph 9 to display the programmed energy usage. In a highly preferred form the monitor can also include up and down buttons 10 or the like by which the program which operates the monitor can be adjusted. Preferably the monitor also includes appropriate security means and/or a tamper proof device so that unauthorized changes cannot be made to the program parameters. One method of ensuring this is to require a password to be input before any changes can be made.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the monitor may include various components which preferably but not necessarily may include a calibration module 20 to calibrate the flow sensor. A temperature sensor 23 and the flow sensor 21 are connected to a calculation module 24 which calculates the energy from both the temperature sensor and the flow sensor and preferably displays the calculation on a bar graph display 25. The monitor preferably also includes an audible sound module 26 which receives input from the calculation module and transmits a signal to the sound transducer 27 when the estimated energy flow is reaching or has reached the designed energy usage.

A time display module 31 drives the clock display 7. The water temperature display 8 (see FIG. 1) receives and displays signals from the water temperature module 32.

In addition to the means to sense the pressure differential when water flows through the monitor, the monitor may also include means to detect pressure fluctuations generated by turbulence in the water lines. Since the measured pressure fluctuations are independent of the null point of the monitor, the monitor software can reliably detect the energy usage even under very low water flow rates.

The monitor preferably also includes a password module 29 to allow a password to be set, such as for instance a four digit numeric password by using the up and down buttons 10. In addition the monitor can include a clock set module 30 to allow real time to be set.

If the monitor is to be connected directly to the shower head, it is first connected to the hot/cold water line, such as by removing the shower head (not shown in the drawings) and connecting the inlet 2 to the exposed threaded end of the water line. The shower head is then screwed back onto the outlet 6 of the monitor. If the monitor is to be located remote from the shower head, it may be inserted into the water line containing the mixed hot and cold water. In another form, the monitor can be connected into the hot water line, or directly into the hot water line, this variation being applicable when hot and cold water is to be dispensed through separate taps such as, for instance with a bath.

The desired energy usage is set by adjusting presets to the desired duration, flow and temperature values using the up and down buttons 10. The bar graph 8 will display energy usage based on these factors. If the monitor includes a password protection, the password is first entered by initiating the password module and inputting the password by pressing the appropriate up and down buttons 10. If necessary the clock real time can be adjusted by initiating the clock set module 30.

When water flows through the monitor via the inlet 2 and through the outlet 6, the flow sensor 21 and the temperature sensor 23 will signal the calculation module which will estimate the energy from the water temperature and flow usage and will display the estimation on the bar graph display 25. When the combined water flow and temperature reach the programmed level, the audible sound module 26 will be initiated to signal the sound transducer 27 which will emit an audible signal.

Preferably the modules are powered by an electrical storage battery (not shown in the drawings) such as a long life lithium battery. The microprocessor also includes an electronic clock 30 which can display real time such as at 7.

Because of the method of programming and of the construction of the microprocessor, it will be apparent that the allotted time for the flow of water to reach the programmed level of energy usage will increase or decrease dependent on the temperature of the water and of the water flow. For instance a lower temperature and/or lower pressure will allow more shower time.

In a modification, the monitor also includes a data logging feature 31 which continuously records and logs the energy/water usage to enable key operating parameters, such as shower temperature, water flow, shower duration and similar features to be extracted and analysed to provide statistical data.

The monitor may also include means to compensate for any shock reaction that may occur through sudden changes in either the water flow, the temperature or both. One preferred means to attain this is a form of bladder or pouch which is located within the body of the monitor.

Because the monitor is self contained and because it is constructed so it can be attached directly to a standard shower head fitting, minimal installation is required.

Having described preferred methods of putting the invention into effect, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates, that modifications and amendments to various features and items can be effected and yet still come within the general concept of the invention. It is to be understood that all such modifications and amendments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An energy/water usage monitor adapted to be connected into a water line, said monitor including

a temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the water in the water line,

a water flow sensor to continuously calculate the volume of water flowing through the water line,

a microprocessor to receive information from the temperature sensor and the water flow sensor and to compare the average temperature of the water against the total flow of water and to calculate a continuous estimate of the energy/water usage consisting of a combination of the average temperature of the water and the total volume of water in the water line and to provide a signal when the estimated energy/usage is approaching or has approached a programmed level.

2. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, including means to display the estimated energy/water usage.

3. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 2, wherein the means to display the estimated energy/water usage is a bar graph.

4. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, wherein the signal is a visual display and/or an audible signal.

5. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, wherein the programmed level of energy/water usage can be re-programmed.

6. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 5, including security means to prevent unauthorized re-programming of the level of energy usage.

8. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, wherein the monitor includes means to detect fluctuations in pressure generated by turbulence in the water within the water line.

9. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, including means to display the amount of time remaining before the programmed level of energy usage is reached.

10. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, including a digital clock to display real time.

11. The energy/water usage monitor as in claim 1, including means to display the temperature of the water passing through the water line.

12. An energy/water usage monitor adapted to be inserted into a line formed to receive a flow of water, said monitor including,

means to continuously estimate the energy/water usage comprising the total volume of water and the average temperature of the water passing through the water line,

means to compare the energy/water usage against a pre-programmed level of energy/water usage and to provide an indication of the estimated energy/usage of the water that has passed through the water line.

13. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 12, wherein the indication of the estimated energy/water usage comprises an audible signal and/or a visual display.

14. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 12, including means to progressively display the estimated energy/usage of the water in the water line.

15. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 13 wherein the display of the estimated energy/water usage comprises a bar graph.

16. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 12, including means to continuously record and log the estimated energy/water usage.

17. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 12 including means to detect fluctuations in the pressure of water in the water line and to compensate for the pressure fluctuations to enable an accurate estimation of energy usage even under low water flow rates.

18. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 12 when adapted to be inserted into a water line that extends between mechanism for mixing hot and cold water and the shower head of a shower.

19. An energy/water usage monitor adapted to continuously estimate the energy/water usage in water flowing through a pipe during the duration of a sampling period, said monitor including:

means to preset the duration of the sampling period,

means to continuously estimate the flow of water through the pipe throughout the sampling period

means to preset the desired temperature values of the water flowing through the pipe throughout the sampling period, and

means to estimate the energy/water usage based on the combination of an estimate of the total flow of water through the pipe during the sampling period and the average temperature of the water flowing through the pipe during the sampling period, and

means to display the estimated energy water usage.

20. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 19, including a computer program by which the duration of the sampling period and the temperature value of the water can be preset.

21. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 20 wherein the computer program can be accessed by means of a password.

22. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 19 including display means wherein the duration of the sampling period and the preset temperature value of the water is displayed.

23. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 19 including means to continuously display the incremental total of the estimate of the energy/water usage.

24. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 20 including means to signal when the estimated water usage has reached the programmed level.

25. The energy/water usage monitor of claim 24 wherein the signal is audible.