The present invention relates to control apparatus for controlling water and electrical power. In particular, the present invention relates to such control apparatus suitable for use in community, commercial, public or, especially, secure facilities.

Control of the supply of water and electrical power Is becoming more important, especially where water and/or power saving is of great concern, or where water or power supplies may be subject to misuse.

One of the more important areas where water and power control is important is in commercial, community, public or, especially, secure institutions. Water supplies to secure institutions are subject to misuse and this can result in severe damage to institutions and a consequential detrimental effect on the living conditions in the institutions. Furthermore, misuse of water and electrical power supplies have safety implications and so it is important that the control of both water and power supplies is flexible, controllable by the management of the institution and safe.

There have been attempts to provide control apparatus for use in facilities. For example, GB-A-2340964 relates to control apparatus comprising a plurality of fluid control valves. US-A-5,771 ,501 relates to a flushing control system for prisons and the like.

There is, however, a need for control apparatus which can safety and flexibly control both water supply and electrical power supply to identify and control both water and electricity use In order to determine the status and control the environment in areas of a facility. Such apparatus should also be easy to use, require fewer personnel to ensure its use and maintenance and be flexible enough to account for unusual situations or changing circumstances.

It is an aim of the present invention to address this need and to overcome the problems associated with the prior art.

The present invention accordingly provides in a first aspect, control apparatus comprising water control means (preferably uni-stable water control means) preferably to control a water supply to one or more areas of a facility, electrical power control means preferably to control electrical power supply to one or more areas of a facility, a microprocessor to control the water control means and/or the electrical power control means, memory means for storing data and one or more programmes for causing the microprocessor to activate the water control means and/or electrical power control means under predetermined conditions, and input means for providing control signals to the microprocessor and/or memory means.

Generally, the components of the control apparatus are arranged so they are in direct or indirect communication.

The great benefit of control apparatus according to this invention is that both water supply to an area or areas of the facility and electrical power supply to the area or areas of the facility may be controlled by the apparatus, in addition, the preferred uni-stable water control means is advantageous because it reduces the need for a local power supply (for example, batteries) which may be difficult to access (especially in secure institutions) and require extensive maintenance and checking to ensure that the power supply is still operational.

Usually, the water control means will comprise a plurality of water control valves (e.g. uni-stable valves) and a plurality of solenoid actuators each coupled to its respective water control valve. Usually, the solenoid actuators are operable in response to signals generated by the microprocessor to supply electrical current in one direction to each solenoid actuator to open its respective valve,

in most facilities where the control apparatus is to be used (for example, in secure institutions) the water control means is preferably adapted to independently control delivery of warm and cold water for a wash basin, warm and cold water (preferably pre-mixed) for a shower and/or cold water (in predetermined volume) for a water closet (WC). This is advantageous because it enables the supply of suitable temperature water to a hand wash basin, shower and/or WC. It is preferred if the predetermined volume for the WC is set so that the possibility of flooding is reduced, even if the WC is, for example, blocked.

Usually, the or each uni-stable water control means will be stable In the closed state. This has advantages because it reduces the chances of uncontrolled water supply in the event of power failure.

it is preferred if the electrical power control means is adapted to independently control a ring mains (e g. for power sockets) and/or a plurality of lighting circuits. The benefit of this is that independent control enables shutting off lights and/or power sockets independently and, in certain circumstances, may enable lights to be switched on via the apparatus if personnel of the facility need access to an area controlled by the control apparatus.

Usually, the memory means will comprise non-volatile memory means which is advantageous because it ensures that the control apparatus retains its data/programmes in the event of a power loss.

The user input means may comprise a momentary action means (for example, a piezoeiectic touch control switch and/or an infrared sensor) and/or a latching switch (or toggle).

The input means for the control apparatus will usually comprise a manual control panel for providing control signals to the microprocessor, a network connection for providing remotely instructed control signals to the microprocessor and at least one user input means. Other input means that may be included in the apparatus include temperature sensors (for example, indicating the temperature of the water supply and which may be used in controlling the temperature of the water supply to a predetermined temperature), sensors in the water supply system for the basin, shower and/or WC which can, optionally, indicate the water flow and/or water level in those products, sensors relating to electrical power usage and the current state of the electrical and water supply in a particular area or areas controlled by the control apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, water usage may be determined by recording the time of water flow to a product with a known flow rate of water through the valves.

Preferably, therefore, the control apparatus will usually further comprise a clock means (preferably a real time clock). This is greatly advantageous because it enables predetermined conditions in the microprocessor to include real time control of lighting, power sockets and water supply. It also facilitates the collection of water usage diagnostics (by calculation of water flow using the known specified flow rate of the valves in the apparatus and/or using usage sensors). It also enables real time product (i.e. basin, WC, shower, circuits) use time slots (which enables restrictions on the use of the water and electrical supplies to an area at a particular time), a real time hygiene purge (for example, timed controlled flushing of a WC and/or shower and/or washbasin).

In a preferred embodiment of the Invention, the apparatus is adapted to independently control two or more areas of a facility, These areas may be, for example, cells in a secure facility.

Usually in each area of e.g. a secure facility, the control apparatus will control at least four lighting circuits and at least one power socket via the electrical power control means. Furthermore, usually at least one washbasin, one shower and one WC will be connected. In each case, these products will be connected for each area (e.g. celt) and if, as In the preferred embodiment, two cells in a secure facility are controlled by each control apparatus, then each cell would have corresponding numbers of the products.

The predetermined conditions in the microprocessor of the control apparatus (e.g. the programmes and data stored in the memory means) are preferably fully controllable by the personnel of the facility where the control apparatus is situated. This control would be through programming (either locally through the manual input panel or remotely through a network connection) or, in an emergency, by key-operated emergency input means (e.g. switches) in warden accessible areas to initiate an application in the software of the unit adapted to shut down water supply, power supply or both in the apparatus. Predetermined conditions may include the ability to have a dual flush option of the WC on one pressing of a user input. Other predetermined conditions which are advantageous would be flushing of the WC product, ability to lock out either power or water supply or both to a particular area, isolation of the lighting circuits in an area and similarly isolation of the power sockets (through the ring main) in an area.

The present invention provides in a second aspect control apparatus comprising, water control means to control water supply to at least one area of a facility, electrical power control means to control electrical power supply to at least one area of the facility, power usage means to determine and record data of electrical power supplied by the electrical power control means and power supplied to the water control means, a microprocessor in communication with the power usage means and to control the wafer control means and/or the electrical power control means, memory means for storing at least the power usage data and water usage data and one or more programmes for causing the microprocessor to activate or deactivate the water control means and/or electrical power control means under predetermined conditions, and input means for providing control signals to the microprocessor and/or to the memory means.

Generally, the components of the apparatus are arranged so that they are in direct or indirect communication, Preferably the microprocessor is in direct communication with the memory means, input means, the power usage means, the water supply and power control means.

This aspect of the invention is generally advantageous because the power usage means, which preferably comprises a power usage management controller in communication with the microprocessor, allows the usage of power in electrical systems of the area(s) of the facility to be monitored. For example, the power usage means may monitor the power to the area (e.g. cell) lighting. In combination with an indication as to whether the light switch is on or off, the actual power usage may be compared with expected power usage if the tight is on to determine whether the light is blown or otherwise operating normally. Consequently, the power usage means enables monitoring and, if necessary, an aiarm or predetermined action in response to abnormal power usage.

Typically, the electrical systems in connection with the control apparatus will be safe low voltage (SLV) which facilitates determination as to whether the various circuits are switched on or off.

Preferably, the power usage means further comprises one or more power monitoring devices, more preferably individual power monitoring devices in communication with the ring main and/or lighting circuits in each area (e.g. cell).

If, preferably, a power usage management controller is in communication with the microprocessor, this has a further advantage that the power outputs (e.g. ring mains and/or lighting circuits) may be monitored, in combination with the data from the optional clock means, it would be possible to identify and e.g, Eimft power usage over a pre-determined period (e.g. per hour or per day).

In addition the power usage means is greatly advantageous because it enables monitoring (and control as a result) of the water supply. Preferably, the power usage means comprises the power usage management controller which is in communication with and records power supplied to the water control means, in particular the solenoid actuators coupled to the water control valves. In combination with the optional dock means, it is therefore possible to monitor and hence control usage of the water supplies over predetermined periods of time. This enables easier determination of water supply to a product or an area (by taking account of the known flow of water through one or more valves) and/or use of the products within e.g. a cell.

Especially preferred action dependent on water usage monitoring would be e.g. activating a purge cycle after a pre-determined period of inactivity.

Generally, the preferred features of the first aspect of the invention would also be preferred features of the second aspect of the invention.

However, in the second aspect of the invention, the water control means may comprise one or more valves, for example one or more uni-stable valves or one or more bistable valves (i.e. stable in both open or closed states; also known as latching valves) or one or more multi-stable valves.

The present invention provides, in a third aspect a secure facility comprising control apparatus as claimed in the first or second aspects.

In all embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the control apparatus additionally comprises one or more circuit protection devices for the power outlet(s) and/or the lighting circuits. Preferably, each circuit comprises residual circuit breakers for each circuit (rated according to the specific requirements). It is also preferred that the control apparatus comprises an isolator circuit.

In order that the present invention may be better understood, it will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the water and power control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the control apparatus according to the first embodiment in more detail;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the water and power control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment in more detail; and

Figure 5 is a simplified, schematic, plan view of the control apparatus in use in a facility.

The reference numerals in the drawings refer to;

2 microprocessor

3 control box

4 auxiliary controller for water supply

6 uni-stabie valve for WC

8 uni-stabie valve for basin

da uni-stabie valve for basin

10 uni-stabie valve for shower 11 mixer valve

12 WC water supply line

14 basin water supply line

16 shower water supply line

18 WC

18a WC cistern

20 basin

22 shower

30 auxiliary controller for electrical supply

31 circuit protectors

32 ring main power supply

34 lighting power supply

36 lighting circuits

40 power supply to microprocessor

50 input signal processor

51 touch button inputs

52 input device(s)

54 RJ45 port for flash drive and/or network inputs

60 non-volatile memory unit

70 display device

80 power usage management controller

102 microprocessor

103 control box

104 auxiliary controller for water supply

106 valve for WC

108 valve for basin

108a valve for basin

110 valve for shower

130 auxiliary controller for electrical supply

140 duct between cells

150 cell wall

200 first cell 201 second cell

C cold water supply

H hot water supply Figures 1 and 2 illustrate schematically the control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Control apparatus 1 is adapted to control water and power supplies to an area of a facility. Generally, each control apparatus will be adapted in order to control two areas of a facility (for example, two ceils in a secure institution such as a prison). For simplicity, the products (i.e. the ring main, lighting circuits, WC, washbasin and shower) illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 are not duplicated.

The control apparatus 1 comprises a control box 3 containing a microprocessor 2, an auxiliary controller 4 for the water supply and an auxiliary controller 30 for the electrical supply. The microprocessor 2 controls an auxiliary controller 4 for the water supply. The auxiliary controller for the water supply 4 controls the valves 6, 8 and 10 for water supply to the WC 18, basin 20 and shower 22 through WC water supply line 12, basin water supply line 14 and shower supply line 16. The auxiliary controller for the water supply 4 controls relays which operate solenoid actuators in the valves 6, 8, 10.

The solenoid actuators in the valves 6, 8 and 10 are uni-stable, meaning that when there is no power supply, they are closed by default preventing water flow through the valves 6, 8 and 10. However, when power is supplied to the solenoid actuator/valves 6, 8 and 10, the vaive opens allowing water to be supplied to the WC 18, basin 20 or shower 22. The advantage of a uni-stable valve is that, when power is lost to the facility, water is automatically prevented from flowing to the products.

Generally, water supply to WC 18 through line 12 will be a single, cold water supply (the cold water inlet is not shown). Water supply to the wash basin 20 will usually be both warm and cold water supplies (again water supply inlets are not shown) through water supply lines 14. Generally, water supply to the shower 22 will be warm and cold water inlets (not shown) which will be mixed at the valve 10 and supplied to the shower along shower water supply line 16.

The electrical power control function of the control apparatus comprises the auxiliary controller for the electrical supply 30 which comprises contactor relays which switch the loads for sockets and lighting (i.e. the ring main power supply 32 and the lighting power supply 34 respectively). Generally, each area (of the two controlled by the control apparatus) will have one contactor for the ring main supply 32 and four contactors for the lighting power supply 34 enabling one ring main and four lighting circuits to be powered in each cell of a facility.

Figure 2 illustrates the control apparatus 1 according to the present invention in more detail. Control box 3, contains, in addition to the components illustrated in Figure 1, circuit protector(s) 31 , power supply 40, input signal processor 50, input device(s) 52 touch button inputs 51 and port 54, memory unit 60 and display device 70. in addition to the parts of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 also illustrates the power supply 40 to microprocessor 2 and other components of the apparatus which generally comprises a toroidal transformer for producing 5 volt supply to drive the electronic system circuit boards and 12 volts to drive the uni-stable solenoid actuator/water valves. The valves 6, 8, 8a, 10 control water supply from cold water supply C and/or hot water supply H. Hot waster is supplied through mixer vaive 11 (controllable e.g. by the user) to basin 20 and/or shower 22.

The microprocessor 2 is controlled through input signal processor 50 which provides signals to the microprocessor from the input device(s) 52. The input devices will usually comprise a manual keypad where the microprocessor can be controlled directly and will also include a port (for example, an RJ45 port, 54) by which a network input can be made into the control apparatus. Alternatively, a portable memory device (for example, a flash drive) may be inserted in port 54 in order to programme the controller locally with more detailed instructions than can conveniently be provided by the manual keypad. Input devices may also include sensors in the water supply (e.g. to indicate water flow and/or determine flow rate) and power supply systems and user controls and touch button input 51 for the user to control e.g. water flow or flushing.

Also connected to the microprocessor 2 is a non-volatile memory unit 60 for storage of data and programmes relating to control of the microprocessor. Preferably the non-volatile memory unit will be an erasable programmable read-only memory unit.

Circuit protectees) 31 , which are rated according to requirements comprise residual circuit breakers and an isolator circuit.

Finally, also connected to the microprocessor is a display device 70 for local display of the state of the control apparatus.

In practice, the control apparatus 1 comprises three printed circuit boards and one toroidal transformer for the power supply In control box 3. As discussed above, the power supply transformer is adapted to produce 5 volts to drive the electronic system circuit boards and 12 volts to drive the solenoid actuator/water valves. The main/display circuit board carries the liquid crystal display (display device 70) and the main microprocessor 2. The main display/circuit board also comprises push buttons mounted on the printed circuit board to provide the user interface and manual keypad as input devices 52.

The second circuit board is the relay contactor circuit board which carries the contactor relays which switch the loads for area sockets and lighting. Each area, as discussed above, has one contactor for the sockets and four contactors for the lights which enables each cell to have a single ring main contactor and four lighting circuits.

The third circuit board (the input and output circuit board) carries the sockets for connections of the input touch buttons (or other user input devices such as latching switches) and also the outputs to the 12 volt valves.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate schematically the control apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Similar or the same components may have the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2. Control apparatus 75 is adapted to control water and power supplies to an area of a facility. Generally, each control apparatus will be adapted in order to control two areas of a facility (for example, two cells in a secure institution such as a prison). For simplicity, the products (i.e. the ring main, lighting circuits, WC, washbasin and shower) illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 are not duplicated.

The control apparatus 75 comprises control box 1Q3 containing microprocessor 102, auxiliary controller for water supply 104, power usage management controller 80 and auxiliary controller for the electrical supply 130. The microprocessor 102 controls, whilst in communication with power usage management controller 80, an auxiliary controller 104 for the water supply. The auxiliary controller 104 for the water supply 104 controls the valves 106, 108 and 110 for water supply to the WC 18, basin 20 and shower 22 through WC water supply line 12, basin water supply line 14 and shower supply line 16. The auxiliary controller for the water supply 14 controls relays which operate solenoid actuators in the valves 106, 108, 110.

The solenoid actuators in the valves 106, 108 and 110 may be urn- stable, meaning that when there is no power supply, they are closed by default preventing water flow through the valves 106, 108 and 110 bi-stable, meaning that the valves latch in the open or closed position, or generally any other suitable valves.

As in Figures 1 and 2, generally, water supply to WC 18 through line 12

Will be a single, cold water supply (the cold water inlet is not shown). Water supply to the washbasin 20 will usually be both warm and cold water supplies (again water supply inlets are not shown) through water supply lines 14. Generally, water supply to the shower 22 will be warm and cold water inlets (not shown) which will be mixed e.g. by mixer valve 11 and supplied to the shower along shower water supply line 16.

The electrical power control function of the control apparatus comprises the auxiliary controller for the electrical supply 130 which comprises contactor relays which switch the loads for sockets and lighting (i.e. the ring main power supply 32 and the lighting power supply 34 respectively). Generally, each area (of the two controlled by the control apparatus) will have one contactor for the ring main supply 32 and four contactors (for the lighting power supply 34) enabling one ring main and four lighting circuits to be powered In each cell of a facility.

Figure 4 illustrates the control apparatus according to the present invention in more detail. Control box 3, contains, in addition to the components illustrated In Figure 1 , circuit protectees) 31 , power supply 40, input signal processor 50, input device(s) 52 and port 54, memory unit 60 and display device 70. In addition to the parts of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3, Figure 4 also illustrates the power supply 40 to microprocessor 102 and other components of the apparatus which generally comprises a toroidal transformer for producing 5 volt supply to drive the electronic system circuit boards and 12 volts to drive the solenoid actuator/water valves 106, 108 and 110.

As in the first embodiment, the microprocessor may be controlled by communication with input signal processor 50 which provides signals to the microprocessor from the input device(s) 52. The input devices will usually comprise a manual keypad where the microprocessor can be controlled directly and will also include a port (for example, an RJ45 port, 54) by which a network input can be made into the control apparatus. Alternatively, a portable memory device (for example, a flash drive) may be inserted in port 54 in order to programme the controller locally with more detailed instructions than can conveniently be provided by the manual keypad. Input devices may also include sensors in the water supply (e.g. to indicate water flow and/or determine flow rate) and power supply systems and user controls.

Also connected to the microprocessor 102 is a non-volatile memory unit 60 for storage of data and programmes relating to control of the microprocessor. Preferably the non-volatile memory unit will be an erasable programmable read-only memory unit.

Circuit protectors) 31 , which are rated according to requirements, comprise residual circuit breakers and an isolator circuit.

Finally, also connected to the microprocessor is a display device 70 for local display of the state of the control apparatus. In practice, the control apparatus 75 comprises four printed circuit boards and one toroidal transformer for the power supply in control box 103. The power management components are on one board. Generally the power usage management board will be close to the circuit breakers to facilitate monitoring. As discussed above, the power supply transformer Is adapted to produce 5 volts to drive the electronic system circuit boards and 12 volts to drive the solenoid actuator/water valves.

The main/display circuit board carries the liquid crystal display (display device 70) and the main microprocessor 102. The main display/circuit board also comprises push buttons mounted on the printed circuit board to provide the user interface and manual keypad as input devices 52.

The third circuit board is the relay contactor circuit board which carries the contactor relays which switch the loads for area sockets and lighting. Each area, as discussed above, has one contactor for the sockets and four contactors for the lights which enables each cell to have a single ring main contactor and four lighting circuits.

The fourth circuit board (the input and output circuit board) carries the sockets for connections of the input touch buttons (or other user input devices such as latching switches) and also the outputs to the 12 volt valves.

Figure 5 illustrates a simplified, schematic plan view of the control apparatus according to the second embodiment in use to control power and water supplies to a first cell 200 and a second cell 201 of a secure facility (e.g. a prison). The cells 200, 201, each contain sanitary products of a WC 18, with a WC cistern 18a, a shower 22 and a basin 20. Each cell 200, 201 also contains electrical power products of four lighting circuits 36 and a ring main power supply 32. The sanitary and electrical products are controlled by the control apparatus which comprises the electronic components in the control box 103, the valve for the WC 106, valves for the basin 108 and valve for the shower 110. The control box 103 Is situated outside the cells 200, 201 on the other side of the cell wall 150 near a duct 140 in which the valves 110 from the showers are placed. The arrangement, in use, of a control apparatus/according to the first embodiment would also be as illustrated in Figure 5.

Generally, the control apparatus in both embodiments is designed to control the delivery of warm and cold water feeds for wash hand basin and pre-mixed for shower and precise volumes for WC in two cells/rooms of a facility. It can also be used to control up to four independent lights in each cell/room (e.g. on/off and variable lighting levels) as well as ring main power for each individual cell/room. Thus, the apparatus may control eight lighting circuits (4 in each of two cells). The device enables all services to be externally and remotely controlled with settings selected for interna! control by the cell/room occupant (via user input devices). The control apparatus will usually be pre-programmed with default settings but can be adjusted locally or remotely to deliver individual cell/room settings. All programming adjustments may be carried out using the manual keypad or remotely over a network, Settings are retained in non-volatile memory in the event of a power loss.

The control apparatus provides an electronic water management and power system and promotes both water conservation and prevents misuse of the services. The interface is structured in such a way as to ensure each control valve has independent control. Benefits of the features of the control apparatus generally mean that each individual cell/room setting can be remotely accessed and adjusted via a network connection. This enables group settings to be adjusted over the network for a rapid global update. Because of the optional real time clock, real time clock settings may be made over the network. Furthermore, feedback can be transmitted over the network to show product use (using the input sensors), lock out status and so on. Furthermore, because of the nature of the control apparatus, individual cells may be isolated from the network (e.g. power shut-down, water or light isolation). Cell lighting or power supply or water can be forced remotely if necessary. Data may be recorded and logged over the network which is particularly advantageous because it enables product usage to be recorded and determined. Such usage may be, for example, how many times a basin is used over a period to estimate water consumption. Generally, a great advantage of the potential for network input (which is generally applicable to the invention as a whole) is that network input enables a reduction of the need for staff to visit the controllers in a particular locality. This can be particularly important when there are a large number of controllers In a particular facility.