| WO/2004/005629 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COLLECTING AND DISTRIBUTING GRAY WATER |
| WO/2009/034299 | WATER SAVING APPARATUS |
| JP07116659 | WATER PURIFYING DEVICE |
VECCHIO, Joseph Salvatore (38 Butterfield Place, West ChermsideBrisbane, Queensland 4032, AU)
KOCWA, Edward Peter (9 Shasta Court, Cashmere, Queensland 4500, AU)
VENAMORE, David Gregory (6199 Bolsena Circuit, Hope Island, Queensland 4212, AU)
PRAUSE, Chris (6 Cowper Place, Coopers PlainsBrisbane, Queensland 4108, AU)
VECCHIO, Michelangelo (38 Butterfield Place, West ChermsideBrisbane, Queensland 4032, AU)
VECCHIO, Joseph Salvatore (38 Butterfield Place, West ChermsideBrisbane, Queensland 4032, AU)
KOCWA, Edward Peter (9 Shasta Court, Cashmere, Queensland 4500, AU)
VENAMORE, David Gregory (6199 Bolsena Circuit, Hope Island, Queensland 4212, AU)
PRAUSE, Chris (6 Cowper Place, Coopers PlainsBrisbane, Queensland 4108, AU)
| CLAIMS 1. A water supply system for controlling the supply of water from a mains water supply line and an alternate water source connected in flow communication with a utility water line, the water supply system including: a water demand detector for detecting when water is demanded from the utility water line; a pump that is operatively able to pump water from the alternate water source to the utility water line; a water sensor for sensing the amount of water that is available in the alternate water source; a controllable mains valve in the mains water line that is operable between an open and closed position; and a controller that is interfaced with the water demand detector, the pump, the water sensor, and the controllable mains valve, and that is configured to: determine with the demand detector when water is demanded by the utility water line; determine with the water sensor the amount of water that is available in the alternate water source; and if water is demanded by the utility water line and the amount of water in the alternate source is above a preset threshold amount, then to close the controllable main water valve and to actuate the pump to supply water to the utility water line from the alternate water source. 2. A water supply system as claimed in claim 1 , in which the controller is configured to stop the pump and to open the controllable mains water valve if water is demanded by the water utility line and the amount of water in the alternate source is below the preset threshold amount. 3. A water supply system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the controller is configured to determine when the amount of water drops below the preset threshold while pumping water to the water utility line and then automatically to stop the pump and open the controllable mains water valve. 4. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the controller is configured to detect when the water sensor is inoperable, and then automatically to deactivate the pump and open the controllable mains water valve. 5. A water supply system as claimed in claim 4, in which the controller is configured to operate the controllable mains valve at preset times to avoid sticking of the controllable mains valve. 6. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the controller is configured to detected when the controllable mains valve is in operable. 7. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the controller is configured to log a history of the pump operations. 8. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the controllable mains valve is a motorized valve. 9. A water supply system as claimed in claim 8, in which the motorized valve is any one of a motorized ball valve and a motorized butterfly valve. 10. A water supply system as claimed in claim 9, in which the alternate water source is a rain water reservoir and the water sensor is a water level sensor for sensing the level of water in the rain water reservoir. 11. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the water demand sensor is a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream from the pump. 12. A water supply system as claimed in any one of claims, 8 to 11 , in which the motor of the motorized valve include a voltage supply rating that does not legally require installation by a licensed electrician. 13. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the controllable mains valve is a normally-open valve. 14. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes a non-return valve that is positioned in the mains water line upstream from the controllable mains valve. 15. A water supply system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes another non-return valve upstream from the pump and downstream from the utility water line. 16. A water supply system, substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to Figures 1 to 5. |
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to water supply from two different sources. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for supplying water from a mains water line and a tank, such as a rain water tank for domestic use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently water from town mains water or a tank which collects rainwater can be supplied to a house using complicated dual water systems employing conventional solenoid valves. These systems suffer the problem of valve failure because of voltage and current fluctuations to the solenoid valve causing incomplete closing and opening, rapid valve movement causing water hammer and shudder in the pipes and thus damage to pumps, pipes and valves, and water pressure and flow problems because of the use of solenoid valves and regulation of mains water.
To address some of these issues, pressure regulators, intermediate reservoirs and additional pumps have been added to these dual water systems. The dual water systems have become increasingly complicated, expensive and require qualified plumbers and electricians to install them.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a water supply system that overcomes at least in part one or more of the above mentioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the invention broadly resides in a water supply system for controlling the supply of water from a mains water supply line and an alternate water source connected in flow communication with a utility water line, the water supply system including: a water demand detector for detecting when water is demanded from the utility water line; a pump that is operatively able to pump water from the alternate water source to the utility water line; a water sensor for sensing the amount of water that is available in the alternate water source; a controllable mains valve in the mains water line that is operable between an open and closed position; and a controller that is interfaced with the water demand detector, the pump, the water sensor, and the controllable mains valve, and that is configured to: determine with the demand detector when water is demanded by the utility water line; determine with the water sensor the amount of water that is available in the alternate water source; and if water is demanded by the utility water line and the amount of water in the alternate source is above a preset threshold amount, then to close the controllable main water valve and to actuate the pump to supply water to the utility water line from the alternate water source.
The controller is preferably configured to stop the pump and to open the controllable mains water valve if water is demanded by the water utility line and the amount of water in the alternate source is below the preset threshold amount. The controller is preferably configured to determine when the amount of water drops below the preset threshold while pumping water to the water utility line and then automatically to stop the pump and open the controllable mains water valve.
The controller is preferably configured to detect when the water sensor is inoperable, and then automatically to deactivate the pump and open the controllable mains water valve.
The controller is preferably configured to operate the controllable mains valve at preset times to avoid sticking of the controllable mains valve.
The controller is preferably configured to detect when the controllable mains valve is in operable.
The controller is preferably configured to log a history of the pump operations.
The controllable mains valve is preferably any suitable valve including a solenoid valve.
The controllable mains valve is preferably any type or size. The controllable mains valve is preferably a motorized valve.
The motorized valve is preferably any one of a motorized ball valve and a motorized butterfly valve.
The alternate water source may be a rain water reservoir, in which case, the water sensor is preferably a water level sensor for sensing the level of water in the rain water reservoir.
The water demand sensor is preferably a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure upstream from the pump.
The motor of the motorized valve preferably includes a voltage supply rating that does not require a licensed electrician for installation. The motor of the motorized valve preferably includes a voltage supply rating below the voltage that requires a licensed electrician as required by law in the particular jurisdiction.
The controllable mains valve is preferably normally open.
The water supply system preferably includes a non-return valve that is positioned in the mains water line upstream from the controllable mains valve.
The water supply system preferably includes another non-return valve upstream from the pump and downstream from the utility water line.
In another aspect, the invention provides a water supply system supplying water from mains water or an alternate water source, including a water sensor that provides a signal indicating the presence of sufficient water in the alternate water source; a pump to pump water from the alternate water source through an alternate water source pipeline to a junction formed with a mains water pipeline; a controllable mains valve in the mains water pipeline upstream of the junction and having a motor operated valve positionable to allow or stop the flow of mains water and an electric motor that actuates the opened and closed position of the motor operated valve; and a controller operatively associated with the water sensor, the pump and the controllable mains valve, the controller electrically controls the opening and closing of the motor operated valve and the operation of the pump in response to the processing of the signal from the water sensor, wherein the motor operated valve stops the flow of mains water and the pump is activated to pump water from the alternate water source when there is sufficient water in the alternate water source whereas the motor operated valve allows the flow of mains water and the pump is not activated when there is insufficient water in the alternate water source. Preferably, the water sensor is a water level sensor in or associated with the alternate water source. The water sensor may alternately be a flow sensor in or associated with the alternate water source pipeline. The motor operated valve is preferably positioned to stop the flow of mains water to the junction when the signal from the water level sensor indicates that the water level of the alternate water source is above a predetermined water level and the pump is activated to pump water from the alternate water source to the junction.
The motor operated valve preferably opens to allow the flow of mains water to the junction and closes to stop the flow of mains water to the junction. The valve can be of any size and having a suitably sized opening to allow the flow of water.
Preferably, the motor operated valve remains open when the signal from the water level sensor indicates that the water level in the alternate water source is below the predetermined water level.
Preferably only the motor operated valve is positioned in the mains water pipeline.
The motor operated valve is preferably any suitable mechanical valve that can be moved between the opened position and the closed position.
Preferably, the motor operated valve is rotatable about an axis to select the opened position or the closed position. More preferably, the motor operated valve is a ball type valve or a butterfly type valve.
The motor operated valve is preferably able to withstand water pressure within the operating range of mains water. More preferably the motor operated valve can withstand a water pressure of at least 1200 kPa. Preferably, the electric motor that actuates the opened and closed positions of the motor operated valve operates at any suitable alternating current.
The electric motor preferably operates at 240 Volts.
More preferably, the electric motor operates with direct current. Preferably, the electric motor operates with direct current at or below about 50
Volts.
The electric motor preferably operates with direct current between 6 Volts and 24 Volts.
More preferably, the electric motor operates with direct current at about 12 Volts.
Preferably the motorized valve reverts to the open position in the event of power failure, pump failure, system failure or absence to allow supply of mains water to flow through at all times.
The water supply system preferably includes a non-return valve that is positioned in the mains water pipeline and upstream of the valve means.
The water supply system preferably further includes another non-return valve that is positioned in the alternate water pipeline and downstream of the junction.
In a preferred embodiment, the water supply system includes a non-return valve that is positioned in the mains water pipeline and upstream of the valve means and another non-return valve that is positioned in the alternate water pipeline and downstream of the junction.
The water supply system can preferably be retrofitted to existing plumbing.
Preferably, the water supply system enables the alternate water source to be used to service the toilet or laundry or outdoor facilities. The controller in one embodiment has an LED display that detects whether a level sensor is present and working correctly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a water supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a functional flow diagram of a thread of a controller forming part of the water supply system in Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 shows a functional flow diagram of another thread of the controller forming part of the water supply system in Figure 1 ;
Figure 4 shows a functional flow diagram of another thread of the controller forming part of the water supply system in Figure 1 ; and
Figure 5 shows a functional flow diagram of another thread of the controller forming part of the water supply system in Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figure 1 , there is shown a water supply system 10 that controls the supply of water from a mains water supply line 13 (mains water 11) and a rainwater tank 12 connected in flow communication with a utility water line 15. More particularly, the water supply system 10 is used to control the supply of water from a mains water line 13 that feeds into a water utility line 15 of a domestic setting. The water supply system 10 includes a water demand detector 16 in the form of a pressure sensor that senses the water pressure in an alternate pipe line 15 that extends between a pump outlet of pump 22 and the water utility line 14 and that joins the water utility line at a junction 14. A drop in water pressure indicates a demand of water by water utility line 15 that is connected in flow commutation with utilities such as laundry facilities 28, 29 and a toilet 27.
The pump 22 is operatively able to pump water from the rain water tank 12 to the utility water line 15.
A water sensor 20 is provided in the rain water tank 12 for sensing the amount of water that is available in the rain water tank 12. The water sensor 20 is in the form of a level sensor, such as a float sensor, for sensing the level of water in the rain water tank 12. The level sensor 20 includes three output terminals that are connected to a controller 19 and the output signals from the output terminals are interpreted by the controller 19 to determine if the level of water is above or below a preset threshold.
The water supply system 10 further includes a controllable mains valve 17 in the mains water line 13 that is operable between an open and closed position. The controllable mains valve 17 is in the form of a motorized valve, such as a motorized ball valve or a motorized butterfly valve. The motorized valve 17 includes a motor that has a voltage supply rating that is less than 240 volts.
Moreover, the motorized valve 17 is a normally-open valve, so that in the case of a power failure or other system faults, the motorized valve 17 reverts automatically to the open position so that water is available to the facilities 27, 28, 29, from the mains water supply. The water supply system 10 also includes a non-return valve 24 that is positioned in the mains water line 13 upstream from the controllable mains valve 17, and also another non-return valve 25 downstream from the pump 22 and upstream from the utility water line 15. The controller 19 is interfaced with the pressure sensor 16, the pump 22, the water level sensor 20, and the motorized valve 17. The controller 19 is a programmable logic controller and includes a data and program memory for storing data and program threads to operate and control the water supply system 10 as is explained in more detail below. Figure 2 shows one thread 30 that is executed, at 32, by the controller 19. At
34, the controller 19 detects with the pressure sensor 16 a drop in pressure in the water utility line 15, and thus that water is demanded by one of the facilities 27, 28, 29 that is connected to the water utility line 15.
The controller 19 then performs a check, at 36, to determine if the level sensor 20 is operable, by checking for conflicting statuses received from the level sensor 20. The level sensor 20 in this embodiment has a three-wire terminal output that is connected to input terminals of the controller 19. With the three wire connection, the level of water in the tank is checked, the status of the pump is checked and if the float sensor is plugged in and or working. In another embodiment the level sensor has a two wire connection that checks the level of water in the tank and whether the pump is on. However, another type of level sensor that includes an onboard microprocessor can also be used that supplies an output status to the controller 19.
If the level sensor 20 fails the check, then, at 38, the controller 19 indicates a faulty level sensor on a user interface, for example by switching on an associated LED. The user interface of the controller 19 can include LED's, LCD displays, and the like. Thereafter, at 40, the controller opens the controllable mains valve 17.
If the level sensor 20 passes the check, at 36, then the controller 19 determines, at 42, whether or not the rain water tank 12 includes a sufficient amount of water that is above the preset threshold. If the rain water tank 12 includes sufficient water, then the mains water valve 17 is closed, at 44, and pump 22 is switched on at 46.
If, at 42, the controller 19 determines that the rain water tank 12 does not include a sufficient amount of water, then the controller determines, at 48, whether or not the pump is on automatic mode or manual mode. That is, the water supply system 10 includes an override switch for permitting pumping of water from the rain water tank 12 even if the amount of water in the rain water tank 12 is below the preset threshold.
Thus, if the controller 19 determines, at 48, that the pump is in automatic mode, then the controller 19 opens, at 50, the motorized valve 17, and switches off, at 52, the pump 22. If the controller determines, at 48, that the pump is in manual mode, then the main water valve is also opened, at 54, and the pump is switched on, or left switched on if already switched on, at 56. It is worthwhile noting that the pump 22 includes a fail safe cut-out that will switch the pump of if the rain water tank 12 runs empty.
Figure 3 shows another functional flow diagram of a thread 60 of the controller 19 to operate the controllable motorized valve 17 at preset times to avoid sticking of the controllable motorized valve 17. The thread 30 is executed, at 62, which activates a timer. At 64, the controller 19 determines if the timer has lapsed, and if so, determines, at 66, the status of the motorized valve 17. If the motorized valve 17 is open, then the mains water valve is closed, at 68, for a short period, and then opened again, at 70.
Similarly, if the controller 19 determines, at 66, that the mains water valve is closed, then the motorized valve 17 is opened, at 72, for a short period, and then closed again, at 74.
Figure 4 shows yet another functional flow diagram of a thread 80 for the controller 19, to detect if the controllable motorized valve 17 is inoperable. The tread 80 is executed, at 82, and the controller 19 determines, at 84, the status of the motorized valve 17 according to the controller 19 (the stored status). That is, for example, the status of the motorized valve 17 according to the last command that was issued to the motorized valve 17 by the controller 19.
If the stored status indicates, at 84, that the mains water valve is open, then at 90, the controller determines, at 90, the actual status of the motorized valve 17, and compares it with the status determined at 84. If the statuses match, then the motorized valve 17 is flagged, at 92, as operable. However, if the statuses do not match, at 90, then the motorized valve 17 is flagged, at 88, as non-operable, and the same can be indicated on the user interface of the controller 19.
A similar procedure is followed if the controller determines, at 84, that the stored status of the motorized valve 17 indicates closed, after which the actual status of the motorized valve 17 is determined, at 86, and either flagged as operable or inoperable, at 92 or at 88, depending of whether or not the statuses match.
Another thread 100 is shown in Figure 5 for the controller 19 to log an operation history of the pump 22. The thread 100 is executed, at 102, and at 104, the time that the pump 22 is running is measured and logged, at 104, by the controller 19. At 106, the frequency that the pump runs is determined over two week, and, at 108, the controller determines if the frequency is unusually high. If so, then the controller indicates a potential leak, at 112, or no potential leak at 110.
The controller 19 also includes a network interface for communicating over a data communication network with any one of the conventional network protocols. In one embodiment the controller is built into the pump pressure sensor.
ADVANTAGES
An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water supply system includes having a motorized valve rather than a conventional solenoid valve thereby avoiding the problems of water hammer, valve failures, and damage to pipes and pumps that are associated with solenoid valves.
Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water supply system is that the motorized valve is a device that operates using low voltage DC current. As a consequence of being a device that uses low voltage DC current, a handy man can install the water supply system without contracting an electrician.
A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water supply system is that water does not flow into the controller and therefore there is reduced possibility of water coming into contact with the electrical components.
A further advantage of the water supply system is that the controller indicates when the level sensor or the mains valve is faulty.
Yet further, advantageously, the controller opens and/or closes the mains valve periodically to avoid sticking of the mains valve.
The controller also includes a network interface advantageously to interface with other network devices, such as a home automation system. Also, a history log is created of the pump running frequency which assist in indicate potential water leaks.
A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water supply system is that the water supply system can be retrofitted to existing plumbing of a building or outdoor facility.
A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the water supply system is that there additional non-return valves to ensure there is substantially no water contamination.
VARIATIONS
It will of course be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
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