BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

THIS invention relates to a water control system and installation; a method of installing a water control system; and a method of controlling the distribution/supply of water.

There are currently various water saving devices available on the market. These devices can however be very expensive, impractical and complicated to install. Some of these devices are also not suitable for all uncontaminated water saving applications. As a result, water wastage of uncontaminated water is still a major problem, especially in water-scare areas (e.g. areas which experience extreme droughts).

When heated water is required for showers, baths or basins, the water contained in the piping network between the hot water geyser and the outlet (e.g. shower head / any tap) is usually cold. As a result, it takes a good few seconds of cold water to be discharged out of the outlet before the desired heated water reaches the outlet. This results in a lot of unnecessary water wastage.

Some water control systems are reliant on 220/230 Volt Alternating Current (VAC) power, which may be hazardous to people using these devices. Furthermore, if there is a general power failure, then these systems would be inoperable.

The Inventor wishes to address at least some of the problems mentioned above. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water control system which includes:

a pipe network, which includes one or more pipes, which is, in use, connected to a heated/hot water supply source and which is configured to supply/distribute heated water from the supply source to

a primary heated water demand outlet, and a secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement; and

a control arrangement which is configured, when receiving an activation instruction/signal or an indication that heated water is demanded at the primary demand outlet, to

prevent/restrict water flow via the pipe network to the primary demand outlet for a period of time and during this time period, divert/direct water flow from the heated/hot water supply source to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement, and

after the period of time, divert/direct water flow from the heated/hot water supply source to the primary demand outlet via the pipe network.

The storage arrangement can be used to store the water temporarily. In other words, the water can be stored for a short period and then used later on, as required. The secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement may be the heated/hot water supply source, which can be a geyser. In other words, the cold/luke warm water can be directed back to the geyser in order to warm it up again.

The control arrangement may include a first control valve which is configured to control the flow of water to the primary demand outlet. The control arrangement may include a second control valve which is configured to control the flow of water to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement. The control arrangement may include a solenoid switch for the first control valve, in order to operate it. The control arrangement may include a solenoid switch for the second control valve, in order to operate it.

The primary demand outlet may be a tap (e.g. a tap for a basin) or shower outlet.

The system may include a sensing arrangement which is configured to sense the presence of a user. The control arrangement may be configured to switch between an active mode/state and a passive/inactive mode/state. The sensing arrangement may be configured to switch from the passive/inactive mode/state to the active mode/state, when the sensing arrangement senses the presence of a user. The sensing arrangement may include a motion sensor. The sensing arrangement may include a passive infrared (PIR) sensor. The sensing arrangement may be configured to switch from the active mode/state to the passive/inactive mode/state, when the sensing arrangement does not sense the presence of a user for a particular period of time.

The system may include a battery for powering the control arrangement. The system may include a solar panel for delivering power to a battery of the system or to the control arrangement.

The system of may include a temperature sensing arrangement which is configured to, in use, measure a temperature which is indicative of the temperature of water inside the system. The control arrangement may be configured, while the measured temperature is below a certain temperature level, to prevent/restrict water flow via the pipe network to the primary demand outlet and divert/direct water flow to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement.

The control arrangement may be configured to prevent/restrict water flow via the pipe network to the primary demand outlet for the period of time by implementing a countdown timer function whereby water flow is diverted/directed water flow from the heated/hot water supply source to the primary demand outlet via the pipe network, when a countdown time of the countdown timer function is over.

The system may include a timing arrangement which is configured to, in use, implement a pre-programmed time delay function (preferably by means of a relay configuration) in order to delay the supply of water from the heated/hot water supply source to the primary demand outlet. The time delay may be based on a pipe length which extends from the heated/hot water supply source (e.g. the geyser).

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided a water control system installation which includes:

a geyser; and

a water control system as claimed in claim 1 which is connected to the geyser such that the geyser acts as the heated/hot water supply source.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a water control system, wherein the method includes:

installing a pipe network, which includes one or more pipes, between a heated/hot water supply source and a primary heated water demand outlet such that water from the supply source can be delivered to the primary demand outlet as well as to a secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement; and

installing a control arrangement such that it can control the flow of water to the primary demand outlet and the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement, wherein the control arrangement is configured, when receiving an instruction/signal, to prevent/restrict water flow via the pipe network from the heated/hot water supply source to the primary demand outlet for a period of time, and after the period of time, divert/direct water flow to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement.

The heated/hot water supply source may be a geyser. The primary demand outlet may be a shower outlet.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a water control system which includes:

a pipe network, which includes one or more pipes, which is, in use, connected to a heated/hot water supply source and which is configured to supply/distribute heated water from the supply source to

a primary heated water demand outlet, and a secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement; a temperature sensing arrangement which is configured to, in use, measure a temperature which is indicative of the temperature of water inside the system; and

a control arrangement which is configured, when the measured temperature is below a certain temperature level, to prevent/restrict water flow via the pipe network to the primary demand outlet, and

divert/direct water flow to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement.

The temperature sensing arrangement may be configured to, in use, measure a temperature which is indicative of the temperature of water inside the pipe network. The pipe network may include two or more pipes/pipe sections which are interconnected. In accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a water control system installation which includes:

a geyser; and

a water control system in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention, which is connected to the geyser such that the geyser acts as the heated/hot water supply source.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a water control system, wherein the method includes:

installing a pipe network, which includes one or more pipes, between a heated/hot water supply source and a primary heated water demand outlet such that water from the supply source can be delivered to the primary demand outlet as well as to a secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement; and

installing a temperature sensing arrangement such that it can measure a temperature which is indicative of the temperature of water inside the pipe network;

installing a control arrangement such that it can control the flow of water to the primary demand outlet and the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement, wherein the control arrangement is configured, when the measured temperature is below a certain temperature level, to

prevent/restrict water flow via the pipe network to the primary demand outlet, and

divert/direct water flow to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement.

The heated/hot water supply source may be a geyser.

In accordance with a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling the distribution/supply of water, wherein the method includes: measuring a temperature which is indicative of the temperature of water inside a pipe network which flowingly connects a heated/hot water supply source with a demand outlet; allowing heated water to be discharged out of the demand outlet only when the measured temperature is equal or greater than a certain minimum temperature level/limit; and when the measured temperature is less than the minimum temperature level/limit, directing/diverting heated water via the pipe network to a secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement.

In accordance with an eight aspect of the invention there is provided a water control system which includes:

a pipe network, which includes one or more pipes, which is, in use, connected to a heated/hot water supply source and which is configured to supply/distribute heated water from the supply source to

a primary heated water demand outlet, and

a secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement;

a control arrangement which is configured, when receiving an activation instruction/signal or an indication that heated water is demanded at the primary demand outlet, to implement a predetermined time delay function whereby

during a time delay period of the time delay function, it prevents/restricts water flow via the pipe network to the primary demand outlet diverts/directs water flow from the heated/hot water supply source to the secondary water utilisation/storage arrangement, and

after the time delay period, it diverts/directs water flow from the heated/hot water supply source to the primary demand outlet via the pipe network.

The pipe network may include two or more pipes/pipe sections which are interconnected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a shower, which uses a standard hot water supply arrangement;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a shower, within which a water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby a motion sensor is mounted to a ceiling above a shower cubicle and a control box/unit is mounted against a bathroom wall;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a shower, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby the motion sensor is mounted to a ceiling above a shower cubicle and the control box/unit is mounted in the roof, on the ceiling;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a basin, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby an activation button is mounted against a bathroom wall above the basin and the control box/unit is mounted against another bathroom wall;

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a basin, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby an activation button is mounted against a bathroom wall above the basin and the control box/unit is mounted in the roof, on the ceiling; Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a basin, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby a RF receiver is mounted against a bathroom wall above the basin and the control box/unit is mounted against another bathroom wall;

Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a basin, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby a RF receiver is mounted against a bathroom wall above the basin and the control box/unit is mounted in the roof, on the ceiling;

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a basin, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby a motion sensor is mounted against a bathroom wall above the basin and the control box/unit is mounted against another bathroom wall;

Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a typical bathroom layout with a basin, within which the water control arrangement, in accordance with the invention, is installed, whereby a motion sensor is mounted against a bathroom wall above the basin and the control box/unit is mounted in the roof, on the ceiling;

Figure 10a shows a schematic layout of one example of a circuit/wiring diagram of a first (plug and play) configuration the control box/unit of the water control system in accordance with the invention;

Figure 10b shows an enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in

Figure 10a; Figure 10c shows another enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 10a; (please see attached revised figure 10

Figure 11a shows a schematic layout of a second (plug and play) configuration the control box/unit of the water control system in accordance with the invention

Figure 11 b shows an enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in

Figure 1 1 a;

Figure 11 c shows another enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 1 1 a;

Figure 12a shows a schematic layout of one example of a third (plug and play) configuration the control box/unit of the water control system in accordance with the invention; Figure 12b shows an enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 12a;Figure 12c shows another enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 12a;Figure 13a shows a schematic layout of another example of a fourth (plug and play) configuration the control box/unit of the water control system in accordance with the invention Figure 13b shows an enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 13a;

Figure 13c shows another enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 13a;

Figure 14a shows a schematic layout of thermostats, together with their associated temperature probes, which form part of the system in accordance with the invention (together with the solenoids configuration without the power configuration wiring); Figure 14b shows an enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 14a;

Figure 14c shows another enlarged view of part of the layout illustrated in Figure 14a;

Figure 15 shows a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention, where a motion sensor or a passive infrared sensor is used for detecting user presence;

Figure 16 shows a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention, where a button is used for activating the system;

Figure 17 shows a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention, where an RF remote is used for activating the system;

Figure 18 shows a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention, which includes a delay timer control switch relay module for normal water heaters;

Figure 19 shows a schematic layout of the system in accordance with the invention, which includes a delay timer control switch relay module for gas water heaters;

Figure 20 shows a graphical representation of how water inside a pipe network of the system, in accordance with the invention, cools down over time;

Figure 21 shows a graphical representation of the time it takes for cold/luke warm to be discharged into a storage cavity of the system in accordance with the invention;

Figures 22a&b each show a table which summarise certain experimental results; Figures 23&24 each show a table which summarise certain further experimental results (tables calculated for the quantity of water that could be saved if the system in accordance with the invention is installed;

Figure 25 shows a schematic diagram of a water control arrangement in accordance with the invention, which is similar to the one in Figure 2, except that a control module utilises a time delay function/countdown timer for the switching and not thermostats;

Figure 26 shows a schematic diagram of the control module of the water control arrangement in Figure 25;

Figure 27 shows a schematic diagram of how a venturi-type arrangement can be used within the water control arrangement, in order to feed/supply cold/luke warm water to the shower head; and

Figure 28a&b each show a schematic layout of a water control arrangement in accordance with the invention, where wireless RF communication is used.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an example of a typical bathroom layout where a shower outlet/head 5 is connected via a pipe 2 to a geyser 1 which is mounted above the ceiling 3. The water which is discharged onto a floor 7 of the shower is diverted away via a greywater downpipe 8 which is connected to a floor outlet of the shower. Reference numeral 6 refers generally to a shower mixer/operating handle and/or individual taps. The water wastage problem which is experienced with this type of system is mentioned in the background of the invention. Reference is now specifically made to Figure 2. In this figure, reference numeral 100 refers generally to a water control system in accordance with the invention, which is installed in a shower. In this example, the geyser 1 is connected via a pipe network to a shower head/outlet 5 as well as an uncontaminated fresh water storage tank 15. More specifically, the pipe network includes a pipe 2 which extends from an outlet of the geyser 1 to a first end of a T-connection 10. The storage tank 15 is typically located outside the shower (e.g. on an outside/external floor 14). Howe

A second end of the T-connection 10 is connected via pipes 1 1 (e.g. flexible pipes), and pipe 17 to the shower head 5. A solenoid valve 13 is operatively mounted/connected in-line between the second end of the T- connection 10 and the shower head 5 in order to control the flow of water from the geyser 1 to the shower head 5. The solenoid valve 13 can typically be a normally-closed valve and can be operated by 12 V direct current (DC).

A third end of the T-connection 10 is connected via pipes 1 1 (e.g. flexible pipes), and pipe 16 to the uncontaminated fresh water storage tank 15. A solenoid valve 12 is operatively mounted/connected in-line between the third end of the T-connection 10 and the uncontaminated fresh water storage tank 15 in order to control the flow of water from the geyser 1 to the greywater storage tank 15. The solenoid valve 12 can typically be a normally-closed valve and can be operated by 12 V direct current (DC).

The system 100 includes a thermostat 30 (e.g. a 12V DC thermostat) which is operatively connected to the solenoid valve 12 in order to control its operation. A temperature probe 19 of the thermostat 30 is operatively connected to the pipe 2, in order to measure the water temperature inside the pipe 2. The system 100 also includes a thermostat 31 (e.g. a 12V DC thermostat) which is operatively connected to the solenoid valve 13 in order to control its operation. A temperature probe 20 of the thermostat 31 is operatively connected to the pipe 2, just before (upstream) the T- connection 10, in order to measure the water temperature inside the pipe 2. The system 100 further includes a thermostat 47 (e.g. a 12V DC thermostat) which is operatively connected to the thermostats 30, 31 in order to activate/deactivate them. A temperature probe 44 of the thermostat 47 is operatively connected at an outlet of the geyser 1 in order to measure the water temperature exiting the geyser 1 .

Pipe insulation 32 can typically be used to attach/mount the temperature probes 19, 20 44 to the pipe 2.

All three thermostats 30, 31 , 47 form part of a control unit/arrangement 104 which is housed inside a control box/enclosure 21 . The box 21 is mounted against a bathroom wall.

The system 100 includes a solar panel 27 (e.g. a 10W poly-crystalline solar panel) and solar charge regulator 40 (e.g. a 12V 10A solar charge regulator) which is operatively connected to a 12V DC battery 28 (e.g. 12 V _DC 7.0 Ah (or higher) which acts as a power source of the system 100. The battery 28 is operatively connected to the control unit/arrangement 104 ,via a cut-off switch 42, in order to supply the control unit/arrangement 104 with power. More specifically, the battery 28 is connected via a wire 45 to the cut-off switch 42, while a wire 46 connects the cut-off switch 42 to the control unit/arrangement 104.

A sensor 9 is mounted against the ceiling 3 inside the shower cubicle, in order to sense the presence of a user inside the shower cubicle. The motion sensor may, for example, be a 12V DV timed motion sensor or 12 V DV passive infrared (PIR) sensor. The sensor 9 is connected to the control unit/arrangement 104 via a wire 22.

Reference is now also made to Figures 14a-c and 15 which illustrate the wiring/circuit layout of the system 100 in greater detail. In Figure 15, the solar panel 27 is connected via the solar charge regulator 40 and a set of wires 29 to a voltage regulator which, in turn, is corrected to the battery 28. A negative terminal of the battery is connected to a negative pin/terminal/port of the thermostats 30, 31 , 47 and the solenoids 12, 13 via a wire connection 49. A positive pin/terminal/port of the thermostat 47 is connected to the sensor 9 such that when the presence of a user is sensed, the thermostat 47 is switched from an inactive state to an active state.

A K1 pin/terminal/port of the thermostat 47 is connected to the positive pins/terminals/ports of both of the other thermostats 30, 31. A K1 pin/terminal/port of the thermostat 30 is connected to the solenoid 12 via a wire. The K1 pin/terminal/port of the thermostat 31 is also connected to the solenoid 13 via a wire. The wire connections for the solenoids 12, 13 are indicated by reference numerals 23 and 24, respectively.

A wire 43 connects the temperature probe 44 to the thermostat 47. Similarly, the wires 25, 26 each connect the temperature probes 19, 20 to the thermostats 30, 31 , respectively.

When the sensor 9 senses the presence of a user inside the cubicle, the thermostat 47 is switched from an inactive/standby mode to an active mode. In the active mode, the thermostat 47 uses its temperature probe 44 to measure the temperature of water at the outlet of the geyser. The thermostat 47 is configured such that when the measured temperature reaches/exceeds a specified/trigger temperature (e.g. 45°C) it activates the thermostats 30, 31. In other words, when the temperature measured by the temperature probe 44 reaches/exceeds 45°C then the thermostats 30, 31 each switch from an inactive/standby state to an active state.

When in its active state, the thermostat 31 uses its temperature probe 20 to measure the water temperature inside the pipe 2. The thermostat 31 is configured such that when the temperature measured by the temperature probe 20 reaches/exceeds a specified temperature (e.g. 39.5°C) it actives/switches the solenoid valve 13 from its normally closed position to an open position to thereby allow heated water to flow to the shower head 5. The thermostat 31 is also configured to switch the solenoid valve 13 back to its closed state when the temperature measured by the temperature probe 20 drops below the specified temperature (e.g. 39.5°C).

When the thermostat 30 is switched to its active state, it switches the solenoid valve 12 to an open position in order to allow water to flow to the storage tank 15. The thermostat 30 then uses its temperature probe 19 to measure the water temperature inside the pipe 2. The thermostat 30 is configured such that when the temperature measured by the temperature probe 20 reaches/exceeds a specified temperature (e.g. 39.5°C) it switches the solenoid valve 12 from its open position to a closed position to thereby prevent water to flow to the storage tank 15.

The workings of the thermostats 30, 31 and 47 will now be described in more detail.

Operation of Thermostat 47 (12V DC thermostat)

- A“P0” code for the thermostat 47 is set to“C”.

- The trigger temperature of the thermostat 47 is set to 45°C (or another specified value).

- If the water in the geyser is not at least 45°C, the thermostats 30, 31 will remain on standby and no water supply will flow into the system from the geyser 1 . This function is necessary for when a geyser 1 is switched off or out-of-order. If this function is not in place, then a user may wait for warm water that will not arrive, thereby resulting in unnecessary water wastage.

- A relay of the thermostat 47, which forms part of a single relay module of the thermostat 47, is activated when the measured temperature is equal or greater than the trigger temperature (e.g. 45°C).

- A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) probe 44 is connected to a negative temperature probe socket on the relay module. The NTC probe 44 is installed on the water supply outlet pipe 2 as close as possible to the outlet of the geyser/water heater 1 .

- If the temperature inside the outlet water supply pipe 2, close to the outlet of the geyser 1 , is below 45°C, then the relay 1 12 of the thermostat 47 will not close and therefore not activate the other two thermostats 30, 31 .

- If however the temperature inside the outlet water supply pipe 2, close to the outlet of the geyser 1 , reaches/exceeds 45°C then the relay 1 12 of the thermostat 47 will close thereby activate the other two thermostats 30, 31.

The operation of the thermostats 30, 31 after activation will now be described in more detail:

Operation of Thermostat 30 (12V DC thermostat)

- A“P0” code of the thermostat 30 is set to“H”.

- The trigger temperature of the thermostat 30 is set at 39.5°C.

- A relay 1 10 of the thermostat 30, which forms part of a single relay 1 10 module of the thermostat 30, is connected to the solenoid valve 12. When the thermostat 30 is activated/switched on by the thermostat 47 (as described above), then the relay 1 10 of the thermostat 30 is activated.

- When the relay 1 10 of the thermostat 30 is activated, it switches to a closed state which results in power being delivered to the solenoid valve 12 so that the valve 12 opens.

- Cold static water in the warm water feed pipe 2 can then be by-passed to the storage container 15 for later use thereof. The storage container 15 can be located inside/outside the house/building within which the geyser 1 installed.

- The diversion pipe 16 mainly consists of copper and/or policop which is connected to the flexi pipe which is connected to solenoid 12. The use of flexi pipe makes the system relatively easy to install as part of a DIY (do- it-yourself) project. It will however be appreciated that any other suitable plumbing approved tubing could be used, such as copper, galvanized and/or any other tubing used in water reticulation systems.

- When the trigger temperature of 39.5°C is reached, then the relay 1 10 of the thermostat 30 will de-energize and switch to an open, standby state.

- When the relay 1 10 of the thermostat 30 opens, the solenoid valve 12 returns to its normally-closed state.

- Although the trigger temperature in the present example is set at 39.5°C, the range available for setting the trigger temperature can be between 10°C and 1 10°C. The trigger temperature can also be adjusted, depending on a particular installation (e.g. based on the location).

- Through testing and experimenting 39.5°C was determined to be the most desirable trigger temperature for the thermostat 30.

Operation of Thermostat 31 (12V DC thermostat)

- A“P0” code of the thermostat 31 is set to“C”.

- The trigger temperature of the thermostat 31 is set to 39.5°C.

- A relay 1 1 1 of the thermostat 31 , which forms part of a single relay 1 1 1 module of the thermostat 31 , is connected to the solenoid valve 13. When the thermostat 31 is activated/switched on by the thermostat 47 (as described above), then the relay 1 1 1 of the thermostat 31 is activated.

- When the relay 1 1 1 of the thermostat 31 is activated, it switches to a closed state which results in power being delivered to the solenoid valve 13 so that the valve 13 opens.

- Warm water from the geyser 1 (or other or water heater system/apparatus) can then be delivered via the pipe network to the shower head 5 so that heated water can be discharged for showering.

- The supply pipe 17 can mainly consist copper and or policop which is connected to the of flexi pipe which is connected to solenoid 13 . As mentioned, the use of flexi pipe makes the system relatively easy to install as part of a DIY (do-it-yourself) project. It will however be appreciated that any other suitable plumbing approved tubing could be used, such as copper, galvanized and/or any other tubing used in water reticulation systems.

- The supply pipe 17 is typically an original water reticulation supply pipe that consists out of copper and or polycop (WRSP) of the facility where warm water will be used (e.g. to a supply pipe for a shower head or a basin).

- The relay 1 1 1 of the thermostat 31 will typically energize when the trigger temperature is reached and close as a result. - While the relay 1 1 1 is closed, the thermostat 31 supplies power to the solenoid valve 13, which opens as a result.

- The trigger temperature of the present invention is set to 39.5°C but may vary as a result of the location of the installation.

- Although the trigger temperature in the present example is set at 39.5°C, the range available for setting the trigger temperature can be between 10°C and 1 10°C .. The trigger temperature can also be adjusted, depending on a particular installation (e.g. based on the location).

Automatic shutdown of the system 10

The automation process ends when no movement or infra-red detection is detected by the sensor 9 for a certain period of time. A countdown function can be set in 1 minute increments, preferably 5 minutes, in a module of the sensor 9. The sensor 9 is typically configured to reset the control unit/arrangement 104 (i.e. the so-called“Smart Box”) when the countdown of the timer reaches zero. More specifically, a deactivation signal is sent to the control unit/arrangement 104 which results in the control unit/arrangement 104 switching to a standby mode.

While the water inside the pipe 2 is measured to be equal to or greater than the trigger temperature (measured by the probe 44) and the sensor 9 detects movement and/or body heat, the control unit/arrangement 104 remains in an active, operational state.

The 12 Volt DC timed motion sensor 9 (or PIR sensor 38) is therefore effectively used to activate the system 10. The sensor 9 can be configured to have a countdown capacity in increments of minutes that can be selected (e.g. 5, 10, 20, 40 or 60 minutes).The sensor 9 can have a mode test capacity. The sensor 9 can also have a 0° to 360° trigger area.

It should be appreciated that the system 10 can include one thermostat with two relays or incorporate a three-relay three-thermostat design; The system 10 can utilise battery and solar power in order to operate in off- the-grid environments. The control unit/arrangement 104 can typically include one or more input sockets. One of these sockets may be a power socket to which the battery 28 can be connected.

Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) probes (19, 20, 44)

The Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) probe19 should be placed in the middle of pipe 2 between the geyser and the valve 12 (eg. If pipe 2 is 10m then situated at 5m from geyser). The Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) probe 20 can be situated 100 milimeters away from the T connector 10..

For three single relay modules, NTC probe inputs are connectable through 1 connection with 6 wires (the length of each wire can be 1 to 10 meters or longer);

For a dual relay module, NTC probe inputs are connectable through 1 connection with 4 wires (the length of each wire can be 1 to 10 meters or longer);

The specifications for NTC (19, 20, 44) probes may be as follows:

- Sensing range: between - 55°C to +125°C;

- Should be a waterproof sensor with probe;

- Voltage usage between 3.0 Volts - 5.5 Volts; and

Measuring accuracy should be ± 0.5°C.

The control unit/arrangement 104 includes one or more output sockets (e.g. including Output 1 and Output 2). Output 1 : One power plug for output 1 14 to solenoids attached to tubing (3core) (output)

Output 2: One plug for output 1 16 to

Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC1 &2) probes situated on pipe (4core) (output)

Output 3: One plug for output 1 17 to

Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC3) probes situated on outlet pipe at geyser (2 core) (output)

Different types of intelligent smart 12 Volt DC thermostats 30, 31 , 47 can be used. In one example, an intelligent smart thermostat with a single relay (SR) on its module can be used. Three of these intelligent smart thermostats (for thermostats 30, 31 and 47) can be used in this example. Each intelligent smart thermostat with a single relay preferably has the following characteristics:

It includes a low cost, yet highly functional, effective and accurate intelligent smart thermostat controller.

The intelligent smart thermostat works with 12 V DC.

The controller controls power supply intelligently to the normally closed solenoid valves 12, 13 based on the temperature sensed by the high accuracy NTC temperature sensor probes 19, 20, 44.

- Three tactile switches (TSS) allow for configuring various parameters including on-and-off triggers at desired and pre determined trigger temperatures.

An on-board relay 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12 can switch up to a maximum of 240 Volt Alternating Current (VAC) at 5A or 14 Volt Direct Current (VDC) at 10A. - The current temperature is displayed in Degrees Celsius (°C) via a three-digit seven segment display and a current relay state by an on board light-emitting diode (LED).

- The on board LED can light up when the trigger temperature is reached and electric current is supplied to the solenoid valves 30, 31 , 47.

Program specifications of the 12 Volt DC Intelligent smart thermostat controllers used in the present invention will now be described in more detail:

Code“P0”:

- Code setting to control electric current to energize and/or de-energize the relay 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12. The trigger temperature of the thermostat 30, 31 , 47 can be pre-programmed during the manufacturing process.

- Setting a temperature trigger:

^■ The code“P0” has two parameter settings,“C” and“H”.

^■ Thermostat“30” to be set to“H”. When set to “H” the relay will de-energize when the trigger temperature is reached.

^■ In the present invention, 39.5°C has been identified by testing and experimenting to be the most desirable degrees Celsius (°C) for the thermostat 30. (May vary as a result of ambient temperature of specific location)

^■ Thermostat 30 will go back into a standby state and deactivate relay 1 10 when the trigger temperature has been reached while the“P0” setting is in“H”.

^■ Thermostat 31 to be set to“C”. ^■ Thermostat 31 is in a standby state until the trigger temperature has been reached.

^■ When set to“C” the relay 1 1 1 (for thermostat 31 ) will energize when the trigger temperature has been reached.

^■ In the present invention, 39.5°C has been identified by testing and experimenting to be the most desirable degrees Celsius (°C) for thermostat 31. (May vary as a result of ambient temperature of specific location)

^■ Thermostat 47 to be set to“C”.

^■ Thermostat 47 is in a standby state until it receives a signal from the sensor 9 to activate and then supplies current to the thermostats 30, 31 when the trigger temperature has been reached.

^■ When set to“C”, the relay (for thermostat 47) will energize when the trigger temperature has been reached.

^■ In the present invention, this parameter can be set to 45°C (for thermostat 47).

Code“P1’’(hysteresis parameter):

^■ This code sets how much change in temperature must occur before the relay will change state, should it be to energize and/or de-energize the solenoid valve.

^■ Temperature range available in this Code“P1” is 0.1 °C to 15.2°C, preferably 0.1 °C for all three thermostats 30, 31 , 47.

^■ Description of the working of this parameter:

o For example, if set to 1 .0°C and the trigger temperature has been set to 40°C, it will not de-energize and/or energize until the temperature falls back below 39.0°C.

^■ Setting hysteresis can help to stop a thermostat from continually triggering when the temperature drifts around the trigger temperature.

Code“P2” (setting of upper limit):

^■ Upper limit safety temperature as a default set value 1 10°C. This parameter limits the maximum trigger temperature that can be set. It can be used as a safety to stop an excessively high trigger temperature from accidentally being set by the user.

Code“P3” (setting lower limit):

^■ Lower limit safety temperature as a default set value 5°C. This parameter limits the minimum trigger temperature that can be set. It can be used as a safety to stop an excessively low trigger temperature from accidentally being set by the user.

Code“P4” (temperature offset correction):

^■ This parameter can be used to correct the difference between the displayed temperature and the actual temperature.

^■ Minor corrections can be made by calibrating the temperature reading with this parameter, so that the actual temperature is displayed.

^■ Calibration limits of the code“P4” is - 7.0°C to + 7.0°C.

Code“P5” (trigger delay parameter): ^■ This parameter allows for delaying switching of the relay 1 10, 1 1 1 , 1 12 when the trigger temperature has been reached.

^■ The parameter can be set in one-minute increments up to a maximum of 10 minutes.

^■ Delay start time limits: 0 to 10 minutes.

^■ As a default value“P5” will be set at“0” (zero) minutes for an instant trigger effect of the solenoid valves 12, 13, 44 when the trigger temperature has been reached.

Code“P6” (high temperature alarm):

^■ Setting a value for this parameter will cause the relay of the thermostat to switch off when the programmed temperature have been reached.

^■ A seven segment display will also show ' to indicate an alarm condition.

^■ The relay will not re-energize until the temperature falls below this value.

The intelligent smart thermostats 30, 31 , 47 may have the following specifications:

^■ Temperature control range is between - 50°C to 1 10°C;

^■ Resolution at -9.9°C to 99.9°C in increments of 0.1 °C;

^■ Resolution at all other temperatures can be 1 °C;

^■ Measurement accuracy of about 0.1 °C;

Control accuracy of about 0.1 °C; and

A refresh rate should be rapid at 0.5 seconds. The intelligent smart thermostats 30, 31 , 47 may have the following electric current power specifications:

^■ 12 V DC input power;

^■ Measuring inputs in Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) should be at 10K 0.5%;

^■ Output 1 channel relay with 10A capacity;

^■ Power consumption static should be equal to or smaller than 35mA; and

^■ Power consumption current should be equal to or smaller than 65mA.

Thermostat environmental specifications of the intelligent smart thermostats 30, 31 , 47 may be:

^■ Environmental working temperature limits: -10°C to 60°C; and

^■ Humidity working limits from 20% to 85%.

The solenoid valve 12,13 may be a ½inch (12.7mm) or any other diameter normally-closed solenoid valve that complies with the specifications as set for the present invention. Manufacturing material of the valve can consist of plastic, stainless steel and/or bronze, or a mixture of these manufacturing materials.

Working specifications of solenoid valve 12,13:

- A working pressure of the valve 12,13 may have a pressure rating range of 0.02 Mpa (0.2 Bar) to 0.8 Mpa (8.0 Bar).

- A working temperature of the valve 12,13 may have a range of 1 °C to 75°C. - A response time to go into an open state (activate) should preferably be 0.15 seconds or less.

- A response time to go into a close standby state (inactive) should preferably be 0.30 seconds or less.

Power to the valve 12,13 is distributed through a pre-programmed and engineered circuit in the smart box/control unit 102.

At washbasins where a need arises for a manually operated system, a water resistant control button 35 (see Figures 4 and 5) or a remote control switch 36 (see Figures 6 and 7) for a wireless receiver (more specifically a 12V _DC 10A 1 CH wireless relay RF remote control switch receiver (RFRC)) can be placed at the washbasin to activate the system 100 manually. The automation process of the motion sensor 9 is then replaced by the control button 35 or RFRC 36. The operational process of the system 100 will however stay the same and only the activation process will differ. The RFRC 36 can be configured to have a range from about 30m to 50m.

Pipe Insulation

The heat difference related to the temperature differential between the pipe and the surrounding ambient air in the roof or outside the building where the NTC probes 19, 20, 44 are situated for temperature sensing, play a key factor in the trigger temperature of the thermostats 30, 31 , 47. Heat flow from pipework is used for the trigger temperature of the thermostats 30, 31 , 47. In many situations, the ambient temperature in the roof or surroundings will result in a fluctuation of the trigger temperature and therefore pipe insulation is used to insulate the pipe temperature from the ambient temperature, which helps to improve the accurate temperature readings of the probes.

The application of thermal pipe insulation introduces thermal resistance and reduces the heat flow between the ambient temperature and the pipe temperature. Thicknesses of thermal pipe insulation used for this application can have a minimum thickness of 20mm, but as a general rule, pipes operating at more-extreme temperatures will result in a larger thickness insulation due to the greater potential ambient temperature fluctuations. The location of pipework also influences the selection of insulation thickness. For instance, in some circumstances, pipework within a well-insulated building might require a lesser thickness insulation because of a more moderate ambient temperature.

Positioning of NTC probes 19, 20, 44 in pipe line/network

The positioning of the NTC probe 20 should be in the range of 100 millimetres from the solenoid 13. The positioning of the NTC probe 19 should be placed in the middle of pipe 2 between the geyser and the valve 12 (eg. If pipe 2 is 10m then situated at 5m from geyser). The positioning of NTC probe 44 should be as close as possible to the geyser 1. This position is where the pipe 2 will be the warmest most of the time, while the geyser is on.

The cut-off switch 42 can be used when maintenance work on the system 100 needs to be done and the power supply needs to be disabled from the system 100.

The positioning of the system 100 determines how much water is saved. This unit can be situated anywhere in the warm water supply line as close as possible to the outlet facility (e.g. shower) where warm water is needed. In new housing developments, the system 100 can be situated in the wall at the shower and/or washbasin facility that will be utilized. In existing housing structures the system 100 can be situated just before the warm water supply pipe goes into the wall to the facility where warm water will be utilized. The closer the system 100 is to the outlet of the facility where the water will be utilized, the more water will be diverted and therefor saved. The operation of the system 100 can be summarised as follows: The sensor 9 is triggered by movement. An activation signal is sent to the thermostat 47, which is then activated. When the water inside the geyser 1 is at the right temperature, a relay thereof will activate (close) and send an activation signal to the thermostats 30, 31 , which are both activated simultaneously. The relay 1 10 of the thermostat 12 is activated in order to switch the valve 12 to an open position so that water can be diverted to the storage cavity 15. When the trigger temperature in the feed pipe has been reached, the thermostat 30 closes the valve 12. The thermostat 31 then opens the valve 13 in order to allow water to flow to a water demand outlet such as a shower head or a basin tap.

The system 100 typically stays active while the sensor 9 is triggered. If there is no movement during a pre-determined/specified countdown period, then the system 100 switches back to a stand-by mode until the next trigger activation occurs.

The tables illustrated in Figures 22-24 summarise experimental results which were obtained from initial readings and populated figures derived from the experimental results obtained which were derived during certain experiments.

The working operation of the system, 100 can be timed based and temperature based. Since ambient temperature fluctuations could influence the operation of the system 100, a time module 48 in place of thermostat 30 can be used to divert the correct quantity of cold or luke water. The time module 48 can typically form part of the control unit/arrangement 104.

As mentioned, the sensor 9 is triggered by movement. A relay time on the sensor 9 is set to 20 or 40 minutes (for example) and therefore stays active for 20 or 40 minutes. From experimentation, the water in the pipe 2 cools down in the mentioned period to luke or cold temperature. In this regard, see the measurement graph illustrated in Figure 20. An activation signal is sent to the thermostat 47, which is then activated. When the geyser 1 is at the correct temperature, the relay 1 12 of the thermostat 47 will be activated, which sends an activation signal to the time module 48. The time module 48 can be a 12V _DC delay timer (e.g. a digital timer control switch). A relay of the time module 48 is then activated, which causes the valve 12 to open, thereby allowing water to flow into the storage cavity 15.

The quantity cold/luke warm water which is diverted to the storage cavity 15 is generally determined by the length of pipe from the geyser 1 to the solenoid 12. The time module 48 can then be configured to wait for a predetermined/pre-programmed period of time which it will take for all the cold/luke warm to be discharged into the storage cavity 15. The graph shown in Figure 21 illustrates an example of the time versus the pipe length.

When the preprogramed time (e.g. in seconds) is reached then the relay 1 10 of the time module 48 is deactivated, which results in the valve 12 switching back to its closed condition.

Figure 18 shows an example of where the time module 48 can be used together with a RFRC receiver 41 .

Figures 10-13 include certain abbreviations, some of which are summarised below:

TS1 : Thermostat 30;

TS2: Thermostat 31 ;

TS3 Thermostat 47;

TS1 R1 : Relay of Thermostat 30;

TS2RL2: Relay of thermostat 31 ;

TS3RL3: Relay of thermostat 47;

NCS: Normally closed solenoid valve;

NCS1 : Normally closed solenoid valve 12; NCS2: Normally closed solenoid valve 13;

LLB: Latched less button;

RC: RF Remote control;

NTC: Negative temperature coefficient;

NTCP: Negative temperature coefficient probe;

NTCPS1TS1 : NTCP socket for the thermostat 30 to which a first connection wire is connected (wire no. 1 );

NTCPS2TS1 : NTCP socket for the thermostat 30 to which a second connection wire is connected (wire no. 2);

NTCPS1TS2: NTCP socket for the thermostat 31 to which a first connection wire is connected (wire no. 1 );

NTCPS2TS2: NTCP socket for the thermostat 31 to which a second connection wire is connected (wire no. 2);

NTCPS1TS3: NTCP socket for the thermostat 47 to which a first connection wire is connected (wire no. 1 );

NTCPS2TS3: NTCP socket for the thermostat 47 to which a second connection wire is connected (wire no. 2);

Thermostat/Thermostat control no. 1 refers to the thermostat 30;

Thermostat/Thermostat control no. 2 refers to the thermostat 31 ; and

Thermostat/Thermostat control no. 3 refers to the thermostat 47.

Furthermore, reference numerals 1 13-1 17 can be summarised as follows:

1 13 - Refers to one power plug input from the power supply source (2 core) (input);

1 14 - Refers to one power plug for output to solenoids attached to tubing (3 core) (output);

1 15 - Refers to one plug for positive and negative output and signal input to TMS1 situated in the shower (3core) (input);

1 16 - Refers to one plug for input to Negative Temperature Coefficient probes 19, 20 situated on pipe (4core) (output); and 1 17 - Refers to one plug for input to

Negative Temperature Coefficient probe 44 situated on outlet pipe at geyser (2 core) (output).

Since the system 100 does not use a commercial 220V AC electricity source, it is energy efficient and helps to promote green energy. The system 100 requires no physical human interference to activate the system 10, although an activation button can be included, if needed (e.g. for a washbasin).

Reference is now specifically made to an embodiment illustrated in Figure 25, where the control unit/arrangement 104 includes a time module 48 which is effectively used as a time delay where water from the geyser 1 is diverted for a particular period of time to the storage tank 15, in order to discharge the cold/luke warm water, where after the water is directed to the shower head 5. It should be clear that the example illustrated in Figure 25 is very similar to the example in Figure 2, except that the time module 48 is used to control the switching of the valves 12,13. This embodiment therefore does not include the thermostats 30, 31 , 47. The time module 48 includes two relay switches 55, 56 for operating the valves 12 and 13, respectively (see Figure 26).

When the sensor 9 senses the presence of a user inside the cubicle, then the time module 48 is switched from an inactive/standby mode to an active mode. In the active mode, the time module 48 utilises a countdown timer/timing function in order to delay the flow of heated water from the geyser 1 to the shower head 5 for a specific/pre-set period of time. This period of time can be based on the approximate time it will take for the cold/luke warm water inside the pipe 2 to flow to the storage tank 15.

More specifically, when the time module 48 is switched to its active mode, the relay 55 is switched from an open state to a closed state, which activates the valve 12 and causes it to switch from its normally-closed position to an open position in order to allow water contained in the pipe 2 to be relayed to the storage tank 15. When the specified period of time has lapsed, the relay 55 is switched back to its open state, which in turn causes the valve 12 to switch back to its normally closed position, thereby inhibiting water to flow to the storage tank 15.

When the time module 48 is switched to its active mode and the specified period of time has lapsed/passed, the relay 56 is switched from an open state to a closed state, which activates the valve 12 and causes it to switch from its normally-closed position to an open position in order to allow water contained in the pipe 2 (and the geyser 1 ) to be relayed to the shower head 5.

From the above, it will be clear that each of the embodiments shown in Figures 3-9 can be adapted in the same manner in order to allow the time module 48 to control the switching of the valves 12, 13 (instead of using thermostats).

The control module 48 is configured to switch back to its inactive/standby mode when no movement or infra-red detection is detected by the sensor 9 for a certain period of time. The control module 48 can therefore be configured to perform a countdown timer function to switch back to an inactive/standby state, when no movement is detected for a specific period of time, which will cause the valve 13 to switch back to its normally closed position (i.e. the relay 56 returns its open state).

In one example, the storage tank 15 can be used to feed the diverted cold/luke arm water back to the shower head 5 (or other outlet) through a venture-type arrangement, in order to mix the colder water with the warm water, before being discharged. In this regard, the storage tank 15 has a lower opening which leads into the pipe supplying the warm water to the shower head 5. In practice, the water in the storage tank 15 is sucked, by means of a venture effect, into the pipe supplying the warm water to the shower head 5. From the above, it will be clear that system 100 can be placed/installed at various locations, such as at a shower mixer or tap, and need not necessarily be installed in the roof of a hous/building.

The Inventor believes that the system 100 provides a low cost, practical and effective way of diverting cold/lukewarm static uncontaminated water, while waiting for uncontaminated warm water to arrive. Water is therefore used in a much more efficient manner.

The automation of the system 100 in the shower and/or washbasin setup makes it user friendly. The present system 100 can be used in a plug and play manner and is relatively easy to install.