Monitoring and optimization of gas consumption

Abstract

A gas meter (1), including a valve (15) or a device (13) for communicating with the valve, and a processing unit (7) arranged to: o analyze measurements of gas consumption to generate predefined parameter measurements related to gas consumption, and detect one or more operating phases of at least one predetermined system (20, 21) of the facility based on the predefined parameter measurements; o for each predetermined system, after each operating phase of the predetermined system, if the cumulative gas consumption during the current period of the predetermined system exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system, close the valve (15) until the end of the current period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of so-called "smart" gas meters. Background Technology

[0002] Gas meters typically include internal piping and measuring devices, in which gas supplied to a facility circulates through a distribution network, and the measuring devices measure the facility's gas consumption.

[0003] For example, the measuring device is an ultrasonic measuring device comprising an upstream transducer (network side) and a downstream transducer (facility side). Each transducer successively acts as a transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic signals. The upstream transducer thus transmits an ultrasonic signal in its internal piping, which travels a predefined path (with a fully controlled length) in the gas before being received by the downstream transducer. Subsequently, the downstream transducer itself transmits an ultrasonic signal, which travels along a predefined path (in another direction) in the gas before being received by the upstream transducer. The ultrasonic measuring device thus assesses the gas flow rate based on the time of flight of the ultrasonic signals between the transducers. The estimation of the gas flow rate makes it possible to assess and bill the volume of gas consumed.

[0004] Some so-called "smart" modern gas meters must be able to cut off gas flow.

[0005] In some countries, distributors cut off gas supplies before the end of the day when end users (i.e., subscribers) fail to pay their gas bills.

[0006] Gas shut-off is typically accomplished by controlling an electric valve, which is integrated into a shut-off box located near the instrument, or even integrated into the instrument itself.

[0007] Consider using smart gas meters to help users limit their gas consumption. Such functionality has undeniable ecological benefits, but it's also highly advantageous for users' purchasing power.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to control and optimize gas consumption in facilities, in order to reduce gas bills, in particular. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To achieve this objective, a gas meter is proposed, comprising:

[0010] - Measuring equipment, arranged to measure the gas consumption of the generating facility; valve, or communication device that communicates with a shut-off box located outside the instrument and integrated with the valve;

[0011] - Processing units, arranged for each current time period in a predetermined set of at least one consecutive time period defined on that day:

[0012] ○ Analyze measurements of gas consumption to generate predefined parameter measurements related to gas consumption, and detect one or more operational phases of at least one predetermined system of the facility based on the predefined parameter measurements;

[0013] For each predetermined system, after each operational phase of the predetermined system, if the cumulative gas consumption during the current time period of the predetermined system exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system, the valve is closed until the end of the current time period.

[0014] Therefore, each day is divided into one or more consecutive time periods.

[0015] During each current time period, the gas meter detects one or more signatures in the gas consumption measurement. Each signature represents the operation of a predetermined system (e.g., boiler, water heater). Then, when the cumulative gas consumption of the same system in the current time period exceeds a predetermined threshold, the gas is cut off until the end of the current time period. Therefore, the gas is only cut off under specific usage conditions, and the purpose is not to punish the user, but to help them limit gas consumption.

[0016] In addition, a gas meter such as the one described above is proposed, wherein predetermined parameters include the pumping duration and / or average gas flow rate and / or volume of the gas consumed.

[0017] Furthermore, a gas meter such as that described above is proposed, wherein for at least one of at least one predetermined system, a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system depends on the current time period and / or the day and / or the time period of the year to which the day belongs.

[0018] Additionally, a gas meter such as that described above is proposed, which includes a temperature sensor or a device connected to an integrated temperature sensor, such that for at least one of at least one predetermined system, a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system depends on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0019] In addition, a gas meter such as the one described above is proposed, wherein the predetermined threshold is:

[0020] - When the temperature is less than the first threshold, it equals the first value;

[0021] -When the temperature is greater than the second threshold, it equals the second value;

[0022] - When the temperature is included between the first threshold and the second threshold, it is equal to a linear function of the temperature.

[0023] In addition, a gas meter such as the one described above is proposed, wherein, for at least one of at least one predetermined system, a processing unit is arranged to detect the operating phase of the predetermined system and compare a predefined parameter measurement with a predefined level, the predefined level depending on the time of day of the year.

[0024] Additionally, a gas meter as described above is proposed, which includes a temperature sensor or a device connected to an integrated temperature sensor, such that, for at least one of at least one predetermined system, a processing unit is arranged to detect the operating phase of the predetermined system and compare a predefined parameter measurement with a predefined level, the predefined level depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

[0025] In addition, a gas meter such as the one described above is proposed, wherein a predetermined set of at least one continuous time period includes at least one time period in which the valve is prohibited from being closed.

[0026] Additionally, a gas meter as described above is proposed, wherein at least one predetermined system includes a boiler and a water heater. Furthermore, a gas meter similar to the one described above is proposed, wherein the valve is a ball valve.

[0027] In addition, a monitoring method is proposed, which is implemented in the processing unit of the gas meter as described above, and includes the following steps during each current time period in a predetermined set of at least one continuous time period defined on each day:

[0028] o Analyze the measurement of gas consumption to generate a predefined parameter measurement related to gas consumption, and detect one or more operational phases of at least one predetermined system of the facility based on the measurement results of the predefined parameter.

[0029] For each predetermined system, after each operational phase of the predetermined system, if the cumulative gas consumption during the current time period of the predetermined system exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system, the valve is closed until the end of the current time period.

[0030] In addition, a monitoring method such as the one described above is proposed, including the following steps for the current time period:

[0031] - Detect the start of the air extraction;

[0032] - At the end of the pumping process, estimate the average gas flow rate during the pumping period;

[0033] - Detect the operational phase of at least one of the predetermined systems of the facility based on the average gas flow rate;

[0034] - Compare the cumulative gas consumption of the predetermined system during the current time period with a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system;

[0035] If the cumulative gas consumption of the predetermined system is greater than the predetermined threshold, then verify that the current gas consumption is zero, and if this is the case, close the valve until the end of the current time period.

[0036] In addition, a monitoring method such as that described above is proposed, including a preliminary step of verifying that the current time period is not a period during which valve closure is prohibited.

[0037] In addition, a computer program is proposed, which includes instructions that cause the processing unit of the gas meter described above to perform the steps of the monitoring method described above.

[0038] In addition, a computer-readable recording medium is proposed on which computer programs, such as those described above, are recorded.

[0039] The invention will be best understood from the following description of specific, non-limiting embodiments thereof. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings will be referenced, in which:

[0041] [picture] Figure 1 This illustrates a gas meter according to the first embodiment;

[0042] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 Indicates the steps of the monitoring method;

[0043] [picture] Figure 3 This illustrates a gas meter according to the second embodiment; Detailed Implementation

[0044] refer to Figure 1 In this case, the present invention is implemented in gas table 1.

[0045] Gas meter 1 is installed in main pipeline 2, which makes it possible to connect gas distribution network 3 to facility 4.

[0046] Instrument 1 integrates a first internal pipe 5, which extends into the connection of the main pipe 2, allowing the gas consumed by facility 4 to enter the first internal pipe 5.

[0047] In addition, the instrument 1 integrates the measuring device 6, which is an ultrasonic measuring device and operates like the device described above.

[0048] Instrument 1 further includes a processing unit 7. For example, processing unit 7 includes at least one processing component 8, which is, for example, a "general purpose" processor, a processor specifically for processing signals (or a DSP, for digital signal processors), a microcontroller, or a programmable logic circuit, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Processing unit 7 also includes one or more memories 9 connected to or integrated into processing component 8. At least one of these memories 9 forms a recording medium readable by a computer, on which at least one computer program is recorded, the recording medium including instructions that cause processing component 8 to perform at least some of the steps of the monitoring method described below.

[0049] Processing unit 7 includes an RTC (Real-Time Clock) type clock 10, enabling calendar integration. Periodic resynchronization of clock 10 is performed via a communication network. Clock 10 makes it possible to implement a timer.

[0050] Instrument 1 is connected to an integrated temperature sensor 11. In this case, the device is positioned such that the sensitive element of the temperature sensor 11 is in contact with the air outside the user's residence. Instrument 1 receives measurements generated by the sensor 11, which are therefore temperature measurements outside the residence.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the device integrating the temperature sensor can be located outside and close to the instrument, but inside a residence, to measure the ambient temperature around the instrument.

[0052] In another embodiment, the temperature sensor may be located inside the instrument.

[0053] Processing unit 7 acquires the temperature measurement generated by temperature sensor 11.

[0054] Instrument 1 also includes a first communication device that enables it to communicate with a cut-off box 12 located outside of instrument 1.

[0055] The distance d between instrument 1 and cut-off box 12 is usually between 1cm and 20cm.

[0056] The first communication device includes a first NFC (Near Field Communication) interface 13. This is the "main" NFC interface.

[0057] The cut-off box 12 includes a second internal conduit 14, a valve 15, and a second NFC interface 16 (“from” NFC interface).

[0058] The second internal pipe 14 extends into the junction of the main pipe 2 (and the first internal pipe 5 of the instrument 1).

[0059] Valve 15 is a mechanical (electromechanical) valve. Valve 15 includes a movable member that extends into the second internal conduit 14, and the current position of the movable member can be controlled to cut off the gas flow. In this case, valve 15 is a ball valve and therefore the movable member is a ball; the current position of the ball is an angular position.

[0060] Instrument 1 and cut-off box 12 communicate via a first NFC interface 13 and a second NFC interface 16. Therefore, instrument 1 can operate valve 15 to cut off the gas supply to the equipment.

[0061] Next, the monitoring method implemented in the processing unit 7 of instrument 1 will be described.

[0062] The purpose of this monitoring method is to detect the use of a predetermined system (in one or more predetermined systems) in facility 4 and to cut off the gas supply to facility 4 when the gas consumption of that system becomes too high.

[0063] The reservation system includes, for example, boilers, water heaters, gas cookers, and gas fireplaces.

[0064] In this case, the monitoring method is implemented with the user's initiative (however, it can be implemented systematically, or with the initiative of the gas distributor or network manager).

[0065] Each day is divided into a predetermined set of at least one consecutive time period. In this case, each day is divided into N consecutive time periods Pk (k from 1 to N). For each day, each time period Pk has (as duration Hk) and therefore has:

[0066]

[0067] The duration Hk and these time periods Pk do not all have to be the same.

[0068] The detection of potential excessive consumption is performed by a predetermined system on a time-period basis (and not daily, unless the day includes a single time period). Therefore, on each day, for each current time period, when the cumulative consumption of the same predetermined system becomes excessive during said current time period, the gas cutoff is controlled.

[0069] The detection of these predetermined systems during the operational phase includes detecting signatures in the measurement of gas consumption, with each signature representing the use of a specific predetermined system.

[0070] Each signature corresponds to a specific predefined parameter related to gas consumption.

[0071] Therefore, on each day and for each current time period, processing unit 7 analyzes the gas consumption measurement and generates predefined parameter measurements related to gas consumption.

[0072] "Measurement of gas consumption" refers to any measurement that indicates gas consumption: index, flow rate measurement, volume measurement, etc.

[0073] Predefined parameters include, for example, the pumping duration and / or average gas flow rate and / or volume of the gas consumed.

[0074] Therefore, processing unit 7 detects the operational phase of at least one predetermined system of the facility from predefined parameter measurements. An "operational phase" refers to the period during which the predetermined system operates continuously and is evacuated.

[0075] Then, for each predetermined system, if the cumulative gas consumption of the predetermined system exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system during the current time period, the processing unit 7 controls the closure of valve 15 to cut off the gas supply to facility 4 until the end of the current time period.

[0076] Gas shut-off therefore involves modifying the angular position of the ball in valve 15 to close valve 15.

[0077] It can be stipulated that, for at least one of these reservation systems, the reservation threshold associated with said reservation system depends on the current time period of the day: Therefore, it is possible to authorize greater consumption in the morning (before leaving for work or school) and in the evening (upon returning).

[0078] It can also be stipulated that, for at least one reservation system, the reservation threshold associated with the reservation system depends on the day: the authorized consumption can therefore be greater on weekends or during public holidays.

[0079] It can also be stipulated that, for at least one of these reservation systems, the reservation threshold associated with the reservation system depends on the time of year to which the day belongs: in winter, the authorized consumption can therefore be greater.

[0080] The predetermined threshold may also depend on several of these parameters, and therefore on the current time period and / or the day and / or the time period of the year to which the day belongs.

[0081] The predetermined system under discussion is, for example, a gas boiler that consumes more gas in winter than in summer.

[0082] Similarly, for at least one predetermined system (e.g., a boiler), detecting the operation phase of the predetermined system may include a step of comparing predefined parameter measurements with a predetermined level that depends on the time of day within the year.

[0083] The processing unit 7 can also use temperature measurements generated by the temperature sensor 11.

[0084] Therefore, it is stipulated that for at least one of these predetermined systems (e.g., a boiler), the predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system depends on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 11.

[0085] Similarly, it can be specified that, for at least one of these predetermined systems, the processing unit 7 is arranged to detect the operational phase of the predetermined system and to compare predefined parameter measurements with a predefined level depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 11.

[0086] It can also be specified that these predetermined time periods include one or more of the following time periods: during which closing valve 15 is prohibited, and therefore the gas cannot be cut off during these time periods.

[0087] These time periods include, for example, the morning (before leaving for work or school) and the evening (when returning).

[0088] Users can optionally define these time periods themselves by communicating with instrument 1, and instrument 1 therefore includes a communication device 18 suitable for this purpose.

[0089] These communication devices 18 can be wireless electrical devices (NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) or even wired. They can also be interfaces using, for example, one or more buttons and screens located on the instrument panel 1.

[0090] The water distributor (or network manager) may also define these time periods; in this case, the second communication device 18 is, for example, a cellular communication device.

[0091] It should be noted that, more generally, the communication device 18 can be used by the user and / or the water distributor (or network administrator) to adjust consumption thresholds, the number and duration of consecutive periods in the current day, etc.

[0092] Specific embodiments are of interest, wherein the predetermined system of the facility includes a gas boiler and a water heater.

[0093] The type of gas consumed (boiler 20 or water heater 21) is identified by a signature, which is itself limited by the following predefined parameters: the duration of gas extraction, the average gas flow rate, and the volume of the gas consumed.

[0094] Therefore, when this gas is extracted, the average gas flow rate typically falls within a different flow range (in L / min), and based on this flow range, the system extracting the gas is a boiler or a water heater. Similarly, the extraction duration is typically less than a different time threshold, and the gas volume consumed is typically less than a different volume threshold, and based on this volume threshold, the system extracting the gas is a boiler or a water heater.

[0095] The boiler is designed to consume approximately 1000m³ of fuel during a cumulative period of 8 hours per day from October to March (inclusive) and a cumulative period of 2 hours per day from April to September (inclusive). 3 / year and periodically (e.g., every 10 minutes) evacuate.

[0096] The cumulative consumption from October to March (including the beginning and end) is approximately 800m. 3 And between October and March, the following exists:

[0097] - Average flow rate: D = 9.16 L / min;

[0098] - Extraction duration: t = 10 minutes;

[0099] -Reference daily consumption volume threshold: S = 4395L.

[0100] The cumulative consumption from April to September (including the beginning and end) is approximately 200m. 3 And between April and September, the following exists:

[0101] - Average flow rate: D = 9.11 L / min;

[0102] - Extraction duration: t = 10 minutes;

[0103] -Reference daily consumption volume threshold: S = 1093L.

[0104] The water heater is designed to consume approximately 300m³ 3 / year and "on-demand" extraction to produce hot water (in the case of shower rooms, bathrooms, bathroom sinks, and kitchen sinks). The cumulative extraction time is approximately 1 hour per day. Existing:

[0105] - Average flow rate: D = 13.70 L / min;

[0106] - Extract duration: variable t (a few seconds (bathroom, kitchen sink) to 5 minutes (shower), or even 15 minutes (bathroom));

[0107] -Reference daily consumption volume threshold: S = 822L.

[0108] Therefore, the volume threshold does not depend on the time of year when the water heater is installed.

[0109] Now, for reference Figure 2 It provides a more specific example of how the monitoring method is implemented.

[0110] N consecutive time periods Pk and the duration Hk of the time periods are pre-programmed in a table stored in one of the memories 9 of the processing unit 7.

[0111] As can be seen, consecutive time periods may include one or more of the following periods during which closing valve 15 is prohibited.

[0112] This method applies to the day starting at step E0.

[0113] The “Time Period” variable is initialized to 0 (step E1).

[0114] Processing unit 7 therefore opens valve 15 and increases the time period variable:

[0115] Time period = Time period + 1 (Step E2).

[0116] Processing unit 7 verifies whether the current time period Pk is a time period during which valve 15 is prohibited from being closed (step E3).

[0117] If this is the case, processing unit 7 waits for the end of the current time period Pk (step E4), and then verifies whether the current time period Pk is the last time period of the day (i.e., whether time period = N): step E5.

[0118] If this is the case, the method proceeds to step E1. Otherwise, the method returns to step E2.

[0119] In step E3, if the current time period Pk is not a time period in which the closure of valve 15 is prohibited, the method proceeds to step E6.

[0120] The following variables are initialized by control unit 7:

[0121] -Threshold_boiler-summer=1093L*Hk / 24;

[0122] -Threshold_boiler-winter=4395L*Hk / 24;

[0123] - If the day falls within the period from April to September (inclusive), then Threshold_boiler = Threshold_boiler - summer, and

[0124] If the day falls within the period from October to March (inclusive), then Threshold_boiler = Threshold_boiler - winter;

[0125] -S_water-heater=822L*Hk / 24;

[0126] -C_boiler=0.

[0127] Therefore, for each time period, and for each predetermined system, the predetermined consumption threshold is defined as a proportion of the duration of the time period applied to the corresponding daily reference threshold.

[0128] Processing unit 7 then verifies whether the current time corresponds to the end of the current time period (step E7). If so, the method returns to step E2.

[0129] Otherwise, processing unit 7 attempts to detect the start of gas extraction (i.e., the facility's system begins to consume gas): step E8.

[0130] If gas consumption is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1L) for a predetermined duration (e.g., 10s), then pumping is considered to have started.

[0131] As long as no start of pumping is detected, the method returns to step E7 (and then again to step E8 if this is not at the end of the current time period).

[0132] When the start of pumping is detected, the processing unit 7 stores the index (Index_start) at the start of pumping and the start time H1 (HH:MM:SS): step E9.

[0133] The variable Index_start is the current consumption index measured by measuring device 6, that is, the cumulative gas volume measured at the current time.

[0134] Next, processing unit 7 confirms whether the evacuation has ended (step E10). As long as the evacuation has not ended, the method will cycle through step E10.

[0135] When the evacuation ends, the processing unit 7 stores the index (Index_end) at the end of the evacuation and the time H2 (HH:MM:SS) at the end of the evacuation: step E11.

[0136] At the end of the evacuation, the processing unit 7 estimates the duration of the evacuation (equal to H2-H1) and the average gas flow rate during the evacuation process (step E12).

[0137] In this case, processing unit 7 evaluates the average gas flow rate using the following formula:

[0138] D=(Index_end-Index_start) / (H2-H1).

[0139] Therefore, the processing unit 7 attempts to detect the operational phase of at least one of the predetermined systems from the average gas flow rate (step E13).

[0140] Therefore, processing unit 7 compares the average gas flow rate with a predetermined level.

[0141] If the average gas flow rate D makes:

[0142] 8L / min ≤ D ≤ 10L / min

[0143] Therefore, the processing unit 7 detected the operation stage of the boiler 20.

[0144] If the average gas flow rate D makes:

[0145] 13L / min ≤ D ≤ 15L / min

[0146] Therefore, the processing unit 7 detected the operation phase of the water heater 21.

[0147] If no corresponding pre-defined system is available, the method proceeds to step E7.

[0148] If the detected predetermined system is boiler 20, then processing unit 7 calculates the cumulative gas consumption of the boiler in the current time period (step E14):

[0149] C_boiler=C_boiler+(Index_end-Index_start)

[0150] Processing unit 7 will therefore compare the cumulative gas consumption of boiler 20 in the current time period Pk with a predetermined threshold associated with boiler 20 (step E15).

[0151] Processing unit verification:

[0152] C_boiler≥S_boiler.

[0153] If this is not the case, the method returns to step E7.

[0154] If this is the case, i.e., if the cumulative consumption of boiler 20 in the current period is greater than (in this case, greater than or equal to) a predetermined threshold, then the processing unit 7 verifies that the current gas consumption is zero through safety (step E16).

[0155] The method continues in step E16 as long as the current gas consumption is not zero.

[0156] When the current gas consumption becomes zero, the processing unit 7 controls the valve 15 to close (step E17).

[0157] Therefore, processing unit 7 waits for the current time period to end (step E18), keeping valve 15 closed until the current time period ends, and then the method returns to step E5.

[0158] Similarly, in step E13, if the detected predetermined system is water heater 21, then processing unit 7 calculates the cumulative consumption of water heater 21 (step E19):

[0159] C_water-heater=C_water-heater+(Index_end-Index_start)

[0160] Processing unit 7 will then compare the cumulative consumption of water heater 21 in the current time period Pk with the predetermined threshold associated with the water heater (step E20).

[0161] Processing unit 7 verifies whether:

[0162] C_water-heater≥S_water-heater.

[0163] If this is not the case, the method returns to step E7.

[0164] If this is the case, i.e., the cumulative gas consumption of water heater 21 in the current period is greater than (in this case, greater than or equal to) a predetermined threshold, the processing unit 7 proceeds to step E16.

[0165] Alternatively, when temperature measurement is available, it can be specified that a predetermined threshold associated with one (or more) of the predetermined system depends on the temperature measured by temperature sensor 11.

[0166] Therefore, the predetermined threshold can be adapted for boiler 20 based on the temperature (in °C) measured by temperature sensor 11. Calendar periods are therefore no longer considered.

[0167] For example, the predetermined threshold of boiler 20 is:

[0168] - When the temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, it is equal to the first value;

[0169] - When the temperature is greater than the second temperature threshold, it equals the second value;

[0170] - When the temperature is included between a first temperature threshold and a second temperature threshold, it is equal to a linear function of the temperature.

[0171] In this case, the first temperature threshold is equal to 0℃, the second temperature threshold is equal to 20℃, and for a time period Pk lasting Hk hours (S is a predetermined threshold, T is the temperature measured by sensor 11), the following holds:

[0172] - If T < 0℃, then S = 4395 * Hk / 24

[0173] - If T > 20℃, then S = 1093 * Hk / 24

[0174] -If 0℃≤T≤20℃:

[0175] Then S=(1093+(4395-1093)*(20-T) / 20)*Hk / 24

[0176] In the second embodiment, reference Figure 3 In this case, valve 15 is not located in a shut-off box outside instrument 1, but is integrated into the instrument. If this is not the case, the monitoring method is implemented in the same way, in which instrument 1 does not need to communicate with any external equipment: the processing unit directly operates valve 15.

[0177] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but includes any variations as defined in the claims that come into the field of the invention.

[0178] The signature of a predefined system is not necessarily defined by the pumping duration, average gas flow rate, and volume of the consumed gas, but can be defined by only one or both of these predefined parameters.

[0179] Furthermore, the predefined parameters may differ from those described in this case, and may include, for example, the consumption gradient or current (instead of the average value).

[0180] The facility’s reservation system (whose consumption is monitored) may include one or more different systems, and such as gas stoves, gas fireplaces, etc.

Claims

1. A gas meter (1), comprising: Measuring device (6) is arranged to measure the gas consumption of generating facility (4); Valve (15) or device (13) for communicating with a shut-off box (12) located outside the gas meter and integrated with the valve. Processing unit (7), characterized in that the processing unit (7) is arranged for each current time period in a predetermined set of at least one consecutive time period defined in the day: Analyze the gas consumption measurements to generate predefined parameter measurements related to the gas consumption, and detect one or more operational phases of at least one predetermined system (20, 21) of the facility based on the predefined parameter measurements; For each predetermined system, after each operational phase of the predetermined system, if the cumulative gas consumption during the current time period of the predetermined system exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system, the valve (15) is closed until the end of the current time period.

2. The gas meter as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The predefined parameters include the pumping duration and / or average gas flow rate and / or volume of the gas consumed.

3. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, For at least one of the at least one predetermined system, the predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system depends on the current time period and / or the day and / or the time period in the year to which the day belongs.

4. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gas meter includes a temperature sensor or a device connected to an integrated temperature sensor (11), the gas meter such that for at least one of the at least one predetermined system, the predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system depends on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

5. The gas meter as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The predetermined threshold is: When the temperature is less than the first threshold, it equals the first value; When the temperature is greater than the second threshold, it equals the second value; When the temperature is included between the first threshold and the second threshold, it is equal to a linear function of the temperature.

6. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, For at least one of the at least one predetermined system, the processing unit (7) is arranged to detect the operation phase of the predetermined system and compare the predefined parameter measurement with a predefined level, the predefined level depending on the time period of the year to which the day belongs.

7. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The gas meter includes a temperature sensor or a device connected to an integrated temperature sensor (11), the gas meter such that, for at least one of the at least predetermined systems, the processing unit (7) is arranged to detect the operating phase of the predetermined system and compare the predefined parameter measurement with a predefined level, the predefined level depending on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

8. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The predetermined set of at least one continuous time period includes at least one time period during which the closure of the valve (15) is prohibited.

9. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one predetermined system includes a boiler (20) and a water heater (21).

10. The gas meter as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The valve (15) is a ball valve.

11. A monitoring method, said monitoring method being implemented in the processing unit (7) of a gas meter (1) as described in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The monitoring method includes the following steps during each current time period in a predetermined set of at least one consecutive time period defined on each day: Analyze the gas consumption measurements to generate predefined parameter measurements related to the gas consumption, and detect one or more operational phases of at least one predetermined system (20, 21) of the facility based on the predefined parameter measurements; For each predetermined system, after each operational phase of the predetermined system, if the cumulative gas consumption during the current time period of the predetermined system exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system, the valve (15) is closed until the end of the current time period.

12. The monitoring method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, This includes the following steps for the current time period: The start of the air extraction test; At the end of the evacuation, estimate the average gas flow rate during the evacuation period; The operational phase of one of the at least one predetermined system of the facility is detected based on the average gas flow rate; The cumulative gas consumption during the current time period of the predetermined system is compared with the predetermined threshold associated with the predetermined system; If the cumulative gas consumption of the predetermined system is greater than the predetermined threshold, the current gas consumption is verified to be zero, and if this is the case, the valve (15) is closed until the current time period ends.

13. The monitoring method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, This includes a preliminary step to verify that the current time period is not a period during which the closure of the valve (15) is prohibited.

14. A computer-readable recording medium having a computer program thereon containing instructions that cause the processing unit (7) of the gas meter (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 to perform the steps of the monitoring method as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13.

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