Method and equipment for reading water meter

Abstract

The invention is a water meter reading device having a piston (503) or diaphragm (527) that moves as a function of pressure in a network of water pipes (301, 501, 601). The movement charges the capacitor (704), where the released electrical energy is used to read the water meter. This makes it possible to implement a battery-less system because the electrical energy required to read the water meter and communicate the water meter readings to the business company is used while generating electrical energy. This also causes the water meter readings and pressure changes in the network of water pipes (301, 501, 601) to occur simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water pipe system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water consumption measurement system. Background Art

[0002] Globally, clean water consumption continues to increase. Traditionally, water consumption by individuals and households, as well as units from pipes and taps, is monitored using water meters. Consumers or businesses typically pay the water utility company that supplies water through pipes for the water they consume based on the meter readings.

[0003] In order to generate a correct bill, the water company must obtain meter readings.

[0004] Prior art methods for reading water meters include technicians taking the water meter reading from the water meter with the naked eye and recording it with pen and paper. This requires manual labor.

[0005] The above process has also been modernized to a certain extent in the prior art, where the technician reads the water meter with a portable electronic device and records the readings taken by him in the portable device. This avoids the need to use pen and paper. See for example https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=hxuFuT-RQyI.

[0006] EP2314997 discloses a method in which leaks in a pipe are detected by pressure and vibration. WO2020215116 discloses detecting a fluid flow signal in a water pipe network, which can be used to detect current and future leak locations in the pipe. These documents are cited here as references.

[0007] US2015 / 0135852 discloses a battery-free meter for flowing media to measure fluid flow. The kinetic energy of the fluid movement (i.e., flow) powers the meter.

[0008] In the prior art, it is also feasible to use a battery-powered device to perform remote water meter reading. Then, a technician needs to visit the site from time to time to replace the battery of the battery-powered device.

[0009] Prior art low power transmission links are described in “Energy Consumption Analysis of LPWAN Technologies and Lifetime Estimation for IoT Applications” by Singh et al., 2020. This document is cited herein as a reference.

[0010] Solar photovoltaic solutions are also available. However, this usually limits the water meter to outdoor installations. Remote water meter reading using an external power source is also possible in the prior art, but requires cabling from the main power source to the water meter.

[0011] With hundreds of millions, if not billions, of water meters currently installed and functioning, many of them with mechanical memory, it is clear that this area of ​​technology needs improvement. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention under study relates to a system and method for remotely and efficiently reading a conventional water meter without the need for a technician and without the need for batteries in the reading device.

[0013] This is achieved by using pressure variations in the water pipe network to generate the energy and power needed to read the water meter from time to time. This allows accurate water meter readings to be achieved even when a house is unused for a long period of time (for example because the occupants of the house are travelling). This is because the occupants' neighbours will still generate pressure variations in the water pipe network, which can power the water meter reading device of the occupants who are not at home without batteries.

[0014] In one aspect of the invention, the water utility intentionally changes the water pipe pressure from time to time to power the reading of a water meter or meters. For example, the water utility may preferably send a pressure change into the water pipe network by first reducing the pressure and then increasing the pressure. The pressure pulse should be small enough to ensure the structural safety of the water pipe network, but the hydrostatic pressure change should be large enough to generate enough power pulses to read the water meter reading and transmit the water meter reading to the water utility's radio data receiver.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to realize large-scale self-powering and self-reading of water meters of water companies.

[0016] In one aspect of the invention, a conventional water meter has a mechanical memory. For example, a water meter has a cycle counter reading that displays the amount of water consumed. The present invention relates to a piston that moves with the pressure in a water pipe. The increased pressure in the water pipe causes the piston to be pushed and a spring to be compressed or a rod or gear box to be moved using mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is used to rotate an electromagnetic motor as a generator, and the electrical energy from the electromagnetic motor is used to power a sensor and memory to capture the consumption readings of the water meter, and the consumption reading data is transmitted to the water company using a communication link. The consumption readings can be captured, for example, in the form of alphanumeric or binary data via a digital memory. Alternatively, when the sensor includes a camera, an image of the consumption reading in the water meter can also be captured, such as from a mechanical water meter counter.

[0017] Some or all of the above advantages of the present invention are achieved by a device having a piston or diaphragm that moves with changes in pressure in the water pipe network, and the movement of the piston or diaphragm charges a capacitor, wherein the electrical energy released is used to read the water meter. This allows a battery-free system to be achieved, because the electrical energy required to read the water meter and transmit the water meter reading to the water company is used at the same time as the electrical energy is generated. Of course, this also allows the water meter reading to occur simultaneously with the pressure changes in the water pipe network.

[0018] If the energy or power budget of the system of the invention proves to be insufficient in the environment of use, the electrical energy generated is also stored in a battery according to the invention. The system enables the electrical energy of multiple pressure changes over a longer period of time to be stored in a battery. And according to the invention, the storage of the water meter reading in the memory and the transmission of the recorded water meter reading to the receiver are battery powered.

[0019] The water meter reading system according to the present invention is a self-powered water meter reading system which obtains its operating power from the pressure variation of the fluid in the water pipe network.

[0020] The on-site self-powered water meter reading and transmitter system according to the present invention obtains its operating power from the pressure changes of the fluid in the water pipe network, and the reading and transmitter system includes a piston or diaphragm, which is configured to load the spring of the spring-loaded generator to obtain mechanical energy from the pressure changes in the water pipe network.

[0021] The on-site self-powered water meter reading and transmitter system according to the present invention obtains operating power from the pressure changes of the fluid in the water pipe network, and the reading and transmitter system includes a piston or diaphragm, which is configured to load the spring of a spring-loaded generator to obtain mechanical energy from the pressure changes in the water pipe network, and wherein the piston is mechanically driven by the pressure changes in the water pipe network, the piston drives a mechanical spring for storing mechanical energy, and the spring is configured to drive an electromagnetic motor and generate electrical energy when released, and the electrical energy is configured to power reading the water meter and transmitting the water meter reading to a receiver.

[0022] The method for powering reading a water meter according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0023] - pressure changes in the water pipe network,

[0024] -Pressure changes drive a mechanical piston,

[0025] -Store the kinetic energy of the piston as potential energy in a mechanical spring,

[0026] - The potential energy stored in the mechanical spring is converted into electrical energy by an electric motor,

[0027] - Use the harvested electricity to power the water meter reading.

[0028] The method for on-site powering for reading a water meter, a motion detector of a faucet or a water valve opening according to the present invention comprises the following steps,

[0029] - pressure changes in the water pipe network,

[0030] -Pressure changes drive a mechanical piston,

[0031] -Store the kinetic energy of the piston as potential energy in a mechanical spring,

[0032] - The potential energy stored in the mechanical spring is converted into electrical energy by an electric motor,

[0033] - The electrical energy harvested is used to power the reading water meter and to power the transmitter to send the meter reading to the receiver. The system includes a piston or diaphragm to harvest mechanical energy from pressure changes in the water pipe network.

[0034] A software program product according to the invention is stored in a non-transitory storage medium and is configured to receive water meter readings from a plurality of water meters powered by pressure variations in a water pipe network.

[0035] A software program product according to the present invention is stored in a non-volatile storage medium, and the software program product is configured to receive water meter readings from a plurality of on-site water meters powered by pressure changes in a water pipe network, and the software program product is configured to receive and store water meter readings received via a wired or wireless communication network when there are pressure changes in the water pipe network.

[0036] The method for on-site powering for reading a water meter, a motion detector of a faucet or a water valve opening according to the present invention comprises the following steps,

[0037] - pressure changes in the water pipe network,

[0038] -Pressure changes drive a mechanical piston,

[0039] -Store the kinetic energy of the piston as potential energy in a mechanical spring,

[0040] - The potential energy stored in the mechanical spring is converted into electrical energy by an electric motor,

[0041] - The obtained electrical energy is used to power the reading of the water meter and to power the transmitter to send the water meter reading to the receiver, the system includes a piston or a diaphragm to obtain mechanical energy from the pressure changes in the water pipe network, the piston is mechanically driven by the pressure changes in the water pipe network, the piston drives a mechanical spring for storing mechanical energy, and the spring is configured to drive an electromagnetic motor and generate electrical energy when released, and the electrical energy is configured to power the reading of the water meter and the transmission of the water meter reading to the receiver.

[0042] The present invention has many advantages. Water utilities can collect water meter readings without sending technicians to water consumption locations to replace batteries or perform water meter readings. Already installed conventional water meters can be utilized, and other installation of the reading device does not change any existing water distribution infrastructure, except that the reading device needs to be connected to the water pipe network by a plumber. In addition, since the water utility knows that the water distribution network itself will automatically generate consumption readings from the water meters, the water utility can automate other business processes related to the generated water meter readings, such as billing.

[0043] In addition, and with reference to the above advantages of the combined embodiments, the best mode of the present invention for existing water meters is considered to be a small meter reading device installed with a water pipe network, which captures a photographic image of the water meter consumption reading. For buildings and retrofit facilities with existing old-style water meters in operation, the best mode of the present invention is considered to be an integrated water meter and water meter reading device, the length and connector size of which are the same as those of the existing old-style water meters. The water meter reading device uses a piston or diaphragm to obtain energy from changes in hydrostatic and dynamic pressure in the water pipe. The mechanical movement of the piston or diaphragm is converted into electrical energy by an electromagnetic motor, which generates a charging pulse to the capacitor when the pressure changes. The capacitor then releases the generated electrical energy to power the circuit that reads the water meter consumption reading. The water meter reading device uses the electrical energy released from the capacitor when reading the consumption, and also uses LPWAN, wireless M-Bus, Bluetooth and / or Zigbee communication technology to transmit the water meter reading to the water department, and when the water department receives the reading, it timestamps the reading. In the best mode, there is no clock at the water meter end because the clock will consume power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments according to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] Figure 1A A prior art screenshot 10 from a prior art application is shown, which shows the variation of water pressure in a household water pipe over time.

[0046] Figure 1BA 24 hour pressure graph 11 is shown, measured by a water company, showing the variation of water pressure in bars (Y-axis) over time (X-axis) in a water pipe network.

[0047] Figure 1C A 1-hour pressure graph 12 is shown, measured by a water company, showing the variation of water pressure in bars (Y-axis) over time (X-axis) in a water pipe network.

[0048] Figure 1D A 24-hour pressure diagram 13 is shown, measured by a water company, which shows the variation of the water pressure in bar (Y-axis) over time (X-axis) in the water pipe network of the sprinklers, wherein no water is consumed during this time period.

[0049] Figure 2 A prior art water meter 20 is shown.

[0050] Figure 3 A block diagram of embodiment 30 of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 4 A flow chart showing an embodiment 40 of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 5A A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown in an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe is low.

[0053] Figure 5B A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe increases to a first trigger level.

[0054] Figure 5C A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe increases above a first trigger level.

[0055] Figure 5D A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe decreases to less than a first trigger level.

[0056] Figure 5E A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe decreases below a first trigger level and returns to the initial state.

[0057] Fig. 5F A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50F of the system of the present invention is shown in an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe is different and the preload of the compression spring is changed.

[0058] Figure 5GA schematic diagram of an embodiment 50G of the system of the present invention is shown in an initial state, wherein the diaphragm acts as a piston.

[0059] Fig. 6A An embodiment 60 of the system of the present invention is shown for communicating water meter readings to a water utility company via a communications network using a low power wireless local area network.

[0060] Figure 6B The water meter reading process of an embodiment 60 of the system of the present invention for communicating water meter readings to a water utility company via a communications network using a low power wireless local area network is illustrated in the form of a time diagram showing operation over time.

[0061] Figure 6C An embodiment 60C of the system of the present invention is shown which utilizes a wireless M-Bus to communicate water meter readings to a water utility via a communications network.

[0062] Fig.6D The water meter reading process of an embodiment 60C of the system of the present invention for communicating water meter readings to a water utility company via a communications network using a wireless M-Bus is illustrated in the form of a time diagram showing operation over time.

[0063] Figure 7 A block diagram of an embodiment 70 of the electronics of the system of the present invention is shown.

[0064] Figure 8 An advanced embodiment 80 is shown, in which water consumption and pressure difference are measured using the inventive water meter self-powered device installed into a water pipe network.

[0065] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram 90 shows how the present invention may be configured for installation into a shut-off valve in a water pipe network according to the present invention.

[0066] Fig. 10A A schematic diagram of an integrated water meter of the present invention is shown, wherein an energy harvester is mounted horizontally within the water meter to achieve an embodiment 91 of a self-powered water meter.

[0067] Fig. 10B A schematic diagram of an integrated water meter of the present invention is shown, wherein an energy harvester is mounted vertically within the water meter to achieve an embodiment 92 of a self-powered water meter.

[0068] Fig. 10C A schematic diagram of an integrated water meter of the present invention is shown, wherein the energy harvester is mounted vertically within the water meter, below the dial and cover and perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the water pipe to achieve embodiment 93 of a self-powered water meter.

[0069] Fig. 10DA schematic diagram of an integrated water meter of the present invention is shown, wherein the energy harvester has a maximum piston or diaphragm area and is vertically mounted within the water meter, below the dial and cover and perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in the water pipe to achieve an embodiment 94 of a self-powered water meter.

[0070] Some embodiments are described in the dependent claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Figure 1A A prior art screenshot 10 of a prior art mobile application is shown, which shows the change in water pressure over time in a household water pipe. The times are marked on the X-axis, such as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, etc. As can be seen, most of the pressure changes are intra-day changes. These changes are caused by events such as filling / emptying a bathtub, flushing a toilet, or operating a dishwasher and / or washing machine. The pressure changes in the water pipes are usually 1 bar to 3 bars. The pressure changes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays indicate that the owner was not at home at the time. Therefore, these events and pressure changes show that even if the owner of the house is away, water use by neighbors, etc. will cause significant pressure changes in the water pipe network of the house.

[0072] Pressure changes are caused by changes in hydrostatic pressure and, when the fluid is flowing, the pressure associated with the dynamic component of the fluid flow.

[0073] Figure 1B A 24 hour water pressure graph 11 is shown, where the X-axis represents time and the Y-axis represents pressure in bar. The graph was recorded by the water department. As we can see, the peak to valley pressure difference varies quite a bit. Most of the time, the peak to valley pressure difference is about 0.3 bar. Occasionally, the peak to valley pressure difference exceeds 1 bar.

[0074] Figure 1C A 1-hour pressure graph 12 is shown, where the X-axis represents time and the Y-axis represents pressure in bar. This graph was recorded by the water authority. This graph confirms our findings at a higher time resolution. Figure 1B The peak-to-valley pressure difference is about 0.3 bar most of the time. Occasionally, the peak-to-valley pressure difference exceeds 1 bar.

[0075] The results of these observations suggest that if no energy is stored over time during use, the energy budget for a 1 bar hydrostatic pressure change may be available at some point during the day, whereas the energy budget for a 0.3 bar hydrostatic pressure change may be available almost all day. Figure 1B and Figure 1C Both show measurement results for a water pipe network that is actively used (ie there is water consumption).

[0076] Figure 1DA 24-hour pressure diagram 13 is shown for a sprinkler system recorded by the water authority, which does not have any own consumption during this time period. Here, the peak-to-valley pressure variation is smaller than in a network with own water consumption. The diagram only shows pressure variations caused by factors other than own consumption. Most of the time, the peak-to-valley pressure difference is 0.1 bar or more. Occasionally, the peak-to-valley pressure difference is 0.5 bar.

[0077] The power budget obtained from the pressure change can be approximated by the power calculation formula of the hydraulic system, where power (W) = pressure (Pa) * Q (volume flow). Figure 1C , the pressure change of 0.3 bar occurs in the time period t from 1s to 10s. If we assume that the pressure change of 0.3 bar = 30000Pa, the piston area is 0.005m 2 , and the piston travels 0.005 m, then the power of the hydrostatic pressure change at t = 1 s is 30,000 kg m -1 s -2 *0.005m 2 *0.005ms -1 = 0.75 W at t = 10 s and 0.075 W at t = 10 s. This power seems to be sufficient to overcome the inertial and frictional forces in the energy harvesting system. The power consumed by the readout electronics and data processing can be very small.

[0078] The energy budget can be approximated using the working energy. The low pressure is 4.0 bar (when the trigger rod 508 actuates the spring loader 515) and the high pressure is 4.5 bar (when the trigger rod 508 releases the spring loader 515; the generator 510 rotates by the mechanical energy stored in the torsion spring 514). The displacement distance of the piston 506 under the pressure difference is 5 mm. The diameter of the piston 506 is 80 mm. Due to the compression spring 505, the force that moves the trigger rod 508 can be the pressure difference (4.5 bar-4.0 bar=0.5 bar) and the diameter of the piston 506 (d=80 mm=>0.005 mm 2 ). Force (F = P*A*50%) is 0.5*100000N / m 2 *0.005m 2 *0.5 = 125 N. The torsion spring 514 is loaded by moving the trigger rod 5 mm. In this case, no loss The amount of energy (W) loaded into the torsion spring 514 is 125N*0.005m*1=0.63Nm=0.63Ws. For a pressure change of 0.3 bar, using the same power budget parameters, the energy budget is 0.38Nm=0.38Ws.

[0079] However, any information sent over the radio link will be subject to power = strength * 4πr 2 , where r is the distance between the transmitter and the receiver of the communication link. Here, the transmitter is approximated as a non-directional or omnidirectional spherical transmitter. The calculated working energy seems to be sufficient to power the readings of the current water meter consumption into the memory and to power the transmission of these readings over a certain distance.

[0080] Therefore, as the distance between the water meter and the water utility's receiver increases, the transmission strength of the coded water meter reading at the water utility will increase inversely proportional to the square of the distance (i.e., r -2 ). Obviously, water authorities can reduce the Figure 6C r is controlled by the distance to the receiver 606 in the water pipe network. Similarly, the water authority can control the pressure change, for example, by deliberately creating a pressure change in the water pipe network, preferably by first reducing the water pressure and then increasing the water pressure. The pressure change can be achieved, for example, by controlling the water level in a water tower or by controlling a water pump. In addition, during the installation phase, the water authority can also control the area of ​​the hydrostatic pressure change facing the piston or diaphragm, and the larger this area, the more hydraulic energy is captured.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the piston size, electronics and link distance are selected so as to generate sufficient power to produce sufficient signal strength at the water utility receiver to receive and read the water meter reading.

[0082] Figure 2 A prior art water meter 20 is shown. Prior art water meters typically have a mechanical device whose response to fluid flow can be equated to the volume of fluid flowing through it per unit time. The water meter 20 displays consumption readings as numbers on a dial. Here, these numbers are currently Figure 2 As fluid flows through the pipe, the number will increase to show the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe to which the meter is connected.

[0083] Figure 3A block diagram of an embodiment 30 of the present invention is shown. A water pipe is shown as 301, and a sensor 303 is configured to measure the water flow through the water pipe 301. The sensor 303 can be any type of fluid flow measurement sensor, such as based on optical, electrical, magnetic or mechanical measurement or a combination of the above measurement techniques. In one embodiment, a water meter 20 of the prior art can operate as a sensor 303. An energy collector 302 is configured to harvest energy from water pressure changes in the water pipe 301. For example, embodiment 50 shows an example of an energy collector 302. The mechanical energy of the pressure fluctuations is converted into electrical energy for operating an electronic device 304. The electronic device 304 is configured to capture the reading of the sensor 303, i.e., the water meter reading. Then, the electronic device 304 uses the same electrical energy received from the energy collector 302 to power the transmitter 305, and sends the captured water meter reading to the pipeline monitoring system 307 via a communication network, which in some embodiments of the present invention can be a wireless network 306, or a wired network, or both. The pipeline monitoring system 307 is typically implemented through a cloud computing network. The cloud computing network typically belongs to a water utility company that operates a network of water pipes and sells water to owners of homes connected to the water pipes 301 .

[0084] The wireless network 306 is typically a low-power network, such as LPWAN (Low Power Wireless Local Area Network), Zigbee, CAT-M1, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-iOT), M-Bus, etc. However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the wireless network 306 may be a wireless Internet or telephone network, which is typically a cellular network, such as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), GSM (Global Mobile Telecommunications System), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), 3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi and / or WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) network. In some embodiments, the wireless network connection 306 is replaced by a wired communication connection, or a wired communication connection and a wireless communication connection are used in combination to achieve communication with a pipeline monitoring system 307, which is typically located on a cloud server.

[0085] In an example, the cloud server 307 may include multiple servers (not shown). In an exemplary implementation, the cloud server 307 may be any type of database server, file server, web server, application server, etc. configured to store data related to water metering. In another exemplary implementation, the cloud server 307 may include multiple databases for storing data files. The database may be, for example, a structured query language (SQL) database, a NoSQL database (such as SQL Server), server, Database, etc. The cloud server 307 may be deployed in a cloud environment managed by a cloud storage service provider, and the database may be configured as a cloud-based database implemented in the cloud environment.

[0086] Cloud server 307 may include input and output devices, and typically includes a monitor (display), keyboard, mouse and / or touch screen. However, more than one computer server is typically used at one time, so some computers may only include the computer itself, and there is no screen and keyboard. These types of computers are typically stored in a server room, which is used to implement the cloud network used by the cloud server 307 of some embodiments of the present invention. Cloud server 307 can be purchased as a separate solution from known suppliers such as Microsoft and Amazon and HP (Hewlett-Packard). Cloud server 307 typically runs Unix, Microsoft, iOS, Linux or any other known operating system, and typically includes a microprocessor, memory, and data storage device, such as SSD flash memory or hard drive. In order to improve the responsiveness of cloud architecture, data is preferably stored in whole or in part on SSD (i.e. flash memory). This component is selected / configured from existing cloud suppliers such as Microsoft or Amazon, or existing cloud network operators such as Microsoft or Amazon are configured to store all data to flash-based cloud storage operators such as Pure Storage, EMC, Nimble Storage, etc. Due to durability, it is preferred to use flash memory as the backbone storage for cloud server 307. The collected sensor data can be analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI), for example to generate leak and / or malfunction alerts in the pipe network, detect theft, and optimize the control of water pumps.

[0087] Any features of embodiment 30 may be readily combined or used in conjunction with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0088] Figure 4A flow chart of an embodiment 40 of the present invention is shown. In stage 401, a pressure change in a water pipe network is caused, for example, by a leak, flushing a toilet, taking a shower, etc. In stage 402, the fluid pressure change causes a mechanical piston to move. According to the present invention, the change can be an increase or decrease in pressure. In stage 403, the kinetic energy associated with the movement of the piston is stored as potential energy in, for example, a mechanical spring. In stage 404, the potential energy stored in the mechanical spring is converted into electrical energy by an electric motor. Finally, the electrical energy obtained in stage 404 is used to power the reading of the water meter in stage 405. And in stage 406, the obtained electrical energy is used to power the transmission of the measured water meter reading to the water department. The communication link between the water department and the water meter requires a sufficiently short distance so that sufficient transmission strength from the water meter transmitter is recorded in the water department receiver. It is therefore believed that the LPWAN link described in the reference of Singh et al. can be used as a communication link between the water meter and the water department.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, kinetic energy can also be directly converted into electrical energy without using the mechanical spring for energy transmission.

[0090] Any features of embodiment 40 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0091] Figure 5A A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention in an initial state is shown, when the pressure in the water pipe is low. The water pipe 501 is a common water pipe that can bring cold or hot water into the house. The water pipe 501 can bring drinking water or domestic water according to the cleaning standards used by the water department. The cylinder 502 is connected to the water pipe 501, and the cylinder 502 contains a piston 503 with a piston seal 504. The piston 503 moves as the pressure in the water pipe changes. There is a compression spring 505 designed to inhibit the movement of the piston. The position of the cylinder head 506 can be changed, usually by raising or lowering, and is used to adjust the operating pressure range for which the energy harvester is designed. In some embodiments of the present invention, changing the spring constant of the compression spring 505 will achieve the same effect as adjusting the operating pressure range. The shaft 507 is designed to transmit kinetic energy forward and has two trigger rods 508 and 509. When the pressure in the pipe changes and the piston moves, the trigger rods 508 and 509 will pass through the spring-loaded rod 515. The spring loaded rod 515 moves the main gear 513 which in turn moves the generator gear 512. When this happens, the torsion spring 514 is also moved and tightened to ensure that the spring loaded rod 515 eventually returns to the initial position. Figure 5AAn initial position of the torsion spring 514 is shown, and when the spring loading rod 515 moves, the torsion spring 514 is tensioned from its initial position.

[0092] Let us go through a series of FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G Let's observe the operation of embodiment 50.

[0093] Figure 5B A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the system 50 of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe 501 changes from Figure 5A The low pressure level in the trigger rod 508 increases to a first trigger level where the trigger rod 508 is pushed past the spring loader 515. The pressure reaches the first trigger level and the torsion spring 514 is fully loaded. The generator 510 generates electrical energy based on the movement, which is transmitted to the electronic device 517 via the wire 511.

[0094] Figure 5C A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after the initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe 501 increases beyond the first trigger level. Now the spring loader 515 and the torsion spring 514 are released, and the gears 513 and 512 are rotated and electrical energy is generated / collected. The generator 510 generates electrical energy based on this movement, which is transmitted to the electronic device 517 via the wire 511.

[0095] It should be noted that if the pressure increases further, electrical energy is generated by triggering rod 509. In some embodiments, there may be several triggering rods, so that the system can adapt to different pressure ranges and different pressure change steps within the range. Several trigger levels can be used to measure pressure. For example, a trigger level of water pressure = 4 bar can be associated with rod 508, and triggering rod 509 can be associated with water pressure = 4.3 bar. According to the present invention, the number of rods can be increased, for example including water pressures of 4.6 bar and 4.7 bar, or a lower water pressure level of 3.7 bar. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure level can also have a step of 0.5 bar, or in fact the pressure step can have any size, as long as it can produce a favorable energy budget for water meter reading and transmission.

[0096] Figure 5D A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe 501 decreases to less than a first trigger level, ie, the trigger rod 508 passes the spring loader 515 when advancing in a downward direction.

[0097] According to the present invention, the energy harvester can be configured as at least two of the following options:

[0098] 1) No energy is generated when the pressure drops: At this time, the spring loader 515 adopts a bypass path and finally returns to the initial position.

[0099] 2) Energy is generated when the pressure drops: At this time, the energy comes from the compression spring 505, which then pulls the shaft 507 back to a balanced position with the pressure of the water pipe 501.

[0100] Figure 5E A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the present invention is shown after an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe 501 drops below a first trigger level. The pressure variation cycle of the energy harvester 50 is now complete.

[0101] Fig. 5F A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the invention is shown in an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe 501 is different and the preload of the compression spring 505 is changed. The preload of the compression spring 505 can be adjusted by lowering or raising the cylinder cover 506. Here, the piston can also be replaced by a diaphragm 527, which is arranged between the flanges 528, 529. Here, the pressure in the pipe 501 is quite low and the diaphragm 527 is in a static state.

[0102] Figure 5G A schematic diagram of an embodiment 50 of the system of the invention is shown in an initial state, wherein the diaphragm 527 acts as the piston 503. The diaphragm 527 isolates the pressure side and the non-pressure side. This practical application is simpler than the cylinder 502, the piston 503 and its seal 504 according to the invention. The diaphragm 527 is located between the flanges 528, 529. Here, the pressure in the water pipe 501 is quite high, and the diaphragm 527 extends into the cylinder 502, and the diaphragm 527 pushes the shaft 507 upwards.

[0103] Any features of embodiment 50 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 60, 61, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0104] Fig. 6A An embodiment 60 of the system of the present invention is shown for transmitting water meter readings to a water company via a communication network using a low power wireless local area network. Parts of embodiment 60 correspond substantially to those explained in embodiment 30, but here the communication link is selected to be a low power wireless local area network link. The energy harvester 602 may be substantially FIG. 5A to FIG. 5G Any variation of embodiment 50 explained in the above. Sensor 603 is a water meter, for example similar to Figure 2 The water meter in 20.

[0105] Figure 6BThe water meter reading process of an embodiment 60 of the system of the present invention for transmitting water meter readings to a water utility via a communications network using a low power wireless local area network is shown in the form of a time graph, which shows the operation over time. In the top graph, the Y axis represents power in Watts and the X axis represents time in seconds. In the middle graph, the Y axis represents voltage and the X axis represents time. The bottom graph shows the duration of different stages of the process, with the X axis representing time in seconds. These graphs share the same X axis, i.e., the time is the same on each of the three X axes.

[0106] At 609, the power generation is triggered and the torsion spring 514 is released. At 610, the output power (I*U) is the output power of the generator 517. At 611, the output voltage of the collected electrical energy is in the energy storage, which is a capacitor. At 612, the operating voltage of the electronic device 604 is reached. At 613, the operation of the microprocessor is started.

[0107] At 614, sensor data, which may include water temperature, pressure and consumption, is read and the data packet to be sent is processed. Optionally, the data packet may be encrypted. At 615, the data packet is transmitted using the LPWAN transceiver 605. Typically, the LPWAN transceiver sends the data packet twice. At 616, the voltage of the energy storage device is reduced to below the operating voltage. Therefore, the electronic device is in a power-off state before time 609 and after time 616, i.e., there is no power supply. The short usage time of the electronic device has the following advantages: the power consumption of the water meter reading is low and can therefore be self-powered by the energy harvester 602 of embodiment 50.

[0108] Any features of embodiment 60 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 61, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0109] Figure 6C An embodiment 61 of the system of the present invention is shown for communicating water meter readings to a water utility via a communications network using wireless M-Bus. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments 30 and 60, but the communication of water meter readings to the water utility is accomplished via a wireless M-Bus transmitter 605, an M-Bus gateway collector 606 with its own power supply, and the Internet, typically connected to a pipeline monitoring system 607 in a cloud network. M-Bus (EN 13757-2, EN 13757-3) is a European standard for remote reading of water, gas or electricity meters.

[0110] In some embodiments, water meter readings are transmitted using Mode S "Static Mode" in the M-Bus protocol. Mode S is intended for one-way or two-way communication between a meter and a fixed or mobile device. A special transmit-only submode S1 is optimized for static battery-powered devices with a long header, and submodes S1-m are dedicated to mobile receivers. In Mode S, the meter sends data spontaneously, periodically, or randomly. Frame transmissions from the meter to other devices use a bit rate of 32.768 kbps, and reverse communications also occur at 32.768 kbps.

[0111] In mode S1, the meter does not care if there is any receiver. The meter goes into power saving mode immediately after sending the data without waiting for a response. This is a one-way communication. In some embodiments, this one-way communication is powered by the energy harvester 602 to transmit the water meter reading according to the present invention.

[0112] Fig.6D The water meter reading process of an embodiment 61 of the system of the present invention for communicating water meter readings to a water utility company via a communications network using a wireless M-Bus is illustrated in the form of a time diagram showing operation over time.

[0113] In the top graph, the Y-axis represents power in Watts and the X-axis represents time in seconds. In the middle graph, the Y-axis represents voltage and the X-axis represents time in seconds. The bottom graph shows the duration of different stages of the process with the X-axis having time in seconds. These graphs share the same X-axis, i.e. the time is the same on each of the three X-axes.

[0114] At 609, the power generation is triggered and the torsion spring 514 is released. At 610, the output power (I*U) is the output power of the generator 517. At 611, the output voltage of the collected electrical energy is in the energy storage, which is a capacitor. At 612, the operating voltage of the electronic device 604 is reached. At 613, the operation of the microprocessor is started.

[0115] At 614, the sensor data, which may include water temperature, pressure, and consumption, is read and the data packet to be sent is processed. Optionally, the data packet may be encrypted. At 615, the data packet is sent using the wireless M-Bus transceiver 605.

[0116] Therefore, the electronics is in a powered-off state, ie without power supply, before time 609 and after time 618. The short usage time of the electronics has the following advantages: the water meter reading has low power consumption and can therefore be self-powered by the energy harvester 602 of type 50.

[0117] Any features of embodiment 61 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 60 and / or 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0118] Figure 7 A block diagram of an embodiment 70 of the electronics of the system of the present invention is shown. A generator 701 provides electrical energy to the electronics 714 via electrical wires 702. A diode 703 or energy harvester chip can boost the tail voltage 610. 704 is a capacitor bank providing energy storage.

[0119] 705 is the power supply for the wireless interface, 706 is the power supply for the microprocessor, and 707 is the power supply for the sensor interface. 708 is the microprocessor, and 709, 710 are the communication buses. 711 is the sensor interface, and 712 is the communication interface typically used for wired devices. 716 is a sensor, typically detecting any of the following: pressure, temperature, flow, volume, chemical composition and / or pH. 715 is the value or data of the sensor that needs to be read, in this case typically a water meter reading. In some embodiments, optionally, 713 can be used to power the sensor operation when reading the value 715. For example, the communication technology between 711 to 715 can be any of the following: M-Bus, I 2 C bus, CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter).

[0120] In some embodiments, the energy harvester can also be used to power a valve, motion sensor, or similar component of a faucet. For example, in some embodiments according to the present invention, a contactless public faucet at an airport, bus station, train station, or similar facility can use the energy harvester of the present invention.

[0121] It should be noted that the self-powered reading device of the present invention can also be combined with a prior art battery-free flow counter (such as the counter shown in US2015 / 0135852). In some embodiments of the present invention, the self-powered technology of the energy harvester is integrated into a water meter. This type of water meter can be installed only once, and from the installation, the water meter will continue to provide water meter readings to the water department for decades, centuries or possibly even longer. In a preferred embodiment, a flow counter of the above type measures water consumption and powers the water consumption measurement itself. The energy harvester of the present invention uses the static water energy captured by the piston or diaphragm to power the readings of the above water consumption measurements stored in the memory. The inventive energy harvester also powers a receiver that transmits the measurement readings from the memory to the water department via a radio / microwave link.

[0122] Any features of embodiment 70 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0123] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an embodiment 80 of the system of the present invention is shown in an initial state, when the pressure in the water pipe is low, and this embodiment is similar to embodiment 50, but has some additional differences. A cylinder 802 containing a piston 803 is mounted to connect to the water pipe network. Reference numerals whose first digit is 8 correspond to reference numerals whose first digit is 5, for example, the spring loader 515 in FIG. 5 is similar to Figure 8 Spring loader 815 in.

[0124] There are four rods 808, 809, 821, 822 that interact with the spring loader 815. Corresponding to the rods 808, 809, 821, 822, there are magnetic reed switches 832, 834, 836, 838 on the other side of the shaft 807. As the shaft 807 moves, the magnet 830 moves past the reed switches 832, 834, 836, 838 at a certain water pressure. In some embodiments, the magnet 830 can be arranged to contact the reed switch 838 at 7 bars of water pressure, the reed switch 836 at 6 bars of water pressure, the reed switch 834 at 5 bars of water pressure, and the reed switch 832 at 4 bars of water pressure. Ideally, the rods 808, 809, 821, 822 are arranged so that they pass the spring loader 815 just before the magnet 830 passes the reed switch. In this way, in an otherwise unpowered system, the power required to process the pressure reading from the reed switches 832, 834, 836, 838 is generated before the reading is taken.

[0125] The pressure readings are transmitted from the reed switches 832 , 834 , 836 , 838 via wiring 840 to the digital input 842 of the electronics 817 .

[0126] Any features of embodiment 80 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0127] Fig. 9A preferred installation embodiment 90 of a water meter 920, an energy harvesting system 910 for water meter reading and pressure measurement, and a shutoff valve 900 is shown. In this embodiment, a water pressure fluctuation powered transmitter 910 integrated (or connected) to the shutoff valve 900 facilitates installation when an existing water meter 920 is read by a camera 930 or a pulse counter 940 and there is limited space for modification of the pipe 901. In these cases, the transmitter 910 and valve 900 with standard connection sizes eliminate the need for pipe modification.

[0128] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transmitter 910 and valve 900 may be sold as a two-piece kit. In addition, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transmitter 910, valve 900, and readout electronics with pulse counter 940 or camera 930 may be sold as a three-piece kit. In addition, in some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transmitter 910, valve 900, and readout electronics with pulse counter 940 or camera 930 and water meter may be sold as a four-piece kit.

[0129] In a preferred embodiment, the water meter mechanical counter 940 has at least one rotating permanent magnet and a Wiegand wire sensor for sensing the position of the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet generates an electrical pulse when passing through the Wiegand sensor. The electrical pulse is counted by the counter 940, which is powered by the energy of the electrical pulse. The counter 940 can be an iC-PMX energy collection multi-turn counter from iC-Haus GmbH. The main benefit of this arrangement is that the counter 940 does not require an external power supply. When the system is powered by the water pressure change in the stop valve 900, the counter interface 711 reads the counter 940 data.

[0130] In an alternative embodiment, water meter readings are performed visually by recording a photographic image of the water meter consumption dial reading with an ultra-low power camera (such as a counter camera NanEye-DS000501, or a similar ultra-low power footprint, ultra-low data footprint miniature camera). The water meter 920 dial or display data is photographed and recorded as the water pressure changes, and the water pressure changes power the use of the camera in accordance with the present invention. The photograph of the recorded water meter reading is then compressed and sent to the water department using a wireless transmitter 910, and a timestamp is added when the photograph arrives at the water department computer server.

[0131] Any features of embodiment 90 may be readily used in combination or arrangement with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93 and / or 94 according to the present invention.

[0132] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C , Fig. 10D An integrated self-powered water meter is shown which derives its operating power from changes in the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the water pipe network. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D Not all features in the drawings are drawn to scale and some features may be larger or smaller than shown.

[0133] exist Fig. 10A In the embodiment 91, a configuration is shown in which the surface of the piston does not hinder the flow of fluid in the pipeline. Therefore, the movement of the piston is mainly caused by the change of the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid in the pipeline network.

[0134] exist Fig. 10B , embodiment 92 shows a configuration in which the energy collector is located below the liquid container of the water meter. The structural components of the energy collectors 802 to 842 can also be configured so that the piston 803 of the energy collection system 802 to 842 faces the top of the page.

[0135] exist Fig. 10C Embodiment 93 shows a configuration in which the energy collector is located above the liquid container of the water meter.

[0136] exist Fig. 10D , embodiment 94 shows a configuration that maximizes the piston or diaphragm area to capture as much hydraulic power or hydrostatic power as possible from the hydrostatic pressure change. Water flows in pipe 801 in the direction of the arrow.

[0137] Any features of embodiments 91, 92, 93 and 94 may be easily combined or arranged with each other, and with any of the other embodiments 30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70, 80, and / or 90 according to the present invention.

[0138] The invention has been explained above with reference to the above described embodiments and several commercial and industrial advantages are shown.The method and arrangement of the invention allow to read a water meter permanently without changing the power supply of the reading device.

[0139] The invention has been explained above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiments. However, it is clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only, but encompasses all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the inventive idea and patent claims.

[0140] References

[0141] EP 2314997 B1, System and method for detecting leaks in a pipeline network, Rand, Paul Framingham.

[0142] WO 2020215116, Detection of structural anomalies in pipeline networks, Stephens et al.

[0143] https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=hxuFuT-RQyI, Bloomington, Minnesota, USA

[0144] US2015 / 0135852, Battery-free meter for flowing media, Yefimov et al.

[0145] Energy Consumption Analysis of LPWAN Technologies and Lifetime Estimation for IoT Applications, Ritesh Kumar Singh, Priyesh Papineseri Pulukul, Raphael Berkvens and Martin Wayne, Sensors, 2020, Volume 20, Article 4794; Digital Object Identifier: 10.3390 / s20174794.

Claims

1. An on-site self-powered water meter reading and transmitter system (30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70) that derives its operating power from pressure changes of a fluid in a network of water pipes (301, 501, 601).

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The system (30, 40, 50, 60, 61, 70) comprises a piston (503) or a diaphragm configured to load a spring of a spring-loaded generator to extract mechanical energy from pressure changes in the network of water pipes (301, 501, 601).

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The mechanical movement of the piston (503) is converted into electrical energy, which is used to read the water meter (303, 603) reading of the user's water meter and is used to transmit the reading to the water department using a wireless or wired communication network (306, 307).

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The water meter configured to be read has a mechanical or digital memory for recording a reading of water consumption.

5. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that The piston (503) is mechanically driven by pressure changes in the network of water pipes (301, 501, 601), and the piston drives a mechanical spring (514) for storing mechanical energy, and the spring is configured to drive an electromagnetic motor (510) and generate electrical energy when released, and the electrical energy is configured to power reading the water meter and transmitting the water meter reading to a receiver.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The water meter is configured to be read by the reading system when a pressure change occurs in the water pipe (301, 501, 601).

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressure variation in the water pipe network is initiated from or by the water authority to read at least one water meter.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The water meter reading and / or transmission system is integrated into the water meter.

9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that The water meter reading is timestamped when received by the water authority, and / or the water meter does not have a clock.

10. A method for providing on-site power supply for reading a water meter, a motion detector for a faucet, or a water valve opening, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: - a pressure change occurs in the water pipe network (401), - the pressure change drives the mechanical piston (402), - storing the kinetic energy of the piston as potential energy in a mechanical spring (403), - converting the potential energy stored in the mechanical spring into electrical energy via an electric motor (404), - The electrical energy obtained is used to power a reading water meter (405) and to power a transmitter to send the water meter reading to a receiver, and the system includes a piston (503) or a diaphragm to obtain mechanical energy from pressure changes in the water pipe network (301, 501, 601).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The mechanical movement of the piston (503) is converted into electrical energy, which is used to read the water meter reading of the user's water meter and to transmit the water meter reading to the water department using a wireless or wired communication network (306, 307).

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The water meter configured to be read has a mechanical or digital memory for recording a reading of water consumption.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The piston (503) is mechanically driven by pressure changes in the network of water pipes (301, 501, 601), and the piston (503) drives a mechanical spring (514) for storing mechanical energy, and the spring (514) is configured to drive an electromagnetic motor and generate electrical energy when released, and the electrical energy is configured to power reading the water meter and transmitting the water meter reading to a receiver.

14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The water meter is configured to be read by the reading system when a pressure change occurs in the water pipe (301, 501, 601).

15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The pressure variation in the water pipe network is initiated from or by the water authority to read at least one water meter.

16. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The water meter reading and / or transmission system is integrated into the water meter.

17. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The water meter reading is timestamped when received by the water authority, and / or the water meter does not have a clock.

18. A software program product stored in a non-transitory storage medium, configured to receive water meter readings from a plurality of on-site water meters (303, 603) powered by pressure changes in the water pipe (301, 501, 601) network, and the software program product is configured to receive and store water meter readings received via a wireless or wired communication network (306, 307) when there is a pressure change in the water pipe network (301, 501, 601).

19. The software program product according to claim 18, characterized in that The pressure variation in the water pipe network is initiated from or by the software program product to read at least one water meter.

20. The software program product according to claim 18, characterized in that The software program product is configured to receive and store more water meter readings when there is a pressure change in the water pipe network than when there is no pressure change or a small pressure change in the water pipe network.

21. The software program product according to claim 18, wherein: The water meter reading is timestamped when received by the water authority, and / or the water meter does not have a clock.

22. A kit comprising a stop valve 900 and an on-site self-powered water meter reading and transmitter system according to claim 1, wherein the stop valve is configured to: - providing an interface for said piston or diaphragm to sense the water pressure in said water pipe network, - Installed to the water pipe network.

23. The kit according to claim 22, characterized in that The kit includes readout electronics with a pulse counter 940 and / or a camera 930 .

24. The kit of claim 22, wherein: The kit includes a water meter, the water meter is configured to be electronically read by the counter, or the water consumption reading of the reading dial of the water meter is configured to be photographed and recorded by the camera.

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