Temperature-controlled detection system for unintended water leakage (BLA) in drinking water networks

Abstract

Device for the early detection of an unintended leak of tap water, comprising - a contact temperature sensor attached to the outer surface of a water-carrying pipeline, - an electronic evaluation unit that is connected to the contact temperature sensor and continuously records, digitizes and stores temperature measurements, - an analysis and detection logic which calculates at least a temperature change rate, a temperature trend or a temperature gradient from the temporal temperature profiles, whereby an unintended leak of pipe water is detected if the analysis and detection logic detects a cooling of the pipeline characteristic of a water leak that cannot be explained by intended water consumption.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a temperature-based detection system for the early detection of unintended water leaks in drinking water installations. The system, designated "Temperature-controlled detection system for unintended water leaks (BLA) in drinking water networks," enables the identification of water damage solely based on characteristic temperature profiles on the outer wall of metallic or other pipes, without requiring any intervention in the pipe system. The system is particularly suitable for existing buildings, residential buildings, technical installations, and all applications where early detection of concealed or minor water leaks is relevant for safety and damage prevention.

[0002] The invention is based on the understanding that even the smallest leaks or gradual losses in the drinking water network lead to constant and reproducible temperature changes. The uncontrolled escape of water creates a continuous or intermittent inflow of cold water from deeper pipe sections or the main supply line. This inflow causes a measurable cooling of the pipe wall, which manifests itself in temperature gradients typical of leaks. This cooling occurs even when no water is being drawn from the building itself and thus differs significantly from normal operating consumption patterns.

[0003] The sensor measures temperature using an external contact temperature sensor attached to the pipe. This sensor is securely and permanently fixed to the pipe wall using a mechanical fastening such as a hose clamp. The sensor is integrated into an electrically insulating housing and connected via cable to an electronic evaluation and transmission unit. The evaluation unit continuously measures and digitizes the temperature values ​​and transmits them wirelessly, for example via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or to an external measuring station, a smartphone, or a server. The evaluation unit can be powered independently of the mains grid via a power bank or solar-assisted supply, enabling autonomous and long-term stable measurement within the building.

[0004] The temperature data generated by the invention are analyzed by software with regard to their changes over time. The leak detection logic includes, in particular, the evaluation of cooling rates, the monitoring of absolute and relative temperature changes over defined time intervals, and the identification of anomalies in the temperature trend that occur outside the building's normal consumption and standby cycles. If certain patterns typical of leaks are detected, for example, a continuous temperature drop over several minutes or hours without simultaneous water consumption, the system generates a corresponding warning message. The invention thus enables the detection of even minor water leaks, which are often not detected by conventional methods such as pressure drop measurement or flow monitoring, as these only react to larger or more prolonged volume losses.

[0005] The system requires no direct contact with the water and no structural modifications to the installation, as it measures only the outside temperature of the pipe. This makes the system particularly easy to retrofit, cost-effective, and suitable for use even in older buildings. At the same time, the method allows for the monitoring of individual pipe sections or complex pipe networks with multiple sensors, whose temperature data can be compared to enable precise localization or plausibility assessments. The invention can be integrated into cloud-based platforms or smart home systems upon request, and its trend display allows for continuous documentation of temperature profiles, which further contributes to evidence gathering and technical analysis.

[0006] The "Temperature-controlled detection system for unintended water leaks (BLA) in drinking water networks" represents an innovative, non-invasive, and energy-efficient early warning system that operates independently of line pressure and is particularly suitable for detecting even the smallest or concealed water leaks. The use of temperature-controlled leak detection offers several advantages over the current state of the art: it operates reliably even with very small leakage volumes, is insensitive to network fluctuations, requires no modifications to the pipe hydraulics, and enables permanently stable operation with minimal maintenance. Furthermore, installation, mounting, or rather, securing of the system can be carried out by anyone.

[0007] Additionally, a standard solenoid valve can be installed to shut off the line if necessary.

[0008] Utility model protection is sought for a device for the early detection of an unintended water leak from a pipe. The device comprises a contact temperature sensor attached to the outer surface of a water-carrying pipe, which is continuously read by an electronic evaluation unit. The evaluation unit records, digitizes, and stores the temperature measurements and calculates at least a temperature change rate, a temperature gradient, or a temperature trend from their temporal progression. This data is sent to an app for evaluation, where an alarm is then triggered.

[0009] An unintended water leak is detected by the analysis and detection logic identifying a cooling of the pipe characteristic of a leak that is not attributable to normal water consumption. The contact temperature sensor is preferably fixed to the pipe using a mechanical fastening, in particular a hose clamp. The evaluation unit can transmit the acquired data wirelessly via WLAN, Bluetooth, or SIM card and is optionally powered independently of a mains supply by a battery, a power bank, or a solar-powered energy module. The detection logic recognizes, in particular, temperature jumps, continuous cooling rates, trend-based deviations, or patterns of unintended temperature profiles and generates a warning message as soon as an abnormal cooling is detected within a predefined time interval.Temperature measurement is performed exclusively via the outer surface of the pipeline, without requiring contact with the medium inside. The evaluation unit can transmit the measurement data to a smartphone, a gateway, or a cloud server, where the temperature profiles are displayed and further processed. In a further configuration, multiple contact temperature sensors can be installed at different sections of a pipeline, with the evaluation unit comparing the temperature profiles to enable plausibility checks or the localization of a leak. The analysis and detection logic can also employ machine learning methods or self-learning pattern recognition algorithms to increase the accuracy and reliability of leak detection. Fig. 1 - Temperature contact sensor on the pipeline with transmitter unit 1 temperature sensor 2 mounting clamps 3 Pipeline with flowing medium 4 transmitter units 5 symbolically represents data transmission via WLAN / radio, Bluetooth or SIM Fig. 2 - Evaluation unit, e.g., mobile phone or tablet with installed app Fig. 3 - Flowchart of leak detection via temperature measurement and temperature drop in the pipeline Fig. 4 - Pipeline with leak and temperature contact sensor

Claims

[1] Device for the early detection of an unintended leak of tap water, comprising - a contact temperature sensor attached to the outer surface of a water-carrying pipeline, - an electronic evaluation unit that is connected to the contact temperature sensor and continuously records, digitizes and stores temperature measurements, - an analysis and detection logic which calculates at least a temperature change rate, a temperature trend or a temperature gradient from the temporal temperature profiles, whereby an unintended leak of pipe water is detected if the analysis and detection logic detects a cooling of the pipeline characteristic of a water leak that cannot be explained by intended water consumption. [2] 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the contact temperature sensor is permanently and positively fixed to the pipeline via a mechanical fastening, in particular a hose clamp. [3] 3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the evaluation unit provides wireless data transmission via WLAN, Bluetooth or SIM card and transmits it to its own app. [4] 4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the evaluation unit is operated independently of the mains via a battery, a power bank or a solar-assisted energy module. [5] 5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the analysis and detection logic recognizes and evaluates temperature jumps, continuous cooling rates, trend-based deviations, or patterns of unintended temperature profiles. [6] 6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a warning message is generated if the detection logic detects progressive, non-standard cooling within a defined time interval. [7] 7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the temperature measurement is carried out exclusively via the temperature of the outer surface of the pipeline, without contact with the medium inside. [8] 8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the evaluation unit sends data to a smartphone, a gateway or a cloud server, where the temperature profiles are visualized and further processed. [9] 9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that several contact temperature sensors are arranged on spatially different pipe sections and the evaluation unit performs a comparison of the temperature profiles to verify the plausibility or localization of a leakage event. [10] 10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the analysis and detection logic uses machine learning methods or self-learning pattern recognition algorithms to increase detection reliability.

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