Combined measuring system for recording water consumption data and at least one other parameter

Abstract

Combined measuring system for recording water consumption data and at least one other parameter, comprising: - a water meter (1) for recording water consumption data, - at least one sensor (2) for detecting a further parameter, wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of: pressure sensor, level probe and temperature sensor, humidity sensor, turbidity sensor, pH sensor, chlorine sensor, conductivity sensor, CO sensor, CO2 sensor, rain sensor, acoustic pressure sensor, - a common evaluation unit (3) that can be connected to both the water meter (1) and the at least one sensor (2), wherein the evaluation unit (3) is configured to convert analog signals from the sensor (2) into a digital data format, and - a radio module (4) that is connected to the evaluation unit (3) and is configured to transmit both the water consumption data and the sensor data via a common radio protocol.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a combined measuring system for recording water consumption data and at least one further parameter, in particular pressure, fill level or ambient temperature, in water supply networks.

[0002] In water supply, the reliable recording of consumption data using water meters has long been state of the art. However, in addition to pure water consumption, other measured parameters are becoming increasingly important, particularly the water pressure, the fill level in wells or shafts, and the ambient temperature. These additional parameters enable comprehensive network monitoring and early detection of leaks, pressure drops, or critical operating conditions.

[0003] Currently, there is no water meter on the market that transmits the pressure, fill level, or ambient temperature via a single wireless interface, in addition to the existing water consumption and water temperature data. Measuring such additional parameters directly in the water meter is technically complex.

[0004] Known solutions involve operating a water meter with its own radio module and using a separate radio transmission system for the additional measurement parameter, such as water pressure. This necessitates the installation of multiple radio devices at a single installation site, leading to higher initial costs and increased maintenance and service expenses. Furthermore, the different transmission methods complicate data analysis.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved combined measurement system in which water consumption data and at least one other parameter are recorded and transmitted via a common infrastructure, thereby reducing the number of radio devices required, lowering the entry costs and reducing maintenance costs.

[0006] This problem is solved by a combined measuring system according to the features of claim 1.

[0007] According to the invention, a commercially available sensor, selected from a group consisting of a pressure sensor, level probe, temperature sensor, humidity sensor, turbidity sensor, pH sensor, chlorine sensor, conductivity sensor, CO sensor, CO2 sensor, rain sensor, and acoustic pressure sensor, is installed at the water meter's installation location and is connected to both the water meter and the sensor via a common evaluation unit. The evaluation unit converts the sensor's analog signals into a digital data format and forwards the data to a common radio module, which transmits both the water consumption data and the sensor data via a common radio protocol.

[0008] This enables the highly efficient acquisition and transmission of multiple measurements via a single wireless infrastructure. Initial costs are reduced, as only one radio module is required per installation location. Maintenance is also reduced, since only one transmission system needs to be managed. Furthermore, user flexibility is increased, as different sensor types can be connected to the same evaluation unit.

[0009] Preferably, the evaluation unit is configured to convert the sensor's analog 4-20 mA signals into an M-Bus-compatible data format. M-Bus is a widely used communication standard in the field of energy consumption measurement, ensuring a uniform data structure.

[0010] Another advantage is that the radio module is interchangeable and can be selected from a range of radio technologies, including wM-Bus, LoRaWAN, and NB-IoT. This allows the measurement system to be adapted to the respective network infrastructure and the operator's requirements.

[0011] Advantageously, the sensor is integrated into a pipe extension that is positioned between the water meter and a water line. Since the water meters offered are often shorter than the standard installation length, an extension is required anyway. Integrating the sensor connection into this extension results in a particularly compact and economical solution.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, it is also advantageous that the pipe extension includes a ball valve, which allows the sensor to be serviced or replaced without having to shut off the water supply. Furthermore, the pipe extension can have a venting device. The pipe extension preferably has a nipple for the sensor.

[0013] In a further configuration, the evaluation unit can be connected simultaneously to a pressure sensor and a level probe to record both pressure and fill level data. Additionally, the evaluation unit can have a wired M-Bus interface through which the data can be queried.

[0014] Further advantageous embodiments result from the further dependent claims or their possible subcombinations.

[0015] The invention is further explained below with reference to the drawings. Specifically, the schematic representation in: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a combined measuring system with pressure sensor according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a combined measuring system with level probe; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a combined measuring system with temperature sensor; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a combined measuring system with level probe and temperature sensor; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a combined measuring system with level probe, pressure sensor and temperature sensor; Fig. 6 A schematic representation of a combined measuring system with pressure sensor and temperature sensor.

[0016] The identical reference numbers in the figures denote identical or similarly acting elements.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a combined measuring system for recording water consumption and pressure data. The measuring system comprises a water meter 1, which is installed in a water pipe. A stainless steel extension 5, designed as a pipe extension and featuring a nipple, is connected to the water meter 1. A ball valve 6 with a venting device is arranged on the stainless steel extension 5, through which a pressure sensor 2, 21 is connected. The ball valve 6 allows the pressure sensor 2, 21 to be replaced without shutting off the water pipe.

[0018] The pressure sensor 2, 21 provides an analog 4-20 mA signal, which is transmitted to an evaluation unit 3. The evaluation unit 3 converts the analog signal into an M-Bus-compatible digital data format. Simultaneously, the evaluation unit 3 is connected to the water meter 1 and receives its consumption data. The converted sensor data and the water consumption data are transmitted together via a radio module 4, which is connected to the evaluation unit 3. Alternatively, the data can also be queried via a wired M-Bus interface.

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment with a level probe 2, 22 instead of the pressure sensor. The level probe 2, 22 is located in the well and hangs in the water. It measures the water pressure and determines the fill level from this. The water meter 1 is also located at or in the well and measures the amount of water extracted. The connection of the level probe 2, 22 to the evaluation unit 3 and the radio module 4 is analogous to that used for pressure measurement. This arrangement is particularly suitable for monitoring wells, groundwater, or shafts.

[0020] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment with a temperature sensor 2, 23 for monitoring the ambient temperature. The sensor can be installed facing downwards or at an angle downwards.

[0021] The Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. Figure 6 shows possible combinations where the evaluation unit 3 is simultaneously connected to two or more different sensors: level probe 2, 22 and temperature sensor 2, 23 ( Fig. 4), Level probe 2, 22, Pressure sensor 2, 21 ( Fig. 5) as well as pressure sensor 2, 21 and temperature sensor 2, 23 ( Fig. 6) The evaluation unit 3 is configured to simultaneously convert the analog signals from the sensors and transmit them via the common radio module 4. Reference symbol list 1 water meter 2 Sensor 21 Pressure sensor 22 Level probe 23 Temperature sensor 3 Evaluation units (4-20 mA to M-Bus) 4 radio modules 5 Pipe extension (stainless steel extension) 6 ball valve

Claims

Combined measuring system for recording water consumption data and at least one other parameter, comprising: - a water meter (1) for recording water consumption data, - at least one sensor (2) for recording another parameter, wherein the sensor is selected from a group consisting of: pressure sensor, level probe and temperature sensor, humidity sensor, turbidity sensor, pH sensor, chlorine sensor, conductivity sensor, CO sensor, CO2 sensor, rain sensor, acoustic pressure sensor, - a common evaluation unit (3) that is connectable to both the water meter (1) and the at least one sensor (2), wherein the evaluation unit (3) is configured to convert analog signals from the sensor (2) into a digital data format, and - a radio module (4) that is connected to the evaluation unit (3) and configured to transmit both the water consumption data and the sensor data via a common radio protocol. Combined measuring system according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit (3) is configured to convert analog 4-20 mA signals from the sensor (2) into an M-Bus compatible data format. Combined measurement system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radio module (4) is interchangeable and can be selected from a group of radio technologies comprising: wM-Bus, LoRaWAN and NB-IoT. Combined measuring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (2) is integrated into a pipe extension (5) which is arranged between the water meter (1) and a water pipe. Combined measuring system according to claim 4, characterized in that the pipe extension (5) includes a ball valve (6) which makes it possible to service or replace the sensor (2) without having to shut off the water supply. Combined measuring system according to claim 5, characterized in that the pipe extension (5) has a venting device. Combined measuring system according to claim 4, characterized in that the pipe extension (5) has a nipple for the sensor (2). Combined measuring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (3) is configured to be connected simultaneously to a pressure sensor and a level probe in order to acquire both pressure and level data. Combined measuring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (3) has a wired M-Bus interface via which the data can be queried. Combined measuring system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the measuring system is designed for monitoring water supply networks, wells, groundwater or shafts.

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