Drinking water supply system with drinking water quality monitoring, method for controlling the same, and computer program

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drinking water supply system comprising a drinking water pipeline system and a plurality of drinking water extraction points connected to the drinking water pipeline system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a drinking water supply system and a computer program.

[0002] Drinking water supply systems in larger buildings and facilities, such as hotels or hospitals, are complex systems with a complex drinking water pipeline network and numerous connected drinking water extraction points. Such buildings also have high requirements for water quality, energy efficiency, and convenience during operation of the drinking water supply system.

[0003] It has been shown that the complexity of drinking water supply systems in such buildings makes it difficult to ensure the desired water quality at all times, at every drinking water tap, and regardless of individual use of the drinking water supply system. Furthermore, failures of individual components of such a drinking water supply system may go unnoticed for extended periods, disrupting the local drinking water supply or potentially affecting water quality.

[0004] US 2007 / 090059 A1 and US 2008 / 109175 A1 disclose water quality monitoring systems for public water supply networks of water suppliers, but not for drinking water supply systems in buildings. GB 2 502 165 A discloses an automatic water flushing system. Against this background, the present invention is based on the object of providing a drinking water supply system, a method for controlling it, and a computer program with which the drinking water supply, and in particular the drinking water quality, energy efficiency, and comfort in complex drinking water supply systems, can be maintained or improved.

[0005] This object is achieved according to the invention by a drinking water supply system according to claim 1.

[0006] Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method according to claim 9 for controlling the drinking water supply system described above.

[0007] Furthermore, the above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a computer program comprising instructions whose execution on at least one processor of a control device of the previously described drinking water supply system effects the implementation of the previously described method. In particular, the central control device of the drinking water supply system can have a memory on which the computer program is stored, wherein the execution of the computer program on at least one processor of the control device effects the implementation of the method. The central control device can also comprise a server that enables access to the central control device by means of a client, for example via a web browser, wherein the processing of the computer program can take place on the server side and / or the client side.

[0008] By recording measured values, particularly at various points in the drinking water supply system for one or various properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system, and by evaluating the measured values ​​in a central control device, it is possible to monitor the operation of the drinking water supply system centrally, thus ensuring the safe operation of the entire system. Furthermore, the described drinking water supply system enables the reliable detection of conditions in the drinking water supply system, particularly critical conditions or error conditions that only result from measurements at one or, in particular, several points in the drinking water supply system, so that, for example, situation-appropriate countermeasures can be taken.

[0009] The drinking water supply system includes a drinking water piping system. The drinking water piping system is the piping system that ensures the drinking water supply to various drinking water intake points within the drinking water supply system. In particular, the drinking water piping system includes suitable connections for the drinking water supply, such as pipes, hoses, connectors, branches, etc.

[0010] Several drinking water extraction points are connected to the drinking water supply system. A drinking water extraction point refers to components that are supplied with drinking water via the drinking water supply system and from which drinking water can be drawn from the drinking water supply system. Examples of drinking water extraction points include faucets on washbasins, toilet or urinal flushes, water outlets on bathtubs and showers, and the like.

[0011] The drinking water pipe system has a main supply line with a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line, with a hot water line of a sub-supply line connected to the hot water supply line and a cold water line of the sub-supply line connected to the cold water supply line. The drinking water pipe system can have several main supply lines, each feeding one or more sub-supply lines, each of which has integrated drinking water taps. If, for example, the drinking water supply system is a hospital, several sub-supply lines connected to a main supply line can be provided, each supplying a ward or facility of the hospital with drinking water. A line of the drinking water pipe system preferably comprises one hot water line and one cold water line.However, a line can also include several hot water and / or cold water lines.

[0012] Furthermore, the drinking water supply system has one or more sensors, which are preferably designed to determine measured values ​​for one or different properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system at various points in the drinking water supply system. The sensors can in particular be integrated into the drinking water pipe system and / or into the drinking water withdrawal points. Examples of sensors integrated into the drinking water pipe system are, for example, pressure, volume flow or temperature sensors and the like, which are, for example, integrated into a pipe or a fitting. Examples of sensors integrated into a drinking water withdrawal point are, accordingly, temperature, pressure or volume flow sensors and the like, which are integrated into a fitting of a washbasin or a bathtub or shower or into a cistern of a toilet or the supply line of a urinal.

[0013] The sensors can in particular be designed to determine measured values ​​for physical parameters, such as water pressure, water temperature, volume flow, water velocity distribution or the degree of turbidity due to suspended matter, for chemical parameters, such as pH, conductivity, water hardness or the concentration of certain ingredients, for example oxygen concentration, or for biological parameters such as germ concentration, in particular bacteria concentration, in the water.

[0014] The drinking water supply system further comprises a central control unit. The central control unit may, for example, comprise a controller with a microprocessor. Furthermore, the control unit may also comprise several different components, possibly even remote from one another and interconnected by a communication link, such as a controller and a connected front end or another computer and / or a server and several clients. In particular, the central control unit itself may be constructed with a decentralized structure, for example, with several equal components to increase reliability.

[0015] The central control unit is configured to receive the measured values ​​determined by the sensors. For this purpose, the central control unit is connected to the sensors, in particular, via communication links. The sensors can be connected to the control unit, for example, in a star configuration or via a bus system, in particular a fieldbus system. In addition to wired communication links, wireless communication links are also conceivable, which are particularly advantageous when retrofitting or expanding the drinking water supply system, since the laying of cables from a new sensor to a central control unit can be at least partially dispensed with.

[0016] The central control device is further configured to evaluate the measured values ​​determined and received by the one or more sensors. In particular, the control device can be configured to combine measured values ​​from different sensors or to calculate variables that depend on the measured values ​​of different sensors.

[0017] Various embodiments of the drinking water supply system, the method for controlling it, and the computer program are described below. The individual embodiments each apply separately to the drinking water supply system, the method, and the computer program. Furthermore, the described embodiments can be combined with one another.

[0018] In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors are configured to determine measured values ​​for the water temperature, water pressure, water flow, and / or the velocity distribution of the water conveyed in the drinking water supply system. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, measured values ​​for the water temperature, water pressure, water flow, and / or the velocity distribution of the water conveyed in the drinking water supply system are determined. In this way, important parameters for the proper functioning of the drinking water supply system can be monitored centrally.

[0019] By monitoring the water temperature, it is possible to monitor whether specified temperature limits for the hot and / or cold water supply are being adhered to. For example, certain standards stipulate a hot water temperature of at least 55°C and a cold water temperature of at most 25°C. If the water temperatures in a hot or cold water line of the drinking water supply system deviate from these limits, this can be detected centrally so that appropriate countermeasures can be taken if necessary. By installing temperature sensors at various points in the drinking water supply system, it is also possible to quickly detect local deviations from the target values.

[0020] Water pressure monitoring can be used, in particular, to determine whether the pressure in a pipe section is within specified limits. Excessive pressure can adversely affect the service life of the drinking water pipe system or connected components. Excessive pressure can result in some drinking water taps not receiving sufficient water. By installing pressure sensors at various points in the drinking water supply system, it is also possible to monitor pressure balance at different locations, for example, on different floors. Furthermore, pressure monitoring can be used to detect leaks in the drinking water supply system at an early stage.For example, if the pressure at various points in the drinking water pipe system is monitored over a longer period of time and the pressure suddenly drops more than usual at one point, this may indicate a leak in the corresponding section of the pipe.

[0021] By monitoring water flow, it is possible to determine whether certain pipe sections are used particularly frequently or particularly rarely. Furthermore, blockages or constrictions in the pipe system can be detected at an early stage. Furthermore, it is possible to monitor whether sufficient water exchange is taking place in a particular pipe section, for example, to prevent microbial contamination. In this context, water flow is understood to mean the amount of water per unit of time, i.e., the amount of water that flows through the pipe section monitored by the water flow sensor in a given time (e.g., per second, per hour, or per day).

[0022] By monitoring the velocity distribution, it is possible to determine whether the water flows laminarly or turbulently through a specific pipe section. For this purpose, several sensors can be arranged in series within a pipe section, measuring the local water velocity at various locations within the pipe section. A significant fluctuation in the velocity from sensor to sensor, for example, can be an indication of turbulent flow. Furthermore, sensors can be used to measure the water velocity at various positions in the cross-section of a pipe section.

[0023] If the water flows turbulently in a pipe section, this can result in the affected pipe section not being completely flushed, even with sufficient water flow. By monitoring the velocity distribution, such a condition can be detected and, if necessary, countermeasures can be taken.

[0024] Conversely, a turbulent flow may be desirable for targeted flushing operations, since the vortices of a turbulent flow can scrape off deposits on the pipe wall of a pipe section, especially a biofilm.

[0025] In one embodiment, one or more sensors are configured to determine measured values ​​for the drinking water quality of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system, in particular for the pH value, for the oxygen concentration, for the concentration of free chlorine, for the water hardness, for the conductivity and / or for the presence or concentration of certain ingredients such as suspended matter, viruses or microorganisms, in particular bacteria. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, measured values ​​for the drinking water quality of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system are determined, in particular for the pH value, for the oxygen concentration, for the concentration of free chlorine, for the water hardness, for the conductivity and / or for the presence or concentration of certain ingredients such as suspended matter, viruses or microorganisms, in particular bacteria.In this way, the drinking water quality can be directly monitored. In particular, it can be detected centrally at an early stage if the drinking water quality, for example, falls below specified quality standards in a specific section of the pipeline, so that countermeasures can be taken before the drinking water quality reaches a level that poses a health risk.

[0026] Drinking water quality (or drinking water quality) is determined by its constituents (e.g., suspended solids, chemical constituents, germs such as viruses or microorganisms) and its chemical and biological properties. In particular, there are many legal limits for certain constituents that must be strictly adhered to in drinking water supplies. Furthermore, special regulations, for example, from specific drinking water system operators such as hospitals and the like, may stipulate even stricter limits for drinking water quality than the legal limits.

[0027] A pH meter, for example, based on the principle of potentiometry, can be used to measure the pH value. A photometer can be used to determine water hardness. A resistivity meter can be used to measure conductivity.

[0028] Monitoring pH, water hardness, and / or conductivity is particularly relevant for the service life of the system installation, especially the drinking water piping system. A drinking water installation is typically designed for a specific pH range and water hardness and may be more susceptible to damage, fail more frequently, or have a shorter service life if the drinking water is outside the specified range.

[0029] For example, copper pipes are subject to increased corrosion if the drinking water is too acidic. By monitoring the pH value or conductivity, timely measures can be taken to counteract this corrosion problem, for example, by flushing the pipe system or individual sections. Additionally or alternatively, maintenance intervals can be shortened, copper pipes can be replaced with more acid-resistant ones, and / or water treatment systems can be commissioned.

[0030] A high ion or salt content in drinking water, which manifests itself, for example, in increased conductivity, can disrupt the operation of certain components, such as a water softener system. Furthermore, a high degree of drinking water hardness can lead to limescale deposits. By monitoring the conductivity and / or hardness, timely measures can be taken to counteract these problems, for example, by flushing the pipe system or individual sections thereof. Additionally or alternatively, maintenance intervals can be shortened and / or water treatment systems can be commissioned.

[0031] To measure the presence or concentration of certain ingredients, different sensors can be used depending on the ingredient. For example, an optical sensor can be used to measure the turbidity of the water caused by suspended solids. Furthermore, a bacteria sensor can be used to determine a value for the number of bacteria in a given volume of water, i.e. for the bacteria concentration. Sensors can also be used to determine the concentration of certain chemical compounds, such as organic compounds, in the water. To determine the concentration of viruses or microorganisms, especially bacteria, sensors from Roche can be used (e.g. CEDEX or CASY analyzers). In particular, lab-on-a-chip sensors can also be used.

[0032] By monitoring the presence or concentration of specific constituents, compliance with specified limit values ​​for specific constituents can be monitored at various points in the drinking water supply system. This allows for early detection of microbiological, chemical, or physical abnormalities.

[0033] In particular, sensors for determining drinking water quality measurements can also be installed in the area of ​​a central feed point of the local water supplier into the drinking water supply system. This allows the drinking water quality of the water fed into the drinking water supply system to be monitored.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control device is configured to output user information dependent on the received measured values ​​via a user interface. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, user information dependent on the received measured values ​​is output.

[0035] For example, the control device can be configured to monitor the measured values ​​received from the sensors for exceeding or falling below one or more limit values ​​and to issue a corresponding warning message via the user interface if a limit value is exceeded or fallen below, if necessary over a predetermined period of time.

[0036] A limit value for monitoring received measured values ​​can be fixed or determined, particularly by the central control unit. In particular, it is conceivable to determine a limit value from previously determined measured values, for example, those collected over a specified period of time. In this way, deviations from usual values ​​or past value ranges can be detected.

[0037] According to the invention, measured values, in particular for drinking water quality or, more generally, for water composition, are determined at the central feed-in point of the local water supplier, and a limit value is determined based on these values. Such a limit value is then compared with corresponding measured values ​​determined within the drinking water supply system, in particular at one or more points in the drinking water pipeline system. In this way, changes in the water in the drinking water supply system, in particular in the drinking water pipeline system, can be monitored.

[0038] Monitoring the oxygen content enables early detection of corrosion spots in the drinking water supply system, especially in the drinking water pipeline system. The corrosion process removes oxygen from the water, thereby leading to a decrease in the oxygen content. Preferably, a measured value for the oxygen concentration is monitored for a threshold value being exceeded. If the threshold value is exceeded, a warning message is issued to indicate possible corrosion.

[0039] Water hardness monitoring makes it possible, in particular, to determine whether a water softener installed in a drinking water supply system is functioning reliably. Preferably, a water hardness measurement is monitored for any exceedance of a limit value. If the limit value is exceeded, a warning message is issued to indicate a possible softener defect.

[0040] Monitoring the concentration of free chlorine makes it possible, in particular, to determine whether there is any contamination in the drinking water supply system. Since free chlorine reacts with germs, contamination leads to a reduction in the concentration of free chlorine. Preferably, a measured value for the concentration of free chlorine is monitored for any drops below a limit, and if the limit is undershot, a warning message is issued to indicate possible corrosion. The limit can be determined, in particular, depending on a measured value for the concentration of free chlorine determined at the central feed-in point of the local water supplier. In this way, it is possible to monitor whether the concentration of free chlorine within the drinking water supply system is falling.

[0041] Conductivity monitoring makes it possible, for example, to determine the extent to which a sacrificial anode provided in a drinking water supply system, such as a sacrificial anode in a hot water boiler, is being attacked by corrosion. This method can be used, for example, to determine the expected service life of a sacrificial anode or to determine whether a sacrificial anode has been applied. Preferably, a measured value for conductivity is monitored for exceedance of a limit value.

[0042] Furthermore, the control device can be configured to determine a monitoring variable from the measured values ​​of several sensors and to display this or the exceeding or falling below of the monitoring variable compared to predetermined limit values ​​via the user interface.

[0043] The user interface could, for example, be a screen. Alternatively, the drinking water supply system could also be configured to send an email or other text message, for example, via a mobile phone system, with relevant user information.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the drinking water supply system has a plurality of decentralized control elements configured to influence one or more properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system at various points in the drinking water supply system, and the central control device is configured to control the control elements to influence one or more properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, decentralized control elements are controlled to influence one or more properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system. In this way, the water carried in the drinking water supply system can be influenced from a central location.

[0045] In one embodiment, one or more of the decentralized control elements are configured to influence the water temperature, water pressure, water flow, and / or velocity distribution of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system, and the central control device is configured to control the one or more of the decentralized control elements to influence the water temperature, water pressure, water flow, and / or velocity distribution of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, decentralized control elements are controlled to influence the water temperature, water pressure, water flow, and / or velocity distribution of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system.

[0046] Controllable valves, in particular, can be used as decentralized control elements. Valves are components that can be used to change, particularly reduce, divert, or shut off, media flows. Examples of valves include circulation valves or control valves.

[0047] The decentralized control elements can be, for example, controllable valves, such as throttle or control valves, controllable branches for diverting a water flow, pumps for influencing the water pressure or the flow velocity of the water, heating or cooling elements for influencing the water temperature and the like.

[0048] By setting up the central control device to control the control elements for influencing the water temperature, water pressure, water flow and / or speed distribution, central control of the drinking water supply system is possible, so that the water flow in the entire drinking water supply system can preferably be controlled from one location.

[0049] In a further embodiment, one or more of the decentralized control elements are configured to influence the drinking water quality of the water supplied in the drinking water supply system, in particular the pH value, the oxygen concentration, the concentration of free chlorine, the water hardness, the conductivity and / or the presence or concentration of certain ingredients such as suspended matter, viruses or microorganisms, and the central control device is configured to control the one or more of the decentralized control elements to influence the drinking water quality of the water supplied in the drinking water supply system, in particular the pH value, the water hardness, the conductivity and / or the presence or concentration of certain ingredients such as suspended matter, viruses or microorganisms.In a corresponding embodiment of the method, decentralized control elements are activated to influence the drinking water quality of the water supplied in the drinking water supply system, in particular the pH value, oxygen concentration, free chlorine concentration, water hardness, conductivity, and / or the presence or concentration of certain constituents such as suspended solids, viruses, or microorganisms. In this way, the drinking water quality in the drinking water supply system can be influenced. In particular, by controlling the decentralized control elements, it can be ensured that the drinking water quality remains within the desired range throughout the entire drinking water supply system.

[0050] To regulate the pH value, flushing processes can be performed, in which the pipe system or sections thereof are flushed with water. If the pH value is outside a specified range, a user alarm is preferably issued via a designated user interface, as such a change in pH is rather unusual, so such an incident should be carefully investigated.

[0051] For example, a water softener can be provided to influence water hardness. Filters can be provided to remove suspended matter or bacteria from the water. Furthermore, a sterilization line for thermal treatment of the water or irradiation with UV light can be provided to kill bacteria.

[0052] The water softener, filter, or sterilization line can, for example, be located in a separate pipe section connected to a line in the drinking water system via controllable valves. By controlling the valves, the water can then be diverted through the separate pipe section and thus passed through the water softener, filter, or sterilization line.

[0053] In a further embodiment, the central control device is configured to receive information about the time of day and to control the control elements for influencing the one or more properties of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system depending on the received information about the time of day. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, control elements for influencing the one or more properties of the water conducted in the drinking water supply system are controlled depending on information about the time of day. In this way, the control of the drinking water supply system can be adapted to the changing requirements at different times of day. For example, different control programs can be provided for the day and for the night. To receive the information about the time of day, a clock, for example a system clock, is preferably provided in the central control device.Receiving the time of day information therefore does not require that the information be provided from outside the central control facility.

[0054] In a further embodiment, a plurality of control elements are combined to form a virtual group, and the control device is preferably configured to control the individual control elements of the virtual group upon receipt of a command to control the virtual group, preferably in accordance with a control plan predefined for the group. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a command to control a virtual group, optionally in accordance with a predefined control plan, is received, and the individual control elements of the virtual group are controlled, in particular in accordance with the predefined control plan.

[0055] In this way, a simpler control of the drinking water supply system is achieved, since all control elements no longer have to be controlled individually, but can be controlled in groups.

[0056] For example, if the drinking water supply system has a drinking water line with multiple drinking water withdrawal points, each of which has control elements for automatically draining drinking water from the drinking water supply system, these control elements can be combined into a virtual group and then controlled jointly using a single command. For example, a specific section of the drinking water supply system can be flushed using a single user command.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, several throttle and / or branch valves that regulate the supply of a specific drinking water line can be combined into a group so that they can be opened and closed together.

[0058] Preferably, a control plan is defined that contains the commands to be issued to the individual control elements of the virtual group. Furthermore, the control plan can contain information about the times at which the individual control elements are to be controlled, for example, the order of control.

[0059] The drinking water supply system can have several decentralized control devices, for example, several controllers, each of which is connected to one or more decentralized control elements for controlling them. The decentralized control devices are connected directly or indirectly to the central control device, so that the central control device can control the connected decentralized control elements by controlling the respective decentralized control devices.

[0060] A virtual group can, in particular, comprise decentralized control elements assigned to different decentralized control devices. The virtual grouping of control elements thus allows for a grouping of control elements across the individual decentralized control devices, independent of the hardware architecture, i.e., of the respective assignment of control elements to specific decentralized control devices.

[0061] Preferably, decentralized control elements can be assigned to a virtual group via the central control device, for example, by means of a corresponding user input via a user interface of the central control device. In this way, a virtual group can be flexibly configured on the software side without requiring hardware changes, such as connecting a control element to another decentralized control device.

[0062] In a further embodiment, a control plan is predefined, which contains a plurality of control commands for different control elements, and the control device is configured, upon receipt of a command to execute the predefined control plan, to control the control elements according to the control plan. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a control plan is predefined, which contains a plurality of control commands for different control elements, a command to execute the predefined control plan is received, and the control elements are controlled according to the control plan.

[0063] In this way, the control of the drinking water supply system is simplified because the user can execute a possibly complex sequence of commands by entering a single command or calling up a control plan, which, for example, controls different control elements at different times.

[0064] In a further embodiment, the drinking water piping system comprises a cold water line for supplying cold water to a plurality of drinking water tapping points, wherein a supply line supplying the cold water line with cold water is connected to a first end of the cold water line, and wherein a circulation line is connected to a second end of the cold water line, via which water can be drained from the cold water line. The drinking water piping system may comprise a plurality of cold water lines, wherein one, several, or all of the cold water lines may be connected to a circulation line as described above.

[0065] The problem with cold water supply is that impurities and microbes can build up in a cold water line if the drinking water taps provided on the cold water line are not used sufficiently, resulting in water standing in the cold water line for extended periods. In particular, water standing in the cold water line for extended periods can heat up to a certain temperature, further promoting microbial growth. By providing a circulation line for the cold water line, cold water in a cold water line can be exchanged within the drinking water supply system, even if the drinking water taps are not used or are used only rarely.

[0066] Preferably, the circulation line is connected in such a way that it returns the water contained in it back into the rest of the drinking water pipe system so that it can be used for other purposes.

[0067] In a further embodiment, a control element is integrated into the drinking water pipe system, preferably a controllable valve that is designed to control the discharge of water from the cold water line via the circulation line (circulation). For example, such a valve can be arranged at the transition from the cold water line to the circulation line. The provision of a controllable valve enables controllable cold water circulation. By opening the valve, water can be drained from the cold water line so that the water does not remain in the cold water line for too long. On the other hand, closing the valve can prevent the water from being circulated unnecessarily or the pressure in the drinking water supply system from dropping too far. The control device is preferably designed to control the control element.

[0068] The drinking water piping system can be configured to continuously circulate water in the cold water line, for example, by having a controllable valve in the cold water line allow a minimal amount of water to pass through even when closed. This also prevents localized heat buildup that would not be detectable with existing sensors.

[0069] In a further embodiment, the drinking water piping system comprises a cold water line for supplying cold water to a plurality of drinking water tapping points, and the drinking water piping system comprises a cooling section for water cooling, which is connected to the cold water line in such a way as to cool water from the cold water line. The drinking water piping system may comprise a plurality of cold water lines, wherein one, several, or all of the cold water lines may be connected to the water cooling system as described above.

[0070] It has been determined that if the water in a cold water line is left for too long or if the ambient temperature is too high, it can rise to such an extent that it promotes increased microbial growth. By providing a cooling section, the undesirably heated water from the cold water line can be cooled, thus counteracting microbial growth caused by the heating.

[0071] In another embodiment, the cooling section includes an active cooling element, such as a heat exchanger operated with a coolant. This enables efficient and rapid cooling of the water flowing through the cooling section.

[0072] In a further embodiment, the cooling line has a pipe section that is laid through an area with a lower average temperature than the cold water line. The average temperature can be, for example, the daily, monthly, or annual average temperature. For example, the cooling line can have a pipe section that runs through a basement or through the ground, since these areas typically have a lower average temperature than, for example, living spaces for people. This embodiment enables particularly energy-efficient cooling of the water, since no active cooling units are required.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipe system has a cold water line for cold water supply and a hot water line for hot water supply, and a heat pump is provided to transport heat from the water in the cold water line to the water in the hot water line. The heat pump is therefore designed to transport heat from the water in the cold water line to the water in the hot water line. This economically achieves simultaneous cooling of the water in the cold water line and heating of the water in the hot water line. The heat pump can be controlled, for example, if the water temperature in the cold water line is too high or the water temperature in the hot water line is too low.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipe system has a hot water pipe system with a main hot water supply line and a plurality of hot water branch lines leading therefrom, a central hot water boiler is provided which is configured to feed hot water into the main hot water supply line, and a decentralized hot water boiler is provided which is assigned to one of the plurality of hot water branch lines and which is configured to heat water introduced from the main hot water supply line into the hot water branch to which the decentralized hot water boiler is assigned.

[0075] In this way, water in a hot water branch can be heated without having to return the water to the central hot water boiler, which may be located a long way away. For example, if a central hot water boiler is provided in a large building complex such as a hospital, the hot water from the central hot water boiler may have to travel a long way before it reaches a hot water branch in a distant part of the building. This means that by the time the hot water reaches the hot water branch, it may already have cooled down so much that it falls below a predetermined minimum temperature after a short time, for example below 55 °C, and would have to be pumped back to the central hot water boiler. By providing a decentralized hot water boiler, the water can be reheated so that it once again has a sufficient temperature.The decentralized hot water boiler can, for example, be located between the branch from the main hot water supply line to the hot water branch and the first drinking water draw-off point of the hot water branch.

[0076] Since the decentralized hot water boiler only needs to heat the water required for the hot water branch, and since the central hot water boiler heats water already preheated, a smaller temperature increase is required, the decentralized hot water boiler can be designed to be smaller and more compact than the centralized hot water boiler. For example, the centralized hot water boiler can be designed to supply the entire drinking water supply system and heat the water from 20°C to 65°C, while the decentralized hot water boiler only needs to supply the water required for the hot water branch and heat the water from 50°C to 65°C.

[0077] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipe system has a drinking water line, and a flushing unit that can be controlled by the central control device and through which water can be drained from the drinking water supply system is integrated into the drinking water line. The flushing unit can, for example, be a controllable drinking water extraction point that can be controlled in such a way that water can be drained from the drinking water supply system. Alternatively, a separate flushing unit can be provided whose sole task is to drain drinking water from the drinking water supply system when appropriately controlled. Such a separate flushing unit allows the water in the drinking water line to be changed, for example if it has become too warm or too cold or has been standing there for too long. The drinking water line can be a hot water line or a cold water line.

[0078] In a further embodiment, a decentralized control unit is provided that can be controlled by the central control device and is configured to initiate a flushing process at a drinking water tapping point in order to drain water from the drinking water supply system. In this way, a drinking water tapping point, for example, a faucet on a washbasin or a toilet flush, can be centrally controlled to drain water from the drinking water supply system.

[0079] The central control device is preferably configured to initiate a flushing process at multiple drinking water extraction points simultaneously by controlling one or more decentralized control units. The multiple drinking water extraction points are preferably connected to the same branch or line of the drinking water pipeline system. For example, these can be adjacent drinking water extraction points. In this way, a higher flow velocity can be achieved within the branch or line during the flushing processes, resulting in a turbulent flow whose eddies enable better cleaning of the pipe wall, for example, to remove biofilm.

[0080] Preferably, the central control device is configured to control the execution of flushing processes at a drinking water tap depending on information about the time of day. In this way, automatic flushing can be prevented at night, for example, if the drinking water tap in question is located on a hospital ward, or can be performed during the night if the drinking water tap in question is located in an office wing that is unoccupied at night.

[0081] In a further embodiment, an acoustic sensor is provided which is configured and / or arranged to measure measured values ​​for the volume, in particular for the volume of one or more flushing processes at one or more drinking water tapping points, and preferably the central control device is configured to control the automatic execution of flushing processes depending on the measured values ​​measured by the acoustic sensor. In this way, the associated noise level can be monitored during the automatic execution of flushing processes, so that flushing processes can be aborted or prevented, for example, if a predetermined noise level is exceeded. The predetermined noise level is preferably selected depending on the location and / or time of day.

[0082] In a further embodiment, a presence detector is provided which is configured to determine information about the presence of a person, and preferably the central control device is configured to control one or more of the decentralized control elements depending on the information about the presence of a person. In this way, the control of the drinking water supply system can be dependent on whether or not people are present, for example, in the area of ​​a specific drinking water line or specific drinking water extraction points. If the presence detector detects the presence of people, for example, a different demand for drinking water can be expected in the specific drinking water line or at the specific drinking water extraction point than if there were no people. The presence detector can be, for example, a motion detector or a camera whose images are analyzed using person recognition algorithms.

[0083] In a further embodiment, the central control device is configured to control the drinking water supply system, in particular the decentralized control elements, optionally according to a first predetermined program or according to a second predetermined program, and the central control device is further configured to select the first or the second program depending on the information about the presence of a person. The first program can be, for example, a program for a normal mode and the second program an absence program, for example a vacation program. In this way, the central control system can automatically switch between a normal mode and an absence mode, for example a vacation mode, without the user having to make a corresponding user input.Of course, the central control device can be configured to select between more than two programs depending on the information about the presence of a person.

[0084] In a further embodiment, a decentralized control unit that can be controlled by the central control device is provided, which is configured to initiate a flushing process at a drinking water extraction point in order to drain water from the drinking water supply system, the presence detector is configured and arranged to determine information about the presence of a person in the area of ​​the drinking water extraction point, and the central control device is configured to control the execution of a flushing process at the drinking water extraction point depending on the information about the presence of a person. In this way, the safety of the automatic control of the drinking water supply system can be improved. In particular, an automatic flushing at a drinking water extraction point can be aborted or prevented if it is determined that a person is in the area of ​​the drinking water extraction point.This can prevent the person concerned from unexpectedly getting wet by drained water or even being scalded when hot water is drained.

[0085] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipe system has a drinking water line, a group of drinking water extraction points is provided which are connected to the drinking water line, a plurality of decentralized sensors are provided which are configured to determine information about the implementation of flushing processes at drinking water extraction points of the group of drinking water extraction points, and the central control device is configured to control the implementation of flushing processes at individual drinking water extraction points of the group of drinking water extraction points depending on the information about the implementation of flushing processes at drinking water extraction points of the group of drinking water extraction points.

[0086] The control elements intended for carrying out flushing processes at the individual drinking water extraction points can in particular be combined into a virtual group.

[0087] In this way, the central control unit can monitor an entire drinking water line with multiple drinking water taps to determine whether the drinking water line is being adequately flushed by activating one of the drinking water taps. If this is not the case, an automatic flush can be initiated at individual drinking water taps. Compared to autonomously controlled drinking water taps, which automatically perform flushing processes if they have not been activated for a specified period of time, this has the advantage that the central control unit monitors all of the drinking water taps, so that automatic flushing at a drinking water tap can be omitted if, for example, a neighboring drinking water tap was recently flushed.Furthermore, when flushing is required, individual drinking water taps can be controlled instead of all drinking water taps. This reduces the flush volume and frequency, thus saving water.

[0088] In a further embodiment, one or more decentralized sensors are provided, which are configured to determine information about the execution of flushing processes in a predetermined section of the drinking water pipe system. The central control device is configured to monitor the time since the last flush in the predetermined section of the drinking water pipe system and, if a predetermined maximum time is exceeded, to initiate a flush in the predetermined section of the drinking water pipe system. In this way, it is possible to centrally monitor whether a section of the drinking water pipe system is flushed frequently enough and, if this is not the case, to flush it automatically.

[0089] In a further embodiment, the central control unit is configured to control the control elements depending on the received measured values. This allows for closed-loop control of the drinking water supply system. This allows, for example, continuous operation within a safe parameter window to be achieved, for example, by automatically counteracting deviations from the target range.

[0090] In a further embodiment, the drinking water piping system has a cold water line for supplying cold water to a plurality of drinking water tapping points. A temperature sensor is provided to measure the water temperature in the cold water line, and the control device is configured to initiate a measure if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined limit value. In order to measure the water temperature in the cold water line, the temperature sensor can be integrated, in particular, into the cold water line or into a drinking water tapping point connected to the cold water line. In the corresponding embodiment of the method, a measure is initiated if a temperature measured by a temperature sensor in a cold water line exceeds a limit value.

[0091] In particular, the measure may involve cooling the water from the cold water line in a cooling section. Furthermore, the measure may involve draining the water from the cold water line at a flushing unit. Furthermore, the measure may involve removing the water from the cold water line via a circulation line.

[0092] By implementing one or more of these measures, the increased temperature in the cold water line is counteracted, thus preventing the threat of contamination. Cooling the water lowers the water temperature again, thus effectively preventing the formation of germs. By draining the water at a flushing unit, the water that is at risk of becoming contaminated is drained from the drinking water supply system, allowing fresh water to flow into the cold water line. By discharging the water via a circulation line, the water is removed from the cold water line, allowing incoming fresh water to flow into the cold water line. Unlike when the water is drained at a flushing unit, the water discharged via the circulation line remains in the drinking water supply system and can be reused elsewhere.

[0093] The drinking water piping system can be configured so that the drinking water discharged from the cold water line is fed to a hot water heater for hot water supply, for example, via a controllable three-way valve, particularly if, according to the previously described embodiment, the temperature measured by a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the cold water line exceeds a predetermined limit. In this way, the water from the cold water line, which could, for example, have an increased bacterial content due to heating, can be safely reused within the system because the bacteria are killed by the heat treatment in the hot water heater. Alternatively, the drinking water discharged from the cold water line can always be fed to the hot water heater.

[0094] The measure can also involve issuing a user notification. For example, issuing a user notification can alert a responsible person to an impending contamination.

[0095] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipe system has a hot water line for supplying hot water to a plurality of drinking water tapping points, a temperature sensor is provided to measure the water temperature in the hot water line, and the control device is configured to initiate a measure if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor falls below a predetermined limit value. In order to measure the water temperature in the hot water line, the temperature sensor can be integrated, in particular, into the hot water line or into a drinking water tapping point connected to the hot water line. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a measure is initiated if the temperature measured by a temperature sensor in a hot water line falls below a predetermined limit value.

[0096] The measure can involve draining the water from the hot water line at one flushing unit. Draining can, of course, also occur at multiple flushing units. The measure can also involve removing the water from the hot water line via a circulation line. The measure can also involve issuing a user message.

[0097] If the temperature in a hot water line drops too much, increased germ formation can occur because the water temperature is no longer sufficient to kill bacteria and the like.

[0098] By draining the water from the hot water line, it is removed from the drinking water supply system so that fresh, sufficiently warm water can flow into the hot water line. Similarly, when the water is drained from the hot water line via a circulation line, the water is drained from the hot water line so that correspondingly hot water can flow in. When drained via a circulation line, the water preferably remains available in the drinking water supply system and can therefore be reused elsewhere, for example, by being reheated in a specially provided thermal bath. By issuing a user message, a responsible person can be alerted to an impending contamination.

[0099] In a further embodiment, the drinking water piping system comprises a drinking water line for supplying drinking water to a plurality of drinking water tapping points. A volume flow sensor is provided to measure the volume flow of water in the drinking water line. The control device is configured to determine, depending on the volume flow measured by the volume flow sensor, a value for the water volume that has flowed through the volume flow sensor within a predetermined period of time and to initiate a measure if the value for the water volume falls below a predetermined limit value. In order to measure the volume flow of water in the drinking water line, the volume flow sensor can, in particular, be integrated into the drinking water line.In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a value for the water volume that has flowed through the volume flow sensor within a predetermined period of time is determined depending on a volume flow measured by a volume flow sensor in a drinking water line, and a measure is taken if the value for the water volume falls below a predetermined limit value.

[0100] The measure may, in particular, involve draining the water from the drinking water line at one flushing unit. Draining can, of course, also occur at multiple flushing units. Furthermore, the measure may involve removing the water from the drinking water line via a circulation line. Furthermore, the measure may also involve issuing a user notification.

[0101] If the volume flowing through the volume flow sensor falls below a limit, this indicates that too little water is being drawn from the drinking water line and that the drinking water may therefore be standing in the drinking water line for too long. By draining or removing the water from the drinking water line, the volume exchange can be automatically initiated, allowing fresh water to flow into the drinking water line. Furthermore, an insufficient volume flow can also indicate that a particular drinking water extraction point or group of drinking water extraction points is being used less than others. This could, for example, be a sign of a defect in the corresponding drinking water extraction point, such as a broken toilet.By issuing a user output, a caretaker can, for example, be made aware that a particular toilet is not being used, so that he can check whether it needs repair.

[0102] The specified limit value can, for example, be calculated based on the values ​​of volume flow sensors at other drinking water lines or drinking water withdrawal points. This makes it possible to determine if the withdrawal is unusually high or unusually low in a specific area of ​​a drinking water line or at a specific drinking water withdrawal point, allowing appropriate measures to be taken.

[0103] In a further embodiment, the drinking water piping system has a drinking water line for supplying drinking water to a plurality of drinking water extraction points. A volume flow sensor is provided to measure the volume flow of the water in the drinking water line, and the control device is configured to initiate a measure if the volume flow measured by the volume flow sensor exceeds a predetermined limit value. In order to measure the volume flow of the water in the drinking water line, the volume flow sensor can in particular be integrated into the drinking water line. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a measure is initiated if the volume flow measured by a volume flow sensor in a drinking water line exceeds a predetermined limit value.

[0104] The measure may, in particular, involve increasing the water pressure, for example by activating or increasing the power of a water pump provided in the drinking water supply system to increase the flow and / or pressure in the drinking water line, or by opening a supply valve through which more water is supplied to the affected drinking water line. Furthermore, the measure may involve stopping and / or preventing the draining of water from the drinking water line at a flushing unit, as initiated by the central control device. Furthermore, the measure may involve stopping and / or preventing the draining of water from the drinking water line via a circulation line, as initiated by the central control device.

[0105] Exceeding a specified flow rate indicates that the drinking water line is being used more than its capacity allows, for example, because water is being drawn from too many drinking water withdrawal points simultaneously. This can lead to a decrease in the water flow or pressure at the individual water withdrawal points, which may prevent the drinking water withdrawal points from being used properly.

[0106] By increasing the water pressure, particularly by activating or increasing the power of a water pump provided in the drinking water supply system or by opening a supply valve, the flow or pressure in the drinking water line can be increased, ensuring a continuous water supply even during periods of increased use. In particular, the increase in pressure or flow can be limited to the period during which the drinking water line is overloaded, for example, to save electricity or reduce the mechanical stress on the drinking water line.

[0107] By stopping and / or preventing the draining or removal of water from the drinking water line caused by the central control device, it is possible to prevent such a centrally controlled withdrawal of water from the drinking water line from further reducing the line pressure or the amount of water available for the water supply, so that more water or a higher pressure remains for the other drinking water extraction points.

[0108] The measure can also involve issuing a user notification. This can, for example, alert a responsible person to a potential shortage in the drinking water supply.

[0109] If, while water is being discharged from a drinking water line via a circulation line controlled by the central control device, a sudden increase in volume flow occurs due to the activation of additional drinking water withdrawal points, for example by opening several taps, the circulation controlled by the central control device is preferably automatically interrupted.

[0110] The control device can preferably initiate this measure if the volume flow measured by the volume flow sensor is above a specified limit value over a specified period of time. This prevents potentially unnecessary countermeasures from being taken in the event of very short-term volume flow changes.

[0111] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipe system has a drinking water line for supplying drinking water to a plurality of drinking water extraction points, a pressure sensor is provided to measure the water pressure in the drinking water line, and the control device is configured to initiate a measure if the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor falls below a predetermined limit value. In order to measure the water pressure in the drinking water line, the pressure sensor can in particular be integrated into the drinking water line or into a drinking water extraction point connected to the drinking water line. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a measure is initiated if the water pressure measured by a pressure sensor in a drinking water line falls below a predetermined limit value.

[0112] The measure may, for example, involve increasing the water pressure, in particular by activating or increasing the power of a water pump provided in the drinking water supply system to increase the flow and / or pressure in the drinking water line, or by opening a supply valve. Furthermore, the measure may involve stopping and / or preventing the draining of water from the drinking water line at a flushing unit initiated by the central control device. Furthermore, the measure may involve stopping and / or preventing the draining of water from the drinking water line via a circulation line initiated by the central control device.

[0113] As with the previously described embodiments, a pressure drop below a minimum value can also be a sign that a drinking water line is overloaded. The measures described can be used to eliminate the overload of the drinking water line during the stress period.

[0114] The measure can also involve issuing a user notification. This can, for example, alert a responsible person to a potential shortage in the drinking water supply.

[0115] Preferably, the measure is triggered when the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor falls below the specified limit value over a certain period of time in order to avoid unnecessary countermeasures in the event of short-term pressure fluctuations.

[0116] In a further embodiment, the drinking water pipeline system has a drinking water line for supplying drinking water to a plurality of drinking water extraction points. A pressure sensor is provided to measure the water pressure in the drinking water line, and the control device is configured to initiate a measure if the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor exceeds a predetermined limit value. In order to measure the water pressure in the drinking water line, the pressure sensor can in particular be integrated into the drinking water line or into a drinking water extraction point connected to the drinking water line. In a corresponding embodiment of the method, a measure is initiated if the water pressure measured by the pressure sensor in a drinking water line exceeds a predetermined limit value.

[0117] The measure could, for example, involve reducing the water pressure, particularly by deactivating or reducing the power of a water pump provided in the drinking water supply system to increase the flow and / or pressure in the drinking water line, or by closing a supply valve. Furthermore, the measure could involve draining the water from the cold water line at a flushing unit. Draining can, of course, also be performed at multiple flushing units.

[0118] If several drinking water taps are closed simultaneously, this can lead to an increase in pressure in the drinking water system. This can be counteracted by the measures described above. This reduces the mechanical stress on the drinking water pipe system and thus extends its service life.

[0119] The measure can also include issuing a user alert. This allows a person responsible for the safe operation of the drinking water supply system to be alerted to a potentially critical overpressure.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the control device is configured to effect control of the drinking water supply system according to the method described above or an embodiment thereof. For example, the control device can have a memory with instructions whose execution on at least one processor of the control device effects the implementation of the method described above.

[0121] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0122] In the drawing show Fig. 1a-b shows a section of a first embodiment of the drinking water supply system, Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the central control device of the drinking water supply system from Fig. 1a , Fig. 3a-d four examples of cooling sections for the drinking water supply system from Fig. 1a , Fig. 4 another section of the drinking water supply system from Fig. 1a , Fig. 5a heat pump for the drinking water supply system from Fig. 1a , Fig. 6a-b two embodiments of control elements for the drinking water supply system from Fig. 1a , Fig. 7 another section of the drinking water supply system from Fig. 1a, Fig. 8 another embodiment of the drinking water supply system, Fig. 9 another embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the cold water temperature, Fig. 10 another embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the hot water temperature, Fig. 11 another embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the minimum flow rate, Fig. 12 another embodiment of the method for monitoring and usage-dependent control, Fig. 13 another embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the line pressure and Fig. 14 another embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the line pressure.

[0123] Fig. 1a shows a first embodiment of the drinking water supply system 2 in a schematic representation. Fig. 1b shows the Fig. 1aEnlarged view of a section of the drinking water supply system 2 outlined by a dashed line.

[0124] The drinking water supply system 2 comprises a drinking water pipe system 4 with a main supply line 6 and several sub-supply lines, of which Figure 1 a sub-supply line 8 is shown. The main supply line 6 has a hot water supply line 10 ("W" in Fig. 1a ) and a cold water supply line 12 ("K" in Fig. 1a ), to which a respective hot water line 14 and cold water line 16 of the sub-supply line 8 are connected.

[0125] Various drinking water outlets are connected to the hot and cold water lines 14 and 16 of the sub-supply line 8. Figure 1shows, as an example, three drinking water outlets in a single wet room, with a first drinking water outlet 18 serving as a shower faucet with hot and cold water connections, a second drinking water outlet 20 serving as a washbasin faucet with cold and hot water connections, and a third drinking water outlet 22 serving as a toilet flush with cold water connections. Numerous additional drinking water outlets can be connected to the sub-supply line 8, for example, all wet rooms in a hospital ward, a large shower or toilet facility, or even the drinking water outlets in an operating room.

[0126] A multitude of additional drinking water extraction points can be connected to the drinking water supply system 4. For example, the drinking water supply system 4 can be the drinking water supply system of a hospital with multiple building sections or floors, with the individual floors, building sections, or wards of the hospital each being supplied by one or more sub-supply lines, which in turn are fed via the main supply line 6. If necessary, several main supply lines can also be provided, which, for example, supply individual building sections of the hospital.

[0127] For example, all wet rooms of a hospital ward, a toilet or shower wing or various drinking water outlets in an operating room area can be connected to a sub-supply line 8.

[0128] Overall, Fig. 1athus only a part of an entire drinking water supply system 2, which may have one or more main supply lines and several sub-supply lines with a large number of drinking water extraction points.

[0129] In such a complex system with numerous pipes and drinking water extraction points, the problem arises that a fault in the drinking water supply system may go unnoticed or be difficult to locate. This can lead to partial or total failures of the drinking water supply and even to contamination of the drinking water. In particular, inadequate monitoring or maintenance of the drinking water supply system can lead to the desired drinking water quality not being consistently achieved at the individual drinking water extraction points.

[0130] In order to overcome this problem, a plurality of sensors are provided in the drinking water supply system 2, which determine measured values ​​at various points in the drinking water supply system 2, in particular for the water temperature, the water pressure, the water flow and / or for the drinking water quality of the water supplied in the drinking water supply system 2.

[0131] Figure 1ashows, by way of example, a first sensor 24 in the hot water line 14 of the sub-supply line 8 and a sensor 26 in the cold water line 16 of the sub-supply line 8. The sensors 24, 26 can be, for example, volume flow sensors that measure the volume of water flowing through the respective line per unit of time, temperature sensors that measure the water temperature in the respective line, or pressure sensors that measure the water pressure within the respective line. Several of these sensors can also be integrated into the drinking water lines 14, 16, for example one volume flow sensor, one temperature sensor and / or one pressure sensor each. Furthermore, corresponding sensors can also be provided at several positions on the drinking water lines 14, 16 in order to measure the water volume flowing through the lines, the water temperature and / or the water pressure at different positions on the drinking water lines 14, 16.

[0132] Sensors that determine measured values ​​for drinking water quality, such as the pH value, the degree of hardness, or the concentration of suspended solids or bacteria in the water, can also be integrated into the drinking water pipe system 4. For example, sensors 24, 26 can be corresponding sensors. Furthermore, such sensors can be provided, for example, in the cold water supply line 12 or the hot water supply line 10 of the main line 6 or directly behind the central feed point of the local water supplier into the drinking water supply system 2.

[0133] Furthermore, sensors are provided at the respective drinking water taps. For example, the shower fitting 18 is for hot and cold water as in Fig. 1bEach of the two shower faucets shown is equipped with a temperature sensor 28 and a volume flow sensor 30, which measures the volume flow of the hot or cold water discharged at the shower faucet 18. The washbasin faucet 20 also has a temperature sensor 28 and a volume flow sensor 30, which measures the volume flow of the water discharged at the washbasin faucet 20. Finally, the toilet flush 22 also has a temperature sensor 28 and a volume flow sensor 30 for the cold water discharged at the toilet flush.

[0134] In addition to the individual sensors, the drinking water supply system 2 has a central control device 40, which can receive and evaluate the measured values ​​​​detected by the sensors. To transmit the measured values ​​​​from the sensors to the central control device 40, Fig. 1a-bIn the exemplary embodiment shown, a fieldbus 42 is provided, to which the individual sensors and the central control device 40 are connected. Alternatively, a star-shaped connection of the sensors to the central control device 40 can also be provided. Furthermore, wireless communication connections between individual sensors and the central control device are also conceivable, for example via radio, WLAN, Bluetooth, or the like.

[0135] Figure 2 shows a possible structure of the central control device 40 from Figure 1a The central control device 40 comprises a controller 50, which can receive the measured values ​​of the sensors connected to the fieldbus via the fieldbus 42. The controller can, for example, be an electronic circuit with at least one programmable microcontroller.

[0136] Furthermore, the central control device 40 comprises one or more user interfaces 52 on which data received and / or evaluated by the controller 50 can be displayed. For example, the controller 50 can display the measured values ​​of the temperature sensors in a sub-supply line 8 via the user interface 52, so that a user at the user interface 52 immediately receives an overview of the water temperatures in the entire sub-supply line.

[0137] In addition to the user interface 52, an electronic interface 54 is provided, via which the data received or evaluated by the controller 50 can be transferred to an external computer for further processing or storage. In this way, for example, further evaluation or archiving of the measurement data can be carried out with the help of the external computer.

[0138] The central control device 40 can also have a frontend 56, which is supplied with the data received and / or evaluated by the controller 50. Further evaluations or user-controlled evaluations can then be performed in the frontend 56. The entire evaluation can also be shifted to the frontend 56, so that the measurement data received from the sensors only needs to be forwarded to the frontend 56 by the controller 50.

[0139] The frontend 56 can, for example, be the frontend of an existing building automation system, such as a building ventilation or heating system. In this way, multiple systems of a building or facility can be monitored and / or controlled from a central location. The frontend 56 preferably has at least one microprocessor and a memory on which a computer program with commands for displaying and / or evaluating the measurement data transmitted by the sensors is stored.

[0140] If necessary, the frontend 56 can also generate outputs via the user interface 52 or via the interface 54, particularly if the evaluation of the measurement data takes place on the frontend 56. The controller 50 or the frontend 56 can also be connected to a computer network or a cloud 58, for example, to store measurement data or variables calculated therefrom or to retrieve control commands.

[0141] By providing the central control device 40, a central evaluation of the measured values ​​measured by the individual sensors is possible, so that the condition of the drinking water supply system 2 can be evaluated and, if necessary, assessed at a central location.

[0142] Furthermore, it can be provided that the drinking water supply system 2 can be controlled from the central control device 40.

[0143] For this purpose, the drinking water supply system 2 comprises several decentralized control elements with which the water flow and the water temperature can be influenced at various points in the drinking water pipe system 4.

[0144] In the Figure 1a-b The following control elements are shown as examples and are explained below: a control element 70 on the toilet flush 22, a respective controllable separate flushing unit 72, 74 on the hot and cold water lines 14, 16, a respective controllable pump 76, 78 in the hot water supply line 10 and the cold water supply line 12 of the main supply line 6, a respective controllable throttle valve 82, 84 at the respective end of the hot and cold water lines 14, 16 and a controllable cooling section 86.

[0145] By providing the respective control elements and the central control device 40 for controlling these control elements, it is possible to control and, if necessary, regulate the drinking water supply system 2 from a central location. For example, a user can control one or more of the decentralized control elements from a central location by entering a corresponding command via the user interface 52 or the front end 56.

[0146] The function of the individual control elements is explained below: A flushing process can be initiated with the control element 70 on the toilet flush 22, so that water is drained from the cold water line 16 of the drinking water pipe system 4. The control element 70 and the toilet flush thus represent a controllable flushing unit.

[0147] For example, if a user determines from the information output via the user interface 52 that the area of ​​the cold water line 16 in which the toilet flush 22 is located has not been flushed for a long period of time and that the water has been standing in the cold water line 16 for a long time, they can initiate a flush via the central control device 40 and the control element 70 controlled thereby. This performs a flushing process and drains water from the corresponding section of the cold water line 16 so that fresh water can flow into the corresponding section of the cold water line 16. Similar control elements 70 can also be provided at other drinking water outlets, for example at the shower fitting 18 or the washbasin fitting 20. In particular, the hot water line 14 can also be flushed via the shower fitting 18 or the washbasin fitting 20.

[0148] The user can also initiate such a flushing process, for example, if he determines from the information displayed on the user interface 52 that the water temperature in a certain section of the cold water line 16 is too high or that it is too low in a certain section of the hot water line 14.

[0149] In the same way, a flushing process of the hot or cold water line can also be performed at a respective separate flushing unit 72, 74. With such a flushing unit, water can be drained from the respective line independently of the drinking water draw-off points. Such a flushing unit can, for example, have a pipe outlet integrated into the respective line with a controllable valve, so that by opening the valve, water can be drained from the line through the pipe outlet and, for example, directed into a drain provided below.

[0150] A centrally initiated flushing process at a drinking water extraction point or a flushing unit can also influence the water quantity or water pressure in the respective drinking water line.

[0151] The drinking water supply system 2 further includes presence detectors 88 in the form of motion detectors. The presence detectors 88 inform the central control device 40 whether a person is present in the area of ​​one of the drinking water tapping points 18, 20. Preferably, the central control device is configured to interrupt or prevent a centrally initiated flushing process at one of the drinking water tapping points 18, 20 if the corresponding presence detector 88 detects the presence of a person. This prevents a person in the area of ​​the drinking water tapping points 18, 20 from being splashed or—in the case of a hot water flush—scalded by an automatically initiated flushing process.

[0152] Furthermore, a presence detector such as the presence detector 88 can also be used to automatically switch the control of the drinking water supply system 2 by the central control device 40 between a normal mode and an absence mode, for example, a vacation mode. For this purpose, the control device 40 can be configured to automatically switch from a normal mode to an absence mode if no person has been detected by the presence detector 88 or by other provided presence detectors over a predetermined period of time. Furthermore, the control device 40 can be configured to automatically switch back to a normal mode if a person is detected by a presence detector during the absence mode.For the normal mode and the absence mode, for example, different control programs can be stored in the central control device 40, which contain different commands for controlling the drinking water supply system 2 in the normal or absence mode.

[0153] The water pressure within the hot and / or cold water supply lines 10, 12 or the water volume flowing through the hot and / or cold water supply lines 10, 12 can be influenced via the pumps 76, 78. For example, if the user determines via the user interface 52 that the water volume or water pressure available for the individual drinking water outlets is too low, they can increase the power of the pumps 76, 78 via the central control device 40.

[0154] In addition to or as an alternative to the pumps 76, 78, pumps can also be provided in sub-supply lines, for example in the sub-supply line 8, in order to locally control the water flow or pressure.

[0155] The hot water line 14 and the cold water line 16 are each connected via a throttle valve 82, 84 to a respective circulation line 90, 92, via which water can be circulated within the drinking water pipe system 4. In this way, the water from the hot water line 14 or the cold water line 16 can be drained without having to drain water from the drinking water supply system 2. In the present embodiment, the circulation lines 90, 92 are connected to a corresponding central hot water circulation line 94 ("ZW" in Fig. 1a ) and cold water circulation line 96 ("KW" in Fig. 1a) in the main supply line 6, via which the water can be made available for withdrawal again within the drinking water pipe system 4. For example, the hot water circulation line 94 can direct the water to a boiler, where it is heated before being fed back into the hot water supply line 10. The cold water circulation line 96 can, for example, direct the water to the controllable cooling section 86, where the water is cooled before being fed back into the cold water supply line 12.

[0156] If, for example, a user determines via the user interface 52 that the water in the hot water line 14 or the cold water line 16 has been standing for too long or is outside the desired temperature range, he can, by controlling the corresponding throttle valve 82 or 84, drain water from the hot water line 14 or the cold water line 16 via the corresponding circulation line 90, 92 so that fresh water flows in.

[0157] Since the circulation lines 90, 92 allow water to be drained from the hot and cold water lines 14, 16, respectively, without having to discharge it from the drinking water supply system 2, water exchange in the drinking water supply system can take place without unnecessary water waste. In particular, the water drained through the circulation lines 90, 92 can be reused in the drinking water supply system 2.

[0158] The provision of a circulation line is particularly advantageous in a cold water line, as this allows the water to be drained away if it has heated above a predetermined maximum temperature due to standing in the cold water line for too long. In this case, the controllable cooling section 86 allows the water to be cooled back down to the desired temperature.

[0159] Figure 3ashows a possible structure of the cooling section 86. The cooling section 86 is connected to the cold water circulation line 94 via two controllable branch valves 104 and 106. By controlling the branch valves 104 and 106, the water flowing through the cold water circulation line 94 can be diverted into the cooling section 86. A heat exchanger 108 with a coolant supply 110 and a coolant discharge 112 is arranged in the cooling section 86, through which the water flowing through the heat exchanger 108 can be cooled in order to achieve the desired water temperature for the cold water supply line 12.

[0160] Figure 3bshows an alternative cooling section 86'. The cooling section 86' differs from the cooling section 86 in that instead of active cooling via a heat exchanger 108 operated with a coolant, passive cooling is carried out by the cooling section 86' comprising a line section 114 which passes through a cold environment such as a basement area or, as in Fig. 3b indicated that the soil 116 is led.

[0161] Figure 3cshows another alternative cooling section. Like cooling section 86, cooling section 86" has a heat exchanger 108 with a coolant supply 110 and a coolant discharge 112. Unlike cooling section 86, however, heat exchanger 108 is directly connected to cold water circulation line 94. By activating or deactivating coolant supply 110, the water flowing through heat exchanger 108 can be cooled temporarily or as needed to achieve the desired water temperature for cold water supply line 12. Alternatively, permanent cooling is also possible.

[0162] Like the heat exchanger 108, the line section 114 of the cooling section 86' can also be connected directly to the cold water circulation line 94; this is done for the cooling section 86‴ in Figure 3d illustrated.

[0163] The direct connection of the heat exchanger 108 or the line section 114 to the cold water circulation line 94 has the advantage of avoiding dead water, which can occur in the cooling sections 86 and 86' in the unused line section between the two branch valves 104 and 106.

[0164] Figure 4 shows another section of the drinking water supply system 2 from Figure 1a For the sake of clarity, Figure 4 some components from Figure 1a omitted and other components that are in Figure 1a are not shown. How Figure 4 shows, not only the power supplies in Figure 1a shown drinking water taps 18, 20 and 22, but additional drinking water taps can be connected, for example all drinking water taps of a ward in a hospital. Figure 4In addition to the toilet flush 22, further toilet flushes 22' and 22" are shown as examples. All toilet flushes 22, 22' and 22" are equipped with respective temperature sensors 28, volume flow sensors 30 and control elements 70 for initiating a flush, analogous to the toilet flush 22.

[0165] The control device 40 enables group-wise control of the control elements integrated in the drinking water supply system 2. Thus, Figure 4For example, all toilet flushes 22, 22' and 22" of the sub-supply line 8 are combined into a virtual group 100, and the control device 40 is configured to jointly control the control elements 70 of the respective toilet flushes. For example, the controller 50 can be configured to receive a command to flush all toilet flushes in the sub-supply line 8 via the user interface 52 and, in response thereto, to control the individual control elements 70 of the toilet flushes from the group 100 such that a flushing process is carried out on all toilet flushes in the group 100. This achieves a large, preferably turbulent volume flow in the pipe system, in particular in the sub-supply line 8. A turbulent volume flow can, in particular, free the pipe walls of contaminants such as, for example, biofilm.

[0166] Control elements of the cooling section 86 can also be combined into a group. For example, the two controllable branch valves 104 and 106 can be combined into a virtual group so that, with a single command, they can be switched to a position in which the water is directed through the cooling section 86, or alternatively, to a position in which the water is directed past the cooling section 86. Furthermore, the heat exchanger 108 can also be integrated into the virtual group so that, for example, activating the cooling section 86 via the branch valves 104 and 106 starts a compressor or a pump for the cooling medium.

[0167] The central control device 40 can further be configured to determine, by means of corresponding sensors on the toilet flushes 22, 22', 22" in the sub-supply line 8, whether the sub-supply line 8 has been flushed at least once within a predetermined period of time by a flush on one of the toilet flushes 22, 22', 22" and, if this is not the case, to automatically initiate a corresponding flush on individual ones of the toilet flushes 22, 22', 22". Such central monitoring of the flushes in the sub-supply line 8 saves water compared to autonomous and individual monitoring of each individual toilet flush, since flushing must be carried out less frequently and with less water.

[0168] A flushing process initiated by the central control device 40, in particular at several toilet flushes 22, 22', 22" simultaneously, can lead to considerable noise pollution. For this reason, the central control device 40 is preferably configured to carry out the automatic flushing processes depending on the time of day. For this purpose, the controller 50 can, for example, have a system clock or be connected to one that provides information about the current time of day. In this way, for example, on a hospital ward, automatic flushing can be suppressed during the night. In an office building, flushing can also be carried out specifically at night when no work is being carried out in the office building.

[0169] To further reduce noise pollution caused by automatic flushing processes, the drinking water supply system 2 further comprises an acoustic sensor 118 in the form of a microphone, which provides the central control device 40 with a measured value of the volume in an area to be monitored, for example, on a hospital ward. The central control device 40 is preferably configured to automatically initiate flushing processes only if the volume determined by the acoustic sensor 118 is below a predetermined maximum volume. Furthermore, the central control device 40 is configured to abort an automatically initiated flushing process if the volume increases above a predetermined maximum volume. This increases comfort.

[0170] In a further embodiment, the sensors 24, 26 can be configured to determine measured values ​​for the velocity distribution of the water in the hot or cold water line. In this way, it can be determined whether the water flows turbulently or laminarly. If, for example, during a flushing of the cold water line, an automatically initiated flush at several of the drinking water outlets 22, 22', 22" determines that the water flow in the cold water line 16 is more laminar, the control device 40 can be configured to initiate further flushes in order to achieve higher flow velocities and thus a turbulent flow, since a turbulent flow can cause a more reliable flushing of the cold water line 16 than a laminar flow, particularly with regard to cleaning the pipe wall.In laminar flow, the flow velocity at the pipe wall approaches zero, while in turbulent flow, high flow velocities occur there due to vortices.

[0171] Fig. 5shows a heat pump 130, which is provided between the hot water supply line 10 and the cold water supply line 12 of the main supply line 6 of the drinking water supply system 2. The heat pump 130 comprises an evaporator 132, which is coupled to the cold water supply line 12 and in which a heat transfer medium evaporates, a compressor 134 for compressing the evaporated heat transfer medium, a condenser 136, which is coupled to the hot water supply line 10, for condensing the compressed heat transfer medium, and an expansion valve 138 for expanding the condensed heat transfer medium. The energy used to operate the compressor 134 allows the heat pump 130 to achieve a heat flow from the cold water supply line 12 to the hot water supply line 10, so that the water in the cold water supply line 12 is cooled and the water in the hot water supply line 10 is heated.In this way, simultaneous cooling of cold water and heating of hot water can be achieved in a resource-saving manner.

[0172] A heat pump corresponding to the heat pump 130 can, for example, also be provided between the hot and cold water lines 14, 16 of the sub-supply line 8.

[0173] Fig. 6a-b show two embodiments for further control elements of the drinking water supply system 2 from Fig. 1a . Fig. 6a shows a controllable filter element 150 and Fig. 6b a sterilization element 160. The filter element 150 or the sterilization element 160 can, for example, be integrated into the cold water supply line 12 and / or the hot water supply line 10. It is also possible to integrate a corresponding filter element or sterilization element into the drinking water supply system 2 directly behind the central feed point of the local water supplier.

[0174] The filter element 150 in Fig. 6a comprises a filter 152, for example a plate filter, and two controllable branch valves 154, 156, with which the water from the cold water supply line 12 can be directed through the filter 152. The filter 152 can filter suspended matter or bacteria from the water, for example.

[0175] For controlled control of the filter element 150, the drinking water supply system 2 can have a sensor 158 that measures the concentration of suspended matter or bacteria in the water passed through the filter element 150. The central control device 40 can then, for example, be configured to automatically control the branch valves 154, 156 when the measured suspended matter or bacteria concentration exceeds a predetermined maximum concentration, so that the water is passed through the filter 152.

[0176] The sterilization element 160 in Fig. 6bcomprises a sterilization section 162 and two controllable valves 164, 166, with which the water from the hot water supply line 10 can be directed through the sterilization section 162. In the sterilization section 162, the water is sterilized, for example by the action of heat (as in Fig. 6b illustrated) or by illumination with intense UV light.

[0177] For controlled control of the sterilization element 160, the drinking water supply system can have a sensor 168 that measures the concentration of bacteria in the water passed through the sterilization element 160. The central control device 40 can then, for example, be configured to automatically control the valves 164, 166 when the measured bacterial concentration exceeds a predetermined maximum concentration, so that the water is passed through the sterilization section 162.

[0178] Figure 7shows another section of the drinking water supply system 2 from Fig. 1a For the sake of clarity, Figure 7 some components from Figure 1a or 4 are omitted and other components that are in Figure 1a or 4 are not shown. Figure 7 shows the hot water supply line 10 and the hot water circulation line 96 of the main supply line 6. The cold water supply line 12 and the cold water circulation line 94 are in Fig. 7 omitted for the sake of clarity.

[0179] Connected to the main supply line 6 are several sub-supply lines 8, 8', which are fed by the main supply line 6 and, for example, supply different floors of a larger building complex, such as a hospital. A plurality of different drinking water extraction points 170 are integrated into the sub-supply lines 8, 8', of which Fig. 7 some are shown.

[0180] The drinking water supply system 2 includes a central hot water heater 172, which, among other things, can be used to heat water supplied by a central feed point 174 of the local water supplier to the desired water temperature for the hot water supply. Furthermore, the hot water circulation line 96 can also return the water circulating in the pipe system to the hot water heater 172 for reheating there.

[0181] The central hot water heater 172 is designed to heat water from room temperature to the desired temperature of, for example, 65°C. Furthermore, the throughput of the central hot water heater 172 is designed to supply the entire hot water portion of the drinking water supply system 2, and in particular all drinking water tapping points 170 integrated therein, with hot water.

[0182] In larger building complexes, such as a hospital, there may be long pipe runs between the central hot water heater 172 and the individual sub-supply lines 8, 8'. Despite pipe insulation, the water may then have cooled to such an extent that it would have to be drained after a relatively short time or transported back to the central hot water heater 172 via the hot water circulation line 96.

[0183] In order to enable more economical operation of the drinking water pipe system 2, decentralized hot water boilers 176 are integrated into individual sub-supply lines 8, 8', with which the water in the hot water line of the respective sub-supply line 8, 8' can be heated back to the desired temperature without having to be transported back to the central hot water boiler 172 via the long hot water circulation line 96.

[0184] Since the water is already preheated by the central hot water heater 172, the decentralized hot water heaters 176 only need to be designed for a smaller temperature difference, for example, to heat water from 50°C to 65°C. Furthermore, the throughput of the decentralized hot water heaters 176 only needs to be adjusted to the throughput of the respective sub-supply line 8, 8'. In this way, compactly dimensioned devices can be used for the decentralized hot water heaters 176. In addition, greater modularization and scalability of buildings is achieved. For example, individual decentralized hot water heaters can be switched on or off without affecting the entire system.

[0185] Figure 8shows a further embodiment of system 2'. The structure and functioning of system 2' essentially correspond to the structure and functioning of system 2, so reference is made to the above description. In particular, identical components are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0186] In system 2, the circulation line 92 for the cold water line 16 is connected to a controllable three-way valve 180, so that the water from the circulation line 92 can be directed either into the central cold water circulation line 94 or into the central hot water circulation line 96. The control device 40 is configured to control the three-way valve 180 such that water from the circulation line 92 is directed into the central hot water circulation line 94 when the temperature determined by a temperature sensor for determining the water temperature in the cold water line 16, for example, the sensor 26, or for determining the water temperature in the circulation line 92, exceeds a predetermined limit value.

[0187] In this way, water that may be contaminated due to heating in the cold water line 16 can be reused within the system 2' by being led via the central hot water circulation line 94 to the hot water heater 172, where it can be heated and germs can be killed.

[0188] Instead of a three-way valve 180, it can also be provided that the water from the circulation line 92 is generally directed to the central hot water circulation line 94.

[0189] In the following, the Figures 9 to 14Various exemplary embodiments of the method for controlling the drinking water supply system 2 are described. In particular, the control device 40 can be configured to control the drinking water supply system 2 according to the method. For this purpose, the controller 50 can, for example, have a memory on which a computer program is stored with instructions whose execution on at least one processor of the controller 50 causes the respective method to be executed.

[0190] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the cold water temperature.

[0191] In the method, in the first step 200, the central control device 40 receives temperature measurements from temperature sensors 28, 26 from the cold water line, for example, from the cold water line 16 of the sub-supply line 8. In the second step 202, it is checked whether the measured temperature is above a predefined maximum temperature Tmax. As long as this is not the case, the system returns to step 200. If the temperature exceeds the predefined maximum temperature Tmax, the central control device 40 initiates the execution of one or more of steps 204a-d.

[0192] In step 204a, the drinking water from the cold water line 16 is cooled via the cooling section 86. For this purpose, the control device 40 can, for example, control the control elements of the group 102, i.e. the branch valves 104, 106 and the heat exchanger 108, so that the water is passed through the cooling section 86 and cooled there.

[0193] In step 204b, water is drained from the cold water line 16 by controlling the control element 70 of a toilet flush 22, 22', 22" or the separate flushing unit 74.

[0194] In step 204c, the throttle valve 84 is activated so that the water from the cold water line 16 of the sub-supply line 8 is discharged via the circulation line 92, but remains within the drinking water supply system 2.

[0195] In step 204d, the control device 40 causes a user message to be output. For example, a person responsible for the safe operation of the drinking water supply system 2 can be alerted to an increased risk of contamination due to the excessively high cold water temperature.

[0196] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the hot water temperature.

[0197] In the method, in the first step 220, the central control device 40 receives temperature values ​​from sensors in a hot water line, for example from sensor 24 or the temperature sensors 28 in the hot water line 14. In the second step 222, it is checked whether the temperature of the water in the hot water line has dropped below a predetermined minimum temperature Tmin. If this is not the case, the system returns to step 220. If the water temperature drops below the minimum temperature Tmin, the central control device 40 initiates one or more of steps 224a-d.

[0198] In step 224a, a designated heating device, for example the decentralized hot water boiler 176, is activated to heat the water from the hot water line.

[0199] In step 224b, the flushing unit 72 is activated to drain water from the hot water line. In step 224c, the throttle valve 82 is activated to drain the water from the hot water line 14 via the circulation line 90. In this way, the water in the affected line section can be exchanged before it cools further.

[0200] In step 224d, the control device 40 causes a user message to be output, for example to indicate an increased risk of contamination due to the hot water temperature being too low.

[0201] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the method for monitoring and controlling the minimum flow rate through a drinking water line.

[0202] In the method, the central control device 40 receives the volume flow value from a volume flow sensor 24, 26, 30 in a first step. From the measured values, the control device then calculates the volume of water flowing through a specific pipe section of a drinking water line over a predetermined period of time.

[0203] In the second step 242, a check is made to determine whether the calculated water volume value is below a minimum volume value Vmin. If this is not the case, the system returns to step 240. Otherwise, the control device 40 initiates the execution of one or more of steps 244a-c.

[0204] In step 244a, the control device 40 causes a user message to be issued. For example, an excessively low flow rate through a drinking water line may indicate that a drinking water tap is defective and requires maintenance. The issuance of a user message can then prompt a caretaker to perform the appropriate check.

[0205] In step 244b, the control device 40 initiates a flushing and thus draining of the water from the corresponding pipe section of the drinking water line by controlling the control elements 70 or the separate flushing unit 72 or 74, respectively, so that the volume flow in the corresponding drinking water line is increased by an artificially induced flushing. In this way, the water can be prevented from standing in the drinking water line for too long and thus from becoming contaminated.

[0206] In step 244c, the control device 40, by controlling the throttle valves 82 and 84, causes water to be discharged from the drinking water lines 14, 16 via the circulation lines 90, 92, and thus also artificially increases the volume flow.

[0207] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the method for monitoring and usage-dependent control. In the method, the central control device 40 receives 260 measured values ​​for the volume flow, for example, from sensors 24, 26, or 30.

[0208] In step 262, a check is made to determine whether the measured volume flow exceeds a maximum predefined volume flow ΔVmax. If this is not the case, the system returns to step 260. If the maximum permissible volume flow is exceeded, this may indicate that the corresponding drinking water line is temporarily overloaded because water is being drawn from too many points simultaneously. As a countermeasure, the control device can then initiate one or more of steps 264a-d.

[0209] In step 264a, the control device causes an increase in water pressure, for example by increasing the power of the pump 76 or 78 or by opening a provided supply valve in order to provide more water or a higher pressure for the drinking water line in question.

[0210] In step 264b, the control device causes a possibly automatically performed process, in which water is drained, for example, via the flushing unit 72, 74 or via the circulation lines 90, 92, to be terminated. In this way, the water that would otherwise be automatically drained is available to the remaining drinking water outlets.

[0211] In step 264c, the control device 40 causes automatic drainage or circulation of the water to be prevented for a specific period of time or while the permissible flow rate is exceeded. This ensures the reliability of the supply at the individual drinking water withdrawal points.

[0212] In step 264d, the control device 40 initiates the output of a user message. For example, a responsible person can be alerted to a possible supply bottleneck in the corresponding drinking water line.

[0213] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the method for monitoring and regulating the line pressure. In the method, the central control device 40 receives a measured value for the water pressure in the drinking water line in the first step 280, for example, from sensor 24 or 26.

[0214] In the second step 282, the control device 40 checks whether the measured pressure is below a minimum pressure pmin. If this is not the case, the system returns to the first step 280. Otherwise, the control device initiates one or more of the steps 284a-d.

[0215] In step 284a, the control device 40 causes a water pressure increase, for example by increasing the power of the pumps 76 and 78, respectively, or by opening a supply valve to increase the pressure in the lines.

[0216] In steps 284b-c, any ongoing flushing or circulation process is terminated or future flushing or circulation processes are prevented.

[0217] In step 284d, the control device 40 causes a user message to be output, for example, to indicate the possibility of a leak, which may also be the cause of a pressure drop. For example, the control device 40 may be configured to monitor the pressure within a line section over an extended period of time and, in the event of an atypical pressure drop or a pressure drop that exceeds normal fluctuations, indicate the risk of a possible leak.

[0218] Figure 14shows a further embodiment of the method for monitoring and regulating line pressure. In the method, in the first step 300, the central control device 40 receives a value for the water pressure in the relevant drinking water line, for example, from sensor 24 or 26.

[0219] In step 302, a check is made to determine whether the measured pressure value is above a predetermined maximum pressure pmax. If this is not the case, the system returns to the first step 300. Otherwise, the control device executes one or more of steps 304a-c.

[0220] In step 304a, the water pressure is reduced, for example, by reducing the pumping power of pump 76 or 78 or by closing a supply valve to reduce the pressure in the relevant drinking water line. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 40 can also initiate the opening of a valve, for example, on a flushing unit.

[0221] In step 304b, water is drained from the drinking water line in question, for example by controlling the flushing unit 72 or 74, in order to reduce the water pressure in the drinking water line in question.

[0222] In step 304c, the control device 40 causes a user message to be output, for example to indicate a critical overpressure in the line system.

[0223] By automatically monitoring and controlling the water pressure in the drinking water pipe system 4 according to the Fig. 13 and 14Automatic pressure balancing can also be achieved. For example, multiple pressure sensors as well as multiple pumps and / or supply valves can be provided on different floors of a building complex in which the drinking water system is installed. By centrally monitoring the water pressure on the individual floors and automatically controlling the pumps and / or supply valves accordingly, the water pressure on all floors can be regulated within a specified pressure range.

[0224] Furthermore, this also allows for usage-dependent pressure balancing, as the water pressure is automatically adjusted, for example, if there is increased demand at several drinking water outlets on one floor.

Claims

1. Drinking water supply system (2) of a building - comprising a drinking water piping system (4), which comprises a main supply line (6) having a hot water supply line (10) and a cold water supply line (12), wherein a hot water line (14) of a subordinate supply line (8) is connected to the hot water supply line (10) and wherein a cold water line (16) of the subordinate supply line (8) is connected to the cold water supply line (12), - comprising a plurality of drinking water tapping points (18, 20, 22, 22', 22", 170) connected to the hot water line (14) and the cold water line (16), - comprising a central control device (40), - wherein a central feed point of a local water supplier into the drinking water supply system is provided, - wherein a plurality of sensors (24, 26, 28, 30, 158, 168) is provided, which sensors are configured to determine measurement values for one or different properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2) at different points in the drinking water supply system (2), - wherein the central control device (40) is configured to receive and evaluate the measurement values determined by the sensors (24, 26, 28, 30, 158, 168) and - wherein one or more of the sensors (24, 26, 28, 30, 158, 168) are configured to determine measurement values for the drinking water quality of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2), wherein the control device is configured to monitor the measurement values received from the sensors in regard to an exceedance of or a falling below a limit value and, in case of an exceedance or of a falling below the limit value, to output a corresponding warning notification via a user interface, wherein the limit value is determined from measurement values which have been determined at the central feed point of the local water supplier.

2. Drinking water supply system according to claim 1, characterised in that one or a plurality of the sensors (24, 26, 28, 30, 158, 168) are configured to determine measurement values for the pH value, for the water hardness, for the conductivity and / or for the presence or the concentration of certain contents such as for example suspended solids, viruses or micro-organisms.

3. Drinking water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that one or a plurality of the sensors (24, 26, 28, 30, 158, 168) are configured to determine measurement values for the oxygen concentration and / or for the concentration of free chlorine.

4. Drinking water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - comprising a plurality of decentralised control elements (70, 76, 78, 82, 84, 86, 86', 104, 106, 108, 130, 150, 160, 172, 176) which are configured to influence one or a plurality of properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2) at different points in the drinking water supply system (2), - wherein the central control device (40) is configured to actuate the control elements (70, 76, 78, 82, 84, 86, 86', 104, 106, 108, 130, 150, 160, 172, 176) to influence the one or plurality of properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2).

5. Drinking water supply system according to claim 4, characterised - in that one or a plurality of the decentralised control elements (150, 160, 172, 176) are configured to influence the drinking water quality of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2), and - in that the central control device (40) is configured to actuate the one or plurality of the decentralised control elements (150, 160, 172, 176) to influence the drinking water quality of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2).

6. Drinking water supply system according to claim 5, characterised - in that one or a plurality of the decentralised control elements (150, 160, 172, 176) is configured to influence the pH value, the water hardness, the conductivity and / or the presence or the concentration of certain contents such as for example suspended solids, viruses or micro-organisms of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2), and - in that the central control device (40) is configured to actuate the one or plurality of the decentralised control elements (150, 160, 172, 176) to influence the pH value, the water hardness, the conductivity and / or the presence or the concentration of certain contents such as for example suspended solids, viruses or micro-organisms of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2).

7. Drinking water supply system according to claim 5 or 6, characterised - in that one or a plurality of the decentralised control elements (150, 160, 172, 176) are configured to influence the oxygen concentration and / or the concentration of free chlorine of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2), and - in that the central control device (40) is configured to actuate the one or plurality of the decentralised control elements (150, 160, 172, 176) to influence the oxygen concentration and / or the concentration of free chlorine of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2).

8. Drinking water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the central control device (40) is configured to control the control elements (70, 76, 78, 82, 84, 86, 86', 104, 106, 108, 130, 150, 160, 172, 176) as a function of the received measurement values.

9. Method for controlling a drinking water supply system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the following steps: - receiving measurement values for one or different properties of the water carried in the drinking water supply system (2), and - controlling the drinking water supply system (2) as a function of the received measurement values, wherein measurement values received from the sensors are monitored in regard to an exceedance of or a falling below a limit value and, in case of an exceedance or of a falling below the limit value, a corresponding warning notification is output via a user interface, wherein the limit value is determined from measurement values which have been determined at the central feed point of the local water supplier.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that measurement values are determined for the drinking water quality of the water carried in the drinking water supply system, in particular for the pH value, for the water hardness, for the conductivity and / or for the presence or the concentration of certain contents such as for example suspended solids, viruses or micro-organisms, in particular bacteria.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterised in that measurement values are measured for the oxygen concentration and / or for the concentration of free chlorine.

12. Drinking water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the control device (40) is configured to initiate control of the drinking water supply system (2) according to a method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. Computer program comprising commands the execution of which on at least one processor, in particular of a drinking water supply system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 12, initiates the performance of a method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.