METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONSUMPTION MEASUREMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for detecting, monitoring and / or controlling media conditions and / or consumption in a pipeline system.

[0002] German patents DE 20 2014 104 154 U1, WO 2017 / 203491 A1, and WO 2017 / 152279 A1 concern systems for acquiring, monitoring, and / or controlling media states and / or consumption in a piping system. These systems describe a control unit for the primary sensor unit, which has a connection interface through which secondary sensor units for acquiring, monitoring, and / or controlling media states and / or consumption are connected to the control unit. A communication interface is also mentioned, through which the control unit communicates data based on the acquired, monitored, or controlled media states and / or consumption. US patent 2011 / 308638 A1 also describes a system for acquiring, monitoring, and / or controlling media states and / or consumption in a piping system. This system also includes a control unit.A connection interface is also described, which is designed to connect components for recording and / or monitoring media states and / or consumption to the control unit. Furthermore, a communication interface is described, via which the control unit communicates data based on the recorded, monitored, or controlled media states and / or consumption. US 2013 / 226485 A1 discloses a remotely controllable valve via which water consumption can be regulated remotely by a water supplier using the communication interface. US 2016 / 171479 A1 describes a method that can be used to establish an encrypted connection between a system and a component (machine-to-machine device).From US patent 2016 / 191481 A1, a method is known which describes access to an electronic device, wherein authentication data is collected from a separate secondary electronic device in order to obtain an authentication key for access from another device.

[0003] The recording, monitoring and control of media conditions and media consumption, especially in water supply, is currently mostly done manually by reading water meters on site and manually shutting off or opening house connection valves.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system that enables simple and automatic detection, monitoring and / or control of media conditions and / or consumption in a piping system.

[0005] This problem is solved by a system with the features of claim 1. By comprising a control unit, at least one connection interface configured to connect components for acquiring, monitoring, and / or controlling media states and / or consumption to the control unit, and at least one communication interface through which the control unit communicates data based on the acquired, monitored, or controlled media states and / or consumption, in particular to a cloud platform, the system enables simple and automatic acquiring, monitoring, and / or controlling of media states and / or consumption in a piping system. The components connected via the connection interface enable particularly simple acquiring, monitoring, or controlling of the media states or consumption in a piping system by the system's control unit.The acquisition, monitoring, and control of media consumption and media conditions in the piping system can be simplified, in particular, by the provided communication interface, through which the control unit communicates data based on the acquired, monitored, or controlled media conditions and / or consumption. This communication of data enables effective monitoring of the piping system and the media conditions or consumption.

[0006] The piping system can be a cold water line supplying a house, household, or business. It can also include a hot water line. The monitored piping system further encompasses not only the piping system of the connected building but also the service connection and parts of the public water supply network. The components, which can be connected via the interface, form a modular system that is easily expandable. The communication interface allows the system to be integrated with existing smart home systems or alarm systems. For this purpose, the communication interface preferably uses the KNX standard and / or other common smart home protocols. Integration with Amazon's Alexa system and / or similar systems is also possible via the communication interface.The control unit preferably provides access via the communication interface, allowing, for example, water suppliers to have external access to the system, particularly to the connected components. Remote reading of the utility meters connected to the control unit via the connection interface is possible via the communication interface. The utility meters can be directly connected to the control unit via the connection interface, or an intermediate data acquisition interface can be used.

[0007] The interface can have multiple slots for wired communication with connected components and, preferably, also enable wireless communication with these components. Data based on the recorded, monitored, or controlled media states and / or consumption can be transmitted via the communication interface to a cloud (i.e., an internet-connected server) using an existing household internet connection or an integrated SIM card with a data connection. The communication interface can establish a connection to an existing router via Wi-Fi or LAN. Alternatively, the data can be transmitted via the GSM network or other IoT networks. The homeowner can authorize the data transmission for this purpose. Data transmission can be encrypted.Preferably, the data should be transmitted in a format compatible with existing systems. The OMS standard should be used for this purpose. Ideally, both the water supplier and the end customer should have access to the data transferred to the cloud. The data, based on the recorded, monitored, or controlled media states and / or consumption, can be used by the water supplier for purposes such as billing, tariff optimization, and network transparency. This allows for improved control of the water network. For example, the supplier can very efficiently set a required minimum pressure in the pipeline system using consumption-based pump control if the system is connected to a pressure sensor. Information on the pressures at the service connections can thus be used for effective control of the water supplier's pumps.

[0008] The control unit allows for the easy recording of user consumption data and usage patterns, which can then be communicated to the utility company via the communication interface for data analysis. For example, the water consumption data transmitted to a cloud can be used directly on the platform or via an interface to its billing system for invoicing end customers. The system can be assigned to individual consumption points via the IPv6 address. If the system is temporarily unavailable via the communication interface, the utility company can check neighboring consumption points to determine whether only the internet connection of the homeowner or the electricity connection of the water customer is affected by a disruption, or whether surrounding households are experiencing similar problems.Automatic software updates for the control unit are also possible via the communication interface. Data stored in a cloud, for example, can also be viewed by the end user via an app on a smartphone, tablet, or other data processing and display device.

[0009] The piping system in question is preferably the end-user connection or house connection between the public supply network and the end user's connected house network. More preferably, the end-user connection or house connection is the drinking water house connection, the transfer point, or the water meter installation.

[0010] According to the invention, the components for monitoring media consumption comprise at least one pressure sensor for detecting the media pressure in the piping system, wherein the components for controlling media consumption comprise at least one valve controllable via the at least one connection interface, with which the media flow in the piping system can be controlled, wherein the controllable valve has an actuator with limit switches, wherein the limit switches are configured to indicate a closed or open controllable valve, wherein the components for detecting media consumption have a detection interface configured to detect media consumption counted by a media consumption meter, and wherein the control unit is configured to send a tampering suspicion and / or defect message to a supplier.Provided the media consumption meter registers a flow rate with the valve closed, or if there is no flow rate with the valve open despite a pressure drop at the pressure sensor, a tampering and / or fault report can easily be sent to the utility company, indicating that the actuator has been removed from the valve or that the controllable valve is defective.

[0011] A particularly advantageous embodiment of this system provides that the components for controlling media states include at least one flushing system with preferably at least one disinfection module in the piping system. A flushing system ensures sufficient flushing of the piping system during a vacation mode. For this purpose, a valve controllable via the control unit is briefly opened and then closed again. With such a flushing system, the water supplier can also automatically initiate flushing of the wastewater network. The system can automatically inform the water supplier about such a wastewater network flushing via the communication interface.If water consumption in the pipe system is lower than the system's volume over a certain period, and normal fluid loss is observed, an alarm can be sent to the water supplier, initiating automatic flushing by the flushing system. If the flushing system includes a disinfection module, automatic disinfection of the pipe system is also possible, particularly in the case of Legionella contamination.

[0012] By measuring the media pressure via a pressure sensor connected through an interface, the media pressure in the piping system can be monitored. The pressure sensor is preferably located upstream of a pressure reducer, i.e., upstream of the pressure reducer in the piping system of a consumer connection. The information on the pressures present at the service connections can thus be used for the effective control of the water supply pumps. For this purpose, the pressures measured by the pressure sensor are preferably transmitted to the water supplier via the communication interface.

[0013] The controllable valve is preferably arranged upstream of the water meter in the piping system. The controllable valve preferably controls the flow of water in a cold water line of the piping system. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the system also includes a controllable valve for controlling the flow of water in a hot water line of the piping system. The valve(s) are controlled simply via the interface through which the components are connected to the control unit. This connection can be wired or wireless. With a valve that can be remotely controlled via the control unit, the water consumption of individual households can be regulated remotely by the water supplier using the communication interface.In the event of short-term or long-term supply shortages due to water scarcity and / or network disruptions and / or harmful impairments to the drinking water network, the water supplier can restrict the flow rate at the house connection and, if necessary, even shut it off completely via the controllable valve. This valve, which can be controlled remotely via the communication interface and is located, for example, on a cold water line at a house connection, allows the supplier to shut off the water supply. This makes it easy to disconnect delinquent consumers and simplifies the implementation of prepaid tariffs in the water supply sector. Furthermore, volume-based tariffs in the water supply can be easily managed via the system, ensuring effective water rationing. This also allows utility companies to implement new tariffs and collection functions within the system.For customers who are delinquent in their payments, the delivery quantity can also be reduced to a minimum, or the water can only be delivered to the household in a certain quantity against prepayment.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can also be combined in any technologically meaningful way, thus revealing further embodiments of the invention.

[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the components for recording media consumption have a data acquisition interface configured to record the media consumption measured by a media consumption meter. Media consumption meters, such as conventional water meters, can be integrated into the system via this interface, allowing, for example, the water consumption measured by the water meter to be recorded and monitored by the system. For this purpose, the data acquisition interface is preferably connected to the water meter, acting as the media consumption meter, via M-BUS or a pulse generator. Preferably, the media consumption meter communicates with the data acquisition interface using the OMS standard, particularly via cable or wirelessly. The data acquisition interface can also be configured for reading media consumption meters, such as gas meters or heat meters, as well as electricity meters.With this integrated data acquisition interface, the system can be used with existing utility meters. The system's communication interface allows consumption data for water, electricity, gas, and heat from these meters to be transmitted to the utility companies. Continuous monitoring of supply and demand to individual consumers can provide utility companies with information about anomalies or leaks in specific network areas.

[0016] If the system is connected to a smart home system and / or, for example, an alarm system via the communication interface, information and signals from various smart home devices, such as the alarm system, can trigger the system's control unit to activate the controllable valve. This allows the system to detect whether a potential consumer is present in the household and open or close the controllable valve accordingly. If the utility company has closed the controllable valve and a connected utility meter continues to measure flow in the pipe system, the system can send an alarm message via the communication interface, indicating possible tampering with the utility connection.Such an alarm message can initially be sent only to the homeowner, with the utility company being informed only if irregularities persist. A continuous flow in the pipe system with the valve closed can also indicate a faulty actuator for the controllable valve. In this case, the homeowner should be notified to check the actuator. The controllable valve can preferably be remotely controlled via the control unit, an app, or components of a smart home system connected to the control unit. Access to the controllable valve should ideally be password-protected, for example, by a PIN.

[0017] An advantageous embodiment provides that the components for monitoring the media condition include at least one condition sensor for detecting the media condition within the piping system. With this integrated condition sensor, the media condition can be easily detected within the piping system. The condition sensor can be a temperature sensor, a water quality sensor, or, in particular, a sensor for detecting Legionella contamination and / or other microbiological impairments. Such a condition sensor enables a comprehensive water diagnostic system that continuously monitors water quality and, in the event of deviations, automatically closes connected, controllable valves and communicates the detected media condition in a warning message via the communication interface.This allows the utility company to be notified immediately of any quality defects in the provided medium.

[0018] With a connected temperature sensor, a warning message can be sent to the homeowner via the communication interface if the water temperature in the pipe system drops below 0°C. This warning message can prompt the homeowner to open the taps so that warmer water can flow from the pipe system. An alarm can also be generated if the temperature gets too high, and the water supplier can be automatically notified. The activation of a flushing system connected to the system can also be triggered based on the water temperature measured by the sensor in the pipe system.

[0019] For example, if a pressure drop is detected at a pressure sensor connected to the control unit (e.g., by comparing the measured pressure with a predefined threshold), an error message can be sent to the homeowner and / or the water supplier via the communication interface. The error message can then be displayed to the customer as a push notification in an app. Additionally, the significant pressure drop can be indicated by a warning light or a built-in display on the control unit.

[0020] The communication interface also allows acoustic signals to be output via smart home systems connected to the system. For example, the voice service system sold under the name Alexa can issue a corresponding error message. In addition to Alexa, user notifications can also be sent via Apple's Siri software and / or comparable systems on compatible data processing devices.

[0021] Preferably, the control unit and / or the cloud enables the statistical processing of consumption data from a media consumption meter connected to the control unit. If the recorded consumption values ​​exceed a certain threshold (optionally time-dependent), a leakage alert can also be sent via the communication interface. This alert can be displayed as a push notification in an app, as an illuminated warning light on the control unit, or on a built-in display on the control unit. Acoustic signals can also be sent via the communication interface to smart home systems connected to the system, such as Alexa.

[0022] A significant increase in flow rate at the connected utility meter can also trigger a leak detection alert. The leak detection signal can also be generated from the current utility consumption of a meter connected to the control unit. If, for example, the utility consumption exceeds a defined threshold, the control unit and / or the cloud can also communicate a leak detection alert to the water supplier and / or the property owner via the communication interface. Preferably, the control unit and / or the cloud has a self-learning consumption detection system that learns consumption patterns and generates a leak detection alert as soon as unusual deviations occur. Optionally, the self-learning consumption detection system can also utilize consumption data from other property connections during its learning process.This consumption data is preferably provided to the control unit and / or the cloud via the communication interface by the utility company.

[0023] Connecting a valve or a water consumption meter in combination with a pressure sensor to the system according to the invention offers the additional advantage that the control unit and / or the cloud can be used to evaluate (preferably generating a corresponding message) whether a detected leak is located, for example, in the building, i.e., downstream of the valve or consumption meter, or upstream, i.e., in the supply line connecting the building to the supply network. For example, if a pressure drop is detected accompanied by an increased flow rate, as measured by the water consumption meter, this indicates a leak in the building, whereas a pressure drop without an increased flow rate is more likely to indicate a leak in the supply line.The relevant evaluation results can be advantageously communicated to the supplier via the communication interface, so that the supplier can then take the appropriate measures in a targeted manner.

[0024] A media status signal can be generated, for example, by a temperature sensor connected to the control unit. This allows the water supplier to be informed of impermissible temperature increases at the affected water connection. The media status signal can also originate from a water quality sensor, particularly a sensor for detecting Legionella contamination. If the measured water quality does not meet the requirements, a notification about the status of the supplied medium can be sent to the homeowner and / or the water supplier. This notification can be displayed as a push notification in an app, as an illuminated warning light on the control unit, or on a built-in display on the control unit. Audible signals can also be emitted via the communication interface through smart home systems connected to the system, such as Alexa.

[0025] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention and from the drawing. It shows: Figure 1: System according to the invention as a block diagram.

[0026] In the Figure 1Reference numeral 1 schematically illustrates a system according to the invention. The system 1 shown here comprises a control unit 2 to which several components, such as a pressure sensor 4 and a controllable valve 7, are connected via a connection interface 3. The controllable valve 7 allows the flow of the media in the depicted piping system 100 to be controlled and the media consumption to be regulated. The pressure sensor 4 allows the pressure of the media in the piping system 100 to be detected. A condition sensor 8 for detecting the condition of the media in the piping system 100 is also connected to the control unit 2 via the connection interface 3.The condition monitoring sensor 8 provides a water diagnostic system that monitors water quality in real time. In the event of deviations in water quality, the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 automatically closes the connected, controllable valve 7 and communicates the determined media status in a warning message via the communication interface 5. The control unit 2 is also connected via the connection interface 3 to a data acquisition interface 6, which is designed to record the media consumption measured by the media consumption meter 101 shown. The media consumption meter 101 is positioned in the piping system 100 such that it detects and counts the flow rate within the piping system 100. The signal from the media consumption meter 101 is acquired by the connected control unit 2, and the media consumption is calculated from this signal. In this embodiment, the controllable valve 7 is located upstream of the media consumption meter 101.Downstream of the water consumption meter, the pressure sensor 4, connected to the control unit 2, is located on the piping system 100. Both the throttle valve 105 and the controllable valve 7 are preferably designed as angle seat valves. The control unit 2 is preferably a single-board computer and equipped with control software for controlling the system 1. Preferably, the control unit 2 has a touch display or a display 10 with operating buttons, via which commands can be entered. An input command can open and close a controllable valve 7 connected to the control unit 2. The system 1 can record consumption data, which can be transmitted wirelessly to the water supplier 102 or to the homeowner 103.System 1 has a communication interface 5, which allows the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 to communicate with, for example, the utility company 102 and the homeowner 103. Communication via the communication interface 5 includes data based on the recorded, monitored, or controlled media states and / or consumption, as well as external commands for controlling the connected components. The data stored in the control unit includes consumption quantities, time data, pressure data, temperature data, and valve positions of the controllable valve 7 of the deployed system 1.

[0027] In the example shown, communication with the homeowner 103 takes place wirelessly, with messages from the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 appearing, for example, in an app 9 on the device shown. Figure 1The smartphone 104 shown as an example is displayed. The communication interface 5 to the water supplier 102 is indicated here by dashed lines as a wired connection, but can also be established wirelessly via radio links in certain sections. The communication interface 5 to the cloud 106 is also indicated here by dashed lines as a wired connection, but can also be established wirelessly via radio links in certain sections. The connection to the water supplier 102 can also be established via the GSM network, for example. To access the control unit 2, the communication interface 5 will preferably contact an internet exchange and cyclically transmit the new IP address whenever the internet connection's IP address changes. By communicating the current IP address to the exchange, the app 9 can directly access the control unit 2.In this way, the consumption data stored in control unit 2 can be retrieved without intermediate storage on a server or in a cloud.

[0028] Furthermore, system 1 serves for leak detection, whereby in the event of a leak, water line 100 is automatically shut off.

[0029] In particular, the pressure sensor 4 and the data acquisition interface 6, coupled to the media consumption meter 101, serve to generate a leak detection signal. This leak detection signal is used by the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 for leak detection. By evaluating the leak detection signal, the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 can detect a leak in the monitored piping system 100 by monitoring a threshold value for the leak detection signal. If this defined threshold value is exceeded or fallen below, the control unit 2 communicates a suspected leak message via the communication interface 5, preferably to the property owner 103 and the water supplier 102. In addition to communicating a suspected leak message, the controllable valve 7 can also be automatically closed by the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 to prevent media flow in the piping system 100.

[0030] Using an app 9, homeowners 103 or tenants can access various functions, such as leak warnings or water consumption data. Pairing the app 9 on the end-user device 104 with the control unit 2 is preferably achieved by scanning a QR code on the control unit 2's housing or by entering a string of characters printed there. The app 9 preferably offers the option of graphically displaying the media consumption recorded by the media consumption meter 101. This allows the user 103 to analyze media consumption. A calendar function enables analysis within a configurable time period. The app 9 also allows media consumption to be graphically displayed in relation to price. Furthermore, the app 9 can display leakage alerts in a chronologically sorted history function.Furthermore, App 9 offers the option to unlock the controllable valve 7 of System 1 in certain cases after automatic closure via on-screen input. App 9 preferably also features an expert mode that unlocks hidden functions of System 1. App 9 preferably runs on Android and iOS operating systems.

[0031] System 1 is preferably also equipped with a sensor 8 for monitoring water quality (germ concentration, electrolyte content, etc.). A media condition alert can also be communicated via the communication interface 5 if a component 8 connected to the control unit 2 for recording and monitoring media conditions provides a critical media condition signal. For this purpose, the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 evaluates a media condition signal and, if a defined limit value for the media condition signal is exceeded or fallen below, communicates a corresponding error message, preferably to the property owner 103 and the water supplier 102. In addition to reporting a critical media condition, the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 can also stop the media flow in the piping system 100 in this case by closing the connected, controllable valve 7.Furthermore, an automatic flushing function for the contaminated piping system 100 can be set up by automatically releasing the media flow in the piping system 100 by opening the controllable valve 7.

[0032] Media consumption can be easily evaluated by the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106 via the media consumption meter 101, which is connected via the data acquisition interface 6, and the connected pressure sensor 4. This evaluation of the media consumption signal generates a media consumption message communicated via the communication interface 5. The water supplier 102 can then easily receive and process this media consumption message. Furthermore, communicating the media consumption data to the homeowner 103 provides transparency regarding their own consumption and usage patterns. The app 9 preferably includes a calendar function that displays the water consumption according to the calendar.This calendar-based evaluation of media consumption can also generate a leak detection signal as part of the leak detection system. In the event of atypical deviations from the calendar-based media consumption, a suspected leakage message can also be generated and / or the controllable valve 7 can be automatically closed by the control unit 2 and / or the Cloud 106.

[0033] System 1 also offers the possibility of testing the tightness of the piping system 100 and thus detecting micro-leaks. For this purpose, valve 7 is closed and a pressure drop over time is measured by pressure sensor 4.

[0034] Furthermore, System 1 offers the possibility of detecting faults and tampering at the service connection. If the limit switches of the actuator 11 at the controllable valve 7 do not respond, this may indicate a defective actuator 11. If one of the limit switches or the control unit 2 reports a closed controllable valve 7, but the media consumption meter 101 registers flow, the actuator 11 may have been removed from the valve 7 or the controllable valve may be defective. In this case, the control unit 2 sends a tampering and / or fault message to the utility company 102. Conversely, if the limit switch or the control unit 2 reports that the valve 7 is open, but there is no flow despite a pressure drop at the pressure sensor 4, it could also be assumed that the actuator 11 has been removed from the valve 7 or that the controllable valve is defective.In this case too, the supplier 102 receives a report of suspected manipulation and / or defect.

[0035] System 1 allows for the setup of a prepaid water supply function. Once the prepaid credit, as recorded by the utility meter 101, is depleted, the controllable valve 7 can be closed via the control unit 2 and / or the cloud 106, and the utility company 102 and the property owner 103 can be notified of the depleted credit. A calendar function can be used to prevent the controllable valve 7 from closing automatically on days such as Saturdays or Sundays. This allows the property owner 103 to top up their credit with the water utility company 102 on other weekdays. Reference symbol list

[0036] 1 System 2 Control unit 3 Connection interface 4 Pressure sensor (component) 5 Communication interface 6 Data acquisition interface (component) 7 Controllable valve (component) 8 Status sensor (component) 9 App 10 Touch display 11 Actuator 100 Piping system 101 Media consumption meter 102 Utility company 103 House connection owner 104 Smartphone 105 Throttle valve 106 Cloud

Claims

1. System (1) for detecting, monitoring and / or controlling media conditions and / or media consumptions on a piping system (100), comprising: - a control unit (2), - at least one connection interface (3), which is designed to connect components (4, 6, 7, 8) for detecting, monitoring and / or controlling media conditions and / or media consumptions to the control unit (2), and - at least one communication interface (5), via which the control unit (2) communicates data based on the detected, monitored or controlled media conditions and / or media consumptions, wherein the components of the system (1) for monitoring the media consumption comprise at least one pressure sensor (4) for detecting the media pressure in the piping system (100), wherein the components of the system (1) for controlling the media consumption comprise at least one valve (7) which can be actuated via the at least one connection interface (3) and with which the media flow in the piping system can be controlled, characterized in that the controllable valve (7) has an actuator (11) with end position switches, wherein the end position switches are set up to signal a closed or open controllable valve (7), wherein the components of the system (1) for detecting the media consumption comprise a detection interface (6) which is designed to detect a media consumption counted by a media consumption meter (101), wherein the control unit (2) is set up to send a suspected manipulation message and / or defect message to a supplier (102) if the media consumption meter (101) detects a flow rate when the valve (7) is closed or if there is no flow when the valve (7) is open, despite a pressure drop at the pressure sensor (4).

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the components for controlling the medium condition comprise at least one flushing system and / or preferably at least one disinfection module in the piping system (100).

3. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components for monitoring the condition of the medium comprise at least one state detection sensor (8) for detecting the condition of the medium in the piping system (100).

4. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the components for detecting the media consumption have a detection interface (6) which is designed to detect a media consumption counted by a media consumption meter (101).