METHOD FOR MONITORING A WATER SUPPLY NETWORK, WATER SUPPLY NETWORK AND FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for monitoring a water supply network comprising a (central) water distribution system, a plurality of water channels, and building water connections, as defined in the preamble of claim 1. Such a method is described, for example, in EP2778296A1 and US2013 / 197833A1, as well as in WO2009 / 121138A1. The invention further relates to such a water supply network itself and to a fault detection system for detecting a fault in such a water supply network.

[0002] The public infrastructure for drinking water supply represents a combination of numerous and long-extending distribution lines as well as the so-called "last mile" piping, which leads to individual buildings or consumers.

[0003] With such large water supply networks, it is not easy to detect when the network is damaged or the water quality is insufficient. This can lead to such damage and / or contamination being detected late or only remedied with considerable effort.

[0004] A particular difficulty here is that the conditions in such a water supply network can vary greatly, especially due to the large number of consumers, diverse consumption habits and / or various difficulties in reaching buildings or their piping.

[0005] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a method for monitoring a water supply network, a water supply network, and a fault detection system are to be proposed with which undesirable or unforeseen events relating to the water supply can be detected quickly and / or reliably, and, if necessary, measures can be taken to quickly eliminate these faults.

[0006] These problems are solved by a method for monitoring a water supply network according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments, including a water supply network and a fault detection system, are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed in the claims can be combined in any technologically meaningful way and demonstrate further embodiments of the invention. The description, particularly in conjunction with the figures, explains the invention and presents further embodiments.

[0007] The following procedure for monitoring a water supply network contributes to this. The water supply network typically includes (at least) one water distribution facility, numerous water channels, and building water connections.

[0008] A water distribution system can include a water storage facility, such as a lake, tank, or similar structure. The system also has the means to supply water with a predefined characteristic to the connected water channels, particularly with a predetermined water quality and / or pressure. Pumps, valves, sensors, filters, etc., may be included for this purpose. The water is then released from such a distribution system into at least one water channel in a controlled manner. Often, there is a central water channel from which numerous branches extend, forming connecting water channels that run to the building's water connection, the so-called "last mile." These water channels can be constructed like a shaft and / or with piping, for example, made of metal and / or plastic pipes.The water channels are designed to be pressure-tight, ensuring that the water pressure set by the water distribution system is reduced only to an acceptable extent across the channels, for example, with a maximum pressure difference of 20%, preferably with the pressure at the building water connections deviating by less than 10% from the (centrally) supplied pressure. The building water connection is often a central connection element for a (single) building, a factory, or other consumer unit, which includes, for example, a central shut-off valve. Such a building water connection makes it possible, in particular, to supply water from the water channels to the building or to keep it available there as needed. Therefore, such a building water connection is specifically designed to allow or prevent the flow of water from the water channels to the building or consumer as required.

[0009] The monitoring procedure proposed here includes at least the following steps: a) Acquire at least one local water condition variable in the area of ​​a plurality of building water connections; b) Acquire at least one central water condition variable in at least one area of ​​a water conduit or water distribution system; c) Compare the water condition variables with each other; d) Detect at least one fault with respect to at least one of the water conduits based on the comparison according to step c).

[0010] The sequence of steps a) to d) chosen here does not necessarily have to be carried out sequentially in this order; it is often possible to overlap the steps, at least partially, or even execute them simultaneously. In particular, it is also possible to repeat the steps a different number of times within the procedure, possibly even before a subsequent step is triggered.

[0011] The acquisition of at least one local water condition parameter according to step a) can be performed computationally or using sensors. The water condition parameter can be determined directly from the water in the vicinity of a building water connection and / or calculated based on this. "Local" in this context means, in particular, that the water condition parameter is representative of the water condition in the vicinity of the building water connection, i.e., especially in the "last mile" and / or in the vicinity or precisely at the building water connection. In other words, it means, in particular, that a local water condition parameter is characteristic of the condition of the supplied water in the vicinity of the building water connection. Typically, not only a single local water condition parameter is acquired in the vicinity of a single building water connection, but a plurality or a large number of different building water connections are acquired simultaneously and / or sequentially.For example, it is possible that the majority of all building water connections in a water supply network that are connected via a (central) water channel will be covered by this.

[0012] According to step b), at least one key water condition parameter is recorded in a section of a (central) water channel and / or the water distribution system. This key water condition parameter(s) can also be recorded using sensors or computational methods. The key water condition parameter is particularly characteristic of the condition of the water that is (shortly) introduced into the (central supply) water channel by the water distribution system. The key water condition parameter is determined, in particular, in a section before a (first) branch is provided from the water channel to a building water connection. It is especially preferred that this key water condition parameter is recorded at or near the outlet of the water distribution system.

[0013] The local and central water condition parameters recorded at different points in the water supply network are then compared (step c)). This comparison can involve comparing similar water condition parameters, or it can involve comparing different water condition parameters, for example, using a concordance list. The comparison can be automated or computational. It can include determining deviations between water condition parameters, changes in their relative or interdependent values ​​over time, and / or exceeding predefined limit values ​​for water condition parameters. The results of the comparison can also be stored or made available for subsequent process steps, if necessary.

[0014] Step d) now allows the detection of at least one fault with respect to at least one of the water channels based on the result of the comparison according to step c). A "fault" is intended, in particular, to denote an area in which the specified or expected water condition parameters do not correspond with the measured ones. A fault can encompass the entire water supply network or all water channels, but it is also possible to detect a single water channel or a single "last mile" pipe leading to exactly one building water connection as a fault. "Detection" is understood to mean the general finding of a fault or fault situation, or, according to the invention, the localization of a specific sub-area with respect to the water channels of the water supply network. The result of step d) can, for example, be the output that the water or...all water channels are not set up as expected, or a local section of one or more water channels is actually defective.

[0015] According to the invention, the water state variables are pressure and flow rate and can additionally include at least one from the following group: temperature, water quality, vibration. For example, it is possible to measure or determine the water pressure locally or centrally. It is also possible to measure or determine the local or central water flow rate. It is possible to determine the water and / or ambient temperature in order to test the influence of temperature, for example, on the measurement of water pressure. For water quality, measures for analyzing the composition of the water, especially the proportion of biological substances, chemical substances, etc., can be used. It is also possible to learn about the water state by transmitting vibrations or sound through the water channels, whereby information about the water state variable can be obtained from the reflections.It is possible to consider only one of these water state variables, but it is also possible to consider several, a large number, or all of these water state variables within the framework of the proposed method, whereby different water state variables may be recorded at different local areas or the central area. It is possible, for example based on empirical knowledge, to correlate the recorded local or central water state variables with each other in order to enable a comparison of the respective water state variables.

[0016] It is also proposed that during steps a) and / or b), a water flow is maintained through at least one of the building water connections. In other words, this means, in particular, that the procedure for monitoring the water supply network is carried out "online," i.e., during normal consumption through the building water connections. In such an "online" user situation, some building water connections may be open, meaning water is being consumed, and / or other building water connections may be closed, meaning no consumption is taking place. In this situation, it is particularly advantageous to apply typical consumption patterns, for example, based on empirical data, and thus adjust or evaluate the local water condition parameters accordingly.

[0017] Furthermore, it is possible that no water is flowing through at least one of the building's water connections during at least step a) or b). In other words, this means, in particular, that step a) and / or step b) will only be carried out if it can be precisely determined that no water is flowing through one, several, or all of the building's water connections, i.e., that they are not consuming any water or drawing any water from the sewer system. It is possible to detect such a condition specifically, for example, through appropriate measurements, or, knowing the consumption patterns regarding the water supply network, to select suitable specific times for carrying out the procedure, such as a public holiday, nighttime operation, etc.

[0018] According to the invention, at least one of the building water connections is closed before step a) or b). Thus, the monitoring method provides for a specific instruction to be sent to at least one, optionally multiple, or even all of the associated building water connections to actively close them. Such an instruction is sent electronically or wirelessly. This establishes a static state in the water supply network, which is particularly suitable for the analysis presented here and for detecting at least one fault. In particular, this method allows verification of the extent to which a central water condition variable changes over time relative to individual local water condition variables when the building water connections are closed.

[0019] It may also be provided that in step d) the recorded water condition parameters from several steps a) and / or b) are taken into account. For example, it is possible that the water condition parameters recorded in steps a) and / or b) are recorded intermittently and that only when a certain limit value or target value is exceeded, reached, or fallen below are the recorded local water condition parameters from the last sub-steps used for a comparison in step c).

[0020] According to a training course, it is proposed that, depending on the result from step d), at least one shut-off valve should close automatically. This means, for example, that if a fault is detected, a targeted instruction is sent to a shut-off valve that is part of the water supply network, causing it to close automatically. The shut-off valve can be part of a building water connection. It can also be part of the water distribution system. The shut-off valve can close immediately, or it can be closed indirectly, for example, via a corresponding instruction from a control unit for the building water connection and / or its users.

[0021] It is therefore also considered advantageous that, prior to step a), an authorization request is sent to the users of the building's water connections, and that the subsequent steps of the procedure are only carried out after receiving confirmation from the user. In other words, this means, for example, that at a predetermined time and / or following a known event, contact is first made with the building's water connection or its user to request permission to carry out the verification procedure. This could, for example, involve closing the building's water connection or keeping it closed for a predefined period. This instruction to close or keep the building's water connection closed is only issued after corresponding confirmation from the user. Such a request or confirmation can be made via electronic data exchange, for example, via radio and / or mobile devices.Stationary terminal devices and / or data acquisition systems. In other words, this can also mean that the implementation of the proposed procedure is blocked without the corresponding confirmation. This can remain in effect until a certain number of confirmations from users of building water connections are received. It is also possible that this will allow the detection of which building water connections in the water supply network are definitively closed, which can be taken into account when evaluating the results of the procedure and thus improve its accuracy.

[0022] According to another aspect, a water supply network with a water distribution system, water channels, and building water connections is proposed, furthermore including a fault detection system designed to carry out the proposed procedure. The fault detection system may, in particular, comprise a data processing system and / or a network of data processing systems. The fault detection system is specifically designed to determine and calculate the local and central water condition parameters and assign them to the individual sections of the water supply network. It may include analysis units and algorithms that enable the execution of the procedure.

[0023] According to the invention, a fault detection system with multiple sensors for detecting at least one water condition parameter and means suitable for carrying out the steps of the proposed method is proposed. In particular, this fault detection system can be equipped with data processing units, processors, computers, computing units, storage units, and electronic data connections that enable the detection of water condition parameters at different locations within the water supply network and their subsequent calculation and comparison, optionally centrally. It is particularly preferred that the fault detection system further comprises at least one radio unit for communication with at least one sensor, a shut-off valve, a building water connection, or a mobile device for data transfer, which is also configured for such communication.In other words, this means, in particular, that data can be sent from the fault detection system to and / or received from at least one of the aforementioned components. Data in this sense includes measured values, messages, alarms, etc.

[0024] In addition, a computer program is proposed, comprising commands that cause the fault detection system to execute the steps of the procedure proposed herein. The computer program can, in particular, be a product that can be stored on a storage medium and executed.

[0025] The invention is particularly suitable for locating leakage points with respect to such a water supply network or a water channel encompassed by it.

[0026] For example, it is possible to record pressure data from a central water line, which originates directly from the water distribution system, over a predetermined period or at specific time intervals. This can also be done locally via appropriate monitoring devices at the building water connections. By making the various local and central water parameters available, especially the pressure, information about the flow state or water condition in the water supply network can be obtained in real time. For example, if it is expected that no water should currently be flowing (all shut-off valves are closed and a predetermined pressure is set in the water lines), a pressure drop in the water supply network would indicate a leak. This information can be provided to the water distribution system so that it can take appropriate repair or remediation measures.averting this condition is being addressed.

[0027] Furthermore, it is particularly possible to initiate such an infrastructure test by first informing the operators or users of the building's water connections in advance that such a test will be carried out at a predetermined time. Users can be informed or warned via an app, email, phone call, or similar means, and then confirm the proposed time for the test. If a sufficient number of users agree to the test and, if necessary, their main water connections are shut off, the infrastructure and the tightness of the water pipes can be checked quickly and precisely, enabling, in particular, very accurate localization of leaks.

[0028] The proposed procedure and the corresponding infrastructure components enable the detection of leaks at a very fast and precise time, thus avoiding the waste of drinking water, reducing repair costs, and potentially also reducing the costs of providing water.

[0029] Furthermore, it is also possible, particularly when using water quality monitoring, to quickly shut off a large number of building water connections if contaminated water is detected. This can be achieved, in particular, by automatically controlling predefined or all building water connections that include a shut-off valve.

[0030] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. It should be noted that the figures illustrate particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, but are not intended to be limited to them. The figures are schematic. Identical components or parts are regularly identified by the same reference numerals. Unless details of a figure are explicitly and necessarily identified in connection with another element of the figure, these details may be combined with other details from other figures or the general description. The figures show... Fig. 1: an overview of the infrastructure of a water supply network, Fig. 2: a case scenario in which pressure data are compared to locate a leak, Fig. 3: a case scenario in which pressure data are also compared to locate a leak, with only some of the building water connections participating, Fig. 4: a case scenario in which the infrastructure test takes place with closed building water connections, Fig. 5: a case scenario in which a water quality problem is identified, and Fig. 6: a possible workflow routine for a monitoring procedure proposed here, with an additional user query.

[0031] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a water supply network 1 with a (single) water distribution device 2, which is located on the right in Fig. 1 The water distribution device 2 comprises a shut-off valve 6 and a sensor 8. In particular, the sensor 8 is configured to determine at least one central water condition parameter.

[0032] Starting from the water distribution system 2, a (central) water channel 3 runs, which then includes various branches, to a multitude of building water connections 4. In the present example, five separate building water connections 4 are provided, each assigned to its own water channel section extending from the central water channel 3. Each section leads individually to only one building water connection and can thus be described as the so-called "last mile." The building water connections 4 can, for example, be assigned to a building 11 in which a number of users or consumers are located, which are not shown here for the sake of simplicity. It is possible that several or all of the building water connections 4 are equipped with a shut-off valve 6 and / or at least one sensor 8.The sensors 8 and the shut-off valves 6 can be part of a higher-level fault detection system, which can be set up in a (not shown here) data processing system or the cloud.

[0033] It should also be mentioned that the building water connection 4 may be equipped with means for determining the water flow rate, the temperature and, if applicable, optionally with a water quality measurement device or a vibration / sound measuring device.

[0034] For the water distribution device 2, at least one sensor for determining the pressure, flow rate, temperature, vibration, sound or water quality can be provided in addition to the central shut-off valve 6.

[0035] Fig. 2 The situation is now illustrated, with a leak identified in the area of ​​the fault point 5 sketched here. For example, a pressure pv (e.g., approximately 5.5 bar) is set via the water distribution system 2. Using the fault detection system 7, local water condition variables are then recorded for all building water connections 4 according to step a), specifically the flow rate m and the pressure p. For example, it can be determined that the pressure p1 = 2 bar, m1 = 0; p2 = 3 bar and ṁ2 ≠ 0; p3 = 5.1 bar and ṁ3 = 0; p4 = 4 bar and ṁ4 = 0; and p5 = 5 bar and m5 = 0. It follows readily that the pressure at the closed building water connections 4 should be approximately the same as that set in the area of ​​the water distribution system 2.Only where water flow occurs, for example, with an open building water connection and / or a leak, is a greater pressure drop to be expected. Here, for example, limit values ​​may be defined, according to which a certain pressure drop can still be explained by normal consumer behavior, while a greater pressure drop indicates a leak. In the present case, therefore, with the building water connection 4 closed, the greatest pressure drop occurs in area p1, which allows the leakage point or fault 5 to be located in this "last mile" of the system.

[0036] The in Fig. 3 The presented case scenario is essentially set up in the same way as the one mentioned above with reference to Fig. 2 As explained, the building water connection 4, located in the middle at the top and bottom left, does not include any sensors, meaning no measured values ​​or water condition parameters can be recorded locally there. If similar measured values ​​are recorded for the remaining building water connections 4, as described above, the localization accuracy decreases, which is symbolized here by the dashed circle for the two leftmost sections of the water channel representing the furthest building water connections 4. Nevertheless, even this configuration allows for reliable and focused leak detection.

[0037] Fig. 4 This shows a scenario where all building water connections are closed, meaning no water is currently being consumed. This can be configured beforehand, and then, based on a specific pressure pv setting, the pressure drop over time can be measured, for example, using sensor 8. Specific routines and flow behavior of the water in water channel 3 can be evaluated for this purpose, enabling very precise leak detection, especially for relatively small leaks (i.e., with relatively low water loss).

[0038] Fig. 5 This illustrates the situation where a water quality problem is identified. Here, too, the fault detection system 7 serves to identify water contamination, for example, centrally via the sensor 8 shown. The fault detection system 7 can then send warning signals or control commands, for example, via various radio units 9 at the water distribution system 2 or the building water connections 4 and / or mobile devices 10 of the users, which can lead to the (partial) shutdown and / or flooding of the water supply network.

[0039] Finally, illustrates Fig. 6A variant of the monitoring procedure that can only be initiated when the water supply network is in a predefined state. For example, it is possible that, according to u), a request is first sent to the users of the buildings or building water connections to close or keep closed the corresponding shut-off valves for a specified period.

[0040] This request, which can be transmitted via radio or message, for example, then requires individual confirmation from the user (see step v)).

[0041] Furthermore, it may be provided that the monitoring procedure is only initiated after all or a certain number of confirmations have been received (step w)).

[0042] If not already done, each shut-off valve of the building's water connections can now be automatically adjusted so that it is closed or remains closed. Once this is ensured, the procedural steps a), b), and c) suggested here are then carried out.

[0043] After completion of the monitoring procedure, it is possible that the authorization to intervene or access data and / or the operation of the building water connections 4 or their associated shut-off valves 6 and / or sensors 8 will be interrupted again, which is referred to here as step x). Reference symbol list

[0044] 1 Water supply network 2 Water distribution system 3 Water channel 4 Building water connection 5 Fault point 6 Shut-off valve 7 Fault point detection system 8 Sensor 9 Radio unit 10 Mobile device 11 Building pPressure mFlow

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a water supply network (1) with a water distribution system (2), water channels (3) and building water connections (4) by means of a fault detection system (7) with multiple sensors (8), comprising at least the following steps: a) capturing local water condition variables, namely pressure and flow, in areas of a plurality of building water connections (4); b) capturing central water condition variables, namely pressure and flow, in at least one area of a water channel (3) or the water distribution device (2); c) comparing the water condition variables with one another; d) detecting, namely localizing, at least one fault (5), namely a leakage, with respect to at least one of the water channels (3) based on the comparison according to step c), the method being characterized in that at least prior to step a) or b) at least one of the building water connections (4) is actively closed electronically or by radio, so that no water flows through the at least one of the building water connections (4), and in that the leakage is localized based on a limit value for the pressure drop.

2. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least during step a) or b), a flow of water flows through at least one of the building water connections (4).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water condition variables captured over several steps a) and b) are taken into account in step d).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one closing valve (6) is automatically closed depending on the result of step d).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein prior to step a), an authorization request is sent to users of the building water connections (4), and the subsequent steps of the method are not carried out until after a confirmation from the user was received.

6. A water supply network (1) with a water distribution device (2), water channels (3) and building water connections (4) as well as a fault detection system (7), configured for carrying out a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. A fault detection system (7) with multiple sensors (8) for capturing water condition variables and means that are suitable to carry out the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The fault detection system (7) according to claim 8, wherein, furthermore, at least one radio unit (9) is provided and configured for communication with at least one sensor (8), one closing valve (6), one building water connection (4) or one mobile device (10) for data transfer.

9. A computer program, comprising commands that cause the fault detection system (7) according to claim 7 or 8 to carry out the steps of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.