MONITORING AND OPTIMIZING WATER CONSUMPTION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of so-called “smart” water meters. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A water meter typically comprises an internal conduit through which the water supplied to an installation by a distribution network circulates, and a measuring device which measures the water consumption of said installation.

[0003] The measuring device is, for example, an ultrasonic measuring device comprising an upstream transducer (network side) and a downstream transducer (installation side). Each transducer successively acts as an emitter and a receiver of ultrasonic signals. The upstream transducer thus emits an ultrasonic signal into the internal conduit, which is received by the downstream transducer after having traveled a predefined path (of perfectly controlled length) in the water. Then, the downstream transducer in turn emits an ultrasonic signal, which is received by the upstream transducer after having traveled the predefined path in the water (in the other direction). The ultrasonic measuring device then evaluates the water flow rate from the flight times of the ultrasonic signals between the transducers. Estimating the water flow rate makes it possible to evaluate and bill the volume of water consumed.

[0004] Some modern water meters, called "smart," must be able to limit, regulate, or even cut off the water flow.

[0005] In some countries, when the end user (i.e., the subscriber) does not pay their water bills, the distributor can limit the flow of water supplied but must ensure a minimum flow rate to the "delinquent" user. In other countries, the minimum flow rate is guaranteed for only a certain number of days, and then access to water is cut off.

[0006] Flow regulation is traditionally achieved via a motorized valve which is integrated into a cut-off box located near the meter, or even integrated into the meter.

[0007] These smart water meters are being considered to help users monitor and optimize their water consumption. This feature is not only of undeniable ecological interest, but also very beneficial for the user's purchasing power.

[0008] Document US2020 / 011721 A1 presents a water meter comprising a measuring device arranged to produce measurements of water consumption of an installation

[0009] Document US2016 / 041565 A1 presents a water meter comprising a measuring device arranged to produce measurements of water consumption of an installation with several systems. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention aims to control and optimize the water consumption of an installation in order, in particular, to reduce the water bill. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] To achieve this goal, a water meter is proposed comprising: a measuring device arranged to produce measurements of water consumption of an installation; a valve, or first means of communication with a cut-off box located outside the meter and incorporating a valve; a processing unit arranged to: ∘ analyze the measurements of water consumption to produce measurements of predefined parameters relating to water consumption, and detect, from said measurements of the predefined parameters, operating phases of at least one predetermined system of the installation; ∘ for each predetermined system, during each operating phase of said predetermined system, if the water consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system, at least partially close the valve for a predetermined duration to limit a current water flow rate supplied to the installation.

[0012] The water meter therefore detects signatures in the water consumption measurements, each representing the operation of a predetermined system (for example, a shower, a bath), then limits the current water flow rate when the water consumption by the same system exceeds a predetermined threshold. The current water flow rate is therefore reduced only in specific use cases, with the aim not of penalizing the user, but rather of warning them of overconsumption and helping them to optimize their water consumption.

[0013] Further provided is a water meter as previously described, wherein the predefined parameters include a water draw time and / or an average water flow rate and / or a volume of water consumed.

[0014] We further propose a water meter as previously described, in which the at least partial closing of the valve consists of closing the valve to a predetermined closing level which is a function of a configurable threshold, the water meter comprising second communication means making it possible to configure the configurable threshold.

[0015] Further provided is a water meter as previously described, wherein the at least one predetermined system comprises a shower and a bath.

[0016] A water meter as previously described is further proposed, in which the valve is a ball valve.

[0017] We further propose a monitoring method, implemented in the processing unit of a water meter as previously described, and comprising the steps of: analyzing the water consumption measurements to produce measurements of predefined parameters relating to the water consumption, and detecting, from said measurements of the predefined parameters, operating phases of at least one predetermined system of the installation; for each predetermined system, during each operating phase of said predetermined system, if the water consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system, at least partially closing the valve for a predetermined duration to limit a current water flow supplied to the installation.

[0018] Further provided is a monitoring method as previously described, wherein the predefined parameters include a water draw time and / or an average water flow rate and / or a volume of water consumed.

[0019] We further propose a monitoring method as previously described, comprising the steps of: detecting the start of a water draw; starting a timer; if the water draw is still in progress while a duration measured by the timer is greater than a first time threshold: ∘ evaluating a first average water flow rate and a first volume of water consumed during the first time threshold; ∘ carrying out a first detection step consisting of checking whether the first average water flow rate belongs to a first predetermined flow rate interval and whether the first volume of water consumed is greater than a first predetermined volume threshold and, if these conditions are both met, detecting an operating phase and an upcoming overconsumption of a first predetermined system, then at least partially closing the valve during the predetermined period.

[0020] A monitoring method is further proposed as previously described, the first predetermined system being a shower.

[0021] We further propose a monitoring method as previously described, in which, if the conditions of the first detection step are not all met, the method comprises the steps of: checking whether the water draw is still in progress while a duration measured by the stopwatch is greater than a second time threshold; if so: ∘ evaluating a second average water flow rate and / or a second volume of water consumed during the second time threshold; ∘ carrying out a second detection step consisting of checking whether the second average water flow rate belongs to a second predetermined flow rate interval and / or whether the second volume of water consumed is greater than a second predetermined volume threshold greater than the first predetermined volume threshold and, if this or these conditions are all met, detecting an operating phase and a future overconsumption of a second predetermined system, then at least partially closing the valve during the predetermined period.

[0022] A monitoring method as previously described is further proposed, the second predetermined system being a bath.

[0023] A monitoring method is further provided as previously described, in which the at least partial closing of the valve consists of closing the valve by a predetermined closing level, the monitoring method further comprising the step, following the predetermined duration during which the valve is at least partially closed, of checking whether the water draw is still in progress and, if so, of increasing the predetermined closing level by a predetermined value.

[0024] Further, a monitoring method as previously described is proposed, in which the predetermined closure level is reset at the end of each day.

[0025] A monitoring method is further proposed as previously described, further comprising the step, following the predetermined duration during which the valve is at least partially closed, of checking whether the water draw is still in progress and, if so, of keeping the valve closed for an additional duration greater than the predetermined duration.

[0026] Further provided is a computer program comprising instructions which cause the processing unit of the meter as previously described to execute the steps of the monitoring method as previously described.

[0027] Further provided is a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program as previously described is recorded.

[0028] The invention will be better understood in light of the following description of particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, including: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 represents a water meter according to a first embodiment; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 represents steps of a monitoring process; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 represents a water meter according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In reference to the figure 1 , the invention is here implemented in a water meter 1.

[0031] The water meter 1 is mounted on a main conduit 2 which connects a water distribution network 3 to an installation 4.

[0032] The meter 1 incorporates a first internal conduit 5 which extends in the continuity of the main conduit 2, so that the water consumed by the installation 4 passes into the first internal conduit 5.

[0033] The meter 1 further incorporates a measuring device 6, which is here an ultrasonic measuring device and which operates like the device described earlier.

[0034] The counter 1 further comprises a processing unit 7. The processing unit 7 comprises at least one processing component 8, which is for example a “generalist” processor, a processor specialized in signal processing (or DSP, for Digital Signal Processor ) , a microcontroller, or a programmable logic circuit such as an FPGA (for Field Programmable Gate Arrays ) or an ASIC (for Application Specific Integrated Circuit ) .The processing unit 7 also comprises one or more memories 9, connected to or integrated in the processing component 8. At least one of these memories 9 forms a computer-readable recording medium, on which is recorded at least one computer program comprising instructions which cause the processing component 8 to execute at least some of the steps of the monitoring method which will be described below.

[0035] The processing unit 7 includes a clock 10 of type RTC (for Real Time Clock, which can be translated as "real-time clock") allowing it to integrate a calendar. A periodic resynchronization of the clock 10 is carried out regularly via a communication network. The clock 10 makes it possible to implement a stopwatch.

[0036] The meter 1 further comprises first means of communication which enable it to communicate with a cut-off box 11 located outside the meter 1. The distance d between the meter 1 and the cut-off box 11 is typically between 1 cm and 20 cm.

[0037] The first means of communication include a first NFC 12 interface (for Near Field Communication, which can be translated as “near field communication”). This is a “master” NFC interface.

[0038] The cut-off box 11 comprises a second internal conduit 14, a valve 15 and a second NFC interface 16 (“slave” NFC interface).

[0039] The second internal conduit 14 also extends in continuity with the main conduit 2 (and therefore with the first internal conduit 5 of the meter 1).

[0040] The valve 15 is a motorized (electromechanical) multi-position valve. The valve 15 comprises a movable member which extends into the second internal conduit 14 and a current position of which can be controlled to control the current flow rate of the water. Here, the valve 15 is a ball valve and the movable member is therefore a ball; the current position of the ball is an angular position.

[0041] The meter 1 and the cut-off box 11 communicate via the first NFC interface 12 and the second NFC interface 16. The meter 1 can thus control the valve 15 to control the flow of water supplied to the installation.

[0042] The monitoring method implemented in the processing unit 7 of the meter 1 is now described.

[0043] The purpose of the monitoring method is to detect the use of a predetermined system of the installation 4 (among one or more predetermined systems), and to limit the flow of water supplied to the installation 4 when the water consumption by the system becomes too high.

[0044] By "water consumption measurement" we mean any measurement representative of water consumption: index, flow measurement, volume measurement, etc.

[0045] The monitoring process is implemented here at the initiative of the user (but it could be implemented systematically, or at the initiative of the water distributor or the network manager).

[0046] The detection of the operating phases of these predetermined systems consists of detecting in the water consumption measurements signatures each representative of the use of a particular predetermined system.

[0047] Each signature corresponds to specific values ​​of predefined parameters relating to water consumption.

[0048] The processing unit 7 therefore analyzes the water consumption measurements to produce measurements of predefined parameters relating to the water consumption, and detects, from said measurements of the predefined parameters, operating phases of at least one predetermined system of the installation. By "operating phase" is meant a period during which the predetermined system operates and draws water continuously.

[0049] The predefined parameters, allowing to detect the signature of a predetermined system, include for example a water draw duration and / or an average water flow rate and / or a volume of water consumed.

[0050] Then, for each predetermined system, during each phase of operation of said predetermined system, if the water consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system, the processing unit 7 controls the valve 15 and partially closes it to limit the flow of current water supplied to the installation 4.

[0051] Limiting the flow of current water therefore consists of modifying the angular position of the ball of the valve 15 to at least partially close the valve 15.

[0052] At least partially closing the valve 15 consists of closing the valve to a predetermined closing level.

[0053] The predetermined closing level is a function of a configurable threshold X0.

[0054] In this case, the water meter 1 comprises second communication means 18 allowing the configurable threshold to be set.

[0055] The second means of communication 18 may be of different types.

[0056] The threshold can be configured by the user of the installation. In this case, the second means of communication 18 can be radioelectric means (NFC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.), or even wired. It can also be an interface using one or more buttons and a screen positioned on the meter 1. Of course, in this case, the threshold can also be configured by an operator of the water distributor (or the network manager) present on site.

[0057] The configurable threshold can also be configured remotely by the water distributor (or by the network manager); in this case, the second means of communication 18 are, for example, cellular means of communication.

[0058] We are interested in a particular embodiment, in which the predetermined systems comprise a shower 20 and a bath 21.

[0059] The type of water consumption (shower 20 or bath 21) is recognized by a signature which is itself defined by the following predefined parameters: water draw time, average water flow rate and volume of water consumed.

[0060] The average water flow rate thus typically belongs to a different flow rate range (in L / minute) when water is drawn, depending on whether the system drawing the water is a shower 20 or a bath 21. Similarly, the duration of water drawing is typically less than a different time threshold, and the volume of water consumed is typically less than a different volume threshold, depending on whether the system drawing the water is a shower 20 or a bath 21.

[0061] So, in the case of a shower, we typically have: Flow rate range: 10L / minute to 16L / minute; Time threshold: 5 minutes; Consumption volume threshold: 80L.

[0062] In the case of a bath, we typically have: Flow rate range: 18L / minute to 24L / minute; Time threshold: 15 minutes; Consumption volume threshold: 200L.

[0063] We now describe more precisely, with reference to the figure 2 , an example of implementation of the monitoring process.

[0064] The process starts at step E0.

[0065] The following variables are initialized by processing unit 7 (step E1): Shower_T_Threshold = 5 minutes; Bath_T_Threshold = 15 minutes; Shower_V_Threshold = 80L; Bath_V_Threshold = 200L; Shower_min_D = 10L / minute; Shower_max_D = 16L / minute;

[0066] The predetermined closing level X is initialized to a reference value (in %).

[0067] The reference value here is equal to the configurable threshold X0, which is programmed here (for example) by the user.

[0068] For example, we have: X0 = 50 (% closure).

[0069] Then, the processing unit 7 opens the valve 15 fully, to 100% (step E2).

[0070] Processing unit 7 then checks whether the present time corresponds to the end of the day (step E3). If so, the process returns to step E1.

[0071] Otherwise, the process proceeds to step E4. The timer is stopped and then initialized. The processing unit 7 waits for a waiting time, 10s for example, then attempts to detect the start of a water draw (i.e. that a system in the installation begins to consume water): step E5.

[0072] A water draw is considered to have started if water consumption is greater than or equal to a predefined threshold (for example 1L) for a predefined duration (for example 10s).

[0073] As long as the start of a water draw is not detected, the process returns to step E3.

[0074] When the start of a water draw is detected, the processing unit 7 starts the timer (step E6).

[0075] Processing unit 7 assigns the variable Index_start the value of the variable Index_current. The variable Index_current is the consumption index measured at the present time by the measuring device 6 (i.e. the cumulative volume of water measured at the present time).

[0076] The processing unit 7 checks that the duration measured by the stopwatch is greater (here greater than or equal to) a first time threshold, which is equal to Seuil_T_Douche (step E7). As long as this is not the case, the process loops back to step E7.

[0077] When this is the case, the processing unit 7 checks whether the water draw is still in progress (step E8). If this is not the case, the process returns to step E3.

[0078] If this is the case, and therefore if the water draw is still in progress while the duration measured by the stopwatch is greater than or equal to the first time threshold, the processing unit 7 evaluates a first volume of water consumed and a first average water flow rate during the first time threshold (step E9).

[0079] Here, treatment unit 7 evaluates the first volume of water consumed using the formula: Index_courant − Index_Début , and the first average water flow D using the formula: D = Index_courant − Index_Début / Seuil_T_Douche .

[0080] The processing unit 7 then performs a first detection step consisting of checking whether the first average water flow rate belongs to a first predetermined flow rate interval and whether the first volume of water consumed is greater (here greater than or equal to) a first predetermined volume threshold: D_Shower_min ≤ D ≤ D_Shower_max and (Current_Index - Start_Index) ≥ Shower_V_Threshold (step E10).

[0081] If these conditions are both met, the processing unit 7 detects an operating phase and an upcoming overconsumption of a first predetermined system, which is the shower 20. The method proceeds to step E11.

[0082] In step E10, if the conditions are not both met, the processing unit 7 checks that the duration measured by the stopwatch is greater (here greater than or equal to) a second time threshold, which is equal to Seuil_T_Bain (step E12). As long as this is not the case, the method loops back to step E12.

[0083] When this is the case, the processing unit 7 checks whether the water draw is still in progress (step E13). If this is not the case, the process returns to step E3.

[0084] If the water draw is still in progress, the processing unit 7 performs a second detection step consisting of checking whether the second average water flow rate belongs to a second predetermined flow rate interval and / or whether the second volume of water consumed is greater (here greater than or equal to) a second predetermined volume threshold greater than the first predetermined volume threshold (step E14).

[0085] Here, processing unit 7 only checks the condition relating to the second volume of water consumed: (Current_Index - Start_Index) ≥ Bath_V_Threshold (step E14).

[0086] If this condition is met, the processing unit 7 detects an operating phase and an upcoming overconsumption of a second predetermined system, which is the bath 21. The method then moves on to step E11.

[0087] At step E14, if the condition is not met, the process returns to step E13.

[0088] At step E11, the current water flow rate is therefore limited: the valve 15 is partially closed, for a predetermined duration, by a predetermined closing level, which is first of all equal to X0% (i.e. the threshold configurable in %).

[0089] The predetermined duration is for example equal to 10s.

[0090] This limitation of the current water flow allows the user to be warned of excess consumption.

[0091] Then, following at least partial closure of the valve 15, the processing unit 7 checks whether the water draw is still in progress (step E15). If this is the case, the processing unit 7 increases the predetermined closing level by a predetermined value, here equal to 10% (step E16): x = x + 10 si x ≤ 80% .

[0092] It can therefore be seen that the processing unit 7 is capable of increasing the predetermined closure level up to a maximum ceiling, equal for example to 80%.

[0093] The process then returns to step E2. This means that, until the end of the day, and the reset of the predetermined closing level, when a new overconsumption is detected, the closing level of valve 15 will be higher (by 10%) to warn the user more effectively.

[0094] Optionally, following step E16, it is possible to maintain the valve partially closed at X% (step E17), and to wait in this situation for an additional period (step E18). This additional period is greater than the predetermined period, and is for example equal to 1 hour. Following the additional period, the process then returns to step E2 and again, X keeps its current value until the end of the day.

[0095] It is noted that the value of the configurable threshold X0, which is the “initial” closing level of the valve 15, is decided here by the user, who can modify this value as he wishes. The user can give X0 a permissive value, that is to say relatively low (here X0 = 50% has been chosen), to avoid, in the event of a reduction in the water flow rate, generating alarms at the washing machine or dishwasher typically, in the event of insufficient water flow rate. Alternatively, X0 can be set by the water distributor or the network manager (for example on the basis of the load curves recovered periodically).

[0096] In a second embodiment, with reference to the figure 3 , valve 15 is this time not located in a cut-off box outside meter 1, but is integrated into meter 1. The monitoring method is implemented in the same way except that, in this configuration, meter 1 does not need to communicate with external equipment: processing unit 7 directly controls valve 15.

[0097] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0098] Many variations of the process of the figure 2 are of course possible. For example, in step E14, the conditions checked could relate to the average flow rate and the volume consumed - and not only to the volume consumed.

[0099] The signatures of predetermined systems are not necessarily defined by the water draw time, the average water flow rate and the volume of water consumed, but can be defined by only one or two of these predefined parameters.

[0100] The predefined parameters may also be different from those described here, and could, for example, include a consumption slope or a current (and not average) flow rate.

[0101] The predetermined systems of the installation, whose consumption is monitored, are not necessarily a shower and a bath. They could be other systems: garden irrigation system, swimming pool filling system, etc.

Claims

1. Water meter (1) comprising: - a measuring device (6) arranged to produce measurements of a water consumption of an installation (4); - a valve (15), or first means (12) for communicating with a cutoff box (11) located outside of the meter and integrating a valve; - · a processing unit (7) arranged: ∘ analysing the measurements of the water consumption to produce predefined parameter measurements relating to water consumption, and detecting, from said predefined parameter measurements, operating phases of at least one predetermined system of the installation; characterized in that ∘ for each predetermined system, during each phase of operation of said predetermined system, if the water consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system, at least partially close the valve for a predetermined time to limit a current water flow rate supplied to the installation (4), wherein the at least partial closing of the valve (15) consists in closing the valve by a predetermined closing level which is a function of a parameterizable threshold (X0), the water meter comprising second communication means (18) for parameterizing the parameterizable threshold.

2. Water meter according to claim 1, wherein the predefined parameters comprise a water draw time and / or an average water flow rate and / or a volume of water consumed.

3. Water meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one predetermined system comprises a shower (20) and a bath 21).

4. Water meter according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (15) is a ball valve.

5. Monitoring method implemented in the processing unit (7) of a water meter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising the steps of: - analysing the measurements of the water consumption to produce predefined parameter measurements relating to water consumption, and detecting, from said predefined parameter measurements, operating phases of at least one predetermined system of the installation; - for each predetermined system, during each phase of operation of said predetermined system, if the water consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold associated with said predetermined system, at least partially close the valve for a predetermined time to limit a current water flow rate supplied to the installation.

6. Monitoring method according to claim 5, wherein the predefined parameters comprise a water draw time and / or an average water flow rate and / or a volume of water consumed.

7. Monitoring method according to claim 6, comprising the steps of: - detecting a start of a water draw; - start a timer; - if the water draw is still in progress while a time measured by the timer is greater than a first time threshold: ∘ evaluating a first average water flow rate and a first volume of water consumed during the first time threshold; ∘ performing a first detection step consisting of checking whether the first average water flow rate belongs to a first predetermined flow rate interval and whether the first volume of water consumed is greater than a first predetermined volume threshold and, if these conditions are both met, detecting an operating phase and an upcoming overconsumption of a first predetermined system, then at least partially closing the valve (15) during the predetermined period.

8. Monitoring method according to claim 7, wherein the first predetermined system is a shower (20).

9. Monitoring method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, if the conditions of the first detection step are not all met, the method comprises the steps of: - checking whether the water draw is still in progress while a time measured by the timer is greater than a second time threshold; - if this is the case: ∘ evaluating a second average water flow rate and / or a second volume of water consumed during the second time threshold; ∘ performing a second detection step consisting of checking whether the second average water flow belongs to a second predetermined flow interval and / or whether the second volume of water consumed is greater than a second predetermined volume threshold greater than the first predetermined volume threshold and, if these conditions are all met, detecting an operating phase and an upcoming overconsumption of a second predetermined system, then at least partially closing the valve (15) during the predetermined period.

10. Monitoring method according to claim 9, the second predetermined system being a bath (21).

11. Monitoring method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the at least partial closure of the valve (15) consists in closing the valve by a predetermined closure level, the monitoring method further comprising the step, following the predetermined time during which the valve is at least partially closed, of checking whether the water draw is still in progress and, if so, of increasing the predetermined closure level by a predetermined value.

12. Monitoring method according to claim 11, wherein the predetermined closing level is reset at the end of each day.

13. Monitoring method according to any one of claims 7 to 12, further comprising the step, following the predetermined time during which the valve is at least partially closed, of checking whether the water draw is still in progress and, if so, of keeping the valve closed for an additional time greater than the predetermined time.

14. Computer program comprising instructions which leads to the processing unit (7) of the water meter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, executing the steps of the monitoring method according to one of claims 5 to 13.

15. Storage media which can be read by a computer, on which the computer program according to claim 14 is stored.