METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING A DOMESTIC WATER NETWORK

Abstract

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING A DOMESTIC WATER NETWORK. The invention relates to a method and device (300) for managing a domestic water network, which is notable in that it keeps the cold water flowing to prevent stagnation and ensure efficient temperature control by installing a return pipe (110a and 110b) in the cold water distribution equipment where a minimum flow rate is maintained by a flow control module. The continuous flow of cold water is controlled by said flow control module for reuse (310) or drainage (320). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANAGING A SANITARY WATER NETWORK

[0001] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of combating microbial development in sanitary water networks and in particular to adaptations making it possible to avoid the proliferation of legionella in sanitary cold water networks under the best conditions.

[0003] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] The problem of the presence of microbial flora in sanitary water networks is clearly identified, documented, and various solutions are proposed to treat it. There is an abundant literature on this subject and different regulations depending on the state.

[0005] However, the vast majority of these provisions and solutions are dedicated to domestic hot water (DHW) networks, whether in establishments open to the public (ERP) of all types or in collective or even individual housing. Indeed, it is by inhalation that legionella is harmful, that is to say when the water which carries it is in the form of microdroplets from certain sanitary appliances such as showers.

[0006] Nevertheless, it turns out that for various reasons, the problem of the presence of bacteria of the Legionella or Pseudomonas aeruginosa type also concerns domestic cold water networks (DCW). These reasons are essentially due to the rise in the temperature of the cold water in the pipes following stagnation of the water due to absence or low withdrawal, dead arms, but also and above all, due to heat transfer.

[0007] For example, this concerns ERPs, whatever their categories, whose cold water consumption is insufficient, intermittent or stagnant, whose ECS and EFS networks run in a riser or false ceiling.

[0008] Water networks are generally insulated. The insulation of pipes, even if well done, is an element that delays heat transfer but does not eliminate it. In the long term, EFS networks are likely to heat up in contact with DHW networks or with the ambient hot air in the plenums of false ceilings or risers.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Having noted this, the applicant carried out research aimed at solving the problem of microbial development and in particular of legionella in cold water networks.

[0011] This research has resulted in the design and implementation of a method for managing cold water distribution equipment which is remarkable in that it comprises the following operations:

[0012] - installation of at least one additional pipeline in order to create a loop in the domestic cold water distribution equipment, said additional pipe comprising a first end connecting to the distribution equipment and at least one second end,

[0013] - installation of a flow control module maintaining a minimum flow in said additional pipeline,

[0014] - installation of a water temperature sensor in the additional pipeline upstream of said flow regulation module,

[0015] - permanent temperature measurement of the water in permanent circulation in said additional piping by said temperature sensor and adjustment of the flow rate beyond the minimum flow rate controlled by the flow control module according to the measured temperature,

[0016] - continuous flow of domestic cold water controlled by said regulation module flow to the second end for reuse or drainage.

[0017] This feature is particularly advantageous in that it provides a temperature measurement in constantly moving cold water, which makes it possible to ensure a good temperature measurement before implementing the operations resulting from the measurement. Indeed, taking the temperature of moving water avoids biased measurement taking due to particular conditions in a given area of ​​the network and thus avoids the presence of a plurality of temperature sensors.

[0018] In addition, it contributes to a first solution for maintaining the temperature of the domestic cold water below a threshold by ensuring its permanent circulation thanks to the flow regulation module. This permanent movement also contributes to the fight against the creation of any microbial deposit in the domestic cold water network by preventing the domestic cold water from becoming stagnant.

[0019] Similarly, the end of the additional pipe is connected so as to avoid a dead arm. Where possible, an additional pipe associated with a flow control module maintaining a minimum flow rate is installed for each possibility of a dead arm of the cold water distribution installation.

[0020] The water exiting from the second end can be drained or reused depending on its temperature and the available facilities capable of reusing it. These uses are listed later in the description.

[0021] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the method comprises installing an automatic minimum flow stabilizer and / or an automated modulating two-way flow control valve in order to implement said flow regulation module maintaining a minimum flow rate.

[0022] The two-way valve can perform this function alone or can, according to a preferred embodiment, be associated with an automatic flow stabilizer.

[0023] The method of the invention proposes to equip an installation so as to maintain a minimum flow rate thanks to the automatic minimum flow rate stabilizer but can offer, in certain circumstances defined by the measured temperature, a higher flow rate thanks to the modulating two-way valve.

[0024] Nevertheless, according to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the method comprises the installation upstream of said flow regulation module maintaining a minimum flow rate, of an automatic maximum flow rate stabilizer for calibrating the maximum flow rate. Such a stabilizer makes it possible to define a maximum flow rate with a fully open valve. This maximum flow rate is lower than the nominal maximum flow rate that can be supported by the pipeline. It is defined by studies carried out during the installation of the device and by avoiding excessive water consumption.

[0025] According to a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the sanitary water distribution installation is that of a building. However, other applications such as sanitary water distribution installations of a vehicle or a means of navigation welcoming the public are possible.

[0026] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the measured temperature is compared to the threshold temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The two-way valve modulates its opening percentage as a function of this temperature.

[0027] Thus, according to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the adjustment of the flow rate is carried out by opening the automated modulating two-way valve, the opening percentage of which with respect to the measured temperature is defined by the following correspondences:

[0028] For a water temperature in the circuit below 20 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve is 0%;

[0029] For a water temperature in the circuit between 20.1 degrees Celsius and 21.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve is between 1 and 20%;

[0030] For a water temperature in the circuit between 21.1 degrees Celsius and 22.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve is between 20.1 and 40%;

[0031] For a water temperature in the circuit between 22.1 degrees Celsius and 23.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve is between 40.1 and 60%;

[0032] For a water temperature in the circuit between 23.1 degrees Celsius and 24.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve is between 60.1 and 80%;

[0033] For a water temperature in the circuit above 24.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve is between 80.1 and 100%.

[0034] This opening modulation is managed by a PID or artificial intelligence type automaton which corrects the opening according to the measured temperature like a servo.

[0035] Due to this control and therefore this continuous correction, the announced percentages are approximate indicative values ​​towards which the real percentage approaches or deviates depending on the measured temperature.

[0036] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the operations implemented following the measurement are selected according to the proximity of the measured temperature to a predefined temperature threshold but also according to the proximity of evacuation solutions.

[0037] Thus, the cold sanitary water from the continuous circulation can be drained (discarded), injected into a hot sanitary water circuit (in order to be heated), injected into an irrigation network, into a network dedicated to flushing toilets, etc.

[0038] In order for this water to be exploited according to the desired use, the applicant has devised a particularly advantageous operation of the invention, where the method is remarkable in that it comprises the installation of a pressure increasing means, the evacuation consisting of pressurizing the cold sanitary water passing through the second end of the additional pipe so that it circulates as a priority in another network to which the outlet pipe is connected.

[0039] The invention also relates to a device making it possible to implement all or part of the characteristics of the method described above.

[0040] According to the invention, the device for managing the domestic cold water of a water distribution network is remarkable in that it comprises a return pipe for the domestic cold water on which are installed an automatic minimum flow stabilizer, an automated modulating two-way valve for regulating the flow and a temperature sensor and allowing the water to flow continuously at a minimum flow rate towards an outlet end, a control cabinet controlling the automated modulating two-way valve regulating the flow rate according to the measured temperature.

[0041] It is understood that in this device, the flow regulation module comprises installed on the additional pipeline, an automatic minimum flow stabilizer and an automated modulating two-way valve.

[0042] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device includes an additional return pipe for domestic cold water on which are installed an automatic minimum flow stabilizer, an automated modulating two-way flow control valve and a temperature sensor and for each end of the portion of the domestic cold water distribution network in order to avoid a dead arm.

[0043] It is understood that in a building with several levels, a plurality of additional pipes each equipped with an automatic minimum flow stabilizer, a modulating two-way valve and a temperature sensor, a priori for each level, will be associated with the domestic cold water distribution network.

[0044] Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device multiplies according to the number of levels.

[0045] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device is remarkable in that it comprises for each additional pipeline, an automatic maximum flow stabilizer for the calibration of maximum flow.

[0046] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device is remarkable in that each additional pipe is further equipped with the following members:

[0047] - Isolation valves for the isolation of each pipeline;

[0048] - Volumetric meter which measures the volume of water treated on each pipe additional ;

[0049] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device comprises at the outlet end a portion of pipe intended for reuse of the water and equipped with at least one booster ensuring the increase in water pressure.

[0050] This booster adapts the flow rate and pressure of the water according to the opening of the motorized automated modulating two-way valve of the additional pipeline.

[0051] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device comprises the following components:

[0052] - pressure sensor which measures the pressure upstream of the booster;

[0053] - pressure sensor which measures the pressure downstream of the booster in the installation into which the water leaving the booster is injected in order to define the pressure to be maintained by the booster;

[0054] - temperature sensor which permanently measures the average temperature of water arriving at the booster;

[0055] - Isolation valves which allow the isolation of the booster.

[0056] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the device comprises at the outlet end a portion of pipe intended for a draining the water.

[0057] Other equipment may be implemented:

[0058] - one or more non-return valves: prevents water recycling between the booster pumps (when there are several) which can happen when there is more than one single pump,

[0059] - a motorized two-way drain valve on the portion of the pipeline intended for the draining, timed which avoids intermittent operation in the event that all the networks connected downstream of the booster are no longer consuming water.

[0060] According to another particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, said cabinet comprises the following elements:

[0061] - An automaton (management software) which controls the modulating two-way valve automated and the booster following the measurements of the temperature sensor,

[0062] - A power supply module for the automaton, from the modulating two-way valve to the automated (more particularly of the motor equipping the valve) and of the booster.

[0063] Other equipment can be implemented for power supply and control:

[0064] - Communication bus modules: recovery of data from volume counters metrics,

[0065] - a network communication module with possible recovery of all data on a technical building management system or centralized system,

[0066] - electrical protections of the various equipment in accordance with the law legislation in force,

[0067] - Fault alarms to view and inform the installation manager.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is broken down into one or more additional pipes, one end of which connects to the existing cold water network, and a frame which supports the functional sub-assemblies described above equipping the additional pipe(s).

[0069] The fundamental concepts of the invention having just been set out above in their most elementary form, other details and characteristics will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, giving by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0070] [Fig-1] is a schematic drawing of a building equipped with an embodiment of a device according to the invention;

[0071] [Fig.2] is a schematic drawing of the subassemblies of the device supported by a chassis.

[0072] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0073] As illustrated by [Fig. 1], a building referenced B as a whole comprises a ground-level landing and a landing defining a floor, each equipped with means for distributing sanitary water. For this purpose, building B comprises a sanitary cold water (SWC) distribution network 100 and a sanitary hot water (DHW) distribution network 200. The water comes from the public network (not shown), the sanitary hot water is produced by means of a device not shown.

[0074] As is conventional, the hot water network is equipped with loop pipes 210.

[0075] According to the invention, the portion of the cold water distribution network 100 positioned in each landing is equipped with a return pipe (equivalent to a hot water loop pipe) 110a for the portion of network 100 located upstairs and 110b for the portion of network 100 located on the ground floor.

[0076] As illustrated, a first end 111a and 111b of the additional return pipe 110a and 110b is connected to the downstream and distal end of each network portion of each bearing capable of constituting a dead arm.

[0077] The second end 112a and 112b of these additional return pipes 110a and 110b is connected to a device 300 which, controlled by a control cabinet 400, manages the domestic cold water in order to prevent the appearance of microbes such as legionella. This device 300 is therefore composed here of said additional pipes 110a and 110b and a chassis (not shown) accommodating a plurality of functional sub-assemblies as illustrated schematically in [Fig.2].

[0078] As illustrated by this [Fig.2], the device comprises two inlets 301a and 301b to which the second ends 112a and 112b of the return pipes 110a and 110b are connected respectively.

[0079] These two inlets 301a and 301b provide access to pipes 302a and 302b on which the same components are installed, namely, from upstream to downstream:

[0080] - A shut-off valve or isolation valve 303a and 303b for isolating in upstream the different sections of the circuit;

[0081] - a volumetric meter 304a and 304b for measuring the volume of water passing through respectively the pipes 302a and 302b and therefore by the return pipes 110a and 110b;

[0082] - a temperature sensor 305a and 305b measuring the temperature of the circulating water in return pipes 110a and 110b;

[0083] - a maximum flow stabilizer 306a and 306b;

[0084] - an automated modulating two-way flow control valve 307a and 307b associated with a minimum flow stabilizer 308a and 308b;

[0085] - A shut-off valve or isolation valve 309a and 309b for isolating downstream the different sections of the circuit.

[0086] These equipments associated with these two pipe sections 302a and 302b regulate the flow rate, measure the temperature and guarantee for each additional pipe a continuous flow. The device of the invention multiplies the equipments by the number of equipped bearings and proposes here two pipe sections 302a and 302b because building B is represented with two equipped bearings. An additional bearing required an additional return pipe and a pipe section equipped with said additional functional subassemblies.

[0087] The automated modulating two-way valves 307a and 307b are, according to a preferred embodiment, motorized modulating valves. It has an opening percentage which changes as a function of the measured temperature of the water in the pipe with which it is associated.

[0088] The automaton present in the cabinet 400 manages, by means of a program, the progressive opening of said automated modulating two-way valves when the return temperature of the domestic cold water is greater than 20 degrees Celsius.

[0089] Thus, as explained above, for example for pipeline 302a:

[0090] - For a water temperature in pipe 302a below 20 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve 307a is 0%;

[0091] For a water temperature in the pipe 302a of between 20.1 degrees Celsius and 21.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve 307a is between 1 and 20%;

[0092] For a water temperature in the pipe 302a of between 21.1 degrees Celsius and 22.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve 307a is between 20.1 and 40%;

[0093] For a water temperature in the pipe 302a of between 22.1 degrees Celsius and 23.1 degrees Celsius, the percentage of opening of the automated modulating two-way valve 307a is between 40.1 and 60%;

[0094] For a water temperature in the pipe 302a of between 23.1 degrees Celsius and 24.1 degrees Celsius, the percentage of opening of the automated modulating two-way valve 307a is between 60.1 and 80%;

[0095] For a water temperature in the pipe 302a greater than 24.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve 307a is between 80.1 and 100%.

[0096] This example also applies to pipeline 302b.

[0097] According to the invention, the minimum flow stabilizers 308a and 308b main maintain water circulation at two liters per minute even if the automated modulating two-way valves 307a and 307b are closed. This ensures that the temperature of the domestic cold water in the return circuit is correctly measured.

[0098] The pipes 302a and 302b and therefore each second additional pipe end 110a and 110b, open onto two outlet possibilities materialized by two pipes 310 and 320: one 310 having the purpose of a new use of the water, the other 320 having the purpose of emptying it.

[0099] In order to ensure that the water can be reused as a priority in a different network, the reuse pipe 310 is equipped to increase the water pressure and comprises the following components from upstream to downstream:

[0100] - a pressure sensor 311,

[0101] - a temperature sensor 312 measuring the temperature of the water arriving at the sur- 500 pressers,

[0102] - two 500 boosters which increase the pressure of the water circulating in the canal lization 310.

[0103] This increase is carried out according to the water pressure in the network likely to use this water to be recycled such as:

[0104] - a domestic hot water production network,

[0105] - a grey water network to be recycled,

[0106] - the toilets of the same building B,

[0107] - the supply of a building which consumes more domestic cold water such as that equipped with the 600b circuit shown,

[0108] - any installation using water not intended for consumption and not sus susceptible to being vaporized.

[0109] The two boosters 500 are arranged downstream of the temperature and pressure sensors 311 and 312, and are each associated with two isolation valves 511 and 512 for the first and 521 and 522 for the second, valves arranged upstream and downstream of each booster to allow maintenance.

[0110] These boosters 500 operate as a function of the pressure measured by the sensor 610 installed in the circuit 600a to which the pipe 310 is connected at the outlet of the boosters. This pressure can be corrected as a function of that measured at the outlet of the boosters 500 by the sensor 313. Thus, in accordance with the invention, the boosters 500 guarantee that the pressure of the water at the outlet of the pipe 310 is higher than that of the domestic cold water of the circuit 600a in order to be consumed or used as a priority.

[0111] In addition to the pressure, the boosters 500 also adapt the water flow rate according to the opening of the motorized automated modulating two-way valves 307a and 307b of the cold water return circuits.

[0112] The drain pipe 320 comprises the following members from upstream to downstream:

[0113] - a shut-off valve or cut-off valve 321,

[0114] - a two-way modulating valve with variable flow 322,

[0115] - a volumetric counter 323, and

[0116] - a connection on an isolation valve 324 to a drain pipe 700.

[0117] Depending on the measured pressures and flow rates, the boosters 500 can remain stopped, the water flowing at minimum flow rate can then be drained.

[0118] Furthermore, if the temperature of 24.9 degrees is reached on one of the sensors 305a, 305b, the water is directly drained until the temperature of the water in the circuit(s) drops back to 24 degrees Celsius. Otherwise, a drain cycle restarts.

[0119] Thus, in accordance with the invention, the flow of water is maintained in accordance with the objective of the invention, the principle of which is to avoid stagnation of water likely to have reached a temperature conducive to the appearance of legionella.

[0120] It is understood that the device and method which have just been described and represented above have been done so with a view to disclosure rather than limitation. Of course, various arrangements, modifications and improvements may be made to the above examples, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0121] Thus, for example, although the above example constitutes the implementation of the invention for a sanitary water distribution installation of a building, it is possible to envisage the application of the invention to vehicles or means of navigation accommodating such installations such as a train, a cruise ship, etc.

Claims

Demands

1. 1. A method for managing a cold domestic water distribution system, comprising the following operations: - installation of at least one additional pipe (110a, 110b) to create a loop in the cold domestic water distribution system (100), said additional pipe (110a, 110b) having a first end (111a, 111b) connecting to the distribution system (100) and at least one second end (310, 320), - installation of a flow control module maintaining a minimum flow rate in said additional pipe (110a, 110b), - installation of a water temperature sensor (305a, 305b) in the additional pipe (110a, 110b) upstream of said flow control module, - continuous temperature measurement of the water circulating continuously in said additional pipe (110, 110b) by said temperature sensor (305a,305b) and flow rate adjustment beyond the minimum flow rate controlled by the flow control module as a function of the measured temperature, - continuous flow of domestic cold water controlled by said flow control module towards the second end (310, 320) for reuse or drainage, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises, for the purpose of reuse of domestic cold water flowing towards the second end, the installation of a pressure-increasing means (500), the drainage consisting of pressurizing the domestic cold water passing through the second end (310) of an additional pipe (110a, 110b) so that it flows as a priority in another network (600a) to which the second end is connected.

2. The method according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises the installation of an automatic minimum flow stabilizer (308a, 308b) and / or an automated modulating two-way flow control valve (307a, 307b) in order to implement said flow control module maintaining a minimum flow.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises the installation upstream of said flow regulation module maintaining a minimum flow, of an automatic maximum flow stabilizer (306a, 306b) for maximum flow calibration.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow adjustment is achieved by opening the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b), the percentage of opening of which, with respect to the measured temperature, is defined by the following correspondences: For a water temperature in the circuit below 20 degrees Celsius, the percentage of opening of the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) is 0%; For a water temperature in the circuit between 20.1 degrees Celsius and 21.1 degrees Celsius, the percentage of opening of the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) is between 1 and 20%; For a water temperature in the circuit between 21.1 degrees Celsius and 22.1 degrees Celsius, the percentage opening of the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) is between 20.1 and 40%;For a circuit water temperature between 22.1 degrees Celsius and 23.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) is between 40.1 and 60%; For a circuit water temperature between 23.1 degrees Celsius and 24.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) is between 60.1 and 80%; For a circuit water temperature above 24.1 degrees Celsius, the opening percentage of the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) is between 80.1 and 100%.

5. Device (300) for managing the cold domestic water of a water distribution network enabling the implementation of the process according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises an additional pipe (110a, 110b) for the return of the cold domestic water on which an automatic minimum flow stabilizer (308a, 308b) is installed, an automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) for flow regulation and a temperature sensor (305a, 305b) allowing water to flow continuously at a minimum rate to an outlet end, a control cabinet (400) controlling the adjustable automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) regulating the flow according to the measured temperature, and at the outlet end a section of piping (310) intended for water reuse and equipped with at least one booster pump (500) ensuring water pressure increase

6. Device (300) according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises an additional cold domestic water return pipe (110a, 110b) on which are installed an automatic minimum flow stabilizer (308a, 308b), an automated modulating two-way flow control valve (307a, 307b) and a temperature sensor (305a, 305b) for each end of a portion of the cold domestic water distribution network (100).

7. Device (300) according to claim 5 or 6, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises for each additional pipe, an automatic maximum flow stabilizer (306a, 306b) for maximum flow calibration.

8. Device (300) according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises the following components: - pressure sensor (311) which measures the pressure upstream of the booster (500); - pressure sensor (313) which measures the pressure downstream of the booster in the installation into which the water exiting the booster is injected in order to define the pressure to be maintained by the booster; - temperature sensor (305a, 305b, 312) which continuously measures the average temperature of the water in the additional pipeline (110a, 110b) arriving at the booster (500); - Isolation valves (511, 512, 521, 522) which allow the isolation of the booster (500).

9. Device (300) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT it comprises at the end of outlet a section of pipe (320) intended for water drainage.

10. Device (300) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said cabinet (400) comprises the following elements: - A controller which controls the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) and the booster (500) according to the measurements of the temperature sensor (305a, 305b), - A power supply module for the automated modulating two-way valve (307a, 307b) and the booster (500);

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