A pressure boosting apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus 10 for boosting pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building. The apparatus 10 comprises a water tank 12 with an inl

Description

25 03 25 The present invention relates to an apparatus for boosting pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building. 5 BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Buildings, such as residential, commercial or industrial, include a water system for distributing water throughout. Building water systems are typically separated into an indirect water system and a direct water system. In a direct water system, the water is drawn straight from a mains water supply. In an indirect water system, the water comes 10 from a tank which is fed from the mains water supply. In both cases, the water system is connected to and fed from the mains water supply by a communication pipe at a statutory service standard level pressure, a minimum of about seven meters static head (0.7 bar), preferably about 10 meters static head (about 1 bar). The water system within the building may have a large number of water outlets or 15 water-using appliances or furnishings. For example, a residential building may include a number of apartments spread over a number of storeys. Each apartment may include one or more showers, one or more kitchen taps and bathroom taps, one or more toilets, and one or more washing machines. The demand on the water system within the building caused by the water outlets or water-using appliances or furnishings may 20 mean that, at peak times, the pressure supplied by the mains water supply is insufficient which causes trickling of the water. The height of the building may also cause issues with low pressure when there is increased demand. This has led to the development of booster sets which may or may not include a water tank. The booster set typically includes a pump used to increase the flow and pressure 25 of water within the water system within the building. A well-known combined tank and booster set is sold under the brand ScubaTANK (RTM), which is Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS)-approved. The ScubaTANK (RTM) is a prefabricated unit which comprises a controllable water inlet valve for filling a cavity in the tank and a conductive probe arrangement for 30 determining water level within the cavity of the tank. The probe arrangement has two conductive probes which extend downwards unequally into the water receiving cavity. When water in the tank comes in contact with both probes, a circuit is completed which 25 03 25 causes a relay to switch on and stop the filling of the tank through closing the controllable water inlet valve. Each probe extends to a predetermined point within the cavity from an upper end of the tank towards a lower end of the tank so that it corresponds to the desired setpoint 5 i.e., tank level for closing and / or opening the controllable water inlet valve. Altering the setpoints requires the extension of each probe to be changed. This is only achievable by replacing the probe in its entirety. The controllable water inlet valve is a solenoid valve controlled by a relay which provides for an open or closed state. This arrangement may lead to unnecessary 10 control responses depending on how the control logic has been set. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for 15 boosting pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building, the apparatus comprising: a water tank for containing a volume of water; an inlet disposed to the water tank for connecting to and for receiving water from the mains water supply; 20 a controllable mains supply valve disposed to the inlet for providing selective fluid communication between the mains water supply and the water tank through the inlet; an outlet disposed to the water tank for connecting to the consumer’s water supply system and supplying water from the water tank to the consumer’s water 25 supply system; a pump in fluid communication with the water tank and configured to pressurise and pump water through the outlet to the consumer’s water supply system; a water level sensor for measuring a physical variable and configured to provide measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank; 25 03 25 a controller communicatively connected to each of the valve, the pump and water level sensor, the controller being configured to provide control signals or instructions to the controllable mains supply valve and pump, the controller being configured to receive the data provided by the water level sensor; and 5 a bracket comprising two releasably connectable plates joined together as to form an L-shaped bracket, the first plate for mounting to an external surface of the water tank and the second plate for mounting components of the apparatus; wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of at least one of the valve and the pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water 10 level within the water tank; and wherein at least the controller is mounted to the second plate, and the second plate being removable from the first plate for positioning in a location remote to the water tank. Advantageously, the apparatus allows direct control of the controllable mains supply 15 valve and the pump. Hence, it is able to provide a more active, adaptive and / or a finer control of water tank filling or water level within the tank, and on the management of flow and pressure of water being supplied by the pump from the water tank to the consumer’s water supply system. The apparatus may be a considered a combined tank and booster set. 20 The apparatus may be a prefabricated apparatus. That is to say that it may be constructed at a manufacturing facility and delivered to the site of installation. This makes it easier to transport, deliver and install the apparatus in a preferred location in a building. The water level sensor may be configured to measure water pressure in the water tank. 25 The water level sensor may provide measurements of water pressure of the volume of water in the water tank. The measured water pressure (pressure data) may be indicative of the water level of the volume of water within the water tank. The measured water pressure may be used to determine the water level of the volume of water in the water tank. 30 The measurement data provided by the water level sensor may be an analogue signal or digital signal. The water level sensor may be a hydrostatic sensor. 25 03 25 The water level sensor may be configured to determine the water level of the volume of water within the water tank based on the measurements of the water level sensor. The measurements of the water level sensor being indicative of the water pressure of 5 the volume of water in the water tank. The water level sensor may provide water level data to the controller. In such cases, the controller is configured to control the operation of the valve and pump based on the water level data received from the water level sensor. The controller may determine water level of the volume of water within the water tank 10 based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank. In such cases, the controller is configured to control the operation of the valve and pump based on the determined water level data. A single controller or in other words, only one controller may be provided. This allows the controller to directly control the operation of at least the valve and pump by sending 15 instructions directly. Therefore, the controller does not need to send output data, or simple on / off signals, to other controllers which then control the operation of the valve and pump separately. This reduces the need for use of many other components or accessories for managing and controlling the water tank filling and for managing and controlling the flow and 20 pressure of water being supplied to the consumer’s water supply system. It also removes the need for probes and mechanical relays which are susceptible to failure, thus requiring frequent replacement. Overall, the apparatus provides greater reliability and flexibility on the adjustment of water level in the water tank, rate of water filing in the water tank and pump speed. 25 The apparatus may be Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) approved. In addition, the apparatus may be KIWA UK Regulation approved. This ensures that unit is designed to safely handle potable water and is suitable for its intended use. The controller may be communicatively connected to at least one of the valve, pump and water level sensor through wireless connection. The controller may be 30 communicatively connected to at least one of the valve, pump and water level sensor through direct wired connection. The flexibility in connection enables the controller to 25 03 25 be positioned in an area remote from the water tank and the valve, pump and water sensor level. The water tank may be a container or vessel suitable for holding potable water. The water tank may be an insulated tank. This ensures that the temperature of water 5 within the water tank is maintained. The water tank may be made from suitable materials such as metals or plastics, or a combination of both. The tank may be weatherproof i.e., resistant to damage due to the weather thereby allowing it to be used for both indoor and outdoor installations. The water tank may comprise a body and a lid. 10 The body may be a hollow structure forming the main portion of the water tank. The body may include an open end and a closed end. A lower end of the body may be the closed end for contacting the ground, and an upper end of the body may be the open end forming an opening of the water tank. The lid may be a removable or hinged cover. The lid may be provided and attached to 15 the open end of the body. The lid provides an entrance or access for the apparatus components such as the water level sensor and pump to be provided within the water tank. The lid also provides cover and protection to the potable water and the components located within the tank. This prevents dirt, debris or other contaminants from getting in. 20 The lid may include one or more apertures. The aperture(s) may be configured to enable connection means such as cables to be provided between the controller, and the valve, pump and water level sensor within the water tank when there is a direct wired connection between the controller and the valve, pump and water level sensor. The water tank may be provided in a range of sizes. This allows the water tank to suit 25 water demand of different types of buildings or properties. The water tank may have a capacity of between 175 litres and 2250 litres. The water tank may have a height of between 1015 and 1520 mm. The compact design and size of the water tank enables the apparatus to be provided in a small space or area, thus allowing space saving which is a desirable feature to users especially in smaller properties. 30 Fixing means may be provided for securing the water tank to the ground. In an embodiment, the water tank may be fixed to the ground using brackets screwed to the 25 03 25 water tank and the ground. This allows the apparatus to be properly secured, thus preventing it from moving out of place due to circumstances such as accidental movement by an operator or strong weather conditions when installed outdoors. The inlet and / or the outlet may be an aperture or opening in the water tank. The inlet 5 and / or the outlet may be provided towards the upper end of the body. For example, disposed next to the lid of the water tank. This allows the water to be provided and / or removed in or out of the water tank at a height above a maximum fill level of the water tank. Inlet piping may be provided to the inlet for connecting the inlet to the mains water 10 supply. Outlet piping may be provided to the outlet for connecting the outlet to the consumer’s building water supply system. Advantageously, the combination of the inlet, outlet, piping and further piping allow supply of water to enter the water tank from the mains water supply and exit the water tank to the consumer’s water supply system. 15 The valve may be configured to move to one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed position. In other words, the valve may be configured to move to the open position, closed position and any intermediate position between the open and closed positions. The controller may be configured to control the movement of the valve to one of the 20 plurality of positions. This enables the valve to fully allow, fully stop or partially allow flow of water into the water tank. This allows the flow of water into the water tank to be precisely controlled or adjusted. In other words, the rate of water filling or the volume of water being supplied into the water tank can be controlled through the choice of plurality of positions of the valve. 25 An upper limit of water level (also referred to as upper water level limit) may be stored within a memory within the controller. The upper water level limit may represent the maximum desired water level within the water tank. The upper water level limit may be set and / or adjusted by a user or commissioner of the apparatus. The controller may be configured to control the movement of the valve to the closed 30 position when the measurement data indicative of the water level, or a determined water level, is at or above or approaching the upper limit of water level. 25 03 25 A low level limit of water level (also referred to as a low water level limit) may be stored within a memory within the controller. The low water level limit may represent the lowest desired water level within the water tank and / or the absolutely minimum level need to not run the pump dry. The low water level limit may be set and / or adjusted by 5 a user or commissioner of the apparatus. The controller may be configured to control the movement of the valve to the open position or any intermediate position between the open and closed positions when the measurement data indicative of the water level, or a determined water level, is at or below or approaching the lower limit of water level, depending on the required flow rate 10 or volume of water for tank filling. Advantageously, this prevents the water tank from being overfilled with water or from having not enough water which can damage the pump. The valve may be provided on the piping connected to the inlet. This allows the valve to control the flow of water from the mains water supply to the water tank. 15 The valve may be a motorised valve. An alarm system may be provided. The alarm system may be configured to provide an alert when the measurement data indicative of the water level in the water tank, or a determined water level, exceeds or drops below or approaches an alarm set point. The controller may be configured to vary the speed of the pump and / or move the valve 20 to one of the plurality of positions based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank, or a determined water level. The controller may be configured to vary the speed of the pump and / or move the valve to one of the plurality of positions in response to the alert or alarm from the alarm system. This allows the apparatus to ensure that the required water level is maintained, and the pump can 25 pressurise the water to be supplied to the consumer’s water supply system at the required pressure. The alarm system may comprise an alerting means. The alerting means may be configured to produce a visual and / or audible alert. The alarm system may be configured to send an alert signal to a remote device when the determined water level, 30 or the measurement data indicative ofthe water level, meets or exceeds or drops below or approaches the alarm set point. For example, the alert may be sent as a text message to a mobile device, or multiple mobile devices, of an operator, user, or third 25 03 25 party associated with the apparatus. This allows appropriate parties to know when the apparatus has an issue and may requires fixing or repair. The controller may be configured to receive input data, or control instructions, from a remote external source. The input data, or control instructions, may be a factor in 5 operation of the valve and / or the pump. The input data, or control instructions, may be sent through wireless connection or through direct wired connection. This enables the operator to input operational parameters, such as upper water level limit, lower water level limit, pressure set points, etc. The input data, or control instructions, may also be used to set desired operation of components. 10 The controller may be configured to turn the pump off when the water level is below the low level limit. This prevents the pump from being damaged when the water level is too low. The controller may be configured to turn the pump on when the water level is above the low level limit. This allows the pump to resume the pressurising of water and the 15 pumping of the pressurised water to the consumer’s water supply system without the risk of the pump being damaged due to very low water level within the water tank. The pressure of the water being supplied to the consumer’s water supply system from the apparatus has a higher pressure than the water being supplied to the water tank from the mains water supply. 20 The apparatus may supply a flow of pressure to the consumer’s water supply system. The apparatus may be configured with an outlet pressure set point. The pump may be configured to supply pressurised water at a value between the range of about 1.8 bar to about 6.1 bar. Preferably the apparatus may be configured to supply a pressure at a value between about 2 bar to about 4 bar. The pump may be configured to supply 25 pressurised water at a value of at least about 1.38 bar. An outlet pressure set point may be stored in the controller. The outlet pressure set point may be the desired pressure to be supplied to the consumer’s water supply system. The outlet pressure set point may be set or adjustable by party such as, a user or remote user or the commissioner. 30 The pump may be a variable speed pump. This allows the speed of the pump to be varied to pressurise the water to the required pressure. 25 03 25 The pump may be positioned at the lower end of the body of the water tank, or it may be located in a position between the lower end and upper end of the body. The pump may be a submersible pump. This allows the pump to be fully submerged in water in the water tank. A submersible pump pushes water to the surface by 5 converting rotary energy into kinetic energy and then into pressure energy, rather than pulling the water. The whole or part of the pump may be made from stainless steel. This allows the pump to resist corrosion due to exposure to water. The controller may be configured to vary the speed of the pump. This allows the 10 pressure of water being pumped through the outlet and to consumer’s water supply system to be varied depending on the required pressure for a specific building or property. In an embodiment, two variable speed pumps may be provided. The two variable speed pumps may be in the form of a twin pump. 15 The water level sensor may be positioned towards the lower end of the water tank, i.e., towards the closed end or base of the water tank. The position of the water level sensor allows the detection of water pressure to not be affected by variables such as flow of water in and out of the water tank. An outlet sensor may be provided. The outlet sensor may be an outlet pressure sensor. 20 The outlet pressure sensor may be configured to measure the pressure of the water being pumped out of the water tank through to the outlet to the consumer’s water supply system. The outlet sensor may be communicatively connected to the controller. The outlet sensor may be communicatively connected to the outlet sensor through wireless 25 connection. The outlet sensor may be communicatively connected to the outlet sensor through direct wired connection. The outlet sensor may be configured to provide outlet pressure data to the controller. The outlet pressure data may be an analogue or digital signal representing the measured pressure. 30 The controller may be configured to control operation of the pump based on the outlet pressure data and an outlet pressure set point. The speed of the pump may be varied. 25 03 25 Advantageously, this allows the apparatus to monitor and control the pressure of the water supplied to the consumer’s water supply. The controller may be configured to control the speed of the pump and / or the position of the valve based the measurement data indicative of water level, the pressure data, 5 outlet pressure data, and the outlet pressure set point. A bracket for supporting the controller is provided. The bracket comprises two releasably connectable plates joined together. The bracket is substantially L-shaped. The second plate may be a back plate and the first plate may be a base plate. The bracket allows mounting of components to the tank body in a prefabricated manner. 10 That is to say that at least some of the components, such as the controller, may be mounted to the back plate while the base plate is mounted to the tank body. The releasable attachment of the bracket increases the options for installation on site because the back plate, and the components attached thereon, can be mounted in a location remote from the water tank. This allows for the dimensions of the apparatus 15 to be reduced allowing it to fit in smaller areas with the same capacity. However, in other embodiments, the shape and size of the bracket, and the connection of the plates of the bracket may be varied. A first plate of the bracket may include one or more apertures. The one or more apertures may be configured to complement the one or more apertures in the lid of the 20 water tank. Therefore, in use, the one or more apertures of the first plate may be provided in line with the corresponding one or more apertures in the lid of the water tank. In other words, the aperture(s) of the of the first plate and the lid may be aligned with each other. The one or more apertures of the first plate may be configured to enable connection 25 means to be provided between the controller and the water level sensor and the pump within the water tank. Advantageously, the one or more apertures of the first plate of the bracket and the one or more apertures of the lid of the water tank together allows direct wired connection of the water level sensor and the pump to the controller. The aperture may also provide 30 routes for conduits, such as pipes. The second plate of the bracket may be configured to support the controller. In other words, the controller may be removably attachable to the second plate. 25 03 25 This allows the back plate to be attached at a different location e.g., a remote location from the water tank. Thus, the controller can be placed in a more easily accessible location if the water tank is provided in a very small space which cannot fit the controller, for example. 5 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for boosting the pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building, the steps comprising: providing an apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention; disposing the apparatus to a location within the building; and commission the apparatus, the 10 commissioning including: connecting the inlet to a mains water supply conduit; connecting the outlet to a conduit of a consumer’s water supply system; and configuring the controller to control operation of the controllable mains supply valve and the pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the tank. 15 According to an unclaimed third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for boosting the pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building, the steps comprising: providing a water tank including an inlet for supplying water from the mains water supply to the water tank and an outlet for supplying water from the water tank to the consumer’s 20 water supply system; providing within the water tank a water level sensor for supplying measurement data indicative of the water level within the tank and a pump for pressurising and pumping water from within the tank to the outlet; connecting a controllable mains supply valve to the inlet of the water tank; connecting a controller to the water level sensor, valve, and pump; and controlling the operation of at least one 25 of the valve and pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the tank from the water level sensor using the controller. The third aspect of the present invention may include features of the first aspect of the present invention or second aspect of the present invention. That is to say that the method of the third aspect may comprise the apparatus of the first aspect and / or have 30 the steps of connecting the inlet, connecting the outlet and commissioning. The controller may move the valve to one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed position. In other words, to the open position, to closed position or to any intermediate position between the open and closed positions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 25 03 25 For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: 5 Figure 1 shows an apparatus according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus for boosting pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building is indicated at 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a water tank 12, a controllable mains 10 supply valve 14, a water level sensor 16, a pump 18 and a controller 20. There is a direct wired connection between the controller 20 and the valve 14, water level sensor 16 and pump 18. However, in other embodiments, the controller 20 can be wirelessly connected to the valve 14, water level sensor 16 and / or the pump 18. The controller 20 is configured to control the operation of the valve 14 and the pump 15 18. The one i.e., single controller 20 is able to directly control the whole operation of the apparatus without the need for other controllers to enable water tank filling and to manage and control the flow and pressure of water being supplied to the consumer’s water supply system. The water level sensor 16 and the pump 18 are provided within the water tank 12. The 20 pump 18 is a variable speed pump. The whole of the water level sensor 16 and the pump 18 are made from stainless steel. But in other embodiments, only part of the water level sensor 16 and pump 18 can be made from stainless steel. Stainless steel allows the water level sensor 16 and the pump 18 to be resistant to corrosion due to exposure to water. 25 The water tank 12 is a container or vessel suitable for holding potable water i.e., drinking water. The water tank 12 may be a rectangular container but it can be varied in shape and size. The water tank can have a capacity of between 175 litres and 2250 litres, and a height of between 1015 and 1520 mm. The water tank 12 is an insulated tank, which enables it to ensure that the water 30 temperature within the tank 12 is maintained. The water tank 12 is weatherproof i.e., 25 03 25 resistant to damage due to varying weather conditions which enables it to be used for indoor and outdoor installations of the apparatus 10. The water tank 12 comprises a body and a lid (not shown). The body is a hollow structure defining a cavity 26. The body forms the main portion of the water tank 12. 5 The body includes a closed end defining the base 22 of the water tank 12 in contact with the ground, and an open end defining an opening 24 of the water tank 12 disposed opposite the base 22. The lid is a hinged cover provided at the open end of the body. The lid provides protection to the potable water, water level sensor 16 and pump 18 within the water 10 tank 12 thereby preventing dirt, debris and other contaminants from getting into the water tank 12. The lid is provided with apertures disposed along a plane substantially bisecting the lid for allowing connection means e.g., cables to be provided between the controller 20, and the valve 14, water level sensor 16 and pump 18 for a direct wired connection. 15 A bracket (not shown) is provided and is releasably attachable to a surface of the lid facing away from the water tank 12, in use. The bracket includes a first plate and a second plate. The plates are releasably connectable to each other as to form an L-shaped bracket. The first plate is the part of the bracket releasably attachable to the lid of the water tank 12. The first plate of the 20 bracket includes two apertures disposed along its plane. When the bracket is attached to the lid of the water tank 12, a surface of the first plate abuts the surface of the lid facing away from the water tank. The apertures of the first plate are positioned in line with the apertures of the lid. This allows connection means e.g., cables to be inserted through the apertures and direct wired connect the water level sensor 16 and the pump 25 18 to the controller 20. The controller 20 is mounted to the second plate. When assembled, the second plate extends upwards from the first plate away from the water tank 12. The water level sensor 16 is a hydrostatic sensor. In other embodiments, the water level sensor can be another type of sensor. The water level sensor 16 is configured to 30 provide measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank 12. In some embodiments, it may measure the water pressure in the tank cavity 26 and determine water level based on the water pressure data. In other embodiments, the controller determines the water level based on the water pressure data. The controller 25 03 25 20 receives the data from the water level sensor 16. This enables the controller 20 to gain information on the water level within the water tank 12. The water level sensor 16 is disposed at a lower end of the water tank 12, next to the base 22. The position of the water level sensor 16 enables it to detect the pressure of 5 water within the water tank 12 without being affected by the movement of water within the water tank 12 e.g., due to flow of water from the mains water supply into the tank cavity 26 and / or due to flow of water from the tank cavity 26 to the consumer’s water supply system. An inlet 28 is provided in the body of the water tank 12. An outlet 30 is provided in the 10 body of the water tank 12. The inlet 28 is disposed at one side of the body and the outlet 30 is provided at another side of the body, opposite the inlet 28. The inlet 28 and the outlet 30 are both provided at an upper end of the body, next to the lid of the water tank 12. However, in other embodiments, the inlet 28 and the outlet 30 can be provided on a different side or end of the water tank 12. 15 Inlet piping (not shown) is provided to connect the inlet 30 to the mains water supply for supplying water from the mains water supply to the tank cavity 26. Outlet piping (not shown) is provided to connect the outlet 30 to a consumer’s water supply system for supplying pressurised water from the pump 18 to the consumer’s water supply system. 20 The valve 14 is a motorised valve and is provided on the inlet piping for controlling the flow rate or volume of water flowing from the mains water supply to the tank cavity 26. The valve 14 is configured to move to one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed position i.e., to the open position, to the closed position and to any intermediate position between the open and closed positions. 25 The controller 20 is configured to control movement of the valve 14 to the open, closed or any intermediate position depending on the required flow rate or volume of water for tank filling. The controller 20 is configured to control movement of the valve 14 to the closed position when the determined water level from the water level sensor 16 is at or above 30 or approaching a set upper water limit 34. The controller 20 is also configured to control movement of the valve 14 to the open position or any intermediate position when the determined water level from the water level sensor 16 is at or below or approaching a 25 03 25 set lower water limit 36, depending on the required flow rate or volume of water for tank filling. The pump 18 is a submersible pump allowing it to be fully submerged in water within the water tank 12. The pump 18 is configured to pressurise and pump the water 5 through the outlet 30 to the consumer’s water supply system. The pressurised water has a higher pressure than the water supplied to the water tank 12 from the mains water supply. The pump 18 can pressurise the water between 20 to 40 psi (1.38 to 2.76 bar) or 30 to 50 psi (2.07 to 3.45 bar) depending on the required water pressure to be supplied for a specific building or property. 10 The controller 20 is configured to vary the speed of the pump 18. This enables the apparatus 10 to maintain the required water pressure of water being supplied through the outlet 30 to the consumer’s water supply system. An outlet pressure sensor 32 is provided and is configured to measure the pressure of the water being pumped out of the water tank 12 through the outlet 30 and being 15 supplied to the consumer’s water supply system. The outlet pressure sensor 32 is configured to feed or provide pressure data to the controller 20. The controller 20 is configured to vary the speed of the pump 18 depending on the detected pressure data from the outlet pressure sensor 32. For example, the controller 20 20 may increase the speed of the pump 18 when the detected pressure is below the required water pressure, or the controller 20 may decrease the speed of the pump 18 when the detected pressure is above the required water pressure for a specific building or property, or a pressure setpoint. An alarm system (not shown) is provided as part of the controller 20 and is configured 25 to provide an alert when the determined water level in the water tank 12 from the water level sensor 16 exceeds or drops below or approaches an alarm set point. In the current embodiment, there is a high level limit 38 and a low level limit 40. The alert can be provided as a visual and / or audible signal on the controller 20. Alternatively, or in addition, the alert can be sent to a remote device such as a mobile device, for example 30 through a SMS message or a notification in an app. The controller 20 is configured to vary the speed of the pump 18 and / or move the valve 14 to the open, closed or any intermediate position in response to the alert to ensure that water level in the water tank is maintained at the required level and to pressurise the water being supplied to the consumer’s water supply system at the required pressure for a specific building or property. The controller 20 is configured to turn off the pump 18 when the water level is below 5 the low level limit 40 and to turn on the pump 18 when the water level is above the low level limit 40. This prevents the pump 18 from being damaged due to very low water level within the water tank 12. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without 10 departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 25 03 25

Claims

25 03 251. An apparatus for boosting pressure at which water is supplied from a mains water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building, the apparatus comprising:5 a water tank for containing a volume of water;an inlet disposed to the water tank for connecting to and for receiving water from the mains water supply;a controllable mains supply valve disposed to the inlet for providing selective fluid communication between the mains water supply and the water tank;10 an outlet disposed to the water tank for connecting to the consumer’s watersupply system;a pump in fluid communication with the water tank and configured to pressurise and pump water from the water tank through the outlet to the consumer’s water supply system;15 a water level sensor for measuring a physical variable and configured toprovide measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank;a controller communicatively connected to each of the controllable mains supply valve, the pump and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to provide control signals or instructions to the controllable mains20 supply valve and pump, the controller being configured to receive themeasurement data provided by the water level sensor; anda bracket comprising two releasably connectable plates joined together as to form an L-shaped bracket, the first plate for mounting to an external surface of the water tank and the second plate for mounting components of the apparatus;25 wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the mains supplyvalve and the pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank; andwherein at least the controller is mounted to the second plate, and the second plate being removable from the first plate for positioning in a location remote to 30 the water tank.25 03 252. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the pump is a variable speed pump.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the valve is configured to move to one of a plurality of positions between an open position and a closed 5 position.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the controller is configured to control the movement of the valve to one of the plurality of positions.

5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, in which the controller is configured to move the valve to the closed position when the determined water level is above 10 a set upper water limit and is configured to move the valve to the open positionor any intermediate position between the open and closed positions when the determined water level is below a set lower water limit.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the water level sensor is configured to measure pressure of water in the tank, the measured pressure 15 being indicative of the water level.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller is configured to vary the speed of the pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water level.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an outlet pressure 20 sensor is provided and configured to measure pressure of water being pumpedout of the water tank.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, in which the outlet pressure sensor is configured to provide outlet pressure data to the controller.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, in which the controller is configured to vary 25 the speed of the pump depending on said outlet pressure data.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which an alarm system is provided.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, in which the alarm system is configured to provide an alert when the measurement data indicative of the water level in 30 the tank meets or exceeds or drops below or approaches an alarm set point.25 03 2513. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, in which the alarm system is configured to send an alert or message to a remote device.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller is communicatively connected to the valve, pump and water level sensor through 5 wireless connection.

15. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, in which the controller is communicatively connected to the valve, pump and water level sensor through direct wired connection.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller is 10 configured to receive input data from a remote source, the input data beingused to control operation of the valve and / or the pump.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first plate of the bracket includes one or more apertures, the one or more apertures are configured to be provided in line with corresponding one or more apertures in 15 a lid of the water tank.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, in which the one or more apertures in the first plate of the bracket and the lid of the water tank are configured to enable connection means to be provided between the controller, and the water level sensor and the pump in the water tank.20 19. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pump is asubmersible pump.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which two pumps are provided.

21. A method for boosting the pressure at which water is supplied from a mains 25 water supply to a consumer’s water supply system within a building, the stepscomprising:providing an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim;disposing the apparatus to a location within the building; andcommission the apparatus, the commissioning including:connecting the inlet to a mains water supply conduit;connecting the outlet to a conduit of a consumer’s water supply system; andconfiguring the controller to control operation of the controllable mains5 supply valve and the pump based on the measurement data indicative of thewater level within the tank.25 03 25

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