An apparatus for boosting mains water supply pressure to a building

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a water tank 12 containing a volume of water, an inlet 28 to the water tank for connection to the mains water supply, a mains supply valve 14, an outlet 30 connected to the wat

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for boosting mains water supply pressure to a building. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Buildings, such as residential, commercial or industrial, include a water system for distributing water throughout. Building water systems are typically either an indirect water systems or direct water systems. In a direct water system, the water is drawn straight from a mains water supply. In an indirect water system, the water comes 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), and preferably about 10 meters static head (about 1 bar). The water system within the building may have a large number of water outlets or water-using appliances or furnishings. For example, a residential building may include a number of apartments spread overa 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 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 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. Typically, reliable booster sets require a very large tank to act as a buffer since the inflow rate of water into the water tank is likely to be lower than the outflow rate of water pumped out. For example, in a large domestic installation, the tank may be between 500 to 750 litres. Large water tanks are diff icult to transport, install and occupy a large amount of space. Space can be most problematic in a domestic setting. Furthermore, typically when the water tank is drained a protection system kicks in and turns the pump off, which results in loss of water to the property. This is a serious problem which could be caused by, for example, by a person leaving on a tap. 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 boosting main water supply pressure to a building, the apparatus comprising: a water tank for containing a volume of water; an inlet to the water tank for connection to the mains water supply; a mains supply valve; an outlet connected to the water tank for supplying water to the building; a variable speed pump configured to pump water from the water tank through the outlet; a water level sensor for measuring a physical variable and configured to provide measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank; and a controller communicatively connected to each of the mains supply valve, the pump and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to provide control signals to the pump; the controller being configured to receive the measurement data provided by the water level sensor and to control the pump based on the measurement data; and wherein the controller is configured to reduce the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level falls below a first predetermined threshold; in which the extent of the reduction of speed corresponds to the water level. Advantageously, the apparatus allows the supply of water from the water tank to be maintained when the inlet flow rate is decreased. The apparatus reacts in response to a change in the water level caused by a change in the inlet flow rate. The apparatus compensates forthe decrease in supply from the mains by reducing the pump speed in response to a decrease in the detected water level. If the water level drops below a predetermined value, the controller reduces the pump speed to allow the water level in the water tank to recover quicker. The mains supply valve may be a full-bore valve. That is to say that the diameter of the inlet may be substantially unrestricted at the valve when the valve is open. The mains supply valve may be a ball valve. The mains supply valve may be electronically controlled. The mains supply valve may be a shut-off valve. The mains supply valve allows a very high flow-through rate even at low pressures. This means a smaller water tank may be used. The apparatus may be considered a combined tank and booster set. The water level sensor may be configured to measure pressure of water in the tank, the measured pressure being indicative of the water level. The water level sensor may be a hydrostatic sensor. The water level sensor may continuously monitor the water level. The water level sensor may monitor the water level through continuous readings at regular or irregular intervals. The controller may be configured to further reduce the speed of the variable speed pump to equilibrate the inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate when the water level falls below a second predetermined threshold, in which the second predetermined threshold is below the first predetermined threshold. In other words, when the water level depletes below the second water level threshold, the variable speed pump may only pass as much water through the outlet as there is coming through the inlet. The inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate may be substantially equal to each other. The result is that the likelihood of losing water supply to building is very low even if the mains pressure drops. The water depth in the tank is maintained at a predetermined level. The controller may be configured to increase the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level rises above the second predetermined threshold. The extent of the increase of speed may correspond to the water level. This allows the pump to provide a higher outlet flow rate when there is suitable capacity. The water tank may be a container or vessel suitable for holding potable water. The water tank may have a volume of 120L or less. The water tank may have a volume of 100L or less. The water tank may have a volume of 85L or less. The water tank may have a volume of 70L or less. The water tank may have a volume of 60L or less. The water tank may have a volume of 60L to 120L. The water tank may have a volume of 80L to 100L An 85L tank, for example, may be sufficient to service a typical residential property with six bathrooms. The water tank may be an insulated tank. This ensures that the temperature of water within the water tank is maintained. The water tank may be made from suitable materials such as metals or plastics, ora combination of both. The tank maybe 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. The apparatus may be installed in a domestic property. The apparatus may be installed in a commercial property. The pump maybe 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 converting rotary energy into kinetic energy and then into pressure energy, rather than pulling the water. 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 controller may be communicatively connected to the pump and water level sensor through direct wired connection. The controller may be communicatively connected to the pump and water level sensor through a wireless connection. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing an apparatus for boosting the pressure at which water is supplied from a mains supply to a water system within a building, the steps comprising: providing an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; disposing the apparatus to a location within the building; and commission the apparatus, the commissioning including: connecting the inlet to a mains water supply conduit; connecting the outlet to a conduit of a water system; and configuring the controller to control operation of the pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the tank. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of maintaining the water level within a water tank in an apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the steps comprising: operating the variable speed pump at maximum capacity when the water level is higher than the first predetermined threshold; reducing the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level falls below the first predetermined threshold, in which the extent of the reduction of speed corresponds to the water level. The method mayfurther comprise the step of further reducing the speed of the variable speed pump to equilibrate the inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate when the water level falls below the second predetermined threshold. The method may further comprise the step of increasing the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level rises above the second predetermined threshold. The extent of the increase of speed may correspond to the water level. The advantages are as described above with respect to the apparatus itself. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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: Figure 1 shows a schematic of an apparatus according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic of the apparatus of Figure 1 operating at maximum capacity; Figure 3 shows a schematic of the apparatus of Figure 2 with a lower inlet pressure; Figure 4 shows a schematic of the apparatus of Figure 3 with a reduced pump speed; Figure 5 shows a schematic of the apparatus of Figure 4 with a reduced pump speed; Figure 6 shows a schematic of the apparatus of Figure 5 with a higher inlet pressure and an increased pump speed; and Figure 7 shows a schematic of the apparatus of Figure 6 with an increased pump speed. 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 water system within a building is indicated at 10. The apparatus 10 comprises a water tank 12, a mains supply valve 14, a water level sensor 16, a variable speed pump 18 and a controller 20. There is a direct wired connection between the controller 20, mains supply valve 14, water level sensor 16 and pump 18. However, in other embodiments, the controller 20 can be wirelessly connected to the mains supply valve, water level sensor 16 and / or the pump 18. The controller 20 is configured to control the operation of the pump 18. The controller is configured to control the mains supply valve 14. The water level sensor 16 and the pump 18 are provided within the water tank 12. The 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. 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 12 typically has a capacity of approximately 80 to 100 litres. The water tank 12 is an insulated tank, which enables it to ensure that the water temperature within the tank 12 is maintained. The water tank 12 is weatherproof i.e., 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. 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 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. 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 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 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 a base 22. The position of the water level sensor 16 enables it to detect the pressure of 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. An inlet 28 is provided in the body of the water tank 12. An outlet 30 is provided in the 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. Inlet piping (not shown) is provided to connect the inlet 28 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 water supply system for supplying water from the pum p 18 to the water system. The valve 14 is a motorised on / off valve and is provided on the inlet piping for controlling the flow of water flowing from the mains water supply to the tank cavity 26. The valve 14 is a full-bore valve. In other words, the diameter of the inlet at the valve 14 is unrestricted by the valve. The valve 14 is a ball valve. 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 through the outlet 30 to the water 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. The controller 20 is configured to vary the speed of the pump 18. The controller 20 is configured to vary the speed of the pump 18 depending on the measurement data from the water level sensor 16. In particular, the controller 20 adjusts the operation of the pump 18 in response to the water level reaching a first predetermined water level threshold 38 and a second predetermined water level threshold 40. The second water level threshold 40 is lower than the first water level threshold 38. The first water level threshold 38 may be considered a high level limit. The second water level threshold 38 may be considered a low level limit. The controller 20 controls the pump 18 as shown in Figures 2 to 7. Figures 2 to 7 show simplified schematics of the apparatus 10 with the controller 20 and water sensor 16 omitted. Figures 2 to 7 demonstrate how the controller 20 adjusts the speed of the pump 18 in response to changes of the inlet flow rate and the corresponding change of the water level. Figure 2 shows the pump 18 operating at maximum capacity when the inlet flow rate is high. Here, the water level is maintained at a high level as the water tank 12 is kept full by the high inlet flow rate. Referring to Figure 3, the inlet flow rate is decreased. The pump 18 continues to operate at maximum capacity and consequently the water level decreases because the flow of water out of the water tank 12 is greater than the flow of water into the water tank 12. Referring to Figure 4, the water level has decreased to the first water level threshold 38. At this point, the controller 20 reduces the speed of the pump 18. The reduction of the speed of the pump 18 corresponds to the water level. That is to say, the greater the difference in the water level and the first water level threshold 38, the greater the reduction of speed of the pump 18. In other words, as the water level decreases further below the first water level threshold 38, the flow of water out of the water tank 12 is gradually tapered to allow the water in the water tank 12 to last longer. Referring to Figure 5, the water level has decreased to the second water level threshold 40. At this point, the speed of the pump 18 has now decreased to such an extent that the outlet flow rate is substantially equal to the inlet flow rate. The inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate are brought into equilibrium, and the water level is maintained at the second water level threshold 40. In other words, at this depth of water the flow of water into the water tank 12 and the flow of water out of the water tank 12 are balanced. Supply to the property is maintained at the mains supply flow rate, but water is always available. Referring to Figure 6, the supply from the mains has recovered and the inlet flow rate is increased. The water level rises as a consequence which is detected by the water level sensor 16. The controller 20 increases the speed of the pump 18 to correspond to the difference between the water level and the second water level threshold 40. In other words, the system operates in reverse to what is described with respect to Figure 4. That is to say, as the water level increases towards the first water level threshold 38, the flow of water out of the water tank 12 is gradually increased because there is enough water in the water tank 12 to accommodate the increase in pump speed. Referring to Figure 7, the water level has recovered and is now above the first water level threshold 38. The water level sensor 16 detects that the water level has exceeded the first water level threshold 38, and the controller operates the pump 18 at maximum capacity. The significant advantage of the apparatus 10 and method described above is that the supply of water from the water tank 12 is maintained when the inlet flow rate is decreased. The pump 18 compensates for the decrease in supply from the mains by actively reducing the speed of the pump 18 in response to the detected water level. If the water level drops below the first water level threshold 38, the controller 20 reduces the speed of the pump 18 to allow the water level in the water tank 12 to recover quicker or the available water to last longer. When the water level depletes below the second water level threshold 40, the pump 18 may only pass as much water through the outlet 30 as there is coming through the inlet 28, into the water tank 12. The likelihood of losing water supply to building is very low even if the mains pressure drops. 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 5 departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for boosting main water supply pressure to a building, the apparatus comprising:a water tank for containing a volume of water;an inlet to the water tank for connection to the mains water supply;a mains supply valve;an outlet connected to the water tank for supplying water to the building;a variable speed pump configured to pump water from the water tank through the outlet;a water level sensor for measuring a physical variable and configured to provide measurement data indicative of the water level within the water tank; anda controller communicatively connected to each of the mains supply valve, the pump and the water level sensor, the controller being configured to provide control signals to the pump;the controller being configured to receive the measurement data provided by the water level sensor and to control the pump based on the measurement data; andwherein the controller is configured to reduce the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level falls below a first predetermined threshold; in which the extent of the reduction of speed corresponds to the water level.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the mains supply valve is a fullbore valve, the diameter of the inlet being substantially unrestricted at the valve when the valve is open.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the mains supply valve is a ball valve.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mains supply valve is electronically controlled.

5. 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 being indicative of the water level.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller is configured to further reduce the speed of the variable speed pump to equilibrate the inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate when the water level falls below a second predetermined threshold, in which the second predetermined threshold is below the first predetermined threshold.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller is configured to increase the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level rises above the second predetermined threshold, in which the extent of the increase of speed corresponds to the water level.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pump is a submersible pump.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the controller is communicatively connected to the pump and water level sensor through direct wired connection.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, in which the controller is communicatively connected to the pump and water level sensor through a wireless connection.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the water tank has a volume of no greater than 100 litres.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the water level sensor monitors the water level continuously.

13. A method for installing an apparatus for boosting the pressure at which water is supplied from a mains supply to a water system within a building, the steps comprising:providing an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim;disposing the apparatus to a location within the building; andcommissioning the apparatus, the commissioning including:connecting the inlet to a mains water supply conduit;connecting the outlet to a conduit of the water system; andconfiguring the controller to control operation of the pump based on the measurement data indicative of the water level within the tank.

14. A method of maintaining the water level within a water tank in an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, the steps comprising:reducing the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level falls below the first predetermined threshold, in which the extent of the reduction of speed corresponds to the water level.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, in which the variable speed pump is operated at maximum capacity when the water level is higher than the first predetermined threshold;16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 when dependent on claim 6, in which the method further comprises the step of further reducing the speed of the variable speed pump to equilibrate the inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate when the water level falls below the second predetermined threshold.

17. A method as claimed in any of claims 14 to 16, when dependent on claim 7, in which the method further comprises the step of increasing the speed of the variable speed pump when the water level rises above the second predetermined threshold, in which the extent of the increase of speed corresponds to the water level.Application No: GB2408996.3Examiner: Mr Haydn GupwellClaims searched: 1-17Date of search: 20 December 2024Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17Documents considered to be relevant:Category Relevant to claims Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance X Y 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 GB2622637 A (JESSE FREEMAN) see whole document which specifies that the controller may increase or decrease the speed of the pump based on water level within the tank or a determined water level to ensure required water level is maintained. Y 1,2,3,4, b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 CN101818513 A (WEI ZHAO) see whole document especially the description which describes how a pump speed is reduced when the water level in the tank drops. Y 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 CN215053542 U (QI HAO) see whole document especially the description wherein a water tank level monitor monitors the tank level and sends the data to a control cabinet to control the speed of the pump based on the water level and reduces the pump speed. Y 1,2,3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 CN206800507 U (HE ZHIPING) see whole document especially the description which describes how a pump speed is reduced or stopped when the water level in the tank drops.Categories:X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step A Document indicating technological background and / or state of the art. Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of same category. before the filing date of this invention. & Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB. EP, WO &US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX :Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPCE03B_____________________________________________________The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report Patents searchedInternational Classification:Subclass Subgroup Valid From E03B 0005 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006 E03B 0005 / 02 01 / 01 / 2006 E03B 0007 / 07 01 / 01 / 2006 E03B 0011 / 00 01 / 01 / 2006 E03B 0011 / 16 01 / 01 / 2006

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