Water disinfection module, system, and method

Abstract

A water disinfection module, a water supply system, a method for assembling a water supply system, and a method for disinfecting water are provided. The water disinfection module includes a frame, hot and cold water flow switches, and a hot and cold UV treatment module. The frame supports hot and cold water inlets and hot and cold water outlets. The hot and cold water flow switches are fluidly inserted between the respective inlets and outlets to sense water flow. The hot and cold water UV treatment modules are fluidly inserted between the corresponding inlets and outlets and coupled to the flow switches to activate upon sensing water flow. All components are supported by the frame to form a complete unit. Systems and methods incorporate the use of such water disinfection modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a water disinfection device for installation at a point of use. Background of the Invention

[0002] Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) are of increasing concern in healthcare facilities. Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are among the many waterborne pathogens that cause HAIs, leading to longer patient stays and higher healthcare costs.

[0003] Controlling organisms in the water system prior to exposure to patients and healthcare workers will necessarily lead to a reduction in HAIs. When organisms are exposed to sufficient amounts of short-wavelength ultraviolet light (UV-C), their DNA is destroyed, they are unable to perform vital cell functions, and the water is disinfected.

[0004] Including a water disinfection device in a new building may be easy, but implementing a water disinfection device in an existing healthcare facility is more difficult and time-consuming. For example, most water supply fixtures, such as faucets, are mounted on a counter adjacent to a sink. However, there may be limited space to mount or install a disinfection device under the counter of an existing facility. Also, access to electricity may be restricted.

[0005] Furthermore, some options for disinfecting water apply when the water enters a facility that is typically remote from the faucets where the water is distributed, such that there is a significant amount of piping between the location where the water is disinfected and the location where it is ultimately distributed, such as faucets.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the industry to provide simple and easy retrofit options for disinfecting water and for disinfecting water near the point of use. Aspects of the present invention are aimed at correcting one or more of these problems.

[0007] In addition, beyond healthcare facilities, hotels, resorts, and residences can suffer from microbially infected water supply systems. These systems are particularly vulnerable in many countries due to the lack of residual disinfectants such as chloramines and chlorine compounds used in water supply, which are often minimal or non-existent. Sampling for the presence of microorganisms in these water supply systems may be infrequent, potentially leaving a time window for infection through contact with unsafe water.

[0008] Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit radiation with wavelengths shorter than 300 nm have a wall-plug efficiency of less than 10 percent. Power conversion efficiency can be defined as the ratio of the LED's light output power to the input power. A power conversion efficiency of 10% indicates that 90% of the input power is not converted into light power, and instead, the majority is lost as heat. Semiconductor devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) operate most effectively when the device temperature does not exceed the manufacturer's recommended rating. This ensures that the light output power and the device's operating life are maintained in a quantifiable manner. Disinfection systems like the present invention rely on light output power and light power decay (operating life) to ensure disinfection performance throughout the system's lifespan. Therefore, it is necessary to create a system that can achieve this. In fluid systems, this can be achieved by limiting the operating time of the device to the time when water is flowing and / or by controlling the temperature of the device.

[0009] One way to limit the operating time of a disinfection system would be to have a flow switch that provides a signal to an LED circuit, which then makes a decision to turn the LED source on or off based on the signal. Flow switch technology is readily available and can generate signals using various methods. One method uses the flow of fluid to move a paddle or shuttle / piston and generate a signal; another method measures sound waves generated in a pipe using a piezo. Thermal methods such as calorimetry are also used. Flow switches using all of these methods are commercially available, but it can be difficult to find a flow switch that is compact, can withstand high pressure, and is sensitive to the very small flow rates that may occur if a faucet is not fully opened. In addition, since flow switches are not typically used in faucets, many are not built to withstand the pressures required in supply systems, faucets, and hospital construction. Furthermore, systems that fit into existing faucets require an integrated flow switch within the system.

[0010] In most countries, building water supply systems and the piping they contain are required or regulated to meet specific burst and operating pressure standards, such as ASME A112.18.1-2012 / CSA B125.1-12. [Overview of the project]

[0011] Aspects of the present invention provide a novel and improved water disinfection module, a water supply system incorporating the water disinfection module, a method for assembling the water supply system, and a method for disinfecting water.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, a water disinfection module is provided, comprising a frame, hot and cold water flow switches, and a hot and cold UV treatment module. The frame supports a hot water inlet, a hot water outlet, a cold water inlet, and a cold water outlet. A hot water flow switch is fluidically inserted between the hot water inlet and the hot water outlet to sense the hot water flow to the disinfection module. The hot water flow switch is supported by the frame. A hot water UV treatment module is fluidically inserted between the hot water inlet and the hot water outlet. The hot water UV treatment module is operably coupled to the hot water flow switch to activate the hot water UV treatment module when it senses a hot water flow. The hot water UV treatment module is supported by the frame. A cold water flow switch is fluidically inserted between the cold water inlet and the cold water outlet to sense the cold water flow from the cold water inlet to the cold water outlet. The cold water flow switch is supported by the frame. A cold water UV treatment module is fluidically inserted between the cold water inlet and the cold water outlet. The chilled water UV treatment module is operably coupled to a chilled water flow switch to activate the chilled water UV treatment module when chilled water flow is detected. The chilled water UV treatment module is supported by a frame.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the frame is a housing having an internal cavity in which hot and cold water flow switches and hot and cold water UV treatment modules are arranged. In a particular embodiment, a single pressure vessel includes both the hot water flow switch and the hot water UV treatment module. Another pressure vessel includes both the cold water flow switch and the cold water UV treatment module.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the controller operably couples a hot water flow switch with a hot water UV treatment module to activate the hot water UV treatment module when it senses a hot water flow. The controller operably couples a cold water flow switch with a cold water UV treatment module to activate the cold water UV treatment module when it senses a cold water flow. The controller is supported by a housing and is located within an internal cavity.

[0015] In one embodiment, the flow switch has a magnet and a shuttle. The fluid flow pushes the magnet near a circuit board housed within a metal shell containing the UV source of the UV treatment module. The metal shell also functions as a heat conductor, removing heat from the circuit board and UV source via the fluid flow on the opposite side of the heat conductor, e.g., metal, shell, and the side containing the UV source, either externally or internally.

[0016] In another embodiment, the flow switch comprises two thermal sensors, one of which is held at a thermal constant and the other which is in thermal contact with the fluid. The difference between the two sensors is used to determine whether water is flowing.

[0017] In one embodiment, the flow switch includes a magnet and a shuttle. The flow of fluid pushes the magnet towards a circuit board housed in a pressure vessel. The circuit board transmits a signal to another circuit board, which may also be housed in a pressure vessel. One of the circuit boards also includes a UV light source, which is activated by the signal.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, a chilled water channel extends between a chilled water inlet and a chilled water outlet. A hot water channel extends between a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet. This embodiment further includes a chilled water cooling block or reservoir adjacent to the hot water UV treatment module for cooling UV LEDs within the UV treatment module. This embodiment includes a chilled water bleed line that fluidly connects the chilled water channel to the chilled water cooling block or reservoir so that a portion of the chilled water flow is supplied to the chilled water cooling block or reservoir. After a portion of the chilled water has passed through the chilled water bleed line and the chilled water cooling block or reservoir, the water flows into the hot water channel. The bleed line is located within a housing and / or supported by a frame.

[0019] In a particular embodiment, the chilled water cooling block or reservoir is fluidically connected to a hot water flow path upstream of the hot water UV treatment module such that a portion of the chilled water flow passing through the chilled water cooling block or reservoir mixes with the hot water flow before passing through the hot water UV treatment module.

[0020] In one embodiment, the check valve prevents hot water from flowing from the hot water channel through the cold water bleed line into the cold water channel.

[0021] In one embodiment, a single power supply cable enters an internal cavity of the housing, and power for supplying power to the hot water and chilled water UV treatment modules is operationally provided by the single power supply cable.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing, hot and cold water flow switches, hot and cold water UV treatment modules, and power supply cables are a self-contained single unit.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one LED indicator that can be selectively activated to provide the operating status of the water disinfection module.

[0024] In a further embodiment, a water supply system is provided which includes the water disinfection module outlined above. The water supply system further includes a faucet. The faucet includes a faucet cold water inlet operably coupled to the cold water outlet of the water disinfection module; a faucet hot water inlet operably coupled to the hot water outlet of the water disinfection module; a faucet outlet operably fluidly connected to the hot and cold water inlets of the faucet; and one or more valves operably inserted between the faucet cold water inlet, the faucet hot water inlet, and the faucet outlet to control the flow of hot and cold water from the faucet cold and hot water inlets to the faucet outlet.

[0025] In a further embodiment, a method for assembling a water supply system is provided. The method includes providing a water disinfection module in a fully assembled state before performing the following steps: namely, connecting a faucet cold water inlet to a unit cold water outlet; connecting a faucet hot water inlet to a unit hot water outlet; connecting a water heater to a unit hot water outlet; and connecting a cold water supply to a unit cold water inlet.

[0026] In a more specific method, the method includes simultaneously attaching the hot and cold water flow switches and the hot and cold UV treatment modules to the support structure by attaching the frame to the support structure.

[0027] Furthermore, as outlined above, a method of disinfecting water is provided by retrofitting a water disinfection module to an existing water supply device.

[0028] Other aspects, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when interpreted in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part thereof, illustrate some aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a water supply device incorporating a water disinfection module according to the teachings of an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIGS. 2 - 4 are illustrations of the water disinfection module of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIGS. 2 - 4 are illustrations of the water disinfection module of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIGS. 2 - 4 are illustrations of the water disinfection module of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cross - section of the water disinfection module of FIGS. 2 - 4. [Figure 6] FIGS. 6 - 8 illustrate further aspects of the water disinfection module. [Figure 7] FIGS. 6 - 8 illustrate further aspects of the water disinfection module. [Figure 8] FIGS. 6 - 8 illustrate further aspects of the water disinfection module. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A illustrates another water disinfection module of the present invention. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a right - side view of the water disinfection module of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C]Figure 9C is a cross-sectional view of the water disinfection module shown in Figure 9B. [Figure 9C] Figure 9D is a cross-sectional view of the water disinfection module shown in Figure 9C. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a front view of the chilled water UV treatment module of the water disinfection module shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the chilled water UV treatment module shown in Figure 10A. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the chilled water UV treatment module shown in Figure 10A. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] While the present invention will be described in relation to certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to those embodiments. Rather, the intention is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a water supply system 100 including a faucet 102 used for distributing water. The faucet 102 includes cold and hot water control valves 104, 106 for controlling the flow of water from the faucet 102, and a mixture of hot and cold water to provide water at a desired temperature. In this embodiment, a sink 108 is located below the outlet 110 of the faucet 102. The sink 108 and the faucet 102 are operably mounted or supported on a counter 112.

[0033] The water supply system 100 includes a water disinfection module 120 inserted between the faucet and the hot and cold water supply. More specifically, cold water stops and hot water stops 122, 124, which supply cold and hot water respectively, are operably fluidly coupled to the cold water inlet and hot water inlet 126, 128 of the faucet by the water disinfection module 120 and a plurality of hoses 132, 134, 136, 138.

[0034] The disinfection module 120 includes cold water inlets and hot water inlets 140, 142, and cold water outlets and hot water outlets 144, 146. Hoses 132, 134, 136, 138 are operably inserted between the various inlets and outlets so that cold water and hot water are supplied to the faucet 102.

[0035] The water disinfection module 120 also includes a single power supply cable 150 that operably connects the water disinfection module 120 to a power source (not shown).

[0036] Figures 2-4 show the water disinfection module 120 in more detail. Referring mainly to Figure 2, the cold water inlets and hot water inlets 140, 142 and the cold water outlets and hot water outlets 144, 146 are preferably provided by connectors that can be easily connected to hoses 132, 134, 136, 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors are provided by threaded connectors. The inlets 140, 142 and the outlets 144, 146 extend from a housing 152 that serves as a frame supporting additional components of the water disinfection module 120.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, a cross-sectional view of the water disinfection module 120 is shown, illustrating the internal cavity 153 of the housing 152 and the components housed and supported therein.

[0038] The chilled water flow switch 154 is fluidically inserted between the chilled water inlet 140 and the chilled water outlet 144 and senses the flow of chilled water from the chilled water inlet 140 to the chilled water outlet 144. When chilled water flows between the chilled water inlet 140 and the chilled water outlet 144, the chilled water flow passes through the chilled water UV treatment module 156, which is fluidly inserted between them. The chilled water UV treatment module 156 is operably coupled to the chilled water flow switch 154 in order to activate the chilled water UV treatment module when chilled water flow is sensed. The chilled water inlet 140, chilled water flow switch 154, chilled water UV treatment module 156, and chilled water outlet 144 define the chilled water flow path through the water disinfection module 120.

[0039] Similarly, the hot water flow switch 158 is fluidically inserted between the hot water inlet 142 and the hot water outlet 146 and senses the flow of hot water from the hot water inlet 142 to the hot water outlet 146. When the hot water flow flows between the hot water inlet 142 and the hot water outlet 146, the hot water flow passes through the hot water UV treatment module 160, which is fluidly inserted between them. The hot water UV treatment module 160 is operably coupled to the hot water flow switch 154 to activate the hot water UV treatment module when the hot water flow is sensed. The hot water inlet 142, the hot water flow switch 158, the hot water UV treatment module 160, and the hot water outlet 146 define the hot water flow path through the water disinfection module 120.

[0040] Once activated and water flows through it, each UV treatment module 156, 160 exposes the corresponding water flow to a sufficient amount of short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to disinfect the water before the water exits the water disinfection module. In one embodiment, the UV-C is generated by one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) located inside the outer casing of the UV treatment modules 156, 160. In one embodiment, each UV treatment module 156, 160 has a controller 162, 164 that controls the activation of the UV treatment modules 156, 160 by receiving signals indicating the water flow from the corresponding water flow switches 154, 158. Each of the controllers 162, 164 is preferably coupled to a single power supply cable 150 so that both UV treatment modules 156, 160 are operationally powered by a single power supply cable 150.

[0041] While the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-5 include internal controllers for each UV treatment module 156, 160, in other embodiments, a single controller may be provided to operably communicate with both the cold water flow switch and the hot water flow switch 154, 158 and the LEDs of both the cold water and hot water UV treatment modules 156, 160, so that only a single controller is needed to control the disinfection of both the hot water flow and the cold water flow.

[0042] In a further embodiment, a combination of two pre-control devices is provided. In such a configuration, the master controller can communicate with both controllers 162, 164 as described above.

[0043] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 uses a single control panel 262 that controls all operations of the water disinfection module 220.

[0044] The chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170 is positioned adjacent to (e.g., mounted to or integrated with) the hot water UV treatment module 160 to cool the LEDs within it. The chilled water bleed line 172 fluidly connects the chilled water flow path to the chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170 so that a portion of the chilled water flow can be supplied to the chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170. As a portion of the chilled water flow passes through the chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170, the LEDs within it can be cooled.

[0045] The chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170 is fluidically connected to the hot water flow path so that a portion of the chilled water flows into the hot water flow path after passing through the chilled water bleed line 172 and the chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170. Preferably, the chilled water cooling block or reservoir is fluidically connected to the hot water flow path upstream of the hot water UV treatment module 160 (e.g., its LEDs) so that a portion of the chilled water flow passing through the chilled water cooling block mixes with the hot water flow before passing through the hot water UV treatment module 160. The chilled water bleed line 172 is also preferably fluidically connected to the water flow upstream of the chilled water flow switch 154 and the hot water UV treatment module 156. This flow device allows a portion of the chilled water to be used for cooling purposes, but the chilled water can still be disinfected by, for example, the hot water UV treatment module 160 without requiring unnecessary activation of the chilled water UV treatment module 156. More specifically, a portion of the chilled water used for cooling bypasses the chilled water flow switch 154 to avoid activating the chilled water UV treatment module 156.

[0046] In particular, the chilled water bleed line 172 significantly cools the hot water flow in order to supply only a very limited amount of chilled water flow to the chilled water cooling block or reservoir 170.

[0047] A check valve 174 can be provided to prevent hot water from flowing from the hot water channel through the cold water bleed line 172 into the cold water channel.

[0048] Figure 8 shows a chilled water bleed line 272 for an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment, a separate chilled water cooling block or reservoir is not required. Chilled water simply flows from the bleed line 272 into the hot water UV treatment module 260.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2, the water disinfection module 120 may include a number of LED indicators 180, 182 that indicate the operating status of the disinfection module 120. In one embodiment, LED 180 is green while LED 182 is red. LED 180 is active when the water disinfection module 120 is operating, for example, when one of the water flow switches 154, 158 senses the corresponding water flow. The red LED 182 is active when the unit has reached the end of its lifespan or is nearing the end of its lifespan, or when a fault is detected. This can be based on counting the number of activations of either of the UV treatment modules 156, 160 or on the set of activations of both UV treatment modules 156, 160. An alternative time when the red LED 182 may be activated is whether or not a voltage error is detected by one of the controllers. For example, the red LED 182 may be activated when it is detected that the voltage in the system is outside a predetermined appropriate operating range.

[0050] Although only two LED indicators are shown, more than two can be provided. For example, in some systems, such as module 220 shown in Figure 6, three LED indicators 280, 281, and 282 are provided. One LED indicator 280 can be dedicated to indicating whether power is supplied to the system, while the other two LED indicators 281 and 282 are dedicated to one of the corresponding UV processing modules 256 and 260.

[0051] In addition to visual communication of the status of the water disinfection module 120, some embodiments may include audible notifications of its status. Audible notifications can be given for both normal operation and malfunctions, while they typically indicate problems with the water disinfection module 120.

[0052] In one embodiment, an audio alarm 184 is provided to the system. In the illustrated embodiment, the audio alarm 184 communicates with controllers 162 and 164. However, if a single controller is used for both UV processing modules 156 and 160 as described above, the alarm 184 will only be coupled with that controller.

[0053] The voice alarm 184 provides notification to the user even when the device is not visible, for example, when it is installed under a cabinet sink. More specifically, if the water disinfection module 120 is under a cabinet sink, the user may not be able to easily see the LED indicators 180, 182.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the water disinfection module 120 is configured, for example, with controllers 162 and 164 configured such that an audible alarm is activated only when water is flowing through the system. In this configuration, an audible notification is generated when the alarm 184 is activated and it is likely that a user is near the water disinfection module 120. Thus, when an audible notification is generated, it is generated only when one of the flow switches 154 and 158 detects a flow of water through the system. Alternatively, the audible notification can be transmitted for a predetermined period of time or for a predetermined period after the flow switches 154 and 158 detect a no-flow state.

[0055] It should be noted that the voice notification does not need to correspond to the water flow that activates one of the flow switches. For example, if there is a problem with the hot water UV treatment module 160, the voice notification can be sent if the cold water flow switch 154 detects a cold water flow, even if the hot water flow switch 158 does not detect a hot water flow.

[0056] Although the audible alarm 184 is shown as a separate component connected to controllers 162, 164, in some embodiments the audible alarm 184 can take the form of two separate alarms. One audible alarm can be provided directly by or connected to each of the two controllers 162, 164. Alternatively, if a single controller is provided that works in cooperation with both UV processing modules 156, 160, a single audible alarm can be connected to or built into a single controller.

[0057] The voice alarm can provide different voice notifications for different actions. For example, voice alarm 184 can provide different notifications for the activation of different UV processing modules 156 and 160. Alternatively, voice alarm 184 can provide different voice notifications for different errors, for example, different voice notifications for errors in the hot water and cold water UV processing modules 156 and 160.

[0058] A feature of the present invention is that the water disinfection module 120 is a self-contained unit and is provided as a single unit. More specifically, the housing (frame), hot and cold water flow switch, hot and cold water UV treatment module, and power supply cable are a self-contained single unit. Such a self-contained single unit does not include multiple disinfection modules simply mounted between a faucet and the corresponding hot and cold water supply device. Furthermore, the claimed frame shall not include a wall, sink, cabinet, or countertop on which the hot and cold water flow switch, hot and cold water UV treatment module, and power supply cable can be mounted.

[0059] The housing 152 may have one or more removable panels to allow for maintenance of the unit and to facilitate assembly.

[0060] By providing the water disinfection module 120 as a self-contained single unit, it may be easier to modify existing faucets or other water supply equipment while reducing the number of components (e.g., multiple power supplies and controls for multiple independent UV treatment modules).

[0061] A method for assembling the water supply system can be considered. More specifically, the method may include supplying water to a water disinfection module 120, which is fully assembled and installed on a frame 152 at the point of use (e.g., the location of the faucet), having cold and hot water inlets 140, 142, cold and hot water outlets 144, 146, cold and hot water UV treatment modules 156, 160, cold and hot water flow switches 154, 158 and a power cord 150, before performing the following steps: namely, operably connecting the cold water inlet of the faucet to the cold water outlet of the unit; operably connecting the hot water inlet of the faucet to the hot water outlet of the unit; connecting the hot water supply to the hot water inlet of the unit; and connecting the cold water supply to the cold water inlet of the unit. The water disinfection module 120 has cold and hot water inlets 140, 142, cold and hot water outlets 144, 146, cold and hot water UV treatment modules 156, 160, cold and hot water flow switches 154, 158 and a power cord 150, before performing the following steps: namely, operably connecting the cold water inlet of the faucet to the cold water outlet of the unit; operably connecting the hot water inlet of the faucet to the hot water outlet of the unit; connecting the hot water supply to the hot water inlet of the unit; and connecting the cold water supply to the cold water inlet of the unit.

[0062] This method may also include a step of disconnecting the faucet from the hot and cold water supply before connecting the water disinfection module 120 between the hot and cold water supply and the faucet. This, too, focuses on the beneficial nature of the modification.

[0063] Finally, the method may include the step of installing the water disinfection module 120 in a sink, counter, cabinet, vanity, wall, or floor adjacent to a faucet that supplies disinfectant water. This method may include the step of simultaneously installing the cold and hot water inlets 140, 142, cold and hot water outlets 144, 146, cold and hot water UV treatment modules 156, 160, cold and hot water flow switches 154, 158, and power cord 150 to such a support structure by simultaneously installing the frame of the water disinfection module 120 to such a support structure. Furthermore, this does not require the independent installation of various components.

[0064] In Figure 5, the water disinfection module 120 includes a building automation system connector 190 (BAS connector 190). This allows the water disinfection module 120 to be wired to the building's automation system. This makes it possible to transmit status information about the operation of the water disinfection module 120 to the user via the building automation system. Some of the information that can be transmitted includes whether the water disinfection module 120 is active (e.g., one or both of the UV treatment modules 156 and 160 are active); whether an error or failure has occurred in the water disinfection module 120 (e.g., one or both of the UV treatment modules 156 and 160 or other components are functioning incorrectly or not functioning at all); whether power is being supplied to the UV treatment modules 156 and 160; general fault errors; and so on.

[0065] In some embodiments, the BAS connector 190 is in the form of a 6-pin connector. See, for example, connector 290 in Figure 8.

[0066] Figures 9A–9D show another water disinfection module of the present invention having a chilled water inlet 140, a chilled water flow switch 154 (shown in Figure 9D), a chilled water UV treatment module 156, a chilled water outlet 144, a hot water inlet 142, a hot water flow switch 158 (shown in Figure 9D), a hot water UV treatment module 160, and a hot water outlet 146. In this embodiment, the chilled water channel extends between the chilled water inlet 140 and the chilled water outlet 144. The hot water channel extends between the hot water inlet 142 and the hot water outlet 146. This embodiment further includes a chilled water reservoir 170 (Figures 9C–9D) adjacent to the hot water UV treatment module for cooling the UV LEDs in the UV treatment module. A chilled water bleed line 172 fluidly connects the chilled water channel to the chilled water reservoir 170 so that a portion of the chilled water flow is supplied to the chilled water reservoir. The chilled water reservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water channel so that some of the chilled water flows into the hot water channel after passing through the chilled water bleed line and the chilled water reservoir. The bleed line is located within the housing and / or supported by the frame.

[0067] The purpose of the chilled water bleed line 172 is to provide appropriate water cooling to the UV source located within the hot water UV treatment module 160. The chilled water bleed line is routed from the chilled water channel to the hot water channel. The chilled water bleed line outlet to the hot water channel has two segments in series.

[0068] The first segment is a springless check valve 174 (shown in Figures 9C-9D), which allows only the flow of chilled water into the warm water channel. The flow of warm water into the chilled water bleed line is blocked by this check valve. The size of the check valve orifice is designed to provide a chilled:warm water mixing ratio range of approximately 1:10 to 1:20, typically 1:13 to 1:17. This ratio is chosen so as not to significantly lower the temperature of the fluid leaving the warm water module while maintaining sufficient cooling of the UV source. The range of mixing ratios depends on the isostatic pressure present at the chilled water inlet 140 and the warm water inlet 142. The difference in supply pressure at the two inlets can be adjusted by using a flow limiting orifice on the high-pressure side.

[0069] The second segment is a chilled water reservoir 170, which is thermally coupled to the UV source in the hot water channel, for example, via a thermally conductive shell. This reservoir provides adequate cooling to the UV source while minimizing the mixing of chilled and hot water. The reservoir is designed so that the chilled water primarily cools the UV source, while minimizing the amount of hot water thermally coupled to the UV source.

[0070] In one embodiment, a pressure difference within the hot water module causes chilled water to flow through a bleed line and through a check valve orifice to a chilled water reservoir. The pressure difference within the hot water module is created by opening the hot water outlet to the atmosphere at a faucet. The chilled water reservoir is configured so that the hot and chilled water do not mix until the heat-conducting shell of the UV source on the hot water side is depleted.

[0071] In one embodiment, the flow switch includes a magnet and a shuttle. The fluid flow pushes the magnet near a circuit board housed within a metal shell containing the UV source of the UV treatment module. The metal shell also functions as a thermal conductor to remove heat from the circuit board and the UV source via the fluid flow on the outside or back side of the metal shell, which is opposite the side containing the UV source.

[0072] In another embodiment, the flow switch comprises two thermal sensors, one of which is held at a thermal constant and the other which is in thermal contact with the fluid. The difference between the two sensors is used to determine whether water is flowing.

[0073] In one embodiment, the flow switch includes a magnet and a shuttle. The flow of fluid pushes the magnet towards a circuit board housed in a pressure vessel. The circuit board transmits a signal to another circuit board, which may also be housed in a pressure vessel. One of the circuit boards also includes a UV light source, which is turned on using the signal.

[0074] In the embodiments shown in Figures 10A, 10B, and 11, the chilled water flow switch 154 of the chilled water UV treatment module 156 is designed to automatically calibrate based on the position of the shuttle. The flow switch comprises an analog Hall effect sensor 300 and a flow shuttle. The flow shuttle comprises a shuttle body 303, a magnet 301, a spring 302, a UV lamp assembly 304, and a shell 305 made of a thermally conductive material, such as metal. Similarly, the hot water flow switch 158 of the hot water UV treatment module 160 is designed to automatically calibrate based on the position of the shuttle and comprises an analog Hall effect sensor and a flow shuttle comprising a shuttle body, a magnet, and a spring. The fluid flow pushes the magnet near a circuit board housed within a shell containing the UV source of the UV treatment module.

[0075] When the firmware starts up, it first checks whether the restart was caused by a power outage (unplugging the circuit) or an internal hardware reset (such as a system crash). If the restart is due to a power outage, the current shuttle position is measured using an analog Hall effect detector. This measurement is assumed to correspond to the shuttle's "off position" and is stored in internal memory. The Hall effect detector is continuously monitored, and if its value increases sufficiently relative to the "off" position, the flow is considered to have started, and the UV source is switched on. Once the Hall effect detector value decreases sufficiently, the flow is considered to have stopped, and the UV source becomes inactive.

[0076] If the reboot is due to a hardware reset, it's not safe to assume that water is not currently flowing, as reboots can occur by chance. Therefore, instead of recalibrating the flow switch, the system retrieves the last correct flow switch off position value from internal memory and uses that instead.

[0077] All references cited herein, including publications, patent applications, and patents, are incorporated herein by reference as if they were included herein, each reference being individually and specifically incorporated by reference.

[0078] In the context describing the present invention (particularly in the context of the following claims), the use of the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar references should be interpreted as covering both singular and plural forms. Unless otherwise stated herein, or unless the context clearly contradicts it, the terms “include,” “have,” “include,” and “contain” should be interpreted as unrestrictive terms (i.e., “include, but not limited to”) unless otherwise specified herein. The enumeration of value ranges herein is intended merely as a shorthand notation for referring individually to each individual value within the range unless otherwise stated herein, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually stated herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise stated herein, or unless the context clearly contradicts it. The use of any examples or exemplary language provided herein (e.g., “etc.”) is intended merely to better illuminate the present invention and, unless otherwise requested, does not limit the scope of the present invention. Nothing in this specification should be construed as indicating any element not claimed to be essential to the implementation of the invention.

[0079] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described herein, including the best modes known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Modifications of these preferred embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the preceding description. The inventors expect that those skilled in the art will appropriately use such modifications, and the inventors intend to carry out the invention in ways other than those specifically described herein. Accordingly, the invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter described in the claims appended herein, as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, any combination of the above elements in all possible modifications thereof is included in the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or unless it is clearly inconsistent with the context.

Claims

1. Frames supporting the hot water inlet, hot water outlet, cold water inlet, and cold water outlet; A hot water channel extending between the hot water inlet and the hot water outlet; A hot water flow switch that is fluidly inserted between a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet, which senses the hot water flow from the hot water inlet to the hot water outlet, and is supported by the frame; A hot water UV treatment module is fluidly inserted between a hot water inlet and a hot water outlet and has a hot water ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED), which is operably coupled to a hot water flow switch to activate the hot water UV LED of the hot water UV treatment module when it senses a hot water flow, and is supported by the frame; A chilled water channel extending between the chilled water inlet and chilled water outlet; A chilled water flow switch that is fluidly inserted between a chilled water inlet and a chilled water outlet, senses the chilled water flow from the chilled water inlet to the chilled water outlet, and is supported by the frame; A chilled water UV treatment module, which is fluidly inserted between a chilled water inlet and a chilled water outlet and has chilled water UV LEDs, is operably coupled to a chilled water flow switch to activate the chilled water UV LEDs of the chilled water UV treatment module when it senses chilled water flow, and is supported by the frame; A water disinfection module having, The chilled water cooling reservoir is positioned adjacent to the hot water UV treatment module and is thermally coupled to the hot water UV LEDs of the hot water UV treatment module; The chilled water bleed line fluidly connects the chilled water flow path to the chilled water cooling reservoir so that a portion of the chilled water flow is supplied to the chilled water cooling reservoir; The chilled water cooling reservoir is fluidly connected to the hot water flow path, and a portion of the chilled water flow passes through the chilled water bleed line and the chilled water cooling reservoir, and as it passes through the hot water UV treatment module, the water mixture is mixed with the hot water flow path before being exposed to UV light from the hot water UV LED; The water disinfection module comprises a check valve that prevents hot water from flowing from the hot water channel through the cold water bleed line into the cold water channel; the check valve has an orifice designed to provide a cold water:hot water mixing ratio in the range of 1:10 to 1:

20.

2. The water disinfection module according to claim 1, wherein the frame is a housing having an internal cavity in which a hot water and cold water flow switch and a hot water and cold water UV treatment module are arranged.

3. A water disinfection module according to claim 2, comprising a controller which operably connects a hot water flow switch to a hot water UV treatment module and activates the hot water UV treatment module when it senses a hot water flow, and further comprising a controller which operably connects a cold water flow switch to a cold water UV treatment module and activates the cold water UV treatment module when it senses a cold water flow, and is supported by the housing and located in an internal cavity.

4. The water disinfection module according to claim 2, further comprising a single power supply cable that enters an internal cavity of the housing, wherein power for supplying power to the hot water and cold water UV treatment modules is operably provided by the single power supply cable.

5. The water disinfection module according to claim 4, wherein the housing, the hot and cold water flow switch, the hot and cold water UV treatment module, and the power supply cable are a self-contained single unit.

6. The water disinfection module according to claim 1, further comprising at least one LED indicator that can be selectively activated to provide the operating status of the water disinfection module.

7. The water disinfection module according to claim 1, further comprising a flow-limiting orifice that provides equal static pressure at the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet.

8. The water disinfection module according to claim 1, wherein, due to the pressure difference within the hot water UV treatment module, cold water flows through a cold water bleed line and flows into a cold water cooling reservoir through a check valve, the pressure difference is created by the hot water outlet being open to the atmosphere at a faucet, and the hot water and cold water do not mix until they pass through the heat-conductive shell of the hot water UV treatment module.

9. A water disinfection module according to claim 8, further comprising a controller which operably connects a hot water flow switch to a hot water UV treatment module and activates the hot water UV treatment module when it senses a hot water flow, and which operably connects a cold water flow switch to a cold water UV treatment module and activates the cold water UV treatment module when it senses a cold water flow, and which is supported by the housing and located in an internal cavity.

10. The water disinfection module according to claim 1, wherein the hot water flow switch and the cold water flow switch each have a magnet and a shuttle.

11. The water disinfection module according to claim 10, wherein the fluid flow pushes the magnet near a circuit board housed in a metal shell including corresponding hot water UV LEDs and cold water UV LEDs.

12. The water disinfection module according to claim 10, wherein the hot water flow switch and the cold water flow switch each have two thermal sensors, one sensor being held at a thermal constant and the other sensor being in thermal contact with the fluid, and the difference between the two sensors is used to determine whether water is flowing.

13. The water disinfection module according to claim 11, wherein when the fluid flow pushes the magnet near the circuit board, the circuit board transmits a signal to another circuit board to turn on the corresponding hot water UV LED and cold water UV LED.

14. The water disinfection module according to claim 1, wherein the hot water flow switch and the cold water flow switch each have an analog Hall effect sensor and a flow shuttle, and the flow shuttle has a shuttle body, a magnet, a spring, a UV lamp assembly and a thermally conductive shell.

15. The water disinfection module according to claim 10, wherein the hot water UV treatment module and the cold water UV treatment module are designed to automatically calibrate based on the position of the flow shuttle, and the fluid flow pushes the magnets near a circuit board housed in a metal shell containing the corresponding hot water UV LEDs and cold water UV LEDs, the metal shell also functions as a heat conductor, and heat is removed from the circuit board and the corresponding hot water UV LEDs and cold water UV LEDs on the opposite side of the side containing the corresponding hot water UV LEDs and cold water UV LEDs via the fluid flow on the back side of the metal shell.

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