Water meter freeze prevention device using solar energy

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power, and more specifically, to an improved water meter freeze prevention device using solar power that can be used semi-permanently by utilizing eco-friendly solar power without using commercial power separately, thereby reducing maintenance costs and effectively preventing water meters from freezing even in severe cold weather.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power, and more specifically, to an improved water meter freeze prevention device using solar power that can be used semi-permanently by utilizing eco-friendly solar power without using commercial power separately, thereby reducing maintenance costs and effectively preventing water meters from freezing even in severe cold weather. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, water meters (also called 'water pump boxes') are installed to allow external measurement of water usage in individual buildings or households.

[0003] For example, in the case of multi-unit buildings or structures including apartment buildings, they are installed embedded in the interior walls, and in the case of single-family houses such as those for livestock, agriculture, factories, or rural areas, they are installed embedded in part of the ground with complete exposure to the air.

[0004] Therefore, if the outside temperature drops sharply during the cold season, there is a risk that the water meter will freeze.

[0005] For this reason, separate thermal insulation is sometimes installed around the water meter, but if the outside temperature is very low, even this insulation cannot prevent the meter from freezing.

[0006] Therefore, a device has been developed to prevent water meters from freezing by installing a separate electric heating device. However, this electric heating device has problems with low efficiency and practicality because it requires a separate external power source, short circuits or damage to the switching device, and electrical piping and wiring structures for installation. Prior art literature

[0007] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0487219 (Aug. 17, 2018) Water Meter Freeze Prevention Device Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0250387 (September 29, 2001) Water Meter Freeze Prevention Device The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention was created to solve the various problems of the prior art as described above, and its main purpose is to provide an improved solar-powered water meter freeze prevention device that can be used semi-permanently by utilizing eco-friendly solar power without using commercial power separately, thereby reducing maintenance costs and effectively preventing water meters from freezing even in severe cold weather. means of solving the problem

[0009] The present invention provides a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power, comprising, as a means to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a main body (100) with an open top; a cover (110) that seals the open top of the main body (100); a solar panel (120) installed on the surface of the cover (110); a battery (130) installed on the back of the cover (110) to store electrical energy collected through the solar panel (120); a controller installed on the back of the cover (110) and driven by receiving power from the battery (130); a temperature sensor installed on the surface of the cover (130) to detect the temperature in the air and output it to the controller; and a plurality of heating lamps (140) installed on the back of the cover (110) and operated on and off according to a control signal from the controller; wherein a water meter (C) is built inside the main body (100), and water pipes (P) are connected to both ends of the water meter (C). Effects of the invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to use environmentally friendly solar power for semi-permanent use without using commercial power separately, thereby reducing maintenance costs and effectively preventing water meters from freezing even in severe cold weather. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0013] First, FIG. 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, the water meter freeze prevention device using solar power according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a location where the water meter is installed in a place where it can directly receive sunlight.

[0015] The manual meter freeze prevention device according to the present invention includes a main body (100) which is a housing.

[0016] The main body (100) is mainly installed buried underground and is sealed by a cover (110).

[0017] In addition, a solar panel (120) is installed on the surface of the cover (110). The solar panel (120) is a means of obtaining electrical energy from sunlight using known means.

[0018] And, on the back side of the above cover (110), a battery (130) is installed to store electrical energy collected through the above solar panel (120).

[0019] In addition, although not shown, a controller (not shown) is mounted on the back of the cover (110) and is driven by receiving power from the battery (130), and a temperature sensor (not shown) is further installed on a part of the surface of the cover (130), preferably in a part where there is no solar panel (120), and the temperature sensor is electrically connected to output detected temperature information to the controller.

[0020] In addition, a plurality of heating lamps (140) are installed on the back side of the cover (110), and the heating lamps (140) are configured to be electrically connected to the controller to be controlled on / off. Preferably, LED lamps may be used for the heating lamps.

[0021] In addition, a water meter (C) is built inside the main body (100), and water pipes (P) are connected to both ends of the water meter (C).

[0022] Accordingly, when the ambient temperature in winter drops below freezing, preferably below 0℃, the controller confirms this through the temperature sensor and activates the heating lamp (140).

[0023] Then, the internal space of the main body (100) sealed by the cover (110) is heated by the heat emitted by the heating lamp (140), and affects the water pipe (P) installed inside the main body (100) so that the water flowing through the water pipe (P) does not freeze, thereby preventing the water pipe from freezing.

[0024] In this case, a coating layer (150) coated with a thermally conductive coating agent is further formed on the outer surface of the water pipe (P) embedded in the main body (100) so that the heat emitted by the heating lamp (140) is well absorbed and conducted into the water pipe (P), thereby further increasing the anti-freezing effect.

[0025] The thermally conductive coating agent for this purpose comprises 10 wt% chloroacetic acid, 15 wt% graphite, 30 wt% paraffin wax, and n-hexadecane (C 16 H 34 It consists of 10% by weight and the remainder being epoxy resin.

[0026] In this case, chloroacetic acid has a large latent heat capacity, which increases heat absorption and affects the insulation of water pipes.

[0027] In addition, graphite increases thermal conductivity, contributing to heat retention by fully transferring the heat emitted from the heating lamp to the water pipe.

[0028] Furthermore, paraffin wax is a representative heat-storing phase change material that contributes to enhancing heat retention and retention capabilities.

[0029] In addition, hexadecane (n-Hexadecane, C 16 H 34 ) is a phase change material that contributes to suppressing the temperature drop on the surface of water pipes due to latent heat when the temperature drops below freezing, thereby preventing freezing.

[0030] Furthermore, epoxy resin is a base resin with excellent heat absorption and thermal retention properties.

[0031] In addition, the above paraffin wax is not added alone, but is characterized by using a mixture of paraffin wax and 6-bromohexanoic acid in a weight ratio of 7:3.

[0032] In this case, 6-bromohexanoic acid prevents the penetration of oxygen moisture, thereby preventing cracks and fractures in the coating layer, preventing deterioration, and not only increases water resistance but also increases adhesion to induce a long lifespan.

[0033] Meanwhile, in the present invention, when composing the thermally conductive coating agent, 10 parts by weight of zinc hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2·6H2O), 4.5 parts by weight of hexafluoropropylene, 10 parts by weight of alkylbenzene sulfonate, and 5.5 parts by weight of 5-isopropyl-3-methylphenol may be further added to 100 parts by weight of the epoxy resin.

[0034] In this case, zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2ㆍ6H2O) contributes to preventing water pipes from freezing by increasing heat retention capacity through the formation of a eutectic point.

[0035] In addition, hexafluoropropylene maintains curing stability and simultaneously secures flexural strength, and contributes to securing fixation stability by suppressing interfacial separation of the coating layer.

[0036] In addition, alkylbenzene sulfonate is a substance corresponding to CAS number 25155-30-0, and as an anionic surfactant, it has the characteristic of being able to withstand hard water, and in particular, contributes to strengthening salt resistance and freeze-thaw resistance.

[0037] On the other hand, FIG. 2 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a water meter freeze prevention device using solar power according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] According to FIG. 2, the water meter freeze prevention device using solar power according to the second embodiment of the present invention is identical to all other components exemplified in FIG. 1, except that the solar panel (120) is configured to be separated from the cover (110).

[0039] For example, if the place where the main body (100) is installed is shaded, or if there is difficulty or limited access to sunlight, the energy storage efficiency decreases. Therefore, the solar panel (120) is separated and fixed in a separate location to increase the energy storage efficiency.

[0040] To this end, the solar panel (120) is fixed on a panel support plate (122), the panel support plate (122) is fixedly supported on a fixing bracket (124), and the electrical energy collected through the solar panel (120) is configured to travel through wiring to a battery (130).

[0041] The other components are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0042] Therefore, the second embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to be installed and operated regardless of location, even in shaded areas or places where it is difficult to collect sunlight. Explanation of the symbols

[0043] 100: Main body 110: Cover 120: Solar panel 130: Battery 140: Heating lamp

Claims

Claim 1 A main body (100) with an open top; a cover (110) that seals the open top of the main body (100); a solar panel (120) installed on the surface of the cover (110); a battery (130) installed on the back of the cover (110) to store electrical energy collected through the solar panel (120); a controller installed on the back of the cover (110) and driven by receiving power from the battery (130); and a temperature sensor installed on the surface of the cover (110) to detect the temperature in the air and output it to the controller. It includes a plurality of heating lamps (140) installed on the back side of the cover (110) and operated on and off according to a control signal of the controller; a water meter (C) is built inside the main body (100), and water pipes (P) are connected to both ends of the water meter (C); a coating layer (150) coated with a thermally conductive coating agent is further formed on the outer surface of the water pipes (P); and the thermally conductive coating agent forming the coating layer (150) comprises 10% by weight of chloroacetic acid, 15% by weight of graphite, 30% by weight of paraffin wax, and n-hexadecane (C 16 H 34 A solar-powered water meter freeze prevention device characterized by being composed of 10% by weight and the remainder being epoxy resin. Claim 2 A solar-powered water meter freeze prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that the solar panel (120) is fixed on a panel support plate (122) while separated from the cover (110), and the panel support plate (122) is fixedly supported on a fixing bracket (124). Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A water meter freeze prevention device using solar energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the paraffin wax is added in the form of a mixture, wherein a mixture of paraffin wax and 6-bromohexanoic acid is mixed in a weight ratio of 7:3.

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