Apparatus and method for controlling water pressure in water-supply pipe-network block

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for controlling water pressure in a water-supply pipe-network block in which remote meter reading and manual meter reading coexist, and in which a consumer equipped with a water-pressure gauge and a consumer equipped only with a water meter instead of the water-pressure gauge also coexist. In the water-supply pipe-network block, the apparatus: for the consumer equipped with a water-pressure gauge, determines a required water pressure using a measured water-pressure value; for the consumer not equipped with a water-pressure gauge, estimates a required water pressure; and controls an output water pressure of a main valve in the block by applying a majority rule to required water pressures.

Description

Water pressure control device and method for water supply network block

[0001] The present invention relates to a water pressure control device and method for a water supply network block, and more particularly, to a water pressure control device and method for a water supply network block in which a water supply network block in which a user equipped with a water pressure gauge and a user equipped with only a water meter instead of a water pressure gauge are mixed, the user equipped with a water pressure gauge determines the required water pressure using a measured water pressure value, and the user equipped with only a water meter estimates the required water pressure, and controls the output water pressure of a main valve within the block by inputting the water pressure demands into the majority rule.

[0002] [National Research and Development Project Supporting This Invention]

[0003] [Project ID] 2024020801

[0004] [Assignment Number] 2024020801

[0005] [Ministry Name] Ministry of Environment

[0006] [Name of Project Management (Specialist) Agency] Korea Environment Corporation

[0007] [Research Project Name] Water Technology Active Digitalization Support Project

[0008] [Research Project Name] Active Valve Control System Using Smart Metering

[0009] [Name of the project performing organization] Samjin Precision Co., Ltd., Eltech Co., Ltd.

[0010] [Research Period] March 25, 2024 - December 31, 2024

[0011] A water supply network block system is a system that divides a specific area into several smaller sections (blocks) for efficient management of the water supply system. These blocks are designed to increase water supply efficiency and improve operations such as leak management, water pressure control, and water quality management.

[0012] The water pressure at a consumer within a water supply network block varies depending on factors such as the output water pressure of the block's main valve, the simultaneous water consumption of the consumers within the block, and the consumer's elevation. Maintaining an appropriate water pressure is crucial because it affects consumer satisfaction with water use, their water-using devices, their water consumption, and water leaks.

[0013] Water pressure within a water supply network block can be adjusted by controlling the main valve within the block based on the user's water usage, season, and time of day. However, due to manual metering, water quality, water leaks, and data inadequacies, water pressure control through main valve control within the block is currently performed manually, empirically.

[0014] The local government's water supply control system has established a water supply network block system, which connects the remote metering terminal installed at the user's home to the public network, so that the user's water usage can be received on an hourly basis through remote metering, and the water pressure of the main valve within the block can also be received at any time, and it is also possible to control the main valve to adjust the water pressure.

[0015] However, because there is a mix of users who perform remote meter readings and users who perform manual meter readings, and even within the remote meter reading users, there are users with and without pressure gauges, it is difficult to control the water pressure of the main valve in conjunction with the water pressure status of the users.

[0016] If the water pressure at the main valve within a water supply network block is controlled solely based on the total water usage of each user, it will be difficult to respond to the diverse water usage patterns and physical differences (elevation, distance, single-family homes, apartments, etc.) in the block. Furthermore, even if a specific user uses a lot of water, the total water usage will still increase. However, if the water pressure at the main valve within a block is controlled solely based on the total water usage, the water pressure of users with low water usage will also increase, potentially leading to water leakage.

[0017] In addition, machine learning has recently been used to control water pressure / quantity in order to intelligently control the water pressure of users. However, this method has not been successful because the time series data of many users within a block changes hourly and there is not enough learning data on physically diverse users and their water consumption patterns.

[0018] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0065360 discloses an intelligent water supply network system technology that reduces the frequency of water leaks and pipe accidents by controlling water pressure in each block. The prior patent discloses a system in which each block measures the flow rate or volume of water used and compares this with a preset water pressure in the block to adjust the water pressure in the pipes. However, if water pressure is adjusted based on total water usage, the water pressure in low-water-use households may also increase, potentially leading to water leaks. Therefore, water pressure control is needed that takes into account the water usage patterns of individual households, rather than solely relying on total water usage.

[0019] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water pressure control device and method for a water supply network block in which remote metering and manual metering are mixed, and in which some users are equipped with water pressure gauges and some users are equipped with only water meters instead of water pressure gauges, the users equipped with water pressure gauges determine the required water pressure using the measured water pressure value, and the users without water pressure gauges estimate the required water pressure, and the output water pressure of the main valve in the block is controlled by applying the majority rule to the water pressure demands.

[0020] The present invention proposes a water pressure control device for a water supply network block, which comprises, as one of the means for solving the problem, a communication device that receives water pressure or water consumption from a water supply remote metering terminal of each user belonging to a water supply network block and receives an output water pressure from a main valve of a pipe connected to an inlet of the water supply network block; an analyzer that determines a water pressure demand category of the user based on the water pressure received by the communication device or determines the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve; and a controller that compiles the water pressure demand categories of each user determined by the analyzer and adjusts the output water pressure of the main valve based on the compilation result and a predetermined water supply policy.

[0021] In addition, the present invention proposes a method for controlling water pressure in a water supply network block, which comprises, as another means for solving the problem, a step in which a communication device of a water pressure control device receives water pressure or water consumption from a water supply remote metering terminal of each user belonging to a water supply network block, and receives an output water pressure from a main valve of a pipe connected to an inlet of the water supply network block; a step in which an analyzer of the water pressure control device determines a water pressure demand category of the user based on the water pressure received by the communication device, or determines a water pressure demand category of the user based on the water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve; and a step in which a controller of the water pressure control device compiles the water pressure demand categories of each user determined by the analyzer, and adjusts the output water pressure of the main valve based on the compilation result and a predetermined water supply policy.

[0022] In an embodiment of the above device and method, the water supply policy may determine the output water pressure of the main valve by applying the water pressure demand category of each user belonging to the water supply network block to the majority rule.

[0023] In another embodiment, if a water pressure meter is installed in the water supply remote metering terminal of the user, the analyzer may compare the user measured water pressure (Ps(t)) of the measurement period (t) with the preset user minimum water pressure (Psmin) and user maximum water pressure (Psmax) to determine the user's water pressure demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

[0024] In another embodiment, the analyzer may estimate the water pressure of the user by using the correlation between the change trend of the user's water consumption and the change trend of the output pressure of the main valve, when the user's water remote metering terminal is equipped with a water meter instead of a water pressure gauge, and may determine the demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance based on the estimated water pressure.

[0025] In another embodiment, the analyzer is installed in the water meter instead of the water pressure gauge at the water remote reading terminal of the user.

[0026] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0027]

[0028] C(t): Water consumption of the user in period t

[0029] Pm(t): Output hydraulic pressure of the main valve for period t

[0030] N3: Water Consumption Index

[0031] Using the above mathematical expression 1, the water pressure of the recipient can be estimated and the water pressure demand category can be requested to be increased, decreased, or maintained at any point in time or period.

[0032] In another embodiment, the controller may further determine the hydraulic pressure demand category by applying different weights depending on the diameter of the water pipe connected to each recipient.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in a water supply network block where remote metering and manual metering are mixed and where some users are equipped with water pressure gauges and some users are equipped with only water meters instead of water pressure gauges, the users equipped with water pressure gauges determine the required water pressure based on the measured water pressure value, and the users without water pressure gauges estimate the required water pressure, but by inputting the water pressure demands into the majority rule and controlling the output water pressure of the main valve in the block, the water pressure demanded by each user is satisfied, thereby providing a stable water supply, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water pressure control device of a water supply network block according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a water control device of a system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the procedure for transmitting and receiving messages between a remote metering terminal, a main valve, and a water control device.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the water consumption ratio according to the water pressure ratio of the FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharge) water consumption formula.

[0038] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing process of a hydraulic control device according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling water pressure of a water supply network block according to Example 3 of the present invention.

[0040] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail using drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to any specific embodiment, and it should be understood that all transformations, equivalents, and substitutions that incorporate the technical spirit of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

[0041] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] When a configuration in this specification is described as "having" or "composing" a sub-configuration, it is intended that the configuration may further include other configurations, rather than excluding other configurations, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0043] In this specification, the terms “Unit,” “Module,” and “Component” mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0044] The term “connected” in this specification may mean, but is not limited to, that two components are directly connected, and may also mean that the components are connected via one or more other components positioned between the components.

[0045] <Example 1>

[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water supply network block system using a water pressure control device (100) of a water supply network block (B) according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0047] In the present invention, the water pressure control device (100) is one of the devices used by waterworks operators, such as local governments, to operate and manage a waterworks network block system. Therefore, in the present invention, the water pressure control device may be referred to variously as a water pressure control server, a water control server, or a water control server, despite its name.

[0048] The water supply system basically includes a remote metering terminal (10, 10a, 20, 20a) installed at a water supply facility, a main valve (30) for controlling the water pressure of a pipe supplying water to a water supply network block (B), and a water pressure control device (100) for controlling the water pressure of the water main valve (30).

[0049] A water supply network block (B) is a block that divides a specific area into several small sections for water management. Each network block (B) is designed to independently monitor and manage water supply, allowing for efficient management of water flow, water pressure, water quality, etc.

[0050] A remote metering terminal (10, 20) is installed at each user within the water supply network block (B). At this time, a remote metering terminal (10, 10a) equipped with a water pressure gauge (11, 11a) may be installed, or a remote metering terminal (20, 20a) equipped with a water meter (not shown) instead of the water pressure gauge (11, 11a) may be installed. That is, within the water supply network block (B), users using remote metering terminals (10, 10) equipped with water pressure gauges (11, 11a) and users using remote metering terminals (20, 20a) equipped only with water meters coexist. For reference, a remote metering terminal (10, 10a) equipped with a water pressure gauge (11, 11a) may be equipped with a water meter together, but in the present invention, this case is regarded as a remote metering terminal (10, 10a) equipped with a water pressure gauge (11, 11a).

[0051] A remote metering terminal (10, 10a) equipped with a water pressure gauge (11, 11a) can remotely measure the water pressure of a user, and a remote metering terminal (20, 20a) equipped with only a water meter can measure the water consumption of a user. In addition, the remote metering terminals (10, 10a, 20, 20a) are equipped with separate wireless transmitters so that they can transmit the measured data to a water pressure control device (100).

[0052] The main valve (30) is a valve installed in the main pipe that supplies water to each user within the water supply network block (B).

[0053] The main valve (30) controls the opening and closing amount of the valve when supplying water to the recipients of each block (B) to maintain an appropriate supply water pressure. The main valve (30) can be remotely controlled by a water pressure control device (100).

[0054] The water pressure control device (100) collects the water pressure demand categories requested by users using remote metering terminals (10, 10a) equipped with water pressure meters (11, 11a) mixed within a block (B) and users using remote metering terminals (20, 20a) equipped with only water meters, and adjusts the output water pressure of the main valve (30) based on the collected results and a predetermined water supply policy to maintain an appropriate water pressure.

[0055] For example, the water pressure of a user located within a water supply network block (B) varies depending on the output water pressure of the main valve (30), the simultaneous water consumption of the users within the block (B), the altitude of the user, etc. Since the water pressure of a user affects the user's satisfaction with water use, the user's water use device (100), the user's water consumption, water leakage, etc., it is very important to maintain an appropriate water pressure.

[0056] For example, the water pressure control device (100) determines the required water pressure category based on the measured water pressure value for a user equipped with a water pressure gauge (11, 11a) to maintain an appropriate water pressure, and determines the required water pressure category by estimating the water pressure for a user equipped only with a water meter, and controls the output water pressure of the main valve (30) within the block (B) by inputting the water pressure required category of each user within the water supply network block (B) into the majority rule. At this time, it is not necessarily necessary to be limited to the majority rule, and any predefined policy may be used.

[0057] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a hydraulic pressure control device (100) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2, the hydraulic control device (100) includes a communicator (110), an analyzer (120), and a controller (130).

[0059] The communication device (110) receives water pressure or water consumption from the water remote metering terminal (10, 20) of each user belonging to the water supply network block (B), and receives output water pressure from the main valve (30) of the pipe connected to the inlet of the water supply network block (B).

[0060] Specifically, the communication device (110) receives the water pressure of the user from a remote metering terminal (10) equipped with a water pressure meter within the water supply network block (B) at a preset cycle, and receives the water consumption of the user from a remote metering terminal (20) equipped with only a water meter at a preset cycle. In addition, the communication device (110) receives the output water pressure of the main valve (30) of the pipe supplying water to the user from the main valve (30) at a preset cycle.

[0061] The communication device (110) can support wideband wireless communication such as LoRa (Long Range). LoRa is a low-power, long-range communication (LPWA, Low Power Wide Area) technology that helps objects communicate with each other. In addition, the communication device (110) can support mobile communication protocols such as 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G, or wideband mobile communication protocols such as Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), and HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access).

[0062] The analyzer (120) determines the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water pressure received by the communication device (110), or determines the water pressure demand category (class) by estimating the water pressure of the user based on the water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve (30).

[0063] Specifically, the analyzer (120) determines the water pressure demand category of a user equipped with a water pressure meter based on water pressure, and estimates the water pressure of a user equipped with only the water meter through water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve (30) to determine the water pressure demand category of the user. Here, the water pressure demand category of the user refers to any one of water pressure increase, water pressure decrease, and water pressure maintenance.

[0064] For example, the analyzer (120) compares the water pressure of a user equipped with a water pressure gauge with a pre-calculated minimum water pressure and a minimum water pressure to determine the water pressure demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

[0065] Result of comparison of water pressure at user in cycle t User water pressure demand category Ps{t} < Psmin increase demand Ps{t} > Psmax decrease demand Psmin ≤ Ps{t} ≤ Psmax maintenance demand

[0066] Table 1 shows how the analyzer determines the hydraulic demand category of a user equipped with a hydraulic pressure gauge.

[0067] As shown in Table 1, the analyzer compares the water pressure of a user equipped with a water pressure gauge with the preset minimum water pressure of the user (Psmin), maximum water pressure of the user (Psmax), and the water pressure of the user Ps(t) for the corresponding period t, and classifies the water pressure demand category into a water pressure increase demand, a water pressure decrease demand, and a water pressure maintenance demand for each period.

[0068] As another example, when a water meter is installed instead of a water pressure gauge in the water supply remote metering terminal (10, 20) of the user, the analyzer (120) estimates the water pressure of the user by using the correlation between the change trend of the user's water consumption and the change trend of the output pressure of the main valve (30), and determines the water pressure demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance based on the estimated water pressure.

[0069] Specifically, the analyzer (120) estimates the water pressure of a user equipped with only a water meter using the following mathematical formula to determine the above-mentioned demand category.

[0070] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0071]

[0072] Here, C(t-1) is the water consumption of a user equipped with only a water meter during a period t-1, C(t) is the water consumption of a user equipped with only a water meter during a period t, Pm(t-1) is the output water pressure of the main valve (30) during a period t-1, Pm(t) is the output water pressure of the main valve (30) during a period t, and N3 is a water consumption index.

[0073] The above mathematical expression 1 is the FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharge) water consumption expression expressed as time series data for water pressure-water consumption time series analysis. According to the above mathematical expression 1, if C(t) > C(t-1) but Pm(t) < Pm(t-1), this indicates that the water pressure of a consumer equipped with only a water meter decreased in period t. On the other hand, if C(t) < C(t-1) but Pm(t) > Pm(t-1), this indicates that the water pressure of a consumer equipped with only a water meter increased in period t.

[0074] In other words, since an increase in water pressure leads to an increase in water consumption, this means that an increase in water consumption should lead to an increase in the water pressure at the user. If a user's water usage increases but the user's water pressure does not increase, it can be assumed that the user's water pressure has decreased.

[0075] Therefore, it is possible to predict a virtual water pressure that estimates the water pressure status of a user based on the water usage information of a user equipped with only a water meter and the output water pressure information of the main valve (30) received at each cycle.

[0076] Comparison results of water usage by the user in cycles t and t-1 Comparison results of water pressure at the main valve (30) in cycles t and t-1 User water pressure demand category C(t) > C(t-1)Pm(t) < Pm(t-1)Increase demand C(t) < C(t-1)Pm(t) > Pm(t-1)Decrease demand C(t) ≤ C(t-1)Pm(t) ≤ Pm(t-1)Maintenance demand C(t) ≥ C(t-1)Pm(t) ≥ Pm(t-1)Maintenance demand

[0077] Table 2 is a table showing how the analyzer (120) determines the water pressure demand category of a user equipped with only a water meter. As shown in Table 2, in the case of a user equipped with only a water meter, the user's water usage information received for each cycle is compared with the output water pressure information of the main valve (30) received for each cycle, and the water pressure demand category (class) is classified into a water pressure increase request, a water pressure decrease request, and a water pressure maintenance request for each cycle.

[0078] The analyzer (120) estimates the virtual water pressure of a user equipped with only a water meter, so that if C(t) > C(t-1) and Pm(t) < Pm(t-1), it can be estimated that the water pressure of the user equipped with only a water meter has decreased in the t period. On the other hand, if C(t) < C(t-1) and Pm(t) > Pm(t-1), it can be estimated that the water pressure of the user equipped with only a water meter has increased in the t period.

[0079] In other words, the analyzer (120) determines the water pressure demand category to increase if the water consumption (C(t)) of a user equipped with only a water meter during the t period is greater than the water consumption (C(t-1)) during the t-1 period and the output water pressure (Pm(t)) of the main valve (30) during the t period is less than the output water pressure (Pm(t-1)) of the main valve (30) during the t-1 period.

[0080] And if the water consumption (C(t)) of the user equipped with only the water meter during the t cycle is less than the water consumption (C(t-1)) during the t-1 cycle and the output water pressure (Pm(t)) of the main valve (30) during the t cycle is greater than the output water pressure (Pm(t-1)) of the main valve (30) during the t-1 cycle, the water pressure demand category is determined to be reduced.

[0081] And if the water consumption (C(t)) of the user equipped with only the water meter during the t cycle is less than or equal to the water consumption (C(t-1)) during the t-1 cycle and the output water pressure (Pm(t)) of the main valve (30) during the t cycle is less than or equal to the output water pressure (Pm(t-1)) of the main valve (30) during the t-1 cycle, the water pressure demand category is determined to be maintained.

[0082] Meanwhile, in Tables 1 and 2, the analyzer (120) can also determine the water pressure demand category of the user equipped with a water pressure meter and the user equipped with only a water meter using a statistical method through the water pressure Ps(t) of the user equipped with a water pressure meter in the t period, the water consumption C(t) of the user equipped with only a water meter in the t period, the water consumption C(t-1) of the user equipped with only a water meter in the t-1 period, the output water pressure Pm(t) of the main valve (30) in the t period, and the output water pressure Pm(t-1) of the main valve (30) in the t-1 period.

[0083] For example, Ps(T), C(T), C(T-1), Pm(T), Pm(T-1) can be used, which are the average values ​​of Ps(t), C(t), C(t-1), Pm(t), Pm(t-1) over days, weeks, months, etc. during a period t. Here, T is the period of days, weeks, and months, and Ps(T), C(T), C(T-1), Pm(T), Pm(T-1) are the average values ​​of T / t values ​​of Ps(t), C(t), C(t-1), Pm(t), Pm(t-1) over days, weeks, months, etc.

[0084] In this case, the categories of demands for increased water pressure, decreased water pressure, and maintained water pressure for users equipped with water pressure meters are categorized by using the average value Ps(T) instead of Ps(t) in Table 1, and the categories of demands for water pressure for users equipped with only water meters are categorized by using C(t), C(t-1), Pm(t), Pm(t-1) instead of C(T), C(T-1), Pm(T), Pm(T-1) in Table 2.

[0085] In order to periodically or continuously collect the sum of the number of categories of water pressure demands of the recipients resulting from the comparison results in Tables 1 and 2 by periodic or continuous periodicity L (L is a natural number) such as days, weeks, months, etc., statistical methods such as periodic average and moving average can be used.

[0086] The sum of the number of pressure increase requests for a user equipped with a pressure gauge during a period L is n(pressure increase request during period L) = n(Ps(Tk-1) < Psmin, k=1, …, L), where n(Ps(Tk-1) < Psmin, k=1, …, L) is the number of elements satisfying (Ps(Tk-1) < Psmin, k=1, …, L).

[0087] The sum of the pressure increase requests for users with only water meters but no pressure gauges during period L, n(pressure increase requests during period L) = n(C(Tk-1) > C(Tk-2) and Pm(Tk-1) < Pm(Tk-2), k=1, …, L), where n(C(Tk-1) > C(Tk-2) and Pm(Tk-1) < Pm(Tk-2), k=1, …, L) is the number of elements satisfying (C(Tk-1) > C(Tk-2) and Pm(Tk-1) < Pm(Tk-2), k=1, …, L).

[0088] Therefore, the total number of pressure increases requested during period L, n(increase request, period L) = n(Ps(Tk-1) < Psmin, k=1, …, L) + n(C(Tk-1) > C(Tk-2) while Pm(Tk-1) < Pm(Tk-2), k=1, …, L).

[0089] In the same way as above, the total number of pressure reduction requests during period L is calculated as n(reduction request, period L) = n(Ps(Tk-1) > Psmax, k=1, …, L) + n(C(Tk-1) < C(Tk-2) while Pm(Tk-1) > Pm(Tk-2), k=1, …, L).

[0090] The controller (130) collects the water pressure demand category of each user determined by the analyzer (120) and adjusts the output water pressure of the main valve (30) based on the collected result and a predetermined constant supply policy.

[0091] The above-mentioned constant water supply policy may determine the output water pressure of the main valve (30) by applying the water pressure demand category of each user belonging to the water supply network block (B) to the majority rule.

[0092] For example, if the required water pressure of the first to third users is 'water pressure increase' and the required water pressure of the fourth user is 'water pressure maintenance', since there are three water pressure increases and one water pressure maintenance, the controller (130) controls the output water pressure of the main valve (30) to 'water pressure increase' by the majority rule. As described above, the controller (130) in the present invention is not necessarily limited to the majority rule, and may control the main valve (30) by other predetermined policies.

[0093] Meanwhile, the controller (130) may determine the water pressure demand category by applying different weights according to the diameter or height of the water pipe of each user in the water supply network block (B).

[0094] For example, the water pressure control device (100) collects data on the diameter or height of the water pipe of each user, calculates a weight according to the diameter or height of the water pipe, and stores it in a database, and the controller (130) can determine the water pressure demand category of each user by applying a preset weight according to the diameter or height of the water pipe of the user.

[0095] Figure 3 is a drawing showing a procedure in which a remote metering terminal (10, 20), a main valve (30), and a water pressure control device (100) transmit and receive messages.

[0096] For reference, the remote metering terminal (10, 20) installed in the receiving area includes both a remote metering terminal (10, 10a) equipped with a water pressure gauge and a remote metering terminal (20, 20a) equipped only with a water meter.

[0097] A remote metering terminal (10, 10a) equipped with a water pressure gauge periodically reports the water pressure of the corresponding user to a water pressure control device (100), and a remote metering terminal (20, 20a) equipped only with a water meter periodically reports the water usage of the corresponding user to the water pressure control device (100). For reference, the remote metering terminal (10, 20) may also utilize an M-bus-based metering protocol.

[0098] When the hydraulic pressure control device (100) receives a periodic report from a remote metering terminal (10, 20) of a user in block (B), it sends a response message (terminal ACK message).

[0099] The hydraulic pressure control device (100) requests the main valve (30) for the output hydraulic pressure information of the main valve (30) and receives the valve output hydraulic pressure information message from the main valve (30).

[0100] The hydraulic pressure control device (100) can manage hydraulic pressure information of the main valve (30) by communicating with the main valve (30) via the Modbus protocol. If the hydraulic pressure control device (100) does not receive hydraulic pressure of the main valve (30), it adds hydraulic pressure information to the Modbus register.

[0101] The water pressure control device (100) determines the water pressure demand category of a user equipped with a water pressure meter based on the water pressure sent from the remote metering terminal (10) of the user equipped with a water pressure meter, and determines the water pressure demand category of a user equipped with only a water meter based on the water consumption sent from the remote metering terminal (20) of the user equipped with only a water meter and the output water pressure sent from the main valve (30).

[0102] And the water pressure control device (100) collects the number of water pressure demand categories of a user equipped with a water pressure gauge and the number of water pressure demand categories of a user equipped with only a water meter, and controls the output water pressure of the main valve (30) based on the water pressure demand determined among the collected demand categories.

[0103] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the water consumption ratio according to the water pressure ratio of the FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharge) water consumption formula.

[0104] As can be seen in Figure 4, as the water pressure increases, the water consumption also increases.

[0105] For example, according to Bernoulli's equation, there is an inverse relationship between the velocity and pressure of a fluid, and as the water pressure increases, the velocity of the water increases, and accordingly, the amount of water consumed also tends to increase.

[0106] <Example 2>

[0107] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a hydraulic pressure control processing method of a hydraulic pressure control device (100) according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 5, the communication device (110) receives the water pressure of the user from the remote metering terminal (10) equipped with a water pressure gauge in the water supply network block (B) at a preset cycle (S11).

[0109] The analyzer (120) determines the hydraulic pressure demand category of the user equipped with a hydraulic pressure gauge based on the hydraulic pressure (S12).

[0110] For example, the analyzer (120) compares the water pressure of a user equipped with a water pressure gauge with a pre-calculated minimum water pressure and a minimum water pressure to determine the water pressure demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

[0111] The communication device (110) receives the user's water consumption amount from the user's remote metering terminal (20) equipped with only a water meter at a preset cycle (S13). In addition, the communication device (110) receives the output water pressure of the main valve (30) of the pipe supplying water to the user at a preset cycle (S13).

[0112] When a water meter is installed instead of a water pressure gauge in the water remote reading terminal (10, 20) of the user, the analyzer (120) estimates the water pressure of the user by using the correlation between the change trend of the user's water consumption and the change trend of the output pressure of the main valve (30), and determines the water pressure demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance based on the estimated water pressure (S14).

[0113] The controller (130) collects the water pressure demand category of each user determined by the analyzer (120) and inputs the water pressure demand category of each user into the majority rule to determine the output water pressure of the main valve (30) (S15).

[0114] And the controller (130) controls the output water pressure of the main valve (30) with the water pressure determined by the majority principle (S16).

[0115] <Example 3>

[0116] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling water pressure of a water supply network block according to Example 3 of the present invention.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 6, the water pressure control method of the present embodiment includes a step of receiving water pressure, water consumption or output water pressure of a main valve, a step of determining a water pressure demand range of a user, and a step of controlling the output water pressure of the main valve.

[0118] The step of receiving water pressure, water consumption or output water pressure of a main valve is such that the communicator receives water pressure or water consumption from a water remote metering terminal of each user belonging to a water supply network block, and receives output water pressure from a main valve of a pipe connected to the inlet of the water supply network block.

[0119] Specifically, the communication device receives the water pressure of the user from a remote metering terminal equipped with a water pressure meter within the water supply network block at a preset interval, and receives the water consumption of the user from a remote metering terminal equipped only with a water meter at a preset interval. In addition, the communication device receives the output water pressure of the main valve of the pipe supplying water to the user from the main valve at a preset interval.

[0120] The step of determining the water pressure demand category of the user is performed by the analyzer determining the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water pressure received by the communicator, or determining the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve.

[0121] Specifically, the analyzer determines the water pressure demand category of a user equipped with a water pressure meter based on water pressure, and estimates the water pressure of a user equipped with only the water meter through water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve to determine the water pressure demand category of the user.

[0122] For example, the analyzer compares the water pressure of a user equipped with a pressure gauge to a pre-calculated minimum water pressure and minimum water pressure to determine whether the water pressure demand category should be increased, decreased, or maintained.

[0123] Result of comparison of water pressure at user in cycle t User water pressure demand category Ps{t} < Psmin increase demand Ps{t} > Psmax decrease demand Psmin ≤ Ps{t} ≤ Psmax maintenance demand

[0124] Table 3 shows how the analyzer determines the water pressure demand category of a customer equipped with a pressure gauge. As shown in Table 3, the analyzer compares the water pressure of a customer equipped with a pressure gauge with the preset customer minimum water pressure (Psmin), customer maximum water pressure (Psmax), and the customer's water pressure Ps(t) for the corresponding cycle t, and classifies the water pressure demand category into a pressure increase demand, a pressure decrease demand, and a pressure maintenance demand for each cycle. Meanwhile, if a water meter is installed instead of a pressure gauge on the customer's water remote reading terminal, the analyzer estimates the customer's water pressure by using the correlation between the change trend of the customer's water consumption and the change trend of the output pressure of the main valve, and determines the water pressure demand category as one of an increase, a decrease, and a maintenance demand based on the estimated water pressure.

[0125] Specifically, the analyzer determines the above-mentioned demand category by estimating the water pressure of a user equipped only with a water meter using the following mathematical formula.

[0126] [Mathematical Formula 1]

[0127]

[0128] Here, C(t-1) is the water consumption of a user equipped with only a water meter during period t-1, C(t) is the water consumption of a user equipped with only a water meter during period t, Pm(t-1) is the output water pressure of the main valve during period t-1, Pm(t) is the output water pressure of the main valve during period t, and N3 is the water consumption index.

[0129] The above mathematical expression 1 is the FAVAD (Fixed and Variable Area Discharge) water consumption expression expressed as time series data for the water pressure-water consumption time series analysis in the present invention. According to the above mathematical expression 1, if C(t) > C(t-1) but Pm(t) < Pm(t-1), this indicates that the water pressure of a consumer equipped with only a water meter decreased in the t period. On the other hand, if C(t) < C(t-1) but Pm(t) > Pm(t-1), this indicates that the water pressure of a consumer equipped with only a water meter increased in the t period.

[0130] In other words, since an increase in water pressure leads to an increase in water consumption, this means that an increase in water consumption should lead to an increase in the water pressure at the user. If a user's water usage increases but the user's water pressure does not increase, it can be assumed that the user's water pressure has decreased.

[0131] Therefore, it is possible to predict a virtual water pressure that estimates the water pressure status of a user based on the water usage information of a user equipped with only a water meter and the output water pressure information of the main valve received at each cycle.

[0132] Comparison results of water usage by the user in cycles t and t-1 Comparison results of water pressure at the main valve (30) in cycles t and t-1 User water pressure demand category C(t) > C(t-1)Pm(t) < Pm(t-1)Increase demand C(t) < C(t-1)Pm(t) > Pm(t-1)Decrease demand C(t) ≤ C(t-1)Pm(t) ≤ Pm(t-1)Maintenance demand C(t) ≥ C(t-1)Pm(t) ≥ Pm(t-1)Maintenance demand

[0133] Table 4 shows how the analyzer determines the water pressure demand category of a customer equipped with only a water meter. As shown in Table 4, for a customer equipped with only a water meter, the analyzer compares the customer's water usage information received for each period with the main valve output water pressure information received for each period, and classifies the water pressure demand category into water pressure increase request, water pressure decrease request, and water pressure maintenance request for each period. By estimating the virtual water pressure of a customer equipped with only a water meter, if C(t) > C(t-1) and Pm(t) < Pm(t-1), it can be estimated that the water pressure of a customer equipped with only a water meter decreased in period t. On the other hand, if C(t) < C(t-1) and Pm(t) > Pm(t-1), it can be estimated that the water pressure of a customer equipped with only a water meter increased in period t.

[0134] In other words, the analyzer determines the water pressure demand category to be increased if the water consumption (C(t)) of the user equipped with only a water meter during the t period is greater than the water consumption (C(t-1)) of the t-1 period and the output water pressure (Pm(t)) of the main valve during the t period is less than the output water pressure (Pm(t-1)) of the main valve during the t-1 period, and determines the water pressure demand category to be decreased if the water consumption (C(t)) of the user equipped with only a water meter during the t period is less than the water consumption (C(t-1)) of the t-1 period and the output water pressure (Pm(t)) of the main valve during the t-1 period is greater than the output water pressure (Pm(t-1)) of the main valve during the t-1 period, and determines the water pressure demand category to be decreased if the water consumption (C(t)) of the user equipped with only a water meter during the t period is greater than the water consumption (C(t)) of the user equipped with only a water meter during the t-1 period. If the consumption (C(t-1)) is less than or equal to the output water pressure (Pm(t)) of the main valve during the t cycle and the output water pressure (Pm(t-1)) of the main valve during the t-1 cycle, the water pressure demand category is determined to be maintained.

[0135] The step of controlling the output water pressure of the main valve is such that the controller compiles the water pressure demand category of each user determined by the analyzer and adjusts the output water pressure of the main valve based on the compilation result and a predetermined constant supply policy.

[0136] The above water supply policy may determine the output water pressure of the main valve by applying the water pressure demand category of each user belonging to the water supply network block to the majority rule.

[0137] For example, if the required water pressure of the first to third users is 'water pressure increase' and the required water pressure of the fourth user is 'water pressure maintenance', there are three water pressure increases and one water pressure maintenance, so the controller controls the output water pressure of the main valve with the 'water pressure increase' determined by the majority.

[0138] Meanwhile, the controller may also determine the water pressure demand category by applying different weights according to the diameter or height of the water pipe of each user within the water supply network block.

[0139] For example, the water pressure control device collects data on the diameter or height of the water pipe of each user, calculates a weight according to the diameter or height of the water pipe, and stores it in a database, and the controller can determine the water pressure demand category of each user by applying a preset weight according to the diameter or height of the water pipe of the user.

[0140] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to several embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

[0141] In addition, the invention regarding the method among the embodiments described above may be implemented as a program or as a computer-readable recording medium having the program stored thereon.

[0142] That is, the present invention can be implemented in the form of an application, and can be implemented as a software program that runs on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC running on Google's Android or Apple's IOS, or can be implemented as a software program that runs on a wearable device such as Google Glass, Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, smart watch, or the like, or can be implemented as a software program that runs on a laptop PC or desktop PC running on Microsoft's Windows or Google's Chrome OS.

[0143] In addition, partial functions of the above-described device or system may be provided by being included in a computer-readable recording medium by tangibly implementing a program of commands for implementing them. The computer-readable recording medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memories, and USB memories.

Claims

1. A communication device that receives water pressure or water consumption from a water remote metering terminal of each user belonging to a water supply network block and receives output water pressure from a main valve of a pipe connected to the inlet of the water supply network block; An analyzer that determines the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water pressure received by the above communication device, or determines the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve; and A controller that compiles the water pressure demand category of each user determined by the above analyzer and adjusts the output water pressure of the main valve based on the compilation result and a predetermined constant supply policy. A hydraulic pressure control device for a water supply network block including a .

2. In paragraph 1, The above constant supply policy is, A water pressure control device for a water supply network block, characterized in that the output water pressure of the main valve is determined by applying the water pressure demand category of each user belonging to the water supply network block to the majority rule.

3. In paragraph 1, The above analyzer, A water pressure control device for a water supply network block, characterized in that when a water pressure meter is installed in a water supply remote metering terminal of a user, the water pressure measured by the user (Ps(t)) in the measurement period (t) is compared with the preset minimum water pressure of the user (Psmin) and the maximum water pressure of the user (Psmax), and the water pressure demand category of the user is determined to be one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

4. In paragraph 1, The above analyzer, A water pressure control device for a water supply network block, characterized in that when a water meter is installed instead of a water pressure gauge in a water supply remote metering terminal of a user, the water pressure of the user is estimated using the correlation between the change trend of the user's water consumption and the change trend of the output pressure of the main valve, and the demand category is determined to be one of increase, decrease, and maintenance based on the estimated water pressure.

5. In paragraph 4, The above analyzer, If a water meter is installed instead of a water pressure gauge on the water supply remote metering terminal of the user, [Mathematical Formula 1] C(t): Water consumption of the user in period t Pm(t): Output hydraulic pressure of the main valve for period t N3: Water Consumption Index A water pressure control device for a water supply network block, characterized in that the water pressure of the recipient is estimated using the above mathematical expression 1 and the water pressure demand category is determined as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

6. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 5, The above controller, A water pressure control device for a water supply network block characterized in that a water pressure demand category is determined by applying different weights according to the diameter of the water pipe connected to each user.

7. A step in which a communication device of a water pressure control device receives water pressure or water consumption from a water remote metering terminal of each user belonging to a water supply network block, and receives output water pressure from a main valve of a pipe connected to the inlet of the water supply network block; A step in which the analyzer of the water pressure control device determines the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water pressure received by the communication device, or determines the water pressure demand category of the user based on the water consumption and the output water pressure of the main valve; and A step in which the controller of the above hydraulic pressure control device compiles the hydraulic pressure demand category of each user determined by the analyzer and adjusts the output hydraulic pressure of the main valve based on the compilation result and a predetermined constant supply policy. A method for controlling water pressure in a water supply network block including a .

8. In paragraph 7, The above constant supply policy is, A water pressure control method of a water supply network block, characterized in that the output water pressure of the main valve is determined by applying the water pressure demand category of each user belonging to the water supply network block to the majority rule.

9. In paragraph 7, The analyzer in the step of determining the water pressure demand category of the above recipient, A water pressure control method for a water supply network block, characterized in that when a water pressure meter is installed in a water supply remote metering terminal of a user, the user's measured water pressure (Ps(t)) of the measurement period (t) is compared with a preset user's minimum water pressure (Psmin) and user's maximum water pressure (Psmax), thereby determining the user's water pressure demand category as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

10. In paragraph 7, The analyzer in the step of determining the water pressure demand category of the above recipient, A water pressure control method for a water supply network block, characterized in that when a water meter is installed instead of a water pressure gauge in a water supply remote metering terminal of a user, the water pressure of the user is estimated using the correlation between the change trend of the user's water consumption and the change trend of the output pressure of the main valve, and the demand category is determined to be one of increase, decrease, and maintenance based on the estimated water pressure.

11. In paragraph 10, The analyzer in the step of determining the water pressure demand category of the above recipient, If a water meter is installed instead of a water pressure gauge on the water supply remote metering terminal of the user, [Mathematical Formula 1] C(t): Water consumption of the user in period t Pm(t): Output hydraulic pressure of the main valve for period t N3: Water Consumption Index A water pressure control method for a water supply network block, characterized in that the water pressure of a user is estimated using the above mathematical expression 1 and the water pressure demand category is determined as one of increase, decrease, and maintenance.

12. In any one of paragraphs 9 to 11, The controller of the step of controlling the output water pressure of the main valve, A water pressure control method for a water supply network block, characterized in that a water pressure demand category is determined by applying different weights according to the diameter of the water pipe connected to each user.

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