Device for reducing cold water consumption in the shower prior to hot water usage

Abstract

The present invention comprises a device and an integrated system comprising various components, which prevents cold water wastage and which is independent in that it is not integrated into the water mixer and does not form part of the existing shower or fittings.

Description

[0001] Device for reducing cold water consumption in the shower before using hot water.

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a hydraulic, electromechanical device and is in the field of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Document WO2011126356, entitled "Jicara Faucet for Shower," describes a system designed to optimize water use in showers by providing warm water without wasting cold water. The invention includes a control mechanism that mixes hot and cold water from two inlets and directs the flow to a main outlet for the shower or to a secondary waste outlet. Its design is based on a hermetically sealed controller body that operates by pressure to ensure efficient mixing and minimize unnecessary water consumption.

[0006] US2012118414A1 refers to a water-saving system that includes a touch- and temperature-sensitive valve, connected between the shower's water control valves and the showerhead, which diverts water to a storage tank until it is heated. The temperature-sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the storage tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water during the shower, thus minimizing water waste. The storage tank can be placed in the shower floor or outside the bathtub (under the sink) in a retrofit, or recessed into the wall stud cavity in new construction.

[0007] Document ES1134966U describes a water saver consisting of a device that collects cold water in a tank and mixes it with hot mains water, thus preventing waste. It is characterized by comprising a tank, preferably made of plastic, which can have different capacities; a thermometer, preferably digital, for temperature control; a venturi, preferably made of plastic, for drawing and mixing the cold and hot water; and a multi-way valve, preferably made of brass, for directing the water to the tank or to the shower. 2. Water saver, according to claim 1 a , characterized in that it may carry a tank with a membrane (15) to facilitate the flow of water to the shower. 3. Water saver, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that its dimensions may vary according to the tank capacity (5) or the user's needs.

[0008] WO2014054934A1 refers to a system that allows avoiding the waste of cold water that is left running while waiting for hot water to arrive from the heater to the showers, where the system comprises three essential structural components which are an extension element, a split nut, a complementary recirculation chamber which in combination with a means of connection, obtain novel results.

[0009] US5165456A relates to a diverter device and a method for preventing the waste of fresh water while waiting for cold or lukewarm water accumulating in a hot water pipe to pass through it before usable hot water begins to flow from a shower or faucet fitting. The device comprises a two-way diverter valve having one inlet port and two outlet ports. The inlet port is attached to the shower or faucet discharge fitting, so that fresh water can be diverted to one of the outlet ports, which is connected to one end of a hose. The hose is interconnected between the diverter valve and a storage container so that the initial cold water passes through the hose and is stored in the container until hot water is discharged, thus preventing cold water from being wasted down the drain.The other outlet port of the diverter valve is adapted to receive a shower head attachment or a faucet aerator attachment.

[0010] CN201302231 Y is a utility model relating to a water-saving device, in particular a shower water-saving device comprising a water heater connected to a running water pipe, the water heater being connected to a water-using device by a hot water pipe, a water-saving valve being disposed in the hot water pipe of the water heater, wherein the hot water pipe is connected to the water-using device and near the water-using device, a thermal control element is disposed in the water-saving valve to control a hot water inlet to communicate respectively with a hot water outlet or a cold water outlet, and the cold water outlet returning to the water heater by a branch pipe.When a shower nozzle is opened, the cold water flowing between the water heater and the shower nozzle passes through the water-saving valve. This cold water then flows from a cold water switch and enters the water heater's main water inlet for reuse, ensuring that the cold water between the water heater and the shower nozzle is not wasted. Saving water, a valuable and non-renewable resource, is of great importance to the state and society in the current situation of increasing water scarcity.

[0011] GB2427259A is a water-saving device (2) for use in a water supply system to prevent the waste of clean water that is too hot or too cold for the user's particular need. The device comprises a body defining a chamber with an inlet, which can be connected to the water supply system, and first and second water outlets. The first outlet can be connected in fluid communication with a discharge means to allow water to be discharged from the water supply system. The second outlet can be connected to the water supply system to allow water recirculation. The device also comprises a thermally actuated diverter valve that operates based on the temperature of the water entering the chamber through the inlet to control whether the water exits the chamber through the first or second outlet.The device further comprises an inlet valve to control the flow of water through the inlet, which has a valve actuating member connected or connectable to a manual control member of the discharge medium to allow opening and closing of the inlet valve. The water-saving device can be used in a shower or on a faucet.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] The present invention comprises a device and an integrated system made up of vapor components that prevents the waste of cold water and is independent because it is not integrated into the water mixer nor is it part of the existing faucet or shower.

[0014] Description:

[0015] When a person takes a shower or bath, they turn on the hot water tap and let the cold water in the pipes run until the temperature is right. This process usually takes about a minute, depending on the distance the water travels from the water heater (gas water heater) to the point of use (shower). During this time, between 6 and 10 liters of water are wasted.

[0016] To address this common problem in many homes, an integrated device has been developed that prevents the waste of cold water. The components of this device are:

[0017] • Temperature detector: Measures the water temperature in the pipe.

[0018] • Temperature controller: Records the water temperature and sends an electrical pulse to solenoid valves when the optimal temperature for the user is reached.

[0019] • Solenoid valve: An automatic opening or closing device that controls the flow of water by means of an electrical pulse.

[0020] • Recirculation pipe: Network that circulates water that has not reached the optimal temperature, thus preventing waste.

[0021] The device consists of a 14" tubular inlet for connection to the hot water line, and two 14" tubular outlets: one for cold water recirculation and the other for hot water that feeds the shower head.

[0022] In the hot water pipe, after the mixer tap, there is a type K thermocouple temperature sensor. This sensor consists of three wires made of different metals and joined at one end. Temperature variations generate changes in the electromotive force (EMF) between the free ends of the thermocouple. As the temperature increases, the EMF also increases, sending this signal to the temperature controller. The operating range of the temperature sensor is 0 to 400 °C.

[0023] The temperature controller has input and output ports. The temperature sensor connects to an input port, while the output ports connect to solenoid valves. This controller operates in an ambient temperature range of -10 to 55°C, with a relative humidity between 35% and 85%. It includes a four-digit display to show measured parameters (such as real-time temperature) and another display that shows set values ​​or parameters. The controller allows readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit and has three LED indicators:

[0024] • OUT: Indicates the activation of the control output.

[0025] • AIM: Signals the alarm exit.

[0026] • RUN: Indicates operation in manual mode.

[0027] The controller is programmed using four buttons:

[0028] • UP: Increases the configured values.

[0029] • DOWN: Decreases the configured values.

[0030] • SHIFT: Allows you to switch between positions, access submenus from the main menu, or alternate between manual and automatic modes.

[0031] • SET: Displays the control output value and the set temperature. If held for more than 3 seconds, it enters parameter setting mode.

[0032] The controller requires an external 110V AC power supply and, additionally, a solid-state relay.

[0033] The controller outputs are connected, via cables, to two solenoid valves. One is normally open, while the other is normally closed. Solenoid valves are devices that control fluid flow using an electromagnet which, when activated, generates a magnetic field that moves a plunger, opening or closing the valve as needed. These valves allow for rapid actuation, essential for applications requiring high reliability and immediate response.

[0034] The normally open valve has a 14" inlet and outlet. Its inlet connects to the hot water pipe, and its outlet, via a 14" continuous nipple, connects to a T-fitting with two additional 14" female inlets. One of these inlets connects to the normally closed valve, while its outlet directs the hot water to the shower head. The other inlet of the T-fitting connects to the recirculation pipe, which carries away unused cold water, preventing waste.

[0035] Finally, because some components such as sensors and automatic valves require electrical power to operate, the system needs an external 110V AC power supply to ensure its proper functioning.

[0036] The main advantage of this device is its effective solution to the problem of wasting cold water in the shower before the hot water arrives. This saving, generated with each use, translates into a decrease in per capita consumption, which can be quantified economically and reflected as a reduction in the water bill.

[0037] In addition to saving water, the device improves the user experience by eliminating the inconvenient wait for hot water outside the shower, especially in cold or temperate climates, and during times when the ambient temperature is uncomfortable, such as mornings or evenings. The user can observe, via the display, how the water temperature gradually increases to the programmed level before allowing it to flow. This ensures that the water in the shower is always hot, providing a more comfortable experience while reducing waste.

[0038] Unlike other devices that include additional elements in the hot water line, such as union couplings or shut-off valves that can generate significant pressure losses, the design of this device minimizes such losses. This ensures that the water pressure is not significantly affected, maintaining an adequate supply of hot water in the shower. While other devices exist in the prior art designed to reduce the waste of cold water before the hot water arrives, this invention presents a key difference: it is not integrated into the water mixer nor is it part of the existing faucet or shower fixture. This represents a technical and practical advantage, as it allows any user to adapt the device to their current shower system without having to replace all the equipment.

[0039] Another distinguishing feature is that this device does not require a storage tank, unlike some similar systems. By eliminating the tank, not only is the space required for installation optimized, but implementation is also simplified.

[0040] Furthermore, the system is fully automatic, eliminating the need for manual opening or closing of valves, a common feature in other devices. With an energy consumption of just 0.12 kWh, its efficient and sustainable operation is guaranteed.

[0041] Finally, the device allows for customized configuration of the temperature ranges that activate the hot water flow, adapting to the needs and preferences of each user. This not only improves comfort but also increases its functionality by adjusting to different contexts and uses.

[0042] The pipe that carries hot water from the heating unit to the shower head is filled with cold water, which must be expelled during the heating process. The device prevents this cold water from being wasted by recirculating it back to the main water distribution line or the cistern. The device's temperature sensor detects temperature variations, which are then registered by the controller. The temperature controller sends an electrical pulse to two solenoid valves. One valve remains open, allowing cold water to flow to the recirculation pipe, while the other valve, which allows water to flow to the shower head, remains closed.When the water reaches the optimal temperature, programmed into the controller by the user, the controller sends a pulse that changes the state of the valves: the valve that was open closes and the one that was closed opens, allowing hot water to reach the shower without wasting cold water.

[0043] Description of the drawings

[0044] [Fig. 1]: Rear view of a built-in shower system.

[0045] [Fig. 2]: Operational flow diagram

[0046] [Fig. 2]: Operating diagram.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for preventing the waste of cold water, characterized in that it comprises a temperature sensor, a temperature controller, a solenoid valve, and a recirculation pipe. The device has a 14" tubular inlet for connection to the hot water line and two 14" tubular outlets, one for cold water recirculation and the other for the hot water supplying the shower head. Located in the hot water pipe, downstream of the mixer, is a type K thermocouple temperature sensor consisting of three wires made of different metals and joined at one end. As the temperature increases, the electromotive force also increases, sending this signal to the temperature controller. The operating range of the temperature sensor is 0 to 400 °C. The temperature controller has inlet and outlet ports.The temperature sensor connects to an inlet port, while the outlet ports connect to solenoid valves. This controller operates in an ambient temperature range of -10 to 55°C, with a relative humidity between 35% and 85%. The controller's outputs are connected, via wires, to two solenoid valves. One is normally open, while the other is normally closed. The solenoid valves control fluid flow using an electromagnet which, when activated, generates a magnetic field that moves a plunger, opening or closing the valve as needed. The normally open valve has a 14" inlet and outlet. Its inlet connects to the hot water pipe, and its outlet, via a 14" nipple, connects to a T-fitting with two additional 14" female inlets. One of these inlets connects to the normally closed valve, while its outlet directs the hot water to the shower head.The other inlet of the "T" connection connects to the recirculation pipe, which is responsible for transporting unused cold water, preventing waste.

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it diverts and prevents the flow of residual cold water in the hot water pipe, connected from the water heating device, through the mixer, to the shower head, ensuring the conservation of the water resource.

3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that it allows the flow of water to the shower head only when it reaches the temperature previously programmed by the user, ensuring comfort and efficiency in its use.

4. An electronic controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, by means of electromagnetic pulses, it automatically activates shut-off valves, regulating the passage or restriction of the flow of cold or hot water precisely and without manual intervention.

5. A temperature sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a wide operating range, capable of accurately and reliably monitoring temperature variations in the water flow.

6. A piping system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed to redirect the flow of residual cold water to the central water network, preventing its waste and optimizing its reuse within the domestic system.

7. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe that carries hot water from the heating device to the shower head is filled with cold water, which must be expelled during the heating process. The device's temperature sensor detects the temperature variation, which is recorded by the controller. The temperature controller sends an electrical pulse to two solenoid valves. One valve will remain open, allowing cold water to flow to the recirculation pipe, while the other valve, which allows water to flow to the shower head, will remain closed.When the water reaches the optimal temperature, programmed into the controller by the user, the controller sends a pulse that changes the state of the valves: the valve that was open closes and the one that was closed opens, allowing hot water to reach the shower without wasting cold water.

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