Leak Detection in Building Fluid Networks Using Flow Meter Pulse Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid supply network leak detection methods are costly and inefficient, requiring multiple sensors and complex communication infrastructure, especially when trying to reuse functional but outdated meters in buildings.
Innovation Solution
A method using a conventional flow meter with higher measurement accuracy, in conjunction with a meter device, to detect leaks by evaluating signals from both devices, allowing for leak detection without precise measurement of leakage flow rates, and transmitting this information through existing metering infrastructure to a smart meter gateway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensors and complex communication infrastructure are deployed for leak detection, then leak detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the leak detection function from complex sensor arrays and isolates it to a single flow meter's existing pulse output. By taking out only the essential measurement function and eliminating unnecessary sensors and communication infrastructure, the system achieves leak detection with minimal device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If functional but outdated meters are replaced with modern electronic meters, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables outdated meters to serve themselves by utilizing their existing pulse output capability. Instead of requiring replacement with modern electronic meters, the system makes the old meters useful again by connecting their pulse outputs to a flow meter, allowing continued operation without financial loss while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for leak detection.
3Measurement precision
If a flow meter with higher measurement accuracy is used below the minimum measuring range of the counter, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the counter device universal by enabling it to serve dual purposes: traditional billing functions and leak detection. By configuring the counter to evaluate pulse signals from the flow meter in addition to its standard metering function, the system achieves high measurement precision for detecting flows below the minimum measuring range without adding separate dedicated leak detection devices, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device (30) for detecting a leak in a fluid supply network (12) of a building (50).