Drinking Water System with Temperature-Controlled Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drinking water systems with cold water distribution networks face challenges in maintaining hygienic conditions due to the growth of bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella, leading to high water consumption and operating costs, as current flushing methods are uncontrolled and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Implementing controlled line regulating valves in ring, storey, and riser lines that adjust water flow based on temperature, ensuring water circulates at a hygienically advantageous temperature below 9°C, with integrated cooling devices and filters to prevent bacterial growth, while minimizing water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If regular flushing is performed to maintain drinking water quality and prevent cold water from heating up, then hygienic conditions are improved, but water consumption increases sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flushing frequency and intensity based on temperature sensors that monitor water temperature in different pipe sections. When temperature approaches the critical threshold (e.g., 7°C), the system automatically initiates targeted flushing only in affected areas, rather than performing uniform system-wide flushing. This dynamic response optimizes water quality maintenance while minimizing unnecessary water consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements localized temperature monitoring and controlled flushing in specific pipe sections where temperature elevation is detected, rather than flushing the entire system uniformly. Temperature sensors are placed at critical locations, and flushing valves are activated only in the affected local areas, preserving water quality where needed while avoiding waste in areas that remain within acceptable temperature ranges.
2Temperature
If uncontrolled flushing is performed at regular intervals, then water temperature is maintained below 9°C, but operating costs increase due to complete water exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs temperature sensors that continuously monitor water temperature in ring mains and provide feedback to a control unit. When the sensor detects that temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., approaching 7°C), the control unit automatically activates flushing valves to cool the water. This closed-loop feedback control ensures temperature maintenance only when necessary, eliminating unnecessary flushing operations and reducing energy consumption for water pumping and treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing flushing at fixed regular intervals regardless of actual conditions, the system implements periodic flushing actions triggered by temperature conditions. The control unit monitors temperature continuously and initiates flushing only when the temperature threshold is approached, creating a condition-based periodic action pattern that reduces overall flushing frequency and associated operating costs while maintaining effective temperature control.
3Quantity of substance
If fresh water is supplied at higher temperature in midsummer, then water availability is ensured, but bacterial growth risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains water temperature below the critical threshold (7°C) even when inlet water temperature rises in summer by increasing flushing frequency in affected sections. The control unit detects temperature changes and adjusts flushing parameters (frequency, duration, intensity) dynamically to compensate for higher inlet temperatures, ensuring that the water temperature in the distribution system remains within the safe range that prevents bacterial growth while maintaining adequate water availability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively maintains hygienic water temperatures, reduces water consumption, and prevents bacterial growth, ensuring compliance with health standards without increasing operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
a device for cooling the water flowing through is integrated into this circulation line, by means of which the drinking or service water can be cooled or chilled to a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
a controlled line regulating valve is switched on, which, depending on an adjustable temperature when the temperature of the water flowing through the ring line is above a setpoint value, regulates the flow up to a maximum value opens and, if the temperature is below this, limits the flow to a minimum value
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
The drinking water or domestic water system comprises a piping system, which has a connection (1) to a public water supply network. The piping system has a flow pipe or ascending pipe (12) and a return piping (11) forming a closed circulation piping, in which a unit (3) for cooling the flowing water is integrated, by which the drinking or domestic water is cooled at a predetermined temperature. An independent claim is also included for a temperature controlled valve, particularly circulation valve for use in a cold drinking water or cold domestic water system.