Flow-Driven Power Generator for Remote Water Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated water meter reading systems face limitations such as limited battery life, restricted transmission range, and lack of remote addressability, making them inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A remote water meter monitoring system that harnesses mechanical energy from water flow to generate power using a pair of magnetically coupled rotors and coils, incorporating a rectifier circuit, capacitors, and a battery management system to enable two-way communication and remote data transmission, along with a mesh-type controller and antenna for efficient data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated meter reading techniques are used to capture and transmit meter reading information electronically, then labor intensity is reduced, but battery life is limited and transmission range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates its own power through a flow-driven generator that converts the kinetic energy of passing water into electrical energy. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external battery replacement and extends operational duration indefinitely, as the generator continuously charges the battery whenever water flows through the meter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional battery-only power system with a hybrid system that uses a flow-driven generator to convert mechanical energy from water flow into electrical energy. This substitution transforms the static battery system into a dynamic self-recharging system that leverages the natural flow of water to generate power.
2Reliability
If automated meter reading techniques are used, then manual reading errors are reduced, but transmission range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a mesh network topology that changes the communication parameters from direct-point-to-point to multi-hop relay communication. This allows data to be transmitted over extended distances by relaying through intermediate nodes, effectively expanding the transmission range beyond what a single battery-powered device could achieve independently.
3Device complexity
If conventional battery-powered systems are used, then device complexity is kept simple, but remote addressability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh network controller provides multiple functions including data collection, routing, and remote communication capabilities. This single component enables the system to perform both local monitoring and remote addressability, allowing the meter to be accessed and controlled from distant locations without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
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 extends battery life, enhances transmission range, and allows for accurate, remote monitoring of water usage, reducing operational costs and improving data accuracy while enabling additional features like remote shut-off and water quality monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a power generator, wherein the power generator is powered by a flow of water through the water meter body
Implementation Method 2
at least one rectifier circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote water meter monitoring system is provided. A mesh network-type transceiver unit is coupled to a water meter housing having a water counting mechanism inside to transmit water consumption information as well as other sensor information, such as backflow detection, water pressure, and water metrics (e.g., residual chlorine and temperature) to a central server system via a bridge device and a corresponding mesh network. Mechanical energy from the water flowing through the water meter housing is converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. An electrically powered shut off valve is remote addressable via the transceiver unit.