Flow-Powered Water Fitting for Battery-Free Meter Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water meters in water supply networks lack a reliable source of electrical power, leading to increased maintenance costs, unavailability of smart meter data, and limited functionality due to battery replacement needs and power consumption constraints.
Innovation Solution
A water fitting housing with a rotor member and stator member configuration that generates electrical power from fluid flow, providing power for water meters and non-return valves, allowing for continuous operation and data transmission without battery replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery power is used in conventional water meters, then the meter can operate and transmit data, but the battery requires periodic replacement which increases maintenance costs and causes unavailability of smart meter data
Solution Approach 1:
The water meter system generates its own electrical power through a rotor-stator mechanism driven by water flow, eliminating the need for external battery replacement. The system serves itself by converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical energy to power its own operations including data transmission and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (battery) with a mechanical energy conversion system (rotor-stator generator). The mechanical rotation of the rotor driven by water flow induces electrical current in the stator windings through electromagnetic induction, providing continuous power without chemical degradation or replacement needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If battery power is used in water meters, then the meter can function, but power consumption is limited by battery capacity which restricts functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor-stator generator provides continuous electrical power as long as water flows through the meter, eliminating the intermittent operation and functionality restrictions imposed by battery capacity. The system can continuously perform data collection, processing, transmission, and other functions without being constrained by stored energy limits.
3Device complexity
If no power source is provided in water meters, then the system is simple, but maintenance costs increase and smart meter data becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor-stator assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow measurement indicator (rotor rotation proportional to water flow) and an electrical power generator. This multi-functionality adds minimal complexity while simultaneously providing power for data transmission and processing, improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
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
The solution enables continuous operation of water meters and smart meter data transmission by harnessing fluid flow energy, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing functionality by eliminating battery replacement needs and power consumption limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor member located at least partially within the main body section of the housing and including at least one magnetic element configured to be driven by a flow of fluid through the housing; and a stator member located with respect to the rotor member such that rotation of the or each magnetic element induces an electrical current in the stator member to generate electrical power
Data Source
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AI summary
A water fitting housing comprising: a main body section having first and second ends and a first channel connecting the first and second ends; a first attachment arrangement located towards a first end of the main body section; a second attachment arrangement located towards a second end of the main body section; a rotor member located at least partially within the main body section of the housing and including at least one magnetic element configured to be driven by a flow of fluid through the housing; and a stator member located with respect to the rotor member such that rotation of the or each magnetic element induces an electrical current in the stator member to generate electrical power, wherein the first attachment arrangement is suitable to be attached to an attachment member which is substantially identical to the second attachment arrangement.