Resource consumption measurement system and method
Solution Overview
Problem
The growing population in metropolitan areas puts a strain on municipal water supply systems, leading to increased costs due to higher water usage, necessitating improved systems for monitoring resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation flow controller system that collects and analyzes water consumption data by electronically communicating with irrigation valves, identifying minimal consumption periods, and calculating flow rates to optimize water usage, which can be extended to monitor other resources like natural gas and electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional water metering systems are used, then water consumption is measured, but the measurement precision is insufficient to accurately attribute consumption to specific sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments water consumption measurement into multiple independent measurement points (main water meter, irrigation valve meters, individual zone meters) rather than using a single aggregate measurement. This segmentation enables precise attribution of water consumption to specific irrigation zones and time periods, directly resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular metering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that acts as a mediator between the physical water flow and the measurement/recordation process. The controller receives data from multiple meters, correlates it with valve operation timing, and produces attributed consumption data. This intermediary layer enables precise measurement attribution without requiring direct complex integration of all measurement components.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed during periods of normal water usage, then flow rate calculations can be obtained, but the accuracy of consumption attribution is compromised due to overlapping water usage signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs calibration during predetermined low-water-usage periods (such as early morning hours) before normal water consumption begins. This preliminary timing of calibration ensures that baseline flow measurements are obtained without interference from household water usage, achieving high measurement accuracy. The calibration is scheduled in advance during times when water consumption is minimal or zero, eliminating the need to wait for calibration opportunities during higher usage periods.
3Measurement precision
If irrigation valves are operated frequently for calibration, then flow rate data can be collected, but water consumption increases during calibration periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration cycles where irrigation valves are opened and closed at scheduled intervals during low-water-usage periods to collect flow rate data. Rather than continuous or frequent calibration operations, the system performs calibration periodically (e.g., daily or weekly) during predetermined time windows when normal water usage is minimal. This periodic approach maintains measurement accuracy while minimizing additional water consumption associated with calibration operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device may be used to provide irrigation water consumption data. An irrigation flow controller may include an irrigation valve interface and controller that communicates with irrigation valves to open and close the valves. An identification module identifies one or more time periods when water consumption is not likely to occur or is likely minimal and a calibration module opens and closes the irrigation valves according to calibration schedule data. A timestamp module may identify a calibration valve open time and a calibration valve close time for the irrigation valves and a computational module may calculate a computed flow rate for the irrigation valves based on the calibration valve open time, the calibration valve close time, and the actual water usage data that occurred between the calibration valve open time and the calibration valve close time. The computed flow rate may be utilized to identify anomalies and provide notifications thereof.