Modular Graywater Reservoir System for Point-of-Use Water Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional whole-home graywater systems are costly, complex, and inefficient, failing to optimize water treatment for specific uses due to their static nature, leading to limited water savings and infeasibility for most domestic users.
Innovation Solution
A point-of-use water management system that includes a reservoir device connected to washing machines, capable of identifying washing machine cycles and water use sequences to selectively provide recycled or fresh water, optimizing water usage based on specific needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional whole-home graywater systems are implemented, then water re-use is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water re-use system into multiple separate reservoirs, each dedicated to specific water sources (washing machine, shower, sink) and specific uses. This segmentation allows each reservoir to be independently managed with appropriate treatment levels, avoiding the complexity of a single whole-home system while achieving water re-use savings.
2Loss of substance
If static treatment of all water to a single reservoir is used, then water re-use is achieved, but treatment efficiency decreases due to unnecessary treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different treatment qualities to different water streams based on their specific characteristics and intended uses. For example, washing machine water may receive different treatment than shower water, and each reservoir is optimized for its specific re-use purpose. This local quality approach eliminates unnecessary treatment energy while maintaining water re-use effectiveness.
3Loss of substance
If conventional graywater systems are installed, then some water savings are achieved, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control systems that monitor water quality, reservoir levels, and appliance usage in real-time. This allows the system to automatically adjust treatment processes, pump operations, and reservoir selection based on current conditions, reducing maintenance requirements while maximizing water savings. The dynamic adaptation prevents issues before they occur and optimizes operation continuously.
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 system achieves water savings of up to 60% by tailoring water use to specific washing machine cycles, reducing maintenance costs and improving water quality for laundry, while minimizing the footprint and costs associated with conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
storing, by the reservoir device, the volume of waste water in a reservoir of the reservoir device
Implementation Method 2
converting, by the reservoir device, the volume of waste water into a volume of recycled water
Data Source
AI summary
A water use management system may be installed in a setting that contains a primary infrastructure for water use to provide an alternate, modular infrastructure for water use. Fresh water used at various points of use, such as a shower or sink, may be diverted into the modular infrastructure prior to draining into the primary infrastructure. Once diverted, the precedent use water is received at a reservoir system where it is treated for a subsequent use. Treatment may include filtration and/or chemical treatment, and may be based upon sensor feedback from the reservoir system. Once treated, the water is ready for subsequent use and may flow from the reservoir system, via the modular infrastructure, to a subsequent point of use, such as a toilet.