Pressure-Powered Water Meter Reading Without Battery Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water meter reading systems require human intervention, are inefficient, and rely on batteries or external power sources, making them costly and impractical for widespread use, especially in vacant properties.
Innovation Solution
A system that harnesses pressure changes in water pipes to generate energy for remote water meter reading, using a piston or membrane to convert mechanical energy into electricity, eliminating the need for batteries and external power, and allowing for automated data transmission to a water company.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a battery powered device is used for remote water meter reading, then automated reading is achieved, but maintenance cost increases due to battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The water meter reading device powers itself by harvesting energy from the water flow through which it is installed. The device converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into electrical energy to operate its own sensors, memory, and communication functions, eliminating the need for external battery replacement by technicians.
2Reliability
If a technician visits the property to change batteries, then the reading device remains powered, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts energy directly from the water flow passing through the meter, converting hydraulic energy into electrical energy. This self-powering mechanism eliminates ongoing operational costs associated with technician visits for battery replacement while maintaining continuous device operation and reliability.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If cabling is provided from mains power source to water meter, then continuous power is available, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the hydraulic energy already present in the water flow through the meter. By installing a turbine or impeller within the water flow path, the kinetic energy of the moving water directly drives the power generation mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical cabling or power infrastructure installation.
4Loss of time
If solar powered photovoltaic solution is used, then battery-free operation is achieved, but the water meter is restricted to outdoors
Solution Approach 1:
The device harnesses energy from the water flow itself, which is available regardless of the installation location. Since the power source is the moving water rather than sunlight, the meter can be installed indoors or outdoors, in basements, utility rooms, or any location where water flow is present, greatly expanding installation versatility.
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
Enables remote, automated, and battery-free water meter reading, reducing operational costs and maintenance, and allowing for continuous monitoring of water consumption without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
harnesses the pressure changes in the water pipe network to produce the energy and power that reading the water meter, from time to time, requires
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical energy is used to rotate an electromagnetic motor, which acts as a generator
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical energy is used to rotate an electromagnetic motor, which acts as a generator, and the electric power therefrom is used to power a sensor and a memory
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a water meter reading device having a piston (503) or a membrane (527) that moves with the pressure changes of the water pipe (301, 501, 601) network. The movement charges a capacitor (704) with electric energy released for reading the water meter. This makes it possible to realise the system without a battery, as the electricity needed for reading the water meter, and communicating the water meter reading to the water company, is used at the same moment that the electricity is generated. This also has the consequence that the water meter readings occur at the same time as the pressure changes in the water pipe (301, 501, 601) network.