Shower Valve Control Using Occupancy Sensing to Cut Warm-Up Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shower Warm-up Waste results in significant water and energy wastage, with approximately 70% of shower water being left unattended after it reaches a warm temperature, leading to substantial annual losses for hotels and broader environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system utilizing occupancy, temperature, and pressure sensors to control the shower valve, reducing water flow when the shower area is unoccupied and the water temperature is at a steady state, and resuming flow upon detection of a bather's presence, connected via Wi-Fi to cloud-based analytics for data monitoring and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the shower valve remains open to allow water to warm up, then the water temperature reaches steady state, but water and energy are wasted when the shower area is unoccupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by opening the valve early to warm up the water before the bather enters the shower. The occupancy sensor detects when the bather approaches, and the system closes the valve in advance to stop wasting water and energy, while the pre-warmed water remains sufficient for the bather's needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses occupancy sensors to provide feedback about the bather's presence and approach. This feedback loop allows the control system to automatically adjust the valve state - opening it when needed for warming and closing it when the bather is present, eliminating the need for manual control and preventing waste.
2Loss of energy
If the shower valve is closed to stop water flow, then water and energy waste is reduced, but the water temperature cannot be maintained at steady state
Solution Approach 1:
The system closes the valve in advance before the bather enters the shower area, as detected by the occupancy sensor. This preliminary closure stops water flow and energy waste while the pre-heated water in the pipes and shower area remains sufficient to maintain comfortable temperature for the bather.
3Device complexity
If manual control is required to stop water flow, then the system is simple, but user behavior must change and convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the bather's presence through occupancy sensors and autonomously controlling the valve. The system monitors temperature and occupancy, then automatically opens or closes the valve without requiring any manual intervention from the user, thereby maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical control with automated sensor-based control. Occupancy sensors and temperature sensors substitute for manual valve operation, using electronic detection and automated actuation to control water flow based on real-time conditions rather than manual user action.
4Loss of energy
If the occupancy sensor range is extended to detect bather approach, then water waste is reduced earlier, but false detection may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple occupancy sensors positioned at different locations to provide cross-validation feedback. When sensors at multiple positions detect occupancy, the system confirms the bather's approach and activates valve control, reducing false detections while maintaining early warning capability for water waste reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a device that saves water, energy, and money and may record the savings with a software analytics dashboard. The device allows cold water to flow out when the shower is first turned on and slows or shuts water flow once the water is heated and the shower is unoccupied. After the presence of the user is detected, the shower flow may resume.