Smart Water Valve Calibration via Pressure Decay Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calibrating normally closed smart water supply control systems with leak detection are inconvenient, time-consuming, and prone to operator error, requiring specific training and a reference volume to be manually determined by discharging water downstream of the valve, which is not efficient.
Innovation Solution
A calibration device and method using a normally closed primary electrically actuated valve and pressure sensor, where an auxiliary valve is controlled by an electronic control module to divert water through an orifice, measuring the time it takes for system pressure to decrease from a first to a second predetermined pressure, allowing for automatic calculation and input of the Calibration Factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calibration method is used (discharging water downstream to determine reference volume), then calibration can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically using its own components. The electronic control module controls the auxiliary valve to discharge water through the orifice and automatically measures the pressure decay time, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operator error while saving time
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of discharging water and measuring volume is replaced by an automated electronic system that measures pressure decay over time. The electronic control module automatically controls the valve, monitors pressure, calculates the calibration factor, and stores it in memory, transforming a manual mechanical task into an automated electronic measurement process
2Ease of manufacture
If manual calibration method is used, then reference volume can be determined, but specific training is required and operator error is vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration automatically using its own components. The electronic control module controls the auxiliary valve to discharge water through the orifice and automatically measures the pressure decay time, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing operator error while saving time
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the pressure sensor to automatically adjust and determine the calibration factor. The electronic control module continuously monitors pressure during the discharge process and uses this feedback to calculate the reference volume, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing operator error
3Productivity
If automatic calibration is implemented, then calibration time is reduced and operator error is minimized, but additional device components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary valve serves multiple functions: it can be opened to discharge water for calibration, closed to stop discharge, and its operation is controlled by the existing electronic control module. The orifice provides a fixed, known flow resistance that enables automatic calculation of the calibration factor. These existing components are utilized for their additional calibration function, minimizing the need for separate dedicated calibration hardware
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
This approach simplifies the calibration process, reduces operator error, and provides a convenient method for confirming proper operation of the leak detection function, enabling efficient and accurate calibration of the NCWSC system.
Implementation Method 1
measure the time it takes the system pressure of the main water supply to decrease from a first predetermined pressure to a second predetermined pressure based on input from the pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A built-in calibration sub-system of, or an auxiliary device to be used with, a normally closed water supply control system of the type that uses a single pressure sensor and a pressure decay versus time measurement to make volumetric flow determinations for water supply control purposes, including leak detection and flood risk mitigation is provided. The present disclosure provides a system that uses an auxiliary electrically actuated valve and an orifice to cause a controlled flow of water to discharge from a plumbing network over a pre-determined pressure range such that the normally closed water supply control system's microprocessor can calculate the calibration factor it needs that relates change in pressure over time to volumetric flow rate. Methods of calibration and testing of the leak detection feature of a normally closed water supply control system are also provided.