Water Meter Temperature Verification Using Flow-Based Save Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of accurately determining the temperature of water in a water supply network is exacerbated by the increasing risk of temperature deviations due to higher ambient temperatures and the placement of pipes closer to the ground surface, which complicates monitoring and adherence to the maximum temperature requirement of 25°C to prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a water meter with integrated quantity and temperature detection means to verify a 'save condition' ensuring the water temperature in the meter corresponds to the network temperature, allowing reliable temperature determination by using quantity information to validate the acquired temperature data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If water meters are placed inside buildings for ease of access and billing purposes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the temperature of the water in the meter deviates from the network temperature due to building ambient temperature, worsening the measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses quantity information as an intermediary indicator to indirectly verify temperature measurement validity. Instead of directly measuring network temperature, the system uses water consumption data to infer whether the measured temperature reflects actual network conditions or has been influenced by building ambient temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using quantity information to validate temperature measurements. When quantity thresholds are met, it confirms the temperature reading is reliable; when thresholds are not met, it indicates the reading may be inaccurate due to thermal equilibrium with the building environment
2Ease of manufacture
If pipes are laid closer to the ground surface to reduce costs, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the temperature of the water increases due to higher ambient temperatures, worsening the reliability of temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification using quantity information before accepting temperature measurements. By checking consumption patterns in advance, it determines whether the temperature reading was taken under conditions that ensure network temperature accuracy, compensating for the increased thermal exposure from shallow pipe laying
3Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented to ensure compliance with maximum temperature limits, then the reliability of temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and verification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the water meter multi-functional by integrating both quantity measurement and temperature detection capabilities into a single device. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable temperature surveillance through the use of existing meter infrastructure
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 accurate and reliable monitoring of water temperature in the supply network, ensuring compliance with temperature limits and providing additional data for consumption and frost protection, while overcoming temperature deviations within the meter.
Implementation Method 1
At least one piece of temperature information relating to a temperature of the water situated in the region of the water meter is acquired by means of a temperature detection means
Implementation Method 2
at least one piece of quantity information relating to a quantity of water reaching the point of consumption via the connection apparatus is acquired by means of a quantity detection means of the water meter
Implementation Method 3
the temperature of the water present in the water meter approaches the prevalent temperature in the surroundings of the water meter over time in accordance with Newton's law of cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A method determines the temperature of the water present in a water supply network. The water supply network is connected to a point of consumption arranged in a building via a connection apparatus that leads into the building from the outside. The connection apparatus contains a water meter. A piece of quantity information relating to a quantity of water reaching the point of consumption via the connection apparatus is acquired by a quantity detector of the water meter. A piece of temperature information relating to a temperature of the water situated in the region of the water meter is acquired by a temperature detector. Wherein a fulfilment of a save condition is verified, the latter being fulfilled if the quantity information yields that a temperature of the water situated in the region of the water meter corresponds to the temperature of the water present in the water supply network.