Dynamic Water Meter Valve Control for Accurate Flow Throttling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water utility meters with integrated valves face challenges in accurately limiting water flow due to varying input pressures and the risk of total shutdown from valve issues, while existing throttling mechanisms are inefficient and energy-intensive, and do not adapt well to non-continuous flow patterns.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic water utility meter with a flow sensor, actuator, and controller unit that adjusts the valve position based on measured flow rates to maintain maximum and minimum flow limits, ensuring accurate throttling and energy conservation, and preventing total shutdown by adjusting valve positions in increments and decrements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static throttling position is used for the valve, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of flow rate limitation deteriorates due to varying input pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic throttling control where the valve position is continuously adjusted based on real-time flow rate measurements from the flow sensor. The controller unit dynamically modifies the valve opening to maintain the maximum flow rate limit despite varying input pressures from the distribution network, replacing static throttling with an adaptive dynamic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual flow rate through the flow sensor and comparing it to the maximum flow rate limit. The controller unit uses this feedback information to adjust the valve position accordingly, ensuring accurate flow rate limitation while adapting to changing pressure conditions.
2Ease of operation
If a constant throttling level is applied to all consumers, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to individual consumption patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from constant throttling to dynamic throttling that adapts to individual consumption patterns. The controller unit continuously adjusts the valve position based on real-time flow rate data, enabling the system to respond to varying consumer needs and usage patterns while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The water utility meter performs self-adjustment of the throttling level based on its own measurements and the established maximum flow rate limit. The system automatically monitors its own operation and adjusts the valve position without external intervention, adapting to consumption patterns while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Productivity
If the valve opening is reduced to limit maximum flow rate, then the productivity of water consumption is controlled, but the reliability of continuous water supply deteriorates due to risk of total shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the flow sensor to continuously monitor the actual flow rate. When the flow rate approaches the maximum limit, the controller unit adjusts the valve position to maintain the limit without causing complete shutdown. The feedback mechanism ensures the valve remains in a position that limits flow while maintaining continuous supply.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reducing the valve opening to the minimum necessary position, the system applies partial throttling that maintains flow rates just at the maximum limit. This partial action approach ensures continuous water supply while still achieving the desired flow rate limitation, avoiding the excessive action that would cause total shutdown.
4Measurement precision
If the valve position is frequently adjusted to optimize flow rate, then the measurement precision of flow control is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates due to actuator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic adjustment of the valve position based on flow rate measurements and established criteria. Rather than continuous adjustment, the controller unit modifies the valve position at periodic intervals when flow rate deviations are detected, maintaining measurement precision while reducing actuator operation frequency and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines when valve adjustment is necessary based on real-time flow rate conditions. The controller unit adjusts the valve position dynamically only when flow rate deviations exceed acceptable thresholds, optimizing the balance between control precision and energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary actuator operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A water utility meter configured for dynamic throttling and arranged to register and manage the amount of water delivered to a consumption site from a distribution network is disclosed. The water utility meter comprises a flow sensor for measuring a flow rate through the water utility meter, a valve for limiting the flow rate from the distribution network to the consumption site, an actuator for changing a valve position so that the valve may be in an open position or a closed position or a variable throttling position and a controller unit arranged to control the actuator. The controller unit is further configured to monitor the flow rate using the flow sensor, to verify if the flow rate exceeds a maximum flow rate limit or does not exceed a minimum flow rate limit and if the limits are exceeded adjust the valve position to change the maximum flowrate.