Self-Powered Water Meter Reading From Pipe Pressure Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current water meter reading methods require human intervention and battery-powered devices, which are inefficient and labor-intensive, especially for vacant properties, and do not allow for continuous, automated water consumption data collection.
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 drive a spring-loaded generator, powering an electromagnetic motor to capture and transmit consumption data without a battery, utilizing energy harvesting from hydrostatic and kinetic pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If battery-powered devices are used for remote water meter reading, then automation is improved, but maintenance complexity increases due to battery replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The system harvests energy from the water flow itself to power the reading device, making the system self-sufficient without external battery replacements or maintenance. The water flow directly charges the capacitor that powers the reading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical energy storage system (batteries) with a direct mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion system using piezoelectric elements that convert water flow pressure into electrical energy for powering the reading device.
2Reliability
If technician visits are used for water meter reading, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive processes
Solution Approach 1:
The water meter reading system automatically reads and transmits data without requiring technician visits. The system uses the water flow itself to power the reading operation, enabling continuous automated monitoring while maintaining reading accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs water meter readings periodically based on water flow events, capturing consumption data at relevant intervals without requiring continuous technician presence, thus improving efficiency while maintaining data reliability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar powered photovoltaic solutions are used, then energy independence is improved, but adaptability decreases due to outdoor location restriction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces solar photovoltaic energy harvesting with piezoelectric energy harvesting from water flow pressure. This substitution removes the dependency on outdoor sunlight conditions, allowing the system to be installed anywhere in the water pipeline regardless of location or weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the hydraulic energy already present in the water flow to generate electricity through piezoelectric elements, converting the kinetic and pressure energy of moving water into electrical energy for powering the reading device.
4Use of energy by moving object
If pressure changes are used to generate energy, then energy independence is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric elements serve dual functions: they generate electrical energy from water flow pressure to power the reading device, and they can also potentially serve as sensors for flow measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the energy harvesting function with the existing water meter infrastructure by integrating piezoelectric elements directly into the flow path, merging multiple functions (flow measurement, energy generation, power supply) into a single integrated system.
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 self-powered, automated water meter reading and transmission, reducing the need for technician visits and allowing continuous data collection even in vacant properties, while maintaining existing infrastructure and avoiding battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
the water department can send a pressure change into the water pipe network, preferably by first lowering the pressure and then increasing it. This pressure pulse should be small enough to be structurally safe for that water pipe network, but big enough in hydrostatic pressure change to generate an electric power pulse
Implementation Method 2
A further object of the invention is to realise wide scale self-powered self-reading of water meters for water companies. In one aspect of the invention a legacy water meter has a mechanical memory. For example, there are revolving counter readings in the water meter that display the amount of water consumed. An aspect of the invention involves a piston that moves with the pressure in the water pipe. Increased pressure in the water pipe causes the piston to be pushed and move a spring into compression or move a lever or a gear box harnessing mechanical energy.
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 to capture the consumption reading of the water meter, and transmit the consumption reading data to the water company using a communication link.
Data Source
AI summary
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 is disclosed. The movement charges a capacitor (704) with electric energy released for reading the water meter. This makes it possible to realize 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.