Description:[001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of water management. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and method for centralized water & Energy recycling for sustainable living.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The following description provides the information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[003] Access to safe water is difficult. 163 million Indians lack access to safe drinking water. Similarly, access to sanitation, where 210 million Indians lack access to improved sanitation. India is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, with only 4% of the world's water resources for 18% of the world's population. As of March 2024, 4.9 million people were affected by groundwater contamination, with salinity and iron being the biggest pollutants. In 2022, 311 river stretches were polluted in India, with Maharashtra having the most contaminated river stretches. Nearly 89% of the groundwater extracted in India is used for irrigation, but traditional irrigation techniques result in a lot of water loss and evaporation. Monsoon rains are crucial, but erratic rainfall patterns worsen water stress in many regions.
[004] Moreover, Centralized air conditioning plants produce water as they cool humid air. This water is usually wasted but can be collected and stored. An average 1.5-ton AC unit can produce around 5-10 litres of water per day. This amounts to approximately 1,800 to 3,650 litres of water annually for a single unit. Air conditioners are among the top-selling electrical appliances in India, largely due to the country's extended periods of extreme heat and high humidity. From May to October, encompassing the pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon months, India experiences six months of intense weather conditions, making air conditioning essential for comfort and relief. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), for every 100 households India has 24 AC units. With a population of 1.45 billion, the number of single unit ACs in India would be around 16,80,00,000 which can harvest 705,60,00,000 litres of water annually.
[005] An average RO purifier wastes approximately 3 litres of water for every 1 litre of purified water. According to this estimate, only 25% of the total water is purified whereas 75% of water comes out as waste, which usually makes its way to the sewage drains. Even with a conservative estimate that 3% of India's population owns an RO unit, this equates to approximately 42 million households. On average, each household uses around 10 litres of purified water daily, which results in approximately 30 litres of wastewater being discarded as greywater due to its high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). This substantial volume of 126 million litre waste water poses a significant environmental concern.
[006] Accordingly, to overcome the prior art limitations based on aforesaid facts. The present invention provides a system and method for centralized water & Energy recycling for sustainable living. Therefore, it would be useful and desirable to have a system, and method to meet the above-mentioned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] The present invention provides a comprehensive and innovative solution by integrating water harvesting, purification, storage, and usage in a closed-loop system. Designed for high-rise buildings and urban settings, this invention addresses the pressing issues of water scarcity and energy efficiency by harnessing condensation from air conditioning units and reject water from reverse osmosis (RO) systems.
[008] The system is enhanced with the introduction of solar-powered pumps, which utilize solar energy to facilitate the movement of water, thus reducing reliance on conventional power sources and promoting sustainability. Additionally, the integration of flow-through turbines in the water pipes allows for the generation of electricity as water is transported through the system. This not only captures the kinetic energy of moving water but also contributes to the building's power supply.
[009] Moreover, the system includes piezoelectric platforms that convert mechanical stress from flowing water into electrical energy, further increasing the system’s self-sufficiency. A thermal energy recovery fixture is also incorporated to utilize the waste heat from air conditioning systems for heating water or air, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the building.
[010] This centralized approach not only provides an efficient method for water collection and distribution but also plays a significant role in environmental impact by minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization. The system supports a variety of functions such as irrigation, aquaculture, and general water storage while promoting green living and sustainable urban infrastructure.
[011] In this respect, before explaining at least one object of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the set of rules and to the arrangements of the various models set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other objects and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, according to the needs of that industry. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[012] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[013] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such a description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[014] FIG. 1, illustrates a flowchart of the centralized water & energy recycling for sustainable living, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[015] FIG. 2, depicts the block diagram of the centralized water & energy recycling for sustainable living, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or are common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[017] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[018] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[019] The present invention relates to a system that aims to optimise water and energy usage by integrating the collection, filtration, and distribution of water from various units (e.g., air conditioning (AC) systems and reverse osmosis (RO) units) into a centralized recycling and storage system. The system features a series of components that include collection tanks, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensors, motorized pumps, valves, and filtration technologies such as carbon filters and UV sterilization, all controlled through a central control unit powered by an Arduino processor. This integrated approach ensures that the water can be reused for various purposes, including irrigation for hydroponics, fish tanks or aquariums, and general water storage for future needs.
[020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the System Components and Functionality include Water Collection from Units such as AC Water Collection. Air conditioning (AC) units (both residential and industrial) naturally generate condensation, which can be collected as water waste. Collection Tank: Water is routed through pipes connected to each AC unit, directed into a Centralized AC Collection Tank. Water Flow Mechanism: Gravity or pumps can be used to direct water from multiple AC units to this centralized tank. Reverse Osmosis (RO) filtration units, which are often used for drinking water, generate a by-product called "reject water" that is typically discarded. This reject water from multiple RO units is directed into a Centralized RO Water Collection Tank, where it is stored for further processing.
[021] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the Water Quality Control includes a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) Sensor. The TDS Sensor is employed in both the AC collection tank and the RO collection tank to monitor water quality in real-time. TDS values provide insight into the purity of the water and the amount of dissolved minerals, salts, and impurities. The system is programmed to alert the central control unit when TDS levels exceed a pre-set threshold, prompting corrective actions (e.g., additional filtration or dilution). The Central Control Unit (Arduino Processor), where the Arduino processor acts as the central brain of the system, gathering data from the TDS sensors, monitoring water levels in collection tanks, and controlling pumps and valves based on real-time conditions. The Arduino also monitors the overall system's health and efficiency, optimizing energy consumption and water use.
[022] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a Water Transfer System includes Motorized Pumps and Valves. The system uses motorized pumps to transfer water from the AC and RO collection tanks to the Combined Holding Tank. The pumps are equipped with automatic valves controlled by the Arduino processor, ensuring that water flows only when needed and that tanks are filled in an efficient manner. The AC Water Pump and RO Water Pump are operated separately, but their operations can be synchronized as needed depending on tank levels and water quality, wherein the ratio of water collected from air conditioning (AC) units to water collected from reverse osmosis (RO) systems is maintained at approximately 2:1
[023] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the Water Filtration System includes a Carbon Filter. After water is transferred to the Combined Holding Tank, it undergoes initial filtration through a carbon filter. Carbon filters are effective at removing chlorine, sediment, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other contaminants. This stage helps ensure that the water is free from any harmful chemicals before it moves on to the UV sterilization step. And a UV Filter where UV sterilisation is used to disinfect the water by neutralizing harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. A UV water filter is installed after the carbon filter, ensuring that the water is safe for use in sensitive environments like aquariums or hydroponic systems.
[024] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the Water Storage and Distribution includes an Underground Storage Tank, where the filtered water is transferred to an underground storage tank. This tank serves as the main reservoir for storing water that can be used later for various applications, such as irrigation, cooling, or even for domestic use. Further, it’s Distribution to Fish Tank/Fisheries, a dedicated pipe and pump system that transfers water from the underground storage tank to a fish tank or fisheries. The clean, filtered water helps maintain optimal conditions for aquatic life, ensuring they receive high-quality water for growth and health. Additionally, Hydroponics System where the filtered water is routed to a hydroponics system, where it serves as the nutrient solution for growing plants in a soilless environment. This closed-loop system helps conserve water and enables the growth of crops without using traditional soil-based agriculture.
[025] Furthermore, the present system integrates energy-efficient pumps and filtration units to minimise power consumption. Additionally, the Arduino processor manages the system's energy usage by activating pumps and filters only when necessary, ensuring that the system operates efficiently. If possible, surplus energy from other parts of the facility (e.g., from renewable sources like solar panels or wind turbines) could be used to power the pumps and sensors, further optimizing the energy footprint of the system. The Arduino system connects to a centralized dashboard (which could be accessible via a local server or cloud-based system), where real-time data from the TDS sensors, pumps, and valves can be monitored. Alerts are triggered when certain parameters (e.g., water levels, TDS levels, or system faults) exceed safe operating thresholds, enabling maintenance personnel to take corrective actions quickly.
[026] The introduction of a solar-powered pump into the system represents a significant advancement in sustainability. By utilizing solar energy to power water transfers from air conditioning units and reverse osmosis systems to the centralized collection tanks, the reliance on traditional electrical power sources is greatly reduced. This not only lowers operational costs but also enhances the overall environmental footprint of the building.
[027] In an innovative use of the system's infrastructure, small turbines have been installed within the water piping system. These turbines are engineered to generate electricity as water flows through them, effectively capturing the kinetic energy of the moving water. This addition serves as a dual-purpose solution, contributing to the building's energy supply while promoting a more sustainable approach to resource utilization.
[028] Furthering the system's energy efficiency, piezoelectric platforms have been strategically integrated into the water flow system. These platforms are composed of materials that generate electrical energy from the mechanical stress and vibrations induced by flowing water. This technology allows the system to convert otherwise wasted kinetic energy into a valuable electrical resource, enhancing the system’s self-sufficiency. The system also incorporates a thermal energy recovery fixture designed to capture and reuse the heat generated by the air conditioning systems. This recovered thermal energy is then employed for heating water or air within other parts of the building, significantly improving the overall energy efficiency of the system and reducing the dependency on external heating sources.
[029] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[030] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.
[031] While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention.
, Claims:1. A centralized water and energy recycling system comprising:
A plurality of air conditioning (AC) units, each generating condensation water;
A single AC collection tank configured to receive and store condensation water from the plurality of AC units;
A plurality of reverse osmosis (RO) filtration units, each generating rejected water;
A single RO water collection tank configured to receive and store reject water from the plurality of RO filtration units;
A Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) sensor configured to monitor the quality of water in both the AC collection tank and the RO water collection tank;
A central control unit connected to the TDS sensor, wherein the central control unit processes data from the TDS sensor and controls the operation of water transfer components;
An Arduino processor integrated with the central control unit to manage water transfer operations based on real-time sensor data and water quality conditions;
Solar-powered pumps to facilitate the transfer of water from the AC and RO collection tanks to a combined holding tank, utilizing solar energy to minimize electrical power usage;
Flow-through turbines integrated within water transfer pipes that generate electricity from the kinetic energy of moving water, enhancing the system's energy self-sufficiency;
Piezoelectric platforms strategically placed to generate additional electricity from mechanical stress induced by water flow;
A thermal energy recovery system configured to recover and utilize waste heat from AC units for heating water or air within the building, thus improving energy efficiency and reducing heating costs

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control unit further comprises motorized pumps and automated valves for transferring water from the AC collection tank and the RO water collection tank to a combined holding tank, wherein the operation of the pumps and valves is controlled by the Arduino processor based on water levels and TDS readings.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water transfer system includes:
A first motorized pump associated with the AC collection tank;
A second motorized pump associated with the RO water collection tank;
A plurality of automated valves operatively connected to the first and second motorized pumps for directing water flow from the respective collection tanks to the combined holding tank.

4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the combined holding tank is equipped with a carbon filter configured to filter organic compounds, chlorine, and sediment from the water, and a UV filter configured to disinfect the water by eliminating pathogens and bacteria.

5. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water, after passing through the carbon filter and UV filter, is transferred to an underground water storage tank for future use, wherein the underground water storage tank is capable of storing water for subsequent distribution to various applications.

6. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the underground water storage tank is configured to supply filtered water to at least one of:
A fish tank or aquaculture system;
A hydroponic farming system for growing plants without soil.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central control unit is programmed to adjust the operation of the motorized pumps and valves based on the real-time data from the TDS sensors, such that when the TDS levels exceed a predefined threshold, corrective actions are automatically taken, including filtering or dilution of the water.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water collection, filtration, storage, and distribution components are housed in a modular and scalable configuration, allowing for easy expansion or adaptation to varying system sizes and water usage requirements.
9. A method for centralized water and energy recycling, comprising the steps of:
Collecting condensation water from a plurality of air conditioning (AC) units into a single AC collection tank;
Collecting reject water from a plurality of reverse osmosis (RO) filtration units into a single RO water collection tank;
Monitoring the total dissolved solids (TDS) levels of water in both the AC collection tank and the RO water collection tank using a TDS sensor;
Using a central control unit and Arduino processor to control the operation of motorized pumps and automated valves for transferring water from the AC collection tank and the RO collection tank to a combined holding tank;
Filtering the water in the combined holding tank using a carbon filter and a UV filter;
Storing the filtered water in an underground storage tank for future use; and
Distributing the stored water to at least one of the fish tanks or fisheries for aquaculture and a hydroponic system for plant cultivation;
Wherein the ratio of water collected from air conditioning (AC) units to water collected from reverse osmosis (RO) systems is maintained at approximately 2:1.
10. The system of any preceding claims, wherein the solar-powered pumps operate with an efficiency ratio of at least 85%, ensuring that the majority of the solar energy received is directly converted into mechanical energy for water transfer, thereby maximizing energy conservation and reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources and the flow-through turbines generate electricity at a ratio of kinetic energy to electrical energy conversion of 70% of the kinetic energy from the moving water is converted into usable electrical energy, enhancing the overall energy sustainability of the building.