“A METHOD FOR MONITORING, COMMUNICATING AND CONTROLLING WATER
CONSUMPTION AND AVAILABILITY AND SYSTEM THEREOF”
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring, communicating and
controlling water consumption and availability and system thereof. More specifically,
the present invention relates to controlling and monitoring of liquids (especially
water) levels, consumption and availability in homes or commercial sites, indoors or
outdoors. The system of the present invention is capable of communicating the
information or being controlled from remote locations. The system is user
programmable for the type of actions that it can perform automatically to achieve the
desired results. The system is capable of maintaining historical data, learning the
behaviour of the site, run analytics and give predictions and advisory to the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the wiki page for water; some observers have estimated that by 2025
more than half of the world population will be facing water-based vulnerability. A
report, issued in November 2009, suggests that by 2030, in some developing regions
of the world, water demand will exceed supply by 50%.
It is also important to note that not only the scarcity of usable water is a threat but the
abundance of unusable water is also a problem as it can create multiple problems.
With these facts in mind it was realized that we need a system that can efficiently
monitor water be it in tanks, sewerages, drainages or elsewhere so that it can be
efficiently managed to not only increase the availability of usable water but also to
protect infrastructure and improve the efficiency of the related services.
OBJECTIVES OF INVENTION
The main objective of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the above
mentioned problems.
Another objective of the present invention is to minimize the wastage/consumption of
water on domestic stage or commercial stage.
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Yet another objective of the present invention is to monitor, manage and predict the
availability and consumption of usable/unusable water at domestic stage or
commercial stage.
Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly monitoring
system capable of communicating with the user located at remote site or local site, to
transmit information regarding availability/consumption of the water.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for monitoring, communicating and
controlling water and system thereof. Accordingly the present invention relates to a
method for monitoring, communicating and controlling liquid’s (like water etc.)
consumption and availability at domestic stage or commercial stage and predicting &
advising the future usage of water to users at sites or from remote locations, the said
method comprising, receiving and storing water from the first set of main supply lines
in one or more underground tanks (UGT) via first set of electronic pumps;
transferring the stored water of step (a) to one or more overhead tanks (OHT) via
second set of electronic pumps and supply lines, and collecting the same in OHTs;
supplying the collected water of step (b) to one or more household vats of individual
users vide third set of electronic pumps and supply lines; arranging at least one
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and operationally configuring with all UGT, OHT,
first, second and third set of electronic pumps, sensors, actuators, meters and supply
lines, and household vats of individual users at various predefined locations;
monitoring critical parameters continuously by sensors and meters deployed in the
supply lines (first, second and third set), located at inlet and outlet of electronic pumps
(the first, second and third set) and sending output from the sensor to the ECU;
monitoring critical parameters continuously by sensors located in OHTs, UGTs and
household vats, and sending outputs from the sensor to the ECU; calculating and
computing the information received in steps (e) & (f) at ECU by various set of rules
or logics in the processing unit of ECU and communicating the same to users in
respect of consumptions & availability of water, by display units connected with the
ECU, whereby the availability of water and consumption of water is reflected by
Audio mode, video mode and/or access by cloud based system and/or personal
computer or mobiles or tablets; controlling, predicting and advising to users about the
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consumption of water, based upon various information stored and recorded at ECU;
keeping the users informed about details online or off-line or quasi modes by viewability
mechanisms that are capable of being configured to work simultaneously or in
any combination as required and/or desired by end user.
The present invention also relates to a user-friendly household water
monitoring system comprising at least one underground tank (UGT) provided to
receive and store liquid pumped through a first set of main supply lines from a source.
At least one overhead tank (OHT) provided to receive and store liquid propelled from
the underground tank (UGT). At least one household vat provided to receive and store
liquid propelled from the overhead tank (OHT). First set of pumps configured to
propel the liquid through the first set of main supply lines to the underground tank
(UGT). Second set of pumps configured to propel the liquid from underground tank
(UGT) to the overhead tank (OHT) through the main supply line. Third set of pump
configured to propel the liquid from the overhead tank to plurality of household vat
through a secondary supply line. Plurality of sensors being deployed in the
underground tank (UGT), overhead tank (OHT), household vats and at inlet
region/outlet region of the first set of pumps, second set of pumps and the third set of
pumps; a means for connecting the sensors to an electronic control unit (ECU) for
transmitting data between the sensors and the electronic control unit; whereby the
ECU consists a microprocessor for receiving data from the sensors and computing the
communicating data based on set of rules and logics. At least one display unit
provided at the user’s end for monitoring the data collected by the electronic control
unit, whereby the display unit being connected to the electronic control unit through a
local network or a cloud server.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood
from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures.
The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form
part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the aspects and explain
various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
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Figure 1 and 2 illustrates an example of a user friendly household water monitoring
system according to an aspect of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an example of a method by which the user friendly household
monitoring system is exercised according to an aspect of the present invention.
Figure 4a-4c shows a graphical representation of the water consumption/availability
on hourly/daily basis and pump status, according to an aspect of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the
figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that
it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative
falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
Before describing the embodiments in detail it may be observed that the
novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides
in a system and method of monitor ing and managing liquid; especially water,
availability, consumption or level for domestic, public or industrial use. It is to be
noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention
and modify the various constructions of syst em, set up assembly, which are
varying from project to project. However, such modification should be construed
within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings are showing
only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of
the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the
description herein.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, setup, device
that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but
may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such s ys t em,
setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus
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proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the
existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. The
following paragraphs explain present invention wherein a method for monitoring,
communicating and controlling water and system thereof. The invention in respect of
the same may be deduced accordingly.
Accordingly the present invention relates to a method for monitoring, communicating
and controlling water consumption and availability at domestic stage or commercial
stage and predicting & advising the future usage of water to users at sites or from
remote locations, the said method comprising the steps:
(a) receiving and storing water from the first set of main supply lines in one or
more underground tanks (UGT) via first set of electronic pumps;
(b) transferring the stored water of step (a) to one or more overhead tanks
(OHT) via second set of electronic pumps and supply lines, and collecting
the same in OHT’s;
(c) supplying the collected water of step (b) to one or more household vats of
individual users vide third set of electronic pumps and supply lines;
(d) arranging at least one Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and operationally
configuring with all UGT, OHT, first, second and third set of electronic
pumps, sensors, actuators, meters and supply lines, and household vats of
individual users at various predefined locations;
(e) monitoring critical parameters continuously by sensors and meters
deployed in the supply lines (first, second and third set), located at inlet
and outlet of electronic pumps (the first, second and third set) and sending
output from the sensor to the ECU;
(f) monitoring critical parameters continuously by sensors located in OHT’s
UGTs and household vats, and sending outputs from the sensor to the
ECU;
(g) calculating and computing the information received in steps (e) & (f) at
ECU by various set of rules or logics in the processing unit of ECU and
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communicating the same to users in respect of consumptions & availability
of water, by display units connected with the ECU, whereby the
availability of water and consumption of water is reflected by Audio mode,
video mode or GUI and/or access by cloud based system and/or personal
computer or mobiles or tablets;
(h) controlling, predicting and advising to users about the consumption of
water, based upon various information stored and recorded at ECU;
(i) keeping the users informed about details online or off-line or quasi modes
by view-ability mechanisms that are capable of being configured to work
simultaneously or in any combination as required and/or desired by end
user.
A first aspect of present invention, wherein in step (d) the ECU is operationally
configured with electronic pumps, supply lines and tanks, through wired/wireless
discrete sensors or continuous sensors or in combination thereof.
Another aspect of present invention, wherein in step (e) the sensors deployed in tanks
and inlet/outlet of electronic pumps, are selected from set of analog sensors, digital
sensors, logic based virtual sensors, meters or in combination thereof.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (e) and (f) the critical
parameters are water level, amount of water leakage, pump status, water flow rate and
motor RPM.
Yet another aspect of present invention, wherein in step (e) and (f) the ECU receives
the output from the sensors, through plurality of sensing lines, discrete sensor,
continuous sensors or in combination thereof.
In one another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (g) the ECU
communicates the computed information to the user, related to errors, logs, alerts,
availability/consumption of water, status of electronic pumps, and history of
availability/consumption of water.
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Another aspect of present invention, wherein in the step (h) the ECU has an in-built
memory to store the data received from the sensors, meters, actuators, pumps on
hourly, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (h) the ECU predicts the
future availability/consumption of water and provide advice to the user regarding
efficient consumption of water, based on the computed information and data stored in
ECU in-built memory.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (g) and (h), the ECU
controls the switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set),
based on the availability of the water at the inlet and outlet of the electronic pumps
(first, second and third set).
Still another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (g) and (h), the ECU
controls the switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set),
based on the water level in the underground tanks, the overhead tanks and the
household vats.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (g) and (h) the ECU
controls the switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set),
based on the user created multiple pump control schedule.
In another aspect of the present invention, wherein in step (g)-(i) the user receives the
computed data on the display unit such as a wired device or on a remotely located
personal computer, a tablet and/or a mobile phone.
The present invention also relates to a user-friendly household water monitoring
system comprising: at least one underground tank (UGT) to receive and store liquid
pumped through a first set of main supply lines from a source; at least one overhead
tank (OHT) to receive and store liquid propelled from the underground tank (UGT); at
least one household vat to receive and store liquid propelled from the overhead tank
(OHT); first set of pumps configured to propel the liquid through the first set of main
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supply lines to the underground tank (UGT); second set of pumps configured to
propel the liquid from underground tank (UGT) to the overhead tank (OHT) through
the main supply line; third set of pump configured to propel the liquid from the
overhead tank to plurality of household vat through a secondary supply line; a
plurality of sensors being deployed in the underground tank (UGT), overhead tank
(OHT), household vats and at inlet region/outlet region of the first set of pumps,
second set of pumps and the third set of pumps; a means for connecting the sensors to
an electronic control unit (ECU) for transmitting data between the sensors and the
electronic control unit; whereby the ECU consists a microprocessor for receiving data
from the sensors and computing the communicating data based on set of rules and
logics; at least one display unit provided at the user’s end for monitoring the data
collected by the electronic control unit, whereby the display unit being connected to
the electronic control unit through a local network or a cloud server.
A first aspect of the present invention , wherein each underground tank (UGT) is
separately connected to one or more overhead tank (OHT), through the main supply
line.
Another aspect of the present invention, wherein each household vat is separately
connected to the outlet of each overhead tank, through a channel.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the electronic pumps are
provided with flow rate sensor, pressure sensor, deployed at inlet and outlet of the
first pump.
Still another aspect of the present invention, wherein the means for connecting the
sensors to the electronic control unit is wireless or discrete/ continuous sensors.
Another aspect of the present invention, wherein the electronic control unit has an inbuilt
memory to store the data collected from the sensors at predetermined interval of
time.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the ECU predicts the future
availability/consumption of water and provide advice to the user regarding efficient
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consumption of water, based on the computed information and data stored in ECU inbuilt
memory.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the ECU controls the switching
operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set), based on the availability of
the water at the inlet and outlet of the electronic pumps (first, second and third set).
Still another aspect of the present invention, wherein the ECU controls the switching
operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set), based on the water level in
the underground tanks, the overhead tanks and the household vats.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the ECU controls the switching
operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set), based on the user created
multiple pump control schedule.
Yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the user receives the computed
data on the display unit such as a wired device or on a remotely located personal
computer, a tablet and/or a mobile phone.
Accordingly, present invention relates to a method for monitoring, communicating
and controlling water consumption and availability at domestic stage or commercial
stage and predicting and advising the future usage of water to users at sites or from
remote locations, the said method comprising the following steps;
Step 1:
Step 1 (as shown in figure-3) includes monitoring of water level, flow rate,
water availability and water leakage, at various locations such as overhead tanks,
underground tanks, household tanks, main supply lines and channels via, sensors. The
term “flow rate” herein defined as the volume of fluid which passes into (inflow) or
exits (outflow) from a tank per unit time.
The said sensors facilitates in determining the availability of water at the
various locations and also overall combined availability of water in the system. The
sensors deployed in the present monitoring system monitors/senses the water flow
rate, water level, pump RPM, water leakage and pulse water meter, but not limited to
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only these features. The sensors deployed at various locations are selected from set of
meters, analog sensors, digital sensors, logic based virtual sensors or in combination
thereof, for measuring/calculating/monitoring.
Step 2
Step 2 (as shown in figure-3) includes transmitting collected data received
from the sensors as mentioned in step 1, to the electronic control
(ECU)/system/device unit via, sensing lines or wireless means. The electronic control
unit (ECU) calculates and computes the received data from the sensors, by using
various set of rules or logic, to acquire the data in respect of consumptions/
availability of water on hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis, but not
limited to only these bifurcations. The term “consumption” herein defined as the total
amount of water/fluid which passed through the outlet of a site (tank) over a given
period. The term “availability” herein defined as the net amount of water/fluid
available at a site at any given time. The electronic control unit creates automatic
tasks on the basis of data received from the sensors. The automatic tasks includes
detecting and preventing the overflow of water, managing flow of water between
sites, programmed motor control, etc.
For example 1) if the flow of water is not detected by the sensors in the supply lines,
then the electronic control unit (ECU) will switch OFF the electronic pump to avoid
the dry run and eventually avoiding burnt-out of electronic pump. The term “dry run”
herein defined as a state where a motor/pump is on but there is no water/fluid flowing
between its inlet and outlet.
2). If the overhead tank is completely filled, then the electronic control unit (ECU)
will switch OFF the electronic pump deployed to pump the water from the
underground tank to overhead tank, to avoid the overflow of water.
3). In case the monitored site is a receiving drain of sewerage system, if it overflows
then the concerned authority will be immediately notified.
Similar other user-programmable features are used for control and automation
of tasks related to water/ fluid. . System is empowered to use other bifurcations of
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clock and calendar based calculation denominations as desired and required from
application to application and by analytical methods. The ECU also
calculates/predicts the future water usage on the basis of various factors such as,
availability of water, history of water consumption, etc. The ECU is provided with an
in-built memory to store data regarding availability/consumption of water, water
pressure, pulse water meter, etc. for future use. The monitoring system is flexible
enough to employ any number of discrete sensors or continuous sensors or actuators
based on the requirement, for calculating various parameters.
Step 3
Step 3 (as shown in figure-3) includes communicating calculated/computed
data received from the ECU as mentioned in step 2, to the users. The user receives the
calculated data from the ECU, on the display units such as laptops, tablets, mobiles,
smartphones, desktop computers etc. The electronic control unit send the data to the
display unit via, Local Network or Radio Frequency Link. The information regarding
consumption/availability of water, errors, logs, alerts, monitoring information, etc. are
reflected by audio mode, visual mode and/or access by cloud based system and/or
personal computer or mobile or tablets. The present system addresses the monitoring,
view-ability through mobile/tablet/laptop GUI, audible methods and/or display panels
to interact with the user. The ECU periodically sends the information to the user
related to errors, logs, alerts, water availability/consumption, electronic pump running
status, water usage history, prediction of future water usage etc (shown in figures-4a,
4b and 4c). These multiple monitoring and view-ability mechanisms are empowered
to work simultaneously or in any combination as required and/or desired by the user.
Also the said monitoring and view-ability mechanisms can able to perform in online
or off-line or quasi modes of connectivity to the system.
Step 4
Step 4 includes sending feedbacks to the ECU from the user, on the basis of
calculated/computed data received by the user as mentioned in step 2-3. The user
generates a programmed schedule by using respective display units to control the
operation of the electronic pumps. The said programmed schedule is transmitted to
the electronic control unit which further controls the actuation of the electronic
pumps, thereby controlling the flow of water between the tanks. The details prepared
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by the system about availability and consumption of water in terms of hourly, daily,
weekly, monthly and yearly basis as mentioned in step 2 and 3 is further used to
create the detailed analysis and patterns as per personalized usage and utilizes the
same to improve and provide feedback and corrective parameters to the system and
the users.
In another aspect of the present invention, the step 3 may also include
transmission of data from the electronic control unit to the user, via cloud server/cloud
system/cloud based connectivity. The cloud based connectivity and cloud system are
also used to create the detailed analysis and patterns based on the personalized and
group/community water usage/utilization, to improve the effectiveness and provide
feedback/corrective parameters to the system for cloud based analytical engine users.
This results in more corrective and improved accuracy of the availability and
consumptions for those specific users. Moreover these analysis and patterns are used
on collective basis to improve the systemic approaches towards controlling
consumption of water. The cloud based monitoring system behaves like a control
feedback and neural networks mixed with limited artificial intelligence also being
used in limited parlance. The monitoring system may be setup with any number of
discrete or continuous sensors and actuators as the solution being setup demands as
the system is capable of being expanded by cascading as many Input/Output cards as
desired. The different sensors can be wired or wireless.
Accordingly, the present invention also provides a user friendly household
water monitoring system. Specifically, the present invention also relates to a user
friendly household water monitoring system used for monitoring, communicating,
controlling water consumption/availability of water at domestic stage or commercial
stage and predicting/advising the future usage of water to users at sites or from remote
locations.
Referring to figure 1 and 2, the user-friendly household water monitoring system
comprising of a underground tank (UGT), overhead tank (OHT), household vat(s),
main supply line, secondary supply line, first set of pumps, second set of pumps, third
set of pumps, plurality of sensors, an electronic control unit (ECU), a means for
connecting sensors and electronic control unit (ECU), display unit, local network and
cloud server. It is important to note that the number of different system entities
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depicted in these examples are only for illustration and therefore can actually be more
or less in a practical scenario since the system puts no limits on how many or none of
a type are connected together.
The sensors deployed at various locations are selected from set of analog,
digital, virtual logic based sensor or in combination thereof. The said various
locations are UGT’s, OHT’s, household vats, main supply lines, channels and water
meters, but not limited to only these location.
The Virtual level sensor is a perceived continuous water level measuring
mechanism done without actually installing any sensors for it in a tank. Virtual
sensors principally work based on the rate of inflow and outflow of water within a
tank, machine learning and inputs like historical data, usage patterns etc. Virtual
sensors minimize the discretization due to the limited number of real sensors that can
be practically placed in a tank. This method determines the level of water between the
real sensors.
For example the real sensors may be an indication of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% … 100%
but virtual sensors may indicate 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% …… 100%. The extrapolation of
historic data and pattern refine virtual sensors on periodic basis.
As shown in figure 1, the main supply line (18) is being provided to connect
the underground tank (UGT) (1) and the source of water (not shown in figure 1). The
source of water may be a river, lake, pond, sea, municipal tank, etc. The said main
supply line (18) is provided with first set of pump (4) to propel water from the source
to the underground tank (UGT) (1). The main supply line (26) is provided to connect
the underground tank (UGT) (1) and the overhead tank (OHT) (2). The said main
supply line (26) is provided with second set of pump (5) deployed between the UGT
(1) and OHT (2), to propel water from underground tank (UGT) (1) to overhead tank
(OHT) (2). The overhead tank is connected to the household vats, via a secondary
main supply (19).The secondary supply line (19) is being divided in plurality of
channels (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25), to connect each household vat with the overhead
tank (OHT) (2). The secondary supply line (19) is being provided with third set of
pump (6) to propel the water from the overhead tank (OHT) to each household vat
through channels (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25). The sensors are deployed in the underground
tank (UGT) (1), overhead tank (OHT) (2), household vats (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, U6)
and inlet region/outlet region of the each electronic pump. The electronic control unit
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(3) is being provided to receive the communicating data from the sensors, via sensing
lines (8, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) and to process the communicating data
based on the set of rules/logic. The data collected by the sensors is transmitted to the
electronic control unit, via sensing lines or wired/wireless discrete and continuous
sensors. The electronic control unit (ECU) (3) transmits the processed data to the user,
via Local Network (not shown in figure-1) or cloud server (not shown in figure-1).
The electronic control unit (3) has an in-build memory to store data collected from the
sensor at predetermined interval of time. The electronic control unit (3) is being
connected to the display unit (not shown in figure 1) at user’s end, via local network.
In another aspect of the present invention as shown in figure 2, the electronic
control unit comprising, plurality of overhead tanks (OHT’s) connected to the
underground tank via, main supply line (4). The main supply line (34) is being divided
in plurality of channels (4a, 4b, 4c) to connect each overhead tank (8, 14, 20) with the
underground tank (2).
As shown in figure 2, the main supply line (4) is being provided to connect the
underground tank (UGT) (2) and the source of water. The source of water may be a
river, lake, pond, sea, municipal tank, etc. The said main supply line (4) is provided
with first set of pump (3) to propel water from the source to the underground tank
(UGT) (2). The underground tank is connected to the overhead tank via, a main supply
line (34).The main supply line (34) is being divided in plurality of channels (4a, 4b,
4c) to connect each overhead tank (8, 14, 20) with the underground tank (2). The said
channels (4a, 4b, 4c) are provided with second set of electronic pumps (7, 13, 19)
respectively, to propel water from underground tank (UGT) (2) to each overhead tanks
(8, 14, 20). Each overhead tank (8, 14, 20) is individually connected to each household
vat (H1, H2, H3), via channel (4d, 4e, 4f) respectively, example; the channel (4d) is
provided to connect the overhead tank (8) and the household vat (H1). The sensors are
deployed in the underground tank (UGT) (2), overhead tanks (OHT)(8, 14, 20),
household vats (H1, H2, H3) and inlet region/outlet region of the each electronic
pumps (3, 7, 13, 19). The electronic control unit (3) is being provided to receive the
communicating data from the sensors, via sensing lines (5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 16, 17,
18, 21, 22, 23, 24) and to process the communicating data based on the set of
rules/logic. The electronic control unit transmits the processed data to the user via,
Local network, Radio Frequency Link or a cloud server. The said sensors can be
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deployed at various locations in the main supply line (4) and channels (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d,
4e, 4f) to monitor various factors/parameters related to water flow rate, water level,
water leakage etc. The sensors are being connected to the electronic control unit (1),
via wired/wireless continuous sensor or wired/ wireless discrete sensor. The electronic
control unit (1) has an in-build memory to store data collected from the sensor at
predetermined interval of time. The ECU (1) is being connected to the display units
(25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 33) at user’s end, via local network or cloud server.
In another aspect of the present invention, the electronic control unit
comprising, plurality of overhead tanks (OHT’s) connected to plurality of
underground tank via, main supply line. Each underground tank is connected to the
source of water by the main supply line. The main supply line is divided in plurality of
channels to connect each underground tank with the source. Each channel is provided
with a first set electronic pump to propel water from the source to each underground
tank. Each underground tank is separately connected to each overhead tank, via
channels. Each channel between underground tank and the overhead tank, provided
with a second set of electronic pump to propel the water from the underground tank to
overhead tank. Each overhead tank is separately connected to each household vat, via
channel, wherein a third set of electronic pump is deployed to propel the water from
each overhead tank to household vat.
In another aspect of the present invention each underground tank is separately
connected to the source of the water via, main supply line.
The following examples are given bellow by way of illustration of the working
of the invention in actual practice and therefore should not be constructed to limit the
scope of the present invention.
Example 1
The monitoring system is shown in figure 1 for illustration purpose, where the
main supply line (17) supplies water from the source to the underground tank (UGT)
(1) via first set of electronic pump (4). The electronic pump (4) supplies the water
from the underground tank to overhead tank, when the water level in the underground
tank is sufficient. Further, the second set of electronic pump (5) supplies the water
from the underground tank (1) to the overhead tank (2). The third set of electronic
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pump (6) supplies the water from the overhead tank (2) to multiple household vats
(U1, U2, U3, U4, U5 and U6) via channels (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25) and so on.
As shown in figure 1, the electronic control unit (3) is operationally
configured with UGT (1), OHT (2), main supply lines (18, 26) at various predefined
locations and multiple household vats (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6). The ECU (3)
receives data from the sensors deployed at main supply line (18, 26) located at
inlet/outlet of the electronic pumps (4, 5, 6) via, sensing lines (6, 7, 8, 9). The ECU
(3) unit remain in communication with OHT (2) via sensing line (10) for sending and
receiving data related to water level in the OHT (2). A plurality of sensors are
deployed at various location such as, main supply line (18, 26), inlet/outlet of
electronic pumps (4, 5, 6), overhead tanks (2), underground tanks (1) and household
vats (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5, and U6). The said sensors monitor/collect the data in
respect of water level and water flow rate at various locations. The sensors transmit
the collected data to the electronic control unit (3), thereby allowing the ECU (3) to
use various automated tasks such as normal overflow, programmed water
control/pump control, etc. The said automatic tasks comprises detecting and
preventing the overflow of water, managing flow of water between sites, programmed
pump control, etc. for example
1.) If the flow of water is not detected by the sensors in the supply line (18), then the
electronic control unit (ECU) (3) will switch OFF the electronic pump (4) to avoid the
dry run and eventually avoiding burnt-out of electronic pump (4).
2. ) If the overhead tank (2) is completely filled, then the electronic pump (5)
deployed to pump the water from the underground tank (1) to overhead tank (2) is
switched OFF by the ECU (3) to avoid the overflow of water, and similar other
features are used for control and automation of tasks related to water/ fluid.
The electronic control unit triggers the second set electronic pumps (5), when the
following conditions are satisfied:
1.) The water level in the overhead tanks (2) is below a pre-set level,
2.) The water level in the underground tank (1) is above the pre-set level.
18
3.) Flow of water is detected in the main supply lines.
The electronic control unit (1) will switch OFF the second set electronic pumps (5),
when the following conditions are satisfied:
1.) The overhead tank (2) is completely filled,
2.) Flow of water is not detected in the supply lines,
3.) No leakage is detected in any of the supply lines. The term “pre-set level” herein
refers to a water level set by the user or ECU that indicates the minimum amount of
water available for propelling the same to another tank.
There are automated tasks in the system to automatically handle certain
situations. It is possible to create multiple tasks as per the need of the user. Following
are some of the examples of automated tasks performed by the electronic control unit
S.No
.
Automated Task
1 Turn OHT Pump On when water level in OHT goes below a pre-set level (By
default 10%).
2 Turn OHT Pump Off when OHT is full.
3 Turn UGT Pump Off when UGT is full.
4 Turn OHT Pump Off if UGT is detected as Empty.
5 Turn OHT Pump On if UGT is full and OHT is below pre-set level (By default
70%).
6 Turn OHT Pump Off when UGT goes below a pre-set level (By default 10%).
19
7 Turn UGT pump on if UGT is not full and presence is detected in pipeline.
8 Turn UGT pump off if both tanks are full.
9. Turn the pump off for which dry-run is detected.
The ECU (3) also remain in communication with household vats (U1, U2, U3,
U4, U5, U6) via, sensing lines (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) for sending and receiving data
related to water level in each household vats. The electronic control unit (ECU)
receives data from various sensors, via sensing lines (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17). The ECU
calculates/computes the received data on the basis of various set of rules or logics, to
acquire regarding consumptions/ availability of water on hourly, daily, weekly,
monthly and yearly basis, but not limited to only these bifurcations. The ECU is
empowered to use other bifurcations of clock and calendar based calculation
denominations as desired and required from application to application and by
analytical methods.
Further there are display units connected with the ECU, whereby the
availability of water and consumption of water is reflected by Audio mode, video
mode and/or access by cloud based system and/or personal computer or mobiles or
tablets. The present system addresses the monitoring, view-ability through GUI,
audible methods and/or display panels to interact with the end user’s regarding the
various information related to errors, logs, alerts, monitoring information, calculation,
inform about availability and consumption of water. Thus, keeps the users informed
about such details in all 3-4 ways. These multiple monitoring and view-ability
mechanisms are empowered to work simultaneously or in any combination as
required and/or desired by end user. Also these monitoring and view-ability
mechanisms are also needed to perform in online or off-line or quasi modes of
connectivity to the system.
20
Example 2
The monitoring system is shown in figure 2 for illustration purpose, where the
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) (1) is operationally configured with the sensors,
electronic pump and display units. The first set of electronic pump (3) propels the
water through main supply line (4) to the underground tank (2). The electronic pumps
(3, 7, 13, and 19) are controlled by the electronic control unit (ECU) (1), on the basis
factors such as, water level in the respective tanks (2, 8, 14, 20), the flow rate of water
in respective main supply line (4) etc. example
1.) If the flow of water is not detected by the sensors in the supply line (4), then the
electronic control unit (ECU) (1) will switch OFF the electronic pump (3) to avoid the
dry run and eventually avoiding burnt-out of electronic pump (3).
2.) If the overhead tank (8) is completely filled, then the electronic pump (7) deployed
to pump the water from the underground tank (2) to overhead tank (8) is switched
OFF by the ECU (1) to avoid the overflow of water, and similar other features are
used for control and automation of tasks related to water/ fluid.
The main supply line (4) supplies the water to UGT (2) from the source, via
electronic pump (3). The sensors deployed in the underground tank (2) sends
information to the ECU, regarding water level in the UGT to the ECU, via sensing
line (6).The ECU (1) monitors the water level in underground tank (UGT) (2) and
flow rate in main supply line (4), via sensors to keep a check on electronic pump (3)
dry run. The sensors deployed in overhead tanks (OHT’s) (8, 14, and 20) senses the
water level in respective tanks and send the information regarding water level to the
ECU via, sensing lines (9, 15, 21) respectively.
The electronic control unit triggers the respective second set electronic pumps
(7, 13, and 19), when the following conditions are fulfilled:
1.) The water level in the respective overhead tanks (8, 14, and 20) is below a pre-set
level,
21
2.) The water level in the underground tank is above the pre-set level.
3.) The flow of water is detected in the main supply lines.
The electronic control unit (1) will switch OFF the respective electronic pumps (7, 13,
and 19), when the following conditions are fulfilled:
1.) The respective overhead tanks (8, 14 and 20) are completely filled,
2.) The flow of water is not detected in the supply lines,
3.) No leakage is detected in any of the supply lines.
The term “pre-set level” herein refers to a water level set by the user or ECU that
indicates the minimum amount of water available for propelling the same to another
tank.
The ECU also monitors the level of water in the OHT (8, 14, 20) via respective sensor
line (9, 15, 21) and turns off the connected pump in case the tank is full or a dry run is
detected example, if the overhead tank (14) is completely filled, then ECU will switch
OFF the electronic pump (13) to avoid overflow of water. The data from the sensor
lines (10, 11, 12), (16, 17, 18) and (22, 23, 24) helps the ECU (1) in keeping the track
of the usage pattern for the different tanks (2, 8, 14, 20) and associated
houses/tanks/household vats (H1, H2, H3). The data from the sensor/sensing lines
(10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24) also helps the ECU (1) in detecting any leakage in
the pipelines. The ECU (1) determines the extent of leakage and informs the user.
The Distribution sensing lines (30, 31, and 32) provide the water distribution data to
the ECU (1). The distribution data consists of the amount of water consumed in a
particular activity (washing, bathing etc.) or via a certain outlet (taps, faucets, flushes
etc.) or in a particular location (kitchen, bathroom etc.) of a
house/households/household vats (H1, H2, H3). The distribution data is collected
through the sensing lines (30, 31, and 32) or by the means of other wired or wireless
discrete and continuous sensors. The discrete sensor generates a range of value which
22
increases in fixed steps. The continuous sensors generate a signal that can assume any
possible value in a given range.
The monitoring system of the present invention can accommodate any type of
discrete sensors such as, sensors with two discrete outputs or sensors with more than
two discrete outputs.
Distribution sensing facilitates advanced features like the water usage history,
water usage pattern, water usage analysis, future water usage predictions, leakdetection
etc.(not limited to only these features).The display unit (25, 26, 27, and 28)
and control units are connected to the ECU via, Local Network or cloud server. The
display unit provide data to the user regarding the water level, water
availability/consumption, pump running status, leakage status, water usage history,
advisory and future water uses prediction (shown in figures 4a, 4b and 4c) (not
limited to only these data). The display unit and control unit also facilitate the remote
controlling of the electronic pumps. The connected display units and control units can
be wired devices (25, 26, 27) or wireless devices (28, 29) like Mobile phones, tablets,
etc. connected to the system through a local network over any standard or proprietary
bus and protocol or over Wi-Fi, ZigBee, or any other RF interface. The display units
(25, 26, 27, 28) and control units can also connect with the ECU through the cloud
and cloud server when it is outside the local network. The cloud based web server
(33) located at a remote data centre is capable of receiving and storing the data from
different ECU (1). The mobile devices (28, 29) can also access the data from the web
server through the cloud/internet.
The present system first addresses the monitoring, view-ability through GUI,
audible methods and/or display panels about the consumptions/ availability of water
at the current time. System then prepares details about availability and consumption in
terms of hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis. This is further used to create
the detailed analysis and patterns as per the personalized usage and utilize the same to
improve and provide feedback and corrective parameters to the system. This results in
more corrective and improved accuracy of the availability and consumptions for those
specific users. The system of present invention is flexible enough to accommodating
any type of sensors such as analog sensor, digital sensor, discrete sensor, continuous
sensor, and virtual logic based sensors or in combination thereof. The monitoring
system is capable of creating multiple user or system generated tasks to control
23
various parameters of the system, on the basis of feedbacks and output from the
electronic control unit and the sensors.
The above-said examples are merely for illustration purpose of the present
invention. However, it is within the purview of the person skilled in the art that to
increase the number of UGT, OHT, ECU units, and their interconnections with
multiple tanks and display units. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can
be motivated from the present example and modify the various modifications in
the system, set up assembly, which are varying from project to project or
domestic stage to commercial stage. However, such modification should be
construed within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings
are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the
embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with
details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having
benefit of the description herein.
ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION
In comparison to the existing products in the market, the solution being present has
following improvements and extra functionalities with no significant implications
over the cost of the product;
1. Maximize Availability of Water
The present system provides multiple monitoring points for sensing the level and
availability of water by means of multiple real as well as virtual level sensors. It also
has multiple programmable trigger points for controlling the water pumps. These
close monitors and triggers automatically transfer the water from one site (say a UGT)
to another site (say an OHT) to ensure that the UGT can accommodate the available
supply water in case it is full. This feature eliminates the condition where there is little
water in OHT and UGT which is full cannot accept more water even though it is
available.
2. Eliminate Non-availability of Water
24
When the system senses that the overall (say UGT + OHT) level of water has fallen
below a pre-set level; say 30%; then the system switches over to a critical state. In
critical state the system ensures that the user is well informed about the current overall
availability of water.
3. Minimize Wastage of Water
The system minimizes or rather eliminates the wastage of water due to overflow of
water. It also presents to the user his water consumption patterns and quantified
details along with the advisory to minimize the wastage of water.
It promotes judicious consumption of water, thereby bringing down the water and
electricity bills and helping in water conservation. The inventors have been working
to develop the invention, so that advantage can be achieved in an economical,
practical, and facile manner. While preferred aspects and example configurations
have been shown and described, it is to be understood that various further
modifications and additional configurations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. It is intended that the specific embodiments and configurations herein
disclosed are illustrative of the preferred nature of the invention, and should not
be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the invention.
4. Monitor Unmanned Sites
The system can also be deployed to monitor the sites which cannot be practically
monitored by the workforces, like the manholes, receiving drains, storm overflows,
pumping stations etc. for sewerage or a drainage system. The system can be
configured to notify the concerned authorities whenever a particular site needs their
immediate attention. This can drastically reduce the cost of maintenance due to the
damages caused by clogging or overflow at these sites.
In addition, the present invention provide following advantages:
 The system has provision to hook up as many real level sensors as needed, by
means of cascading multiple I/O cards, wired or wirelessly.
 Wherever the real level sensors do not seem to be enough; there is a provision
in the system to enable as many virtual level sensors as the user wants in the
system. In contrast to the real sensors the virtual level sensors are software
25
based level sensors based on a highly specialized algorithm to track the level
of water in real time.
 High number of level sensors in the system minimizes the granularity of the
measurement and makes the readings nearly continuous and more precise.
 Present system provides not only the level information but also the availability
and the consumption data for a given period.
 The availability and consumption information can be viewed either separately
per tank or as an overall combined value.
 The system presents the information not only through LEDs, LCDs and
audible methods but also through a mobile phone/tablet based applications.
 Besides the status of water at the site or in the tanks user can also program any
associated pumps to turn on/off at set time periods; i.e. the user can create
multiple pump control schedules.
 There is also a provision to restrict the pump from getting turned on/off at the
set time periods.
 The system has an in-built memory to store the hourly history data of the
water tanks.
 The history data in the memory of the system can also be stored on the cloud
so that there is no limit on the amount of data stored and it is accessible
anytime anywhere.
 The history data can also be analysed to create a water usage advisory for the
user to further bring down his water footprint.
 Cloud based application and connectivity of the monitoring system provides
an extended functioning of this system.
 The system also gives user the functionality to control various parameters and
settings for the device and desires of the users through the GUI application.
 The system also has various settings, connectivity and calibration related tasks
in order to make it work as per the need and use of the user who will
eventually use this and take all information display and configuration to work
for his/ her ultimate benefits and desires.
 The system is flexible enough for monitoring variety of fluid/liquids at various
monitoring sites such as sewage monitoring, drain monitoring etc.
26
WE CLAIM
1. A method for monitoring, communicating and controlling water consumption
and availability at domestic stage or commercial stage and predicting & advising the
future usage of water to users at sites or from remote locations, the said method
comprising the steps:
(a) receiving and storing water from the first set of main supply lines in one or
more underground tanks (UGT) via first set of electronic pumps;
(b) transferring the stored water of step (a) to one or more overhead tanks (OHT)
via second set of electronic pumps and supply lines, and collecting the same in OHTs,
(c) supplying the collected water of step (b) to one or more household vats of
individual users vide third set of electronic pumps and supply lines;
(d) arranging at least one Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and operationally
configuring with all UGT, OHT, first, second and third set of electronic pumps,
sensors, actuators, meters and supply lines, and household vats of individual users at
various predefined locations;
(e) monitoring critical parameters continuously by sensors and meters deployed in
the supply lines (first, second and third set), located at inlet and outlet of electronic
pumps (the first, second and third set) and sending output from the sensor to the ECU;
(f) monitoring critical parameters continuously by sensors located in OHTs,
UGTs and household vats, and sending outputs from the sensor to the ECU;
(g) calculating and computing the information received in steps (e) & (f) at ECU
by various set of rules or logics in the processing unit of ECU and communicating the
same to users in respect of consumptions & availability of water, by display units
connected with the ECU, whereby the availability of water and consumption of water
27
is reflected by Audio mode, video mode or GUI and/or access by cloud based system
and/or personal computer or mobiles or tablets;
(h) controlling, predicting and advising to users about the consumption of water,
based upon various information stored and recorded at ECU;
(i) keeping the users informed about details online or off-line or quasi modes by
view-ability mechanisms that are capable of being configured to work simultaneously
or in any combination as required and/or desired by end user.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (d) the ECU is
operationally configured with electronic pumps, supply lines and tanks, through
wired/wireless discrete sensors or continuous sensors or in combination thereof.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (e) the sensors deployed in
tanks and inlet/outlet of electronic pumps, are selected from set of analog sensors,
digital sensors, logic based virtual sensors, meters or in combination thereof.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (e) and (f) the critical
parameters are water level, amount of water leakage, pump status, water flow rate and
motor RPM.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (e) and (f) the ECU
receives the output from the sensors, through plurality of sensing lines, discrete
sensor, continuous sensors or in combination thereof.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (g) the ECU communicates
the computed information to the user, related to errors, logs, alerts,
availability/consumption of water, status of electronic pumps, and history of
availability/consumption of water.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the step (h) the ECU has an inbuilt
memory to store the data received from the sensors, meters, actuators, pumps. on
hourly, weekly, monthly or yearly basis.
28
8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (h) the ECU predicts the
future availability/consumption of water and provide advice to the user regarding
efficient consumption of water, based on the computed information and data stored in
ECU in-built memory.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (g) and (h), the ECU
controls the switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set),
based on the availability of the water at the inlet and outlet of the electronic pumps
(first, second and third set). It may be noted here that the invention is not limited or
bound to use only three such sets but multiples thereof.
10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (g) and (h), the ECU
controls the switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set),
based on the water level in the underground tanks, the overhead tanks and the
household vats.
11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (g) and (h) the ECU
controls the switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set),
based on the user created multiple pump control schedule.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein in step (g)-(i) the user receives the
computed data on the display unit such as a wired device or on a remotely located
personal computer, a tablet and/or a mobile phone.
13. A user-friendly household water monitoring system comprising:
at least one underground tank (UGT) to receive and store liquid pumped through a
first set of main supply lines from a source;
at least one overhead tank (OHT) to receive and store liquid propelled from the
underground tank (UGT);
at least one household vat to receive and store liquid propelled from the overhead tank
(OHT);
29
first set of pumps configured to propel the liquid through the first set of main supply
lines to the underground tank (UGT); second set of pumps configured to propel the
liquid from underground tank (UGT) to the overhead tank (OHT) through the main
supply line; third set of pump configured to propel the liquid from the overhead tank
to plurality of household vat through a secondary supply line;
a plurality of sensors being deployed in the underground tank (UGT), overhead tank
(OHT), household vats and at inlet region/outlet region of the first set of pumps,
second set of pumps and the third set of pumps;
a means for connecting the sensors to an electronic control unit (ECU) for
transmitting data between the sensors and the electronic control unit; whereby the
ECU consists a microprocessor for receiving data from the sensors and computing the
communicating data based on set of rules and logics;
at least one display unit provided at the user’s end for monitoring the data collected
by the electronic control unit, whereby the display unit being connected to the
electronic control unit through a local network or a cloud server.
14. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each underground tank
(UGT) is separately connected to one or more overhead tank (OHT), through the
main supply line.
15. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each household vat is
separately connected to the outlet of each overhead tank, through a channel.
16. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic pumps
are provided with flow rate sensor, pressure sensor, deployed at inlet and outlet of the
first pump.
17. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for
connecting the sensors to the electronic control unit is wireless or discrete/ continuous
sensors.
30
18. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic control
unit has an in-built memory to store the data collected from the sensors at
predetermined interval of time.
19. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU predicts the
future availability/consumption of water and provide advice to the user regarding
efficient consumption of water, based on the computed information and data stored in
ECU in-built memory.
20. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU controls the
switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set), based on the
availability of the water at the inlet and outlet of the electronic pumps (first, second
and third set).
21. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU controls the
switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set), based on the
water level in the underground tanks, the overhead tanks and the household vats.
22. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU controls the
switching operation of electronic pumps (first, second and third set), based on the user
created multiple pump control schedule.
23. The monitoring system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user receives the
computed data on the display unit such as a wired device or on a remotely located
personal computer, a tablet and/or a mobile phone.
Dated this 21st July, 2014.