DESC:CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This Application is based on and derives the benefit of Indian Provisional Application 202221011341 filed on 2nd March 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Embodiments disclosed herein generally relates to water purifiers and more particularly, to determining availability of input water at an inlet of the water purifier by sensing pump current value in the water purifier.

BACKGROUND
[002] Traditionally, water purifiers determine if input water is available at an inlet of the water purifier through a low pressure switch (LPS) and sensors, such as flow sensors and conductivity sensors. However, this method can have drawbacks such as lack of accuracy, lack of cost-effectiveness, increased component count, increased connection complexity, and increased product wiring in input/output (I/O) port usage. For example, a drawback with the conductivity sensor can be that the construction of the sensing pins can be done in a manner that can send false commands to a controller. Also, if the input of total dissolved solids (TDS) level is very low, the conductivity sensors may not be effective as it can provide a false trigger to the controller, which can cause the water purifier to misbehave. Similarly, in the LPS, if the input water pressure is very low or in zero pressure conditions (such as in a loft tank), the water purifier may not work.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for methods and systems for determining input water availability at the inlet of water purifier, which obviates the above-mentioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of embodiments herein is to disclose methods and systems for determining availability of input water at an inlet of a water purifier by sensing the pump current value.
[005] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system for determining water availability at the inlet of the water purifier, which is precise and is reliable and is in-expensive.
[006] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system for determining water availability at the inlet of the water purifier, which can be easily integrated/ retrofitted to the water purifier.
[007] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system which eliminates the usage of low pressure sensor for determining input water availability and can allow the water purifier to function even at low pressure conditions.
[008] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system which eliminates the usage of a conductivity sensor thereby allowing the system to be more cost-effective.
[009] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system which prevents dry running of the pump thereby enhancing the life of the pump drastically.
[0010] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system that uses less number of components used for determining the input water availability at the inlet of water purifier.
[0011] Another object of embodiments herein is to provide the system which reduces connection complexity, and reduces product wiring in input/output (I/O) port usage in the water purifier for determining the input water availability.
[0012] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating at least one embodiment and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0013] Embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts example components of a water purifier, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the water flow in traditional reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart for determining availability of input water, according to embodiments as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining input water availability in a water purifier, according to embodiments as disclosed herein; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for determining water availability in the water purifier, according to embodiments as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0020] The embodiments herein disclose methods and systems for determining water availability in a water purifier by sensing the pump current. In an embodiment herein, the water purifier can be a RO water purifier, a RO + Ultraviolet (UV) water purifier, and so on. In water purifiers, a pump is used for suction and boosting of water through the water purifier. In dry run conditions (i.e., the water purifier is operating without water input), the pump can consume very less water as compared to wet run conditions (i.e., the water purifier is operating with water input), since it pumps air and is not working in a full load condition. In wet run conditions, the pump can consume more current, especially in suction mode (wherein the pump works with a full load). In the proposed systems and methods, this characteristic of the pump can be used for determining the presence/absence of the input water supply. Two states can be present for the water purifier, which are “no water” and “water available.” The difference in the pump current during the two states can be measured through control electronics. When the state of the water purifier changes from “no water” to “water available,” the DC current drawn by the pump can increase. If the increase in the DC current is more than a threshold value, embodiments herein can determine that there is water present at the inlet (i.e., input water). The threshold value can be a predetermined value that is based on experimentation, or it can be a value set by a user. The threshold value can be based on tests conducted on different types of pumps and in different water conditions. If the pump runs without water, the pump current can drop down to a value lesser than the threshold value, and the water purifier can sense that the present state of the water purifier is “no water.” If the pump consumes more current than the threshold value, then the water purifier can work in a normal condition, where a tank in the water purifier gets filled as there is input water available.
[0021] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0022] Embodiments herein disclose a method for determining availability of input water in the water purifier. The method comprises a current sensor sensing a value of current flowing through the pump in the water purifier. Further, a controller can determine that water is available in the inlet, if the value of current flowing through the pump is greater than the threshold current value.
[0023] The method further comprises powering on the water purifier; turning ON a solenoid valve, the pump, and a lamp of the water purifier; ignoring, for a first time interval, the value of current flowing through the pump if a new filter has been installed in the water purifier; filling a tank, if input water is available, with input water that has its impurities filtered out; turning OFF the solenoid valve, the pump, and the lamp if no input water is available; turning OFF the water purifier for a second time interval; and turning ON the water purifier for a third time interval, wherein during the third time interval, input water availability is checked. The water purifier can be turned OFF for the second time interval if no input water is available in the water purifier during the third time interval. The threshold value can be predetermined or set by a user. During the third time interval, the solenoid valve and the pump are turned ON.
[0024] Embodiments herein disclose a system for determining input water availability, comprising a water purifier, wherein the water purifier comprises a pump; a current sensor, wherein the current sensor senses the current flowing through the pump; and a controller, wherein the controller compares the value of the current flowing through the pump with a threshold value. The water purifier further comprises a solenoid valve; one or more filters, wherein the one or more filters removes impurities present in the input water; and a tank, wherein the tank is filled with input water having its impurities filtered out by the one or more filters. The one or more filters includes the following: a cartridge, a chemi block, a reverse osmosis membrane, an ultrafiltration filter, and an active copper filter.
[0025] The water purifier further comprises a lamp; and a membrane life enhancer to enhance the life of the reverse osmosis membrane (not shown). In an embodiment herein, the water purifier may not include the following: a low pressure switch, a flow sensor, and a conductivity sensor.
[0026] FIG. 1 depicts example components of a water purifier (100). The water purifier (100), as depicted, comprises a cartridge (101) (also referred to as a sediment filter), a Solenoid Valve (SV) (102), a pump (103), a chemi block (also referred to herein as a carbon filter) (104), a Membrane Life Enhancer (MLE) (105), a Reverse Osmosis (RO) filter (106), an ultrafiltration (UF) filter (107), an active copper filter (108), a water tank (tank) (109), a current sensor (110), a controller (111), and a lamp (112).
[0027] Water at an inlet (also referred to herein as input water) can flow through the cartridge (101) (also referred to as a sediment filter) which can filter out any physical impurities present in the inlet water. This water can flow to the pump (103) through the SV (102). The chemi block (104) can filter out various contaminants present in the water received from the pump (103). The MLE (105) can prevent accumulation of dissolved salts in the RO membrane (106). The RO membrane (106) can allow for only pure water to pass through it. The UF filter (107) can provide additional filtration to the water from the RO membrane (106), and the active copper filter (108) can provide further purification to the water from the UF filter (107), wherein the filtered water is collected in the tank 109.
[0028] The term ‘controller 111’ as used in the present disclosure, may refer to, for example, hardware including logic circuits; a hardware/software combination such as a processor executing software; or a combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitry more specifically may include, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a System-on-Chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. For example, the controller 111 may include at least one of, a single processer, a plurality of processors, multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous cores, multiple Central Processing Units (CPUs) of different kinds, microcontrollers, special media, and other accelerators.
[0029] The current sensor (110) can sense a value of current flowing through the pump (103). The current sensor (110) can provide the sensed current value to the controller (111). The controller (111) can compare the sensed current value to the threshold current level. If the sensed current value is greater than the threshold current value, the controller (111) can determine that there is water available at the inlet of the water purifier (100) (i.e., input water is present). If the sensed current value is not greater than the threshold current value, the controller (111) can determine that water is not available at the inlet of the water purifier (100).
[0030] On the water purifier (100) being turned ON, the controller (111) can turn ON the solenoid valve (102), the pump (103), and the lamp (112). The controller (111) can ignore the value of current flowing through the pump (103) for a first time interval (if a new filter has been installed in the water purifier (100). The controller (111) can fill the tank (109) with filtered water, if input water is available. If the input water is not available, the controller (111) can turn OFF the solenoid valve (102), the pump (103), and the lamp (112). The controller 111 can further turn OFF the water purifier (100) for a second time interval.
[0031] After the second time interval (i.e., expiry of the second time interval), the controller (111) can turn ON the water purifier (100) for a third time interval. During the third time interval, the controller (111) can turn ON the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103). During the third time interval, the controller (111) can check if the input water is available, based on the current sensed in the pump (103) by the current sensor (110). On detecting that the input water is available, the controller (111) can fill the tank (109) with filtered water. If input water is not available, the controller (111) can turn OFF the water purifier (100) for the second time interval.
[0032] In an embodiment herein, the controller (111) can provide an indication to a user using a user interface (such as using an indicator light, an inbuilt display, and so on) (not shown) provided on the water purifier (100). In an embodiment herein, the controller (111) can provide an indication to a user using an application on a user device (such as a mobile device, a tablet, a computer, an Internet of things (IoT) device, a wearable device, and so on), a web interface, and so on.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing steps of a method (300) for determining availability of input water. In step (301), the current sensor (110) senses a value of current flowing through the pump (103). In step (302), the current sensor (110) provides the sensed current value to the controller (111). In step (303), the controller (111) compares the sensed current value to the threshold current level. If the sensed current value is greater than the threshold current value, in step (304), the controller (111) determines that there is water available at the inlet of the water purifier 100 (i.e., input water is present) and proceeds with filling the tank (109) with filtered water (step 305). If the sensed current value is not greater than the threshold current value, in step (306), the controller (111) determines that water is not available at the inlet of the water purifier (100). The various actions in method 300 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 3 may be omitted.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method (300) for determining water availability in the water purifier (100), according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step 401, the water purifier 100 is powered ON. At step (402), the controller (111) turns ON one or more modules/components in the water purifier (100), such as, but not limited to, the SV (102), pump (103), and the lamp (112). In an embodiment herein, the controller (111) ignores the reading of the pump current for a pre-defined period of time, if a new filter has been installed into the water purifier (100), so as to allow the water at the inlet to reach the pump (103). In an embodiment herein, the controller (111) does not ignore the reading of the pump current for the pre-defined period of time, even if a new filter has been installed into the water purifier (100).
[0035] At step (403), the controller (111) checks if the pump current value is greater than the threshold value, wherein the pump current value is received from the current sensor 110. If the pump current value is more than the threshold value, the water purifier (100) works normally, where at step (404), the water purifier (100) enters into a tank filling mode. At step (405), the controller (111) keeps the SV (102), the pump (103), and the lamp (112) ON. At step (406), if input water is available, then step (404) can be executed again where the tank (109) continues to get filled.
[0036] However, at step (403), if the pump current value is less than the threshold value, or if at step (406), there is no input water available, then step (407) is executed. At step 407, the controller (111) turns OFF the SV (102), the pump (104), and the lamp (112). Consequently, at step (408), the water purifier (100) enters a standby mode, where the water purifier can indicate that it is in a “no water” state and can be switched OFF for a first interval of time. At step (409), after the first interval of time, the water purifier (100) enters a re-trial mode where it is turned ON for a second period of time, with the SV (102) and pump (103) switched ON. At step (410), if there is no input water available, then step (407) is executed again. However, if at step (411), there is input water available, then step (404) is executed where the tank (109) gets filled. The various actions in method 400 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 4 may be omitted.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method (300) for determining water availability in a water purifier, according to embodiments as disclosed herein. At step (501), the water purifier (100) is powered ON. At step (502), the controller (111) turns ON one or more modules/components in the water purifier (100), such as, but not limited to, the SV (102), pump (103), and the lamp (112). In an embodiment herein, the controller (111) ignores the reading of the pump current for three minutes, if a new filter has been installed into the water purifier (100), so as to allow the water at the inlet to reach the pump (103). In an embodiment herein, the controller (111) does not ignore the reading of the pump current for the pre-defined period of time, even if a new filter has been installed into the water purifier (100).
[0038] At step (503), the controller (111) compares the pump current value with the threshold value, wherein the pump current value is received from the current sensor (110). If the pump current value is more than the threshold value, the water purifier (100) works normally, where at step (504), the water purifier (100) enters into a tank filling mode. At step (505), the controller (111) keeps the SV (102), the pump (103), and the lamp (112) ON. At step (506), if input water is available, then step (504) can be executed again where the tank (109) continues to get filled.
[0039] However, at step (503), if the pump current value is less than the threshold value, or if at step (506), there is no input water available, then step (507) is executed. At step (507), the controller (111) turns OFF the SV (102), the pump (104), and the lamp (112). Consequently, at step (508), the water purifier (100) enters a standby mode, where the water purifier (100) can indicate that it is in a “no water” state and can be switched OFF for five minutes. At step (509), after five minutes, the water purifier (100) enters a re-trial mode where it is turned ON for one minute, with the SV (102) and pump (104) switched ON. At step (510), if there is no input water available, then step (507) is executed again. However, if at step (510), there is input water available, then step (504) is executed where the tank (109) gets filled. The various actions in method 500 may be performed in the order presented, in a different order or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some actions listed in FIG. 5 may be omitted.
[0040] An advantage of the embodiments disclosed herein can be that it overcomes the traditional drawbacks associated with the traditional methods of determining input water availability. The system eliminates the usage of low pressure sensor for determining input water availability and can allow the water purifier to function even at low pressure conditions. The system is precise and is reliable and is in-expensive The system eliminates the usage of a conductivity sensor thus allowing the proposed system to be more cost-effective. The system prevents dry running of the pumps thereby enhancing the life of the pump drastically. The system can be easily integrated/ retrofitted to the water purifier. The system uses less number of components for determining the water availability at inlet of water purifier. The system reduces connection complexity and reduces product wiring in input/output (I/O) port usage in the water purifier for determining the water availability.
[0041] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A method (300) for determining availability of input water at an inlet of a water purifier (100), the method (300) comprising:
sensing, by a current sensor (110), a current at a pump (103) in the water purifier (100);
comparing, by a controller (111), the sensed current with a threshold value on receiving the sensed current at the pump (103) from the current sensor (110); and
determining, by the controller (111), that input water is present at the inlet, if the sensed current is greater than the threshold value.

2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (300) further comprises, filling a tank (109) in the water purifier (100) with filtered water, on determining that input water is present at the inlet.

3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (300) further comprises:
turning ON, by the controller (111), a solenoid valve (102) the pump (103), and a lamp (112), on the water purifier (100) being turned ON;
turning OFF, by the controller (111), the solenoid valve (102) the pump (103), and the lamp (112) for a second time interval, if there is no input water present at the inlet;
turning ON, by the controller (111), the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103) during a third time interval, on expiry of the second time interval;
filling, by the controller (111), the tank (109) with filtered water, on determining that input water is present at the inlet of the water purifier (100) during the third time interval; and
turning OFF, by the controller (111), the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103) for the second time interval, if there is no input water present at the inlet of the water purifier (100).
4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method (300) further comprises,
filling, by the controller (111), the tank (109) with filtered water, irrespective of the sensed current, if a new filter has been installed in the water purifier (100) and input water is present at the inlet of the water purifier (100).

5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the method (300) includes,
maintaining the water purifier (100) in a standby mode in which the water purifier (100) is switched OFF for a first interval of time and the water purifier (100) indicates that it is in a “no water” state; and
operating the water purifier (100) in a re-trial mode in which the water purifier (100) is turned ON for a second period of time, with the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103) being switched ON, and checking again the input water availability during the re-trial mode.

6. A water purifier (100) comprising:
a current sensor (110) configured for sensing a current at a pump (103) in the water purifier (100); and
a controller (111) configured for,
comparing the sensed current with a threshold value on receiving the sensed current at the pump (103) from the current sensor (110); and
determining that input water is present at inlet of the water purifier (100), if the sensed current is greater than the threshold value.

7. The water purifier (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller (111) is further configured for filling a tank (109) in the water purifier (100) with filtered water, on determining that input water is present at the inlet of the water purifier (100).

8. The water purifier (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller (111) is further configured for:
turning ON a solenoid valve (102), the pump (103), and a lamp (112), on the water purifier (100) being turned ON;
turning OFF the solenoid valve (102), the pump (103), and the lamp (112) for a second time interval, if there is no input water present at the inlet of the water purifier (100);
turning ON the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103) during a third time interval, on expiry of the second time interval;
filling the tank (109) with filtered water, on determining that input water is present at the inlet during the third time interval; and
turning OFF the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103) for the second time interval, if there is no input water present at the inlet of the water purifier (100).

9. The water purifier (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the controller (111) is further configured for filling the tank (109) with filtered water, irrespective of the sensed current, if a new filter has been installed in the water purifier (100) and water is present at the inlet.

10. The water purifier (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the water purifier (100) enters in a standby mode in which the water purifier (100) is switched OFF for a first interval of time and the water purifier (100) indicates that it is in a “no water” state; and
the water purifier (100) enters in a re-trial mode in which the water purifier (100) is turned ON for a second period of time, with the solenoid valve (102) and the pump (103) being switched ON, and checking again the input water availability during the re-trial mode.