DESC:Field of the Invention
[0001] The present disclosure relates to techniques for water management in facilities, such as a household, a lab, etc.

Background
[0002] Conventional systems for supplying water to facility, such as a household, a lab, etc. typically comprise a storage tank that stores water to be used for daily operations within the facility. Such a storage tank is connected to outlets, such as taps, provided in such facilities using a network of pipes or a pipeline network. Accordingly, the water may be obtained using any of the outlets, as desired.
[0003] Typically, owing to complex installations requirements, individuals refrain from implementing quality sensors and water level monitors in such a setup. Accordingly, an individual remains unaware of the quality of water being supplied to the facility. Even in case, such sensors are included, the associated wiring installations required to supply power to such sensors is again cumbersome.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for solution to address at least one of the aforementioned deficiencies.

Summary
[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[0006] In an embodiment, a water management system is disclosed. The water management system comprises a water purifier, a first tank for storing water to be supplied to an outlet in a terminal unit, wherein the first tank is connected to the terminal unit via a pipeline network comprising at least a first pipeline route and a second pipeline route, the second pipeline route having the water purifier disposed thereon and a valve control unit. The valve control unit comprises a valve disposed on the pipeline network, wherein the valve is configured to direct the flow of water through the pipeline network to the outlet of the terminal unit. Further, the valve control unit comprises a valve controller configured to control the operation of the valve. The water management system further comprises a water sensor device disposed within the first tank. The water sensor device comprises a water quality sensor configured to measure a quality of water in the first tank and transmit a first valve switch message to the valve controller when the measured quality of the water is less than a predefined quality value. Further, the valve controller is configured to operate the valve such that the water is supplied to the outlet of the terminal unit through the second pipeline route.
[0007] The water management system as claimed herein, wherein the water quality sensor is further configured to transmit a second valve switch message to the valve controller when the measured quality of the water is greater than the predefined quality value; and the valve controller is configured to operate the valve such that the water is supplied to the outlet of the terminal unit through the first pipeline route.
[0008] The water management system as claimed herein, further comprising a second tank connected to the first tank. Herein, the second tank is configured to store water. The system further comprises a motor unit. The motor unit comprises a motor configured to affect flow of water from the second tank to the first tank. The motor unit further comprises a motor controller configured to control operation of the motor.
[0009] The water management system as claimed herein, wherein the water sensor device further comprises a water level sensor, The water level sensor is configured to measure a level of water in the first tank and transmit a switch-ON motor message to the motor controller when the level of water in the first tank is less than a first predefined water level. Further, the motor controller is configured to switch ON the motor on receiving the switch-ON motor message.
[0010] The water management system as claimed herein, wherein the water level sensor is configured to transmit a switch-OFF motor message to the motor controller when the level of water in the first tank is more than a second predefined water level. Further, the motor controller is configured to switch OFF the motor on receiving the switch-OFF motor message.
[0011] The water management system as claimed herein, wherein the water sensor device further comprises a power unit for providing electric power for operation of the water sensor device.
[0012] The water management system as claimed herein, wherein the water sensor device further comprises a solar power unit coupled to the power unit, wherein the solar power unit is configured to harvest solar energy to generate electrical power. The water sensor device further comprises a charging unit coupled to the power unit and the solar power unit, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using the electricity generated by the solar power unit.
[0013] The water management system as claimed herein, wherein the water sensor device further comprises a charging unit coupled to the power unit and a mains supply, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using electricity supplied by the mains supply.
[0014] In another embodiment, a water sensor device is claimed. The water sensor device is disposed in a tank comprising water and comprises a power unit for providing electric power for operation of the water sensor device. The water sensor device further comprises a water quality sensor configured to measure a quality of the water and transmit a first set of communication messages for controlling a quality of water supplied to an outlet of a terminal unit connected to the tank Furthermore, the water sensor device comprises a water level sensor configured to measure a level of water in the tank and transmit a second set of communication messages for controlling a level of water in the tank.
[0015] The water sensor device as claimed herein, wherein the water sensor device further comprises a solar power unit coupled to the power unit, wherein the solar power unit is configured to harness solar energy to generate electrical power. The water sensor device further comprises a charging unit coupled to the power unit and the solar power unit, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using the electricity generated by the solar power unit.
[0016] The water sensor device as claimed herein, wherein the water sensor device further comprises a charging unit coupled to the power unit and a mains supply, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using electricity supplied by the mains supply.
[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings
[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0019] Fig. 1(a) illustrates a water management system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Fig. 1(b) illustrates a water sensor device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0021] Fig. 1(c) illustrates a water management system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of Figures
[0023] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
[0024] The term “some” as used herein is defined as “none, or one, or more than one, or all.” Accordingly, the terms “none,” “one,” “more than one,” “more than one, but not all” or “all” would all fall under the definition of “some.” The term “some embodiments” may refer to no embodiments or to one embodiment or to several embodiments or to all embodiments. Accordingly, the term “some embodiments” is defined as meaning “no embodiment, or one embodiment, or more than one embodiment, or all embodiments.”
[0025] The terminology and structure employed herein is for describing, teaching and illuminating some embodiments and their specific features and elements and does not limit, restrict or reduce the spirit and scope of the claims or their equivalents.
[0026] More specifically, any terms used herein such as but not limited to “includes,” “comprises,” “has,” “consists,” and grammatical variants thereof do NOT specify an exact limitation or restriction and certainly do NOT exclude the possible addition of one or more features or elements, unless otherwise stated, and furthermore must NOT be taken to exclude the possible removal of one or more of the listed features and elements, unless otherwise stated with the limiting language “MUST comprise” or “NEEDS TO include.”
[0027] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, either way, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do NOT preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language such as “there NEEDS to be one or more . . . ” or “one or more element is REQUIRED.”
[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all terms, and especially any technical and/or scientific terms, used herein may be taken to have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skills in the art.
[0029] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements presented in the attached claims. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of illuminating one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the attached claims fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility and non-obviousness.
[0030] Use of the phrases and/or terms such as but not limited to “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or variants thereof do NOT necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or alternatively in the context of more than one embodiment, or further alternatively in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0031] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should NOT be necessarily taken as limiting factors to the attached claims. The attached claims and their legal equivalents can be realized in the context of embodiments other than the ones used as illustrative examples in the description below.
[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] Fig. 1(a) illustrates a water management system 100, hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “system 100”, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 100 may be implemented in facilities, such as, for example, a household, a lab, an educational institution, and the like, for providing water of a desirable quality to such facilities.
[0034] In an example embodiment, the system 100 comprises a first tank 102 configured to store water therein. The first tank 102 may be connected to a terminal unit 104 for supplying water to one or more outlets 106 of the terminal unit 104. For the sake of brevity, only one outlet 106 has been shown in the Figure.
[0035] In an example, the first tank 102 may be connected to the outlets 106 using a pipeline network. The pipeline network may comprise a plurality of pipes that connect the first tank 102 to the one or more outlets 106. An example pipeline route 108-1 connecting the first tank 102 to the outlet 106 is shown in figure 1. The pipeline route 108-1 may be interchangeably referred to as the first pipeline route 108-1. Shown further in the figure is a pipeline route 108-2 connecting the first tank 102 to the outlet 106. The pipeline route 108-2 may be interchangeably referred to as the second pipeline route 108-2. In an example, the second pipeline route 108-2 may have a water purifier 110 disposed thereon. The water purifier 110 may be configured to purify water passing through it.
[0036] In an example, the system 100 further comprises a valve control unit 112. The valve control unit 112 further comprises a valve 114 and a valve controller 116. The valve 114 may be configured to direct the flow of water through the pipeline network to the outlet 106 of the terminal unit 104. In an example, the valve controller 116 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. Furthermore, the valve controller 116 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the valve controller 116 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in storage or memory (not shown herein).
[0037] Furthermore, the system 100 comprises a water sensor device 118. In an example embodiment, the water sensor device 118 may be configured to measure a quality of the water in the first tank 102. To that end, the water sensor device 118 may include a water quality sensor 120, as shown in Fig. 1(b). Furthermore, the water sensor device 118 may be configured to measure a level of the water in the first tank 102. To that end, the water sensor device 118 may include a water level sensor 122, as shown in Fig. 1(b).
[0038] The water sensor device 118 may further comprise a wireless communication unit 124. In an example, the water quality sensor 120 and the water level sensor 122 may use the wireless communication unit 124 for sending and receiving wireless communication messages. In an example, the wireless communication unit 124 may be one or more of hardware units, such as, for example, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, etc. Depending upon the technology to be used, the wireless communication unit 124 may include antenna of corresponding configuration and power. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 124 may support one or more of communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low energy (BLE), LoRa, etc.
[0039] The water sensor device 118 may further comprise a power unit 126, a solar power unit 128, and a charging unit 130. The power unit 126 may be understood as a source of power, such as a battery. In an example, the power unit 126 may be a rechargeable. In an example, the charging unit 130 may be configured to recharge the power unit 126. In an example, the solar power unit 128 may be configured to harvest solar energy to generate electricity and charging unit 130 may be configured to charge the power unit 126 using the electricity generated by harvesting solar energy. In another example, the charging unit 130 may be coupled to a mains supply. Accordingly, the charging unit 130 may be configured to charge the power unit 126 using the electricity supplied from the mains supply.
[0040] As mentioned above, in an example embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to provide water of a desired quality to the terminal unit 104. In an example, the valve 114 may be in an operational state, whereby the water from the first tank 102 is supplied to the outlet 106 using the first pipeline route 108-1. In said example embodiment, the water quality sensor 120 may be configured to measure a quality of water in the first tank 102. If the measured quality of the water is less than a predefined quality value, the water quality sensor 120 may be configured to transmit a first valve switch message to the valve controller 116. Although not shown in the figure, the valve controller 116 includes a wireless communication unit similar to the wireless communication unit 124. In an example, during the installation of the system 100, the water sensor device 118 may be communicably coupled to the valve controller 116. Thus, the wireless communication unit 124 and the water sensor device 118 may exchange wireless communication messages with each other. In an example, the predefined quality value may be set by an individual. The individual may be, for example, a resident of the terminal unit 104. In another example, the quality value may be set by a manufacturer of the water quality sensor 120 as per the acceptable water quality standards defined for the geographic location.
[0041] On receiving the first valve switch message, the valve controller 116 may be configured to operate the valve 114 such that the water is supplied to the outlet 106 of the terminal unit 104 through the second pipeline route 108-2. As mentioned earlier, the second pipeline route 108-2 has a water purifier 110 disposed thereon. The water purifier 110 filters the water being passed through it and accordingly, purified water having a water quality greater than the predefined quality value is obtained from the water purifier 110 and provided to the outlet 106 of the terminal unit 104.
[0042] Now later on, if the quality of water in the first tank 102 improves, the operation would be different. The improvement of the quality may occur, for example, due to fresh supply of water into the first tank 102. In said case, the water quality sensor 120 may determine that the quality of water in the first tank 102 is now above the predefined quality value. Accordingly, the water quality sensor 120 may be configured to transmit a second valve switch message to the valve controller 116. On receiving the second valve switch message, the valve controller 116 may be configured to operate the valve 114 such that the water is supplied to the outlet 106 of the terminal unit 104 through the first pipeline route 108-1.
[0043] Referring to Fig. 1(c), the system 100 further comprises a second tank 132 and a motor unit 134. The second tank 132 may be a sump tank, in an example. The motor unit 134 comprises a motor 136 and a motor controller 138, and a wireless communication unit (not shown), such as the wireless communication unit 124. In an example, during the installation of the system 100, the water sensor device 118 may be wirelessly coupled with the motor controller 138. The motor 136, in an example, may be a water pump configured to affect flow of water from the second tank 132 to the first tank 102. The motor controller 138 may be configured to control operation of the motor 136. In an example, the motor controller 138 may be a single processing unit or a number of units, all of which could include multiple computing units. Furthermore, the motor controller 138 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the motor controller 138 is configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and data stored in storage or memory (not shown herein).
[0044] In an example embodiment, the water level sensor 122 may be configured to measure a level of water in the first tank 102. If the level of water in the first tank 102 is less than a first predefined water level, the water level sensor 122 may be configured to transmit a switch-ON motor message to the motor controller 138. On receiving the switch-ON motor message, the motor controller 138 may be configured to switch ON the motor 136. Accordingly, the motor 136 may be configured to affect flow of water from the second tank 132 to the first tank 102.
[0045] As the water gets filled in the first tank 102, the water level sensor 122 may be configured to determine that the level of the water is more than a second predefined water level. The second predefined water level may be a level which is adequate to not cause overflow of water from the first tank 102. Accordingly, the water level sensor 122 may be configured to transmit a switch-OFF motor message to the motor controller 138. On receiving the switch-OFF motor message, the motor controller 138 may be configured to switch OFF the motor 136. Thus, overflow of water from the first tank 102 is avoided.
[0046] Furthermore, in an example embodiment, the water quality sensor 120 and the water level sensor 122 may be configured to transmit information about the quality of the water and the level of the water to a smartphone of the individual, periodically. Based on the aforementioned information, the individual may learn about the water consumption and the quality of water supplied.
[0047] While specific language has been used to describe the present subject matter, any limitations arising on account thereto, are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein. The drawings and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.
,CLAIMS:1. A water management system (100), comprising:
a water purifier (110);
a first tank (102) for storing water to be supplied to an outlet (106) in a terminal unit (104), wherein the first tank (102) is connected to the terminal unit (104) via a pipeline network comprising at least a first pipeline route (108-1) and a second pipeline route (108-2), the second pipeline route (108-2) having the water purifier (110) disposed thereon;
a valve control unit (112) comprising:
a valve (114) disposed on the pipeline network, wherein the valve (114) is configured to direct the flow of water through the pipeline network to the outlet (106) of the terminal unit (104);
a valve controller (116) configured to control the operation of the valve (114);
a water sensor device (118) disposed within the first tank (102), wherein the water sensor device (118) comprises a water quality sensor (120) configured to:
measure a quality of water in the first tank (102);
transmit a first valve switch message to the valve controller (116) when the measured quality of the water is less than a predefined quality value, wherein:
the valve controller (116) is configured to operate the valve (114) such that the water is supplied to the outlet (106) of the terminal unit (104) through the second pipeline route (108-2).

2. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the water quality sensor (120) is further configured to transmit a second valve switch message to the valve controller (116) when the measured quality of the water is greater than the predefined quality value; and
the valve controller (116) is configured to operate the valve (114) such that the water is supplied to the outlet (106) of the terminal unit (104) through the first pipeline route (108-1).

3. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a second tank (132) connected to the first tank (102), wherein the second tank (132) is configured to store water; and
a motor unit (134) comprising:
a motor (136) configured to affect flow of water from the second tank (132) to the first tank (102); and
a motor controller (138) configured to control operation of the motor (136).

4. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the water sensor device (118) further comprises a water level sensor (122), wherein:
the water level sensor (122) is configured to:
measure a level of water in the first tank (102); and
transmit a switch-ON motor message to the motor controller (138) when the level of water in the first tank (102) is less than a first predefined water level; and
the motor controller (138) is configured to switch ON the motor on receiving the switch-ON motor message.

5. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein:
the water level sensor (122) is configured to transmit a switch-OFF motor message to the motor controller (138) when the level of water in the first tank (102) is more than a second predefined water level; and
the motor controller (138) is configured to switch OFF the motor on receiving the switch-OFF motor message.

6. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the water sensor device (118) further comprises a power unit for providing electric power for operation of the water sensor device (118).

7. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the water sensor device (118) further comprises:
a solar power unit coupled to the power unit, wherein the solar power unit is configured to harvest solar energy to generate electrical power; and
a charging unit coupled to the power unit and the solar power unit, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using the electricity generated by the solar power unit.

8. The water management system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the water sensor device (118) further comprises a charging unit coupled to the power unit and a mains supply, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using electricity supplied by the mains supply.

9. A water sensor device (118) disposed in a tank comprising water, the water sensor device (118) comprising:
a power unit for providing electric power for operation of the water sensor device (118);
a water quality sensor (120) configured to:
measure a quality of the water; and
transmit a first set of communication messages for controlling a quality of water supplied to an outlet (106) of a terminal unit (104) connected to the tank;
a water level sensor (122) configured to:
measure a level of water in the tank; and
transmit a second set of communication messages for controlling a level of water in the tank.

10. The water sensor device (118) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the water sensor device (118) further comprises:
a solar power unit coupled to the power unit, wherein the solar power unit is configured to harness solar energy to generate electrical power; and
a charging unit coupled to the power unit and the solar power unit, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using the electricity generated by the solar power unit.

11. The water sensor device (118) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the water sensor device (118) further comprises a charging unit coupled to the power unit and a mains supply, wherein the charging unit is configured to charge the power unit using electricity supplied by the mains supply.