Methods and apparatus for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a plumbing system

• US 10,208,967 B1
• Filed: 11/28/2016
• Issued: 02/19/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technologies Development, Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Advanced Conservation Technology Distribution, Inc.
• Inventors: Acker, Larry K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Ramesh B
• Application Number:
  US15/362,000
• Time in Patent Office: 813 Days
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 13/00 Pumping installations or systems controlling F04D15/00
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/00 Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
• CPC Class Codes: F24D 17/0031 with accumulation of the heated water
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/136 Defrosting or de-icing; Preventing freezing
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/20 characterised by control inputs
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/219 after heating
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/238 Flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/242 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/254 Room temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/269 Time, e.g. hour or date
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/281 Input from user
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/31 of valves having only one inlet port and one outlet port, e.g. flow rate regulating valves
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/335 Control of pumps, e.g. on-off control control of compressors of heat pumps F24H15/38
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/395 Information to users, e.g. alarms
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/45 remotely accessible
• CPC Class Codes: F24H 15/486 using timers
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23051 Remote control, enter program remote, detachable programmer
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23406 Programmer device, portable, handheld detachable programmer
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25168 Domotique, access through internet protocols

Abstract

Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.

Claims

1. A remotely located controller component for a structural on demand hot water system (HWS), said HWS comprising a hot water source, a hot water delivery line, a hot water return line, one or more sensors, and a hot water circulation pump;

comprising;

a controller component remotely located from said HWS for coordinating water and energy use comprising a microprocessor having a memory component, at least one input connector component for receiving sensor signals, and at least one output connector component for sending control signals,

at least one sensor comprising a temperature sensor, said temperature sensor detecting water temperature at said hot water delivery line or said hot water return line over a temperature gradient time period;

said remotely located controller component being structured to receive temperature data from said temperature sensor, detect a change in hot water line temperature (Δ

T) at said sensor over a temperature gradient time period; and

export a control signal to one or more HWS components;

wherein said controller component receives signals from, and/or sends signals to, said one or more HWS components wirelessly.

2. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to receive sensor signals from, and send control signals to, the HWS via the internet.

3. The remotely located controller component of claim 2 structured to receive sensor signals from, and send control signals to, the HWS via the internet using a method selected from the group consisting of wifi, Bluetooth®

, satellite, and a cellular telephone network.

4. The remotely located controller component of claim 2 wherein the controller component is structured to receive sensor signals from and/or send control signals to one or more device selected from the group consisting of:

an alarm system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a heating system, a door lock, and structural lighting, in addition to the HWS.

5. The remotely located controller component of claim 2 wherein said one or more HWS components are selected from the group consisting of a water flow sensor, a water line pressure sensor, a water temperature sensor, a pump status sensor, a pump flow rate sensor, a hot water source status sensor, a hot water source thermostat, a moisture detector, a time of day indicator, a day of week indicator, and a timer status detector.

6. The remotely located controller component of claim 5 wherein said controller is structured to cause the display of status data received from said one or more HWS component.

7. The remotely located controller component of claim 5 wherein said controller is structured to accept user input and transmit a control signal based thereon to said one or more HWS component.

8. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to detect an event selected from the group consisting of a loss of water pressure, a loss of water flow, or a lack of hot water in the hot water line, and if such event is detected to turn the pump on for a predetermined circulation time period to attempt to re-prime the lines.

9. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to determine patterns of pump activity, water presence or flow, water pressure, temperature, period of pump activity or inactivity, period of hot water source activity or inactivity.

10. A remotely located controller component for a structural on demand hot water system (HWS), said HWS comprising a hot water source, a hot water delivery line, a hot water return line, one or more sensors, and a hot water circulation pump;

comprising;

a controller component remotely located from said HWS for coordinating water and energy use comprising;

a microprocessor having a memory component, at least one input connector component for receiving sensor signals, and at least one output connector component for sending control signals,

at least one sensor sending a sensor signal to said controller component detecting a change in water temperature (delta T) at said hot water delivery line or said hot water return line over a temperature gradient time period;

said controller component being structured to export a control signal to one or more HWS components;

wherein said controller component is structured to receive signals from, and sends signals to, said one or more HWS components wirelessly.

11. The controller component of claim 10, being comprised as part of a device selected from the group consisting of a computer, tablet computing device, or mobile telephone.

12. The controller component of claim 10, being comprised in association with a device selected from the group consisting of a computer, tablet computing device, or mobile telephone.