Methods and apparatus for remotely monitoring and/or controlling a plumbing system
First Claim
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-dependant 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.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
16 Claims
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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-dependant 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
- comprising;
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12. 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 configured to work in conjunction with a controller component to determine changes in hot water temperature selected from the group consisting of whether the water temperature reaches a threshold temperature, or whether a change in water temperature (Δ
T) in the conduit has occurred;
said controller component structured to export a control signal to one or more HWS components when a temperature threshold or temperature gradient threshold is passed;wherein said controller component receives signals from, and/or sends signals to, said one or more HWS components wirelessly, and wherein said controller component is structured to permit a user to access HWS data selected from the group consisting of photographic, video, energy usage data, water usage data, and video feed data to the user. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
- comprising;
Specification