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, a local controller and a hot water circulation pump;
- comprising;
said local controller component comprising at least one input component for receiving sensor signals, and at least one output component for sending control signals,at least one said one or more sensors comprising at least one temperature sensor detecting water temperature at said hot water delivery line and/or said hot water return line;
said local controller component being structured to receive temperature-dependent data from said at least one temperature sensor, and export a control signal to one or more HWS components if the difference in water temperature between the delivered hot water and the water in the hot water return line exceeds and/or falls within a predetermined value;
wherein said remotely located controller component receives sensor signals from, and/or sends control signals to, said local controller component wirelessly, and contains software instructions installed therein to calculate and display energy usage data and water usage data related to the structural on demand hot water system to the user upon command.
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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
12 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, a local controller and a hot water circulation pump;
- comprising;
said local controller component comprising at least one input component for receiving sensor signals, and at least one output component for sending control signals, at least one said one or more sensors comprising at least one temperature sensor detecting water temperature at said hot water delivery line and/or said hot water return line;
said local controller component being structured to receive temperature-dependent data from said at least one temperature sensor, and export a control signal to one or more HWS components if the difference in water temperature between the delivered hot water and the water in the hot water return line exceeds and/or falls within a predetermined value;wherein said remotely located controller component receives sensor signals from, and/or sends control signals to, said local controller component wirelessly, and contains software instructions installed therein to calculate and display energy usage data and water usage data related to the structural on demand hot water system to the user upon command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
- comprising;
Specification