Apparatus, system and method for monitoring, recording and billing for individual fixture and unit water usage in a multi-unit structure

• US 7,508,318 B2
• Filed: 04/07/2006
• Issued: 03/24/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: H20flo LLC
• Original Assignee: H20flo LLC
• Inventors: Lipford, Keith W., Casella, Michael H., Lipford, Brian L.
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, ALBERT KANG
• Application Number:
  US11/399,395
• Publication Number:
  US 20060245467A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,082 Days
• Field of Search: 340/870.02, 340/870.03, 340/870.07, 340/870.16, 738/617.7, 738/617.8, 738/612.8, 733/617.9, 705/462
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 2204/45 Utility meters networked together within a single building
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/002 Remote reading of utility meters
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 1/115 with magnetic or electromagnetic coupling to the indicating device
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/005 Valves valves in general F16K
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/063 using electrical means
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 15/0755 involving digital counting
• CPC Class Codes: G01F 25/10 of flowmeters
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 50/06 Energy or water supply
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/43 using wireless personal area networks [WPAN], e.g. 802.15, 802.15.1, 802.15.4, Bluetooth or ZigBee
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/60 for transmitting utility meters data, i.e. transmission of data from the reader of the utility meter
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/886 using energy harvesting, e.g. solar, wind or mechanical
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

An apparatus including means for measuring and storing flow information for a fluid flowing through each of a plurality of fixtures in a single unit in a multi-unit structure, and each means for measuring and storing operates independently of all other means for measuring and storing and means for generating and storing power from the fluid flowing through each of the plurality of fixtures. The apparatus also may include means for transmitting in a wireless transmission the flow information with a unique identifier associated with each of the plurality of fixtures having sufficient stored power to transmit the flow information and means for accumulating the flow information in a storage area for each of the plurality of fixtures with insufficient stored power to transmit the flow information.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

an inlet portion defining an inlet opening and adapted to be connected to and in fluid communication with a fluid inlet line;

a first flow conditioner in fluid communication with and adapted to receive and condition a fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

a flow measuring device in fluid communication with the first flow conditioner and adapted to measure the conditioned fluid as the conditioned fluid flows past the flow measuring device and to generate a signal representing an amount of the conditioned fluid flowing past the flow measuring device;

a power generator in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening and to receive at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening and to generate and supply power using the received at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

a pressure relief valve located upstream from the flow measuring device to receive at least another part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening, the pressure relief valve to allow the at least another part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening to bypass the power generator, if the pressure exerted by another part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening exceeds a predetermined threshold at the pressure relief valve;

an electronic component adapted to receive and store the generated power from the power generator and to store the signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid received from the flow measuring device using the power from the power generator and, when sufficient power is available, to transmit the stored signal representing the measured volume of the displaced conditioned fluid to a monitoring system; and

an outlet portion defining an outlet opening in fluid communication with the flow measuring device and the outlet opening adapted to be connected to an outlet line and to allow the conditioned fluid that flows past the flow measuring device to exit the apparatus;

the apparatus being sized to completely fit and operate from inside one of a plurality of plumbing fixtures.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:

a second flow conditioner in fluid communication with and to receive the conditioned fluid from the flow measuring device and to condition the conditioned fluid.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the second flow conditioner is located upstream from the outlet opening.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power generator is located before the flow measuring device and the at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening received by the power generator flows from the power generator to and past the flow measuring device.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pressure relief valve operates in parallel with the power generator.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pressure relief valve is connected between an inlet channel to the power generator and an outlet channel from the power generator.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mechanism to detect fouling.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the mechanism to detect fouling comprises one of a differential pressure sensor and an optical sensor.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the predetermined threshold at the pressure relief valve is controlled by a biasing mechanism.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the electronic component is a signal processor and telemetry electronics component.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the signal processor and telemetry electronics component comprises:

a telemetry antenna;

a telemetry electronics component coupled to the telemetry antenna; and

a signal processor to process the signal representing the amount of the conditioned fluid flowing past the flow measuring device and store flow information for the amount in the telemetry electronics component;

when sufficient power is stored in the electronic component, the telemetry electronics component to transmit the flow information to a receiver/transmitter unit or a central collection point via the telemetry antenna.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power generator comprises:

an axel disposed perpendicular to a direction of flow of the at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

a fluid driver coaxially aligned and engaged with the axle, the fluid driver is disposed in a fluid chamber within the apparatus through which the at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening flows; and

a generator portion coaxially aligned and engaged with the axle, the generator portion disposed outside the fluid chamber, the generator portion to move in unison with the fluid driver in reaction to the at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening flowing past the fluid driver to transmit the generated power to the electrical component.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flow measuring device comprises:

a flow chamber coaxially disposed in the apparatus body between the first flow conditioner and a second flow conditioner and upstream from the outlet opening;

a flow measuring device assembly coaxially aligned with the flow measuring device chamber and a direction of flow of the fluid flowing tbrough the inlet opening flows, the flow measuring device assembly including a central axis coaxially aligned with the flow measuring device chamber, an elongated central hub coaxially aligned with and attached to the central axis, and a plurality of flow measuring device blades; and

a sensor element attached to an exterior wall of the flow measuring device chamber and connected to the electronic component, the sensor element to measure a number of rotations of components within the flow measuring device assembly and to transmit the number of rotations to the electronic component as a measure of the amount of fluid flow.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the sensor element is selected from the group comprising:

a magnetic sensor;

a variable reluctance sensor;

a piezoelectric sensor;

a magnetostrictive sensor; and

a capacitive sensor.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the magnetic sensor comprises one of:

a Hall effect sensor;

a variable reluctance sensor; and

a reed switch.

16. A plumbing fixture assembly comprising:

a water dispensing plumbing fixture for use in a dwelling unit, the water dispensing plumbing fixture being selected from the group consisting of a faucet, a shower head, a toilet, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a refrigerator; and

a wireless flow metering apparatus installed within the water dispensing plumbing fixture, the wireless flow metering apparatus including

an inlet portion defining an inlet opening and adapted to be in fluid communication with a fluid inlet line;

a first flow conditioner in fluid communication with and adapted to receive and condition a fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

a flow measuring device in fluid communication with the first flow conditioner and adapted to measure the conditioned fluid as the conditioned fluid flows past the flow measuring device and to generate a signal representing an amount of the conditioned fluid flowing past the flow measuring device;

a second flow conditioner in fluid communication with and to receive the conditioned fluid from the flow measuring device and to condition the conditioned fluid;

a power generator in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening and to receive at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening and to generate and supply power using the at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

an electronic component adapted to receive and store the power from the power generator and to store the signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid received from the flow measuring device using the power from the power generator and, when sufficient power is available, to transmit the stored signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid to a monitoring system; and

an outlet portion defining an outlet opening and adapted to be connected to an outlet line, the outlet portion in fluid communication with the inlet portion and to allow the conditioned fluid that flows past the flow measuring device to exit the apparatus through the outlet opening.

17. The plumbing fixture assembly of claim 16 wherein the wireless flow metering apparatus is installed in the plumbing fixture downstream of a point at which hot and cold water are mixed in the plumbing fixture and upstream of the outlet portion.

18. The plumbing fixture assembly of claim 17 wherein the wireless flow metering apparatus is concealed within the plumbing fixture assembly.

19. The plumbing fixture assembly of claim 18 wherein the wireless flow metering apparatus is capable of operation at high and low-flow rates of water.

20. The plumbing fixture assembly of claim 18 wherein the wireless flow metering apparatus further comprises:

a pressure relief valve located upstream from the flow measuring device to receive at least another part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening, the pressure relief valve to allow the at least another part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening to bypass the power generator, if the pressure exerted by the at least another part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening exceeds a predetermined threshold at the pressure relief valve.

21. A system comprising:

a fixture assembly including

a water dispensing plumbing fixture for use in a dwelling unit, the water dispensing plumbing fixture being selected from the group consisting of a faucet, a shower head, a toilet, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a refrigerator; and

a wireless metering apparatus installed and concealed in the water dispensing plumbing fixture, the wireless metering apparatus having

an inlet portion defining an inlet opening and adapted to be connected to and in fluid communication with a fluid inlet line;

a first flow conditioner in fluid communication with and adapted to receive and condition a fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

a flow measuring device in fluid communication with and adapted to measure the conditioned fluid as the conditioned fluid flows past the flow measuring device and to generate a signal representing an amount of the conditioned fluid flowing past the flow measuring device;

a second flow conditioner in fluid communication with and to receive the conditioned fluid from the flow measuring device and to condition the conditioned fluid;

a power generator in fluid communication with the inlet opening and to receive at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening and to generate and supply power using the at least part of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening;

an electronic component adapted to receive the power from the power generator and to store the signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid received from the flow measuring device using the power from the power generator and, when sufficient power is available, to transmit the stored signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid to a monitoring system; and

an outlet portion defining an outlet opening and adapted to be connected to an outlet line, the outlet portion in fluid communication with the inlet portion and to allow the conditioned fluid that flows past the flow measuring device to exit the apparatus through the outlet opening;

a local receiver/transmitter component to receive transmissions from the fixture assembly containing information on the amount of fluid flowing through the fixture assembly and to forward the transmissions;

a hub to receive the forwarded transmissions of the information on the amount of fluid flowing through the plumbing fixture from the local receiver/transmitter, to process the information, and to transmit the processed information for billing; and

a processing system programmed to receive the processed information on the amount of fluid flowing through the plumbing fixture, determine a cost associated with the amount of fluid flowing through the plumbing fixture, allocate the cost to an account, and bill an owner of the account for the cost.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the local receiver/transmitter is accessible to review the information sent from the fixture assembly.

23. The system of claim 21 wherein the hub is accessible to review the processed information on the amount of fluid flowing through the fixture assembly.

24. The system of claim 21 further comprising a mechanism to detect fouling.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein the mechanism to detect fouling comprises one of a differential pressure sensor and an optical sensor.

26. An apparatus comprising:

an inlet portion defining an inlet opening and adapted to be connected to and in fluid communication with a fluid inlet line;

a first flow conditioner in fluid communication with and adapted to receive and condition a fluid flowing though the inlet opening;

a flow measuring device in fluid communication with the first flow conditioner and adapted to measure the conditioned fluid as the conditioned fluid flows past the flow measuring device and to generate a signal representing an amount of the conditioned fluid flowing past the flow measuring device;

a power generator in fluid communication with the first flow conditioner and adapted to generate and supply power;

an electronic component adapted to receive and store the generated power from the power generator and to store the signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid received from the flow measuring device using the power from the power generator and, when sufficient power is available, to transmit the stored signal representing the measured amount of the conditioned fluid to a monitoring system; and

an outlet portion defining an outlet opening in fluid communication with the flow measuring device and the outlet opening adapted to be connected to an outlet line and to allow the conditioned fluid that flows past the flow measuring device to exit the apparatus;

the apparatus being sized to completely fit and operate from inside one of a plurality of water dispensing plumbing fixtures for use in a dwelling unit, the water dispensing plumbing fixture being selected from the group consisting of a faucet, a shower head, a toilet, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and a refrigerator.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising:

a second flow conditioner in fluid communication with and to receive the conditioned fluid from the flow measuring device and to condition the conditioned fluid.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the second flow conditioner is located upstream from the outlet opening.

29. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising a mechanism to detect fouling.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein the mechanism to detect fouling comprises one of a differential pressure sensor and an optical sensor.

31. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the electronic component is a signal processor and telemetry electronics component.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the signal processor and telemetry electronics component comprises:

a telemetry antenna;

a telemetry electronics component coupled to the telemetry antenna; and

a signal processor to process the signal representing the amount of the conditioned fluid flowing past the flow measuring device and store flow information for the amount in the telemetry electronics component;

when sufficient power is stored in the electronic component, the telemetry electronics component to transmit the flow information to a receiver/transmitter unit or a central collection point via the telemetry antenna.

33. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the flow measuring device comprises:

a flow chamber coaxially disposed in the apparatus body between the first flow conditioner and a second flow conditioner and upstream from the outlet opening;

a flow measuring device assembly coaxially aligned with the flow measuring device chamber and a direction of flow of the fluid flowing through the inlet opening flows, the flow measuring device assembly including a central axis coaxially aligned with the flow measuring device chamber, an elongated central hub coaxially aligned with and attached to the central axis, and a plurality of flow measuring device blades; and

a sensor element attached to an exterior wall of the flow measuring device chamber and connected to the electronic component, the sensor element to measure a number of rotations of components within the flow measuring device assembly and to transmit the number of rotations to the electronic component as a measure of the amount of fluid flow.

34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the sensor element is selected from the group comprising:

a magnetic sensor;

a variable reluctance sensor;

a piezoelectric sensor;

a magnetostrictive sensor; and

a capacitive sensor.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the magnetic sensor comprises one of:

a Hall effect sensor;

a variable reluctance sensor; and

a reed switch.

36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the power generator comprises:

at least one power generating device disposed in a wall that defines the flow chamber of the flow measuring device to generate an electric current when at least one of the plurality of flow measuring device blades rotates past the at least one power generating device as a result of fluid flowing past the plurality of flow measuring device blades.

37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein the at least one power generating device is selected from the group comprising:

a magnetostrictive material; and

a piezoelectric material.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the at least one power generating sensor is adapted to measure a number of rotations of components within the flow measuring device assembly and to transmit the number of rotations to the electronic component as a measure of the amount of fluid flow.