DE102018118651A1 - Method and flushing system for flushing water supply networks - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a flushing system for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or industrial water supply networks, sensors using a water temperature and / or a water flow in a water supply inlet connected to the public supply network and with a plurality of sub-distribution lines and Water supply network designed tap is determined, wherein the water supply network is at least partially rinsed the water supply network by means of a rinsing valve of a rinsing device, wherein the rinsing of the water supply network is initiated by actuating the rinsing valve by means of a control device connected to the sensors and the rinsing valve, depending on measured values determined with the sensors is, the control device stores the measured values of the sensors over a period of time, the actuation of the flush valve taking into account the stored measured values erte done by the control device.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a flushing system for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or process water supply networks, with sensors using a water temperature and / or a water flow in one with a water house inlet connected to the public supply network and with a plurality of sub-distribution lines and Tap points trained water supply network is determined, with a flushing device, a flushing device, the water supply network is at least partially flushed, with a control device connected to the sensors and the flushing valve, the flushing of the water supply network is initiated as a function of the measured values determined by the sensors by actuating the flushing valve.

Such methods and flushing systems are well known and are used regularly for flushing water supply networks in order to ensure compliance with the relevant hygiene regulations for drinking and process water supply networks. Among other things, the German Drinking Water Ordinance prescribes appropriate safety measures to prevent contamination of the drinking water by bacteria, which can arise, for example, from long stagnation times of the water in the pipes. In large buildings in particular, such as residential buildings with a large number of residential units, old people's and nursing homes, hospitals, schools, gyms, hotels, etc., hygienic operation of the drinking water and process water supply network must be ensured at all times. The German Drinking Water Ordinance regulates further details in the version last valid before the filing date of the present patent application.

In order to meet these requirements, it is already known to rid the relevant lines of a water supply network of such contaminations by flushing them. So describes the EP 2 096 214 A2 a drinking and industrial water supply network of a building with a water house entry or a house connection, the water house entry being connected to the public supply network, and various outgoing pipes routed within the building, to which flushing pipes are assigned, which communicate with a waste water outlet connected to the public sewage network is connected.

It is further from the DE 10 2014 208 261 A1 It is known to use a control device for flushing a water supply network, the control device actuating a flushing valve as a function of sensors that measure a temperature and a consumed volume in a sub-distribution line of the water supply network. It is then possible, by means of the control device, to initiate a need-based flushing of the water supply network by actuating the flushing valve and thus saving water. Another, operated via a control device purge valve is from the EP 3 020 877 A1 known.

A disadvantage of the known method or flushing system is that it can only be used effectively in water supply networks installed in new buildings. At least one configuration of the water supply network of a building must be known in order to be able to retrofit the water supply network with a flushing valve. Only then will it be possible to set the control device for the flushing valve in such a way that, given certain measured values from sensors or according to a time specification, the water supply network is adequately flushed without too much water being wasted. In buildings with existing water supply networks or old buildings with water supply networks in which the design of the respective water supply network is no longer known and can therefore no longer be traced without great effort, the flush valves in question cannot be used effectively. For example, it is possible that certain pipe runs will not be flushed sufficiently or beyond what is necessary, since their course and connection within the water supply network are not known.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a method and a flushing system for flushing water supply networks in buildings, which can also be used effectively on existing water supply networks.

This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a flushing system with the features of claim 18.

In the method according to the invention for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or industrial water supply networks, sensors are used to determine a water temperature and / or a water flow in a water supply network connected to the public supply network with a water house inlet and formed with a plurality of sub-distribution lines and taps , wherein the water supply network is at least partially flushed by means of a flushing valve of a flushing device, whereby by means of a control device of the flushing of the water supply network connected to the sensors in the flushing valve, measured values determined as a function of the sensors are initiated by actuating the flushing valve, the Control device stores the measured values of the sensors over a period of time, the flushing valve being actuated by the control device taking into account the stored measured values.

Accordingly, the water supply network of a building, which is filled with water or liquid, is flushed by actuating the flushing valve, which is initiated by means of the control device. The control device can be a computer with software running on it, wherein the control device can be positioned on the flush valve or spatially separated from the flush valve. Furthermore, the water supply network has sensors that measure a water temperature and / or a water flow in the area of the respective sensor in a line section of the water supply network. The sensors are positioned or connected in or on at least one sub-distribution line, preferably in or on the plurality of sub-distribution lines. The sub-distribution lines regularly have taps through which water can be drawn from the water supply network. When water is withdrawn from a tap, a water flow in a sub-distribution line is brought about, possibly with a change in a water temperature. This change in the water temperature and / or the water flow is measured by means of the sensors and transmitted to the control device. The control device is therefore also connected to the flushing valve and the sensors, so that measured values or control signals or data can be exchanged. Such a communication connection can be established via a cable connection or also a wireless radio connection. The control device determines the measured values of the sensors over a period of time or an operating period of the water supply network, it not being necessary for water to be drawn from a tap within the period. It is essential that the control device stores the measured values of the sensors determined in the period. Depending on a possible change in the measured values within the time period or even if the measured values remain unchanged, the control device initiates actuation of the flushing valve. The flushing valve forms a flushing device together with a free outlet for the water flowing out of the flushing valve. The flushing device can have a plurality of flushing valves in the water supply network. In this case it is advantageous if the plurality of flushing valves are controlled jointly by the control device. Overall, this means that the control device stores the measured values over the period of time, making it possible for the control device to use the stored measured values to determine a point in time and a duration of a rinsing process. More precise knowledge of the formation of the water supply network then no longer has to be available, since the control device can initiate and configure the flushing process in the time period depending on the measured values determined by the sensors. For example, it is possible to carry out the flushing process only when a sufficient sub-distribution line has not flowed through a certain sub-distribution line in the time period, the flushing process then being able to be carried out until the desired water flow has been achieved at the sensor in question.

Volume sensors with which a flow velocity and / or flow rate and / or temperature sensors with which a water temperature can be measured in sub-distribution lines different from one another in the water supply network can be used as sensors. For example, there are already volume sensors or temperature sensors for measuring a volume flow or a flow rate or a water temperature in existing water supply networks, which can be used by the control device to obtain measured values. Furthermore, it is also possible to subsequently integrate such sensors into an existing water supply network, preferably in the respective sub-distribution lines of the water supply network. The water supply network can be used to distribute cold water and / or hot water. The water supply network can be formed from a cold water supply network and / or a hot water supply network. The hot water supply network can then also include hot water storage tanks, boilers or heat exchangers which can be supplied indirectly with cold water via a water house inlet.

Operating sensors with which operating states of fittings and / or apparatuses installed in the water supply network can be measured can also be used as sensors. It is essential for the sensors that they can be operated via an electrical supply line and, if necessary, can be read out by the control device or another control device. In principle, sensors can also be supplied autonomously with electrical energy via a battery or a power generator, in which case a wireless connection to the control device is possible, for example via a radio standard. These sensors can be sensors already present in the water supply network, such as a thermocouple in a drinking water heater. The fittings can be electronic sanitary fittings or any type of valve that can signal status information that can be detected by the control device. Status information can, for example, reflect a functional status of the valve - open or closed. The Apparatus can include operating components, pumps, filters, cisterns, or flush valves. The control device can also use such apparatus to determine an operating state of the respective apparatus, for example the speed of a pump, the state of a filter or an actuation of a cistern. If, for example, an electronic sanitary fitting on a hand basin is triggered by a user without contact, a defined amount of water flows out of the relevant sub-distribution line via this sanitary fitting, the control device then registering the outflowing amount of water based on the trigger signal of the electronic sanitary fitting and as a measured value for can store the water flow.

The control device can record and store the measured values of the sensors at regular time intervals, when a measured value changes, or continuously. It can be provided that the control device, for example, continuously records and stores the speed of a pump or a temperature value measured with a sensor, or also determines these measured values at defined time intervals in order to keep the amount of data as small as possible. Continuous acquisition is also understood to mean acquisition with a sampling frequency, regular intervals being understood to mean a time interval of at least several minutes, hours or days.

The control device can record and store the measured values of the sensors in the water supply network with a cold water installation, hot water installation, ring line, tree structure, mesh structure and / or floor installation. In principle, it is therefore irrelevant in which type of water supply network the sensors are installed, although combinations of the aforementioned installations may also be present in the water supply network.

The control device can take into account the measured values stored in the period of at least one month, preferably at least one year. On the basis of the measured values stored over this long period of time, the control device can then determine whether peculiarities occur when using the water supply network on certain days of the week, months, weeks or individual days within a year and take these peculiarities into account when actuating the flushing valve. For example, water consumption and thus water flow on weekends may be lower than on working days or vice versa.

The control device can weight and evaluate the measured values of the sensors stored over the period of time with regard to a relevance for microbiological contamination for each sensor, wherein the flushing valve can be actuated depending on the evaluation by the control device. For example, there is a hygienic condition in the water supply network when the water has a temperature of less than 20 ° and greater than 55 ° C, since then water contamination is inhibited by the reproduction of germs. In this case, for example, time intervals for actuating the flush valve can be extended.

ermittelt werden. Die Kennzahl für Wasserdurchfluss bzw. einer Wasserströmung kann beispielsweise mit der Formel $$K_{Reynold}=\frac{1}{{2.1}^{\frac{T}{100}}}\cdot {10}^7$$

ermittelt werden. Dabei gilt als eine Voraussetzung für einen aus hygienischen Gesichtspunkten akzeptablen Wasserdurchfluss eine turbulente Strömung mit einer Reynoldszahl Re < 2300. Für eine kinematische Viskosität $$v\left(T\right)=\frac{\eta }{\rho }$$

kann eine Druckabhängigkeit vernachlässigt werden, da auftredende Druckunterschiede zu gering sind.The control device can in each case assign a characteristic number in the measured values of the sensors, the characteristic number being able to reflect the relevance of the measured value for microbiological contamination, in particular with legionella. In this case, the key figure can be a relative, dimensionless number. A key figure for water temperature, in particular for cold water, can be, for example, with the formula $$K_{kalt}=\frac{{1.3}^{T-10}}{13}$$

be determined. The key figure for water flow or a water flow can be, for example, with the formula $$K_{ReynOld}=\frac{1}{{2.1}^{\frac{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="100"\; label="T"\; filenames="DE102018118651A1\_0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">T</figure-callout>}}{100}}}\cdot {10}^7$$

be determined. A prerequisite for a water flow that is acceptable from a hygienic point of view is a turbulent flow with a Reynolds number Re <2300. For a kinematic viscosity $$v\left(T\right)=\frac{\eta }{\rho }$$

a pressure dependency can be neglected, since pressure differences occurring are too small.

Furthermore, the control device can determine the characteristic number taking into account a time-dependent component relevant for the microbiological contamination and / or a component dependent on the measurement variable. Each tap or flush valve of a water supply network has a time-dependent influence on the parameters of the water supply network that influence the microbiological contamination. In this way, the time-dependent component and the measured variable-dependent component can be represented functionally, for example with the formula: $$\left(\begin{array}{ccc}\lambda {\left(t\right)}_{1.1}\cdot T_{1.1}& \cdots & \lambda {\left(t\right)}_{\mathrm{1,}n}\cdot T_{\mathrm{1,}n}\\ ⋮& \ddots & ⋮\\ \lambda {\left(t\right)}_{m\mathrm{,1}}\cdot T_{m\mathrm{,1}}& \cdots & \lambda {\left(t\right)}_{\mathrm{1,}n}\cdot T_{\mathrm{1,}n}\end{array}\right)=\left(\begin{array}{c}{S}_1\\ ⋮\\ S_m\end{array}\right)$$

If a temperature at a measuring point or a sensor does not change due to a tap or a flushing valve, the water temperature λ (t) = 1 must be set for this measured value. Overall, it becomes possible from the time-dependent component and the measured variable-dependent component to determine a characteristic map by the control device, which can be overlaid with further characteristic maps, for example for a Reynolds number. By superimposing these characteristic maps, it can also be determined, for example, for the control device that different tapping points or flushing valves have an influence on a specific measuring point or a sensor.

durch die Steuervorrichtung, hier für Temperatur und Strömung, berechnet werden. Wenn ein Wasserleitungsnetz aus hygienischen Gesichtspunkten optimal betrieben wird, wird ein resultierender Kennwert 1 oder nahe 1 betragen. Weicht eine Temperatur oder eine Reynoldszahl einer Messstelle eines Sensors ab, wird sich der Mittelwert der Kennzahlen um so weiter von der Kennzahl 1 wegbewegen, je gravierender die Abweichung ist.The control device can form an average of the key figures from the key figures. The mean can be calculated using the formula $$K=\frac{K_{kalt}+K_{ReynOld}}{2}$$

be calculated by the control device, here for temperature and flow. If a water supply network is operated optimally from a hygienic point of view, the resulting characteristic value 1 or close to 1. If a temperature or a Reynolds number of a measuring point of a sensor deviates, the mean value of the key figures will differ from the key figure 1 move away, the more serious the deviation is.

The control device can form a matrix of the key figures from the key figures. The matrix can include the key figures of all measuring points or sensors, as shown in the following example: $$\text{K}\left(\begin{array}{ccc}{K}_{ersteMessstelle}& \cdots & K_{\mathrm{1,}n}\\ ⋮& \ddots & ⋮\\ K_{m\mathrm{,1}}& \cdots & K_{letzeMessstelle}\end{array}\right)$$

By assigning matrix points of the matrix to actual measuring points or sensors, areas of the water supply network that are critical for hygiene can be localized. In addition, it is possible, in addition to the matrix with the key figures or without key figures, to display a matrix by the control device which contains the information relevant to the hygiene of the water. This matrix can be processed by the control device, for example, as part of the finite element method.

The flushing valve can be actuated by the control device as a function of a deviation of a characteristic number, a mean value or a matrix from a respective range specification, for the characteristic number, the mean value or the matrix. The range specification can be defined beforehand and stored in the control device. This always ensures that microbiological contamination of the water supply network is prevented.

The control device can carry out a sample analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the period. As part of the sample analysis, special periods of use, water temperatures and water flow from taps can be determined in parallel. For example, the control device can determine the use of certain tapping points at certain times to a certain extent if this takes place regularly. A time for flushing the water supply network or a relevant sub-distribution line can thus be delayed if necessary.

The control device can therefore carry out a pattern prediction on the basis of the measured values of the sensors of the pattern analysis stored over the period of time. Overall, this makes it possible to further optimize rinsing of the water supply network so that water is not wasted during rinsing. In addition, however, it is also ensured that the water supply network can always be operated hygienically.

The control device can relate the measured values of different sensors to one another and derive functional dependencies of the sensors. This becomes possible if the control device examines the measured values by means of statistical methods, for example correlations. The control device can then also determine that a sub-distribution line is flushed when a valve is opened at a tap. This direct connection between the tap and the sub-distribution line could not have been known due to a lack of knowledge of the design of the water supply network, but could result from the derivation of the functional relationships by the control device.

The control device can derive a flushing strategy for actuating the flushing valve from the pattern analysis. The flushing strategy can then be based on the pattern of use of the water supply network, with a change in use, for example due to a change in use of the concerned building, can always lead to the control device adapting the flushing strategy to the changed usage behavior. This means that it is no longer necessary to manually set or program the control device in any form, since it can always develop and use a flushing strategy that is optimized for user behavior.

In particular, the control device can determine the actuation of the flushing valve by means of artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence is understood here to mean an automation of a flushing behavior of the control device, in which the control device is programmed in such a way that it can independently adapt to a changed use of the water supply network.

The flushing system according to the invention for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or process water supply networks, comprises a flushing device, a control device and a water supply network connected to the public supply network with a water house inlet, the water supply network comprising a plurality of sub-distribution lines, taps and sensors for determining a water temperature and / or a water flow, wherein the rinsing device allows the water supply network to be rinsed at least partially, the rinsing device having a rinsing valve with a free outlet, the control device being connected to the sensors and the rinsing valve, and rinsing the water supply network in Depending on the measured values determined with the sensors, it can be initiated by actuating the flushing valve, the control device being designed in such a way that the measured values of the sensors via a period of time can be stored, the actuation of the flushing valve being able to be carried out by the control device taking into account the stored measured values. For the advantages of the flushing system according to the invention, reference is made to the description of the advantages of the method according to the invention. Further advantageous embodiments of a flushing system result from the features of the subclaims which refer back to method claim 1.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

• 1 einen Funktionsgraph einer Kennzahl für Kaltwasser;
• 2 einen Funktionsgraph einer Kennzahl für Strömung.

Show it:

• 1 a function graph of a code for cold water;
• 2 a function graph of a key figure for flow.

wobei eine Kennzahl für Warmwasser prinzipiell in der Ordinatenachse gespiegelt und der Abszissenachse verschoben verlaufen würde.On the abscissa axis of the in 1 The function graph shown for a key figure for a cold water temperature is the temperature and the key figure is plotted on the ordinate axis. A function of the key figure results from the formula $$K_{kalt}=\frac{{1.3}^{T-10}}{13}$$

a key figure for hot water would in principle be reflected in the ordinate axis and the abscissa axis would be shifted.

The 2 shows a function graph for a characteristic number of a water flow or a water flow in a pipe of a water supply network, wherein a Reynolds number is plotted on the abscissa axis and a characteristic number is plotted on the ordinate axis. A function of the key figure results from the formula $$K_{ReynOld}=\frac{1}{{2.1}^{\frac{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="100"\; label="T"\; filenames="DE102018118651A1\_0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">T</figure-callout>}}{100}}}\cdot {10}^7$$

In particular, the Reynolds number can only be determined during a running pipe flow. This means that a time-dependent function must be superimposed on the value determined for the Reynolds number. The determined key figure drifts from the standard value over time 1 away, so that stagnation is also taken into account when there is water in a pipe.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for better information for the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 2096214 A2 [0003]
• DE 102014208261 A1 [0004]
• EP 3020877 A1 [0004]

Claims (18)

Method for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking water and / or process water supply networks, wherein sensors are used to determine a water temperature and / or a water flow in a water supply network connected to the public supply network with a water house inlet and formed with a plurality of sub-distribution lines and taps, whereby by means of a flushing valve of a flushing device, the water supply network is at least partially flushed, whereby using a control device connected to the sensors and the flushing valve, the flushing of the water supply network is initiated as a function of measured values determined by the sensors by actuating the flushing valve, characterized in that the control device controls the Measured values of the sensors are stored over a period of time, the flushing valve being actuated by the control device taking into account the stored measured values. Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sensors used are volume sensors with which a flow rate and / or flow rate and / or temperature sensors with which a water temperature is measured in sub-distribution lines different from one another in the water supply network. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that operating sensors are used as sensors with which operating states of fittings and / or apparatuses installed in the water supply network are measured. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device detects and stores the measured values of the sensors at regular time intervals, when a measured value changes or continuously. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device records and stores the measured values of the sensors in the water supply network with a cold water installation, hot water installation, ring line, tree structure, mesh structure, and / or floor installation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device takes into account the measured values stored in the period of at least one month, preferably at least one year. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device weights and evaluates the measured values of the sensors stored over the period in terms of relevance for microbiological contamination for each sensor, the flushing valve being actuated as a function of the evaluation by the control device. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device in each case assigns a characteristic number to the measured values of the sensors, the characteristic number reflecting the relevance of the measured value for microbiological contamination, in particular with legionella bacteria. Procedure according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the control device determines the characteristic number taking into account a time-dependent component relevant for the microbiological contamination and / or a component dependent on the measured variable. Procedure according to Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the control device forms an average of the key figures from the key figures. Procedure according to one of the Claims 8 to 10 , characterized in that the control device forms a matrix of the key figures from the key figures. Procedure according to one of the Claims 8 to 11 , characterized in that the flush valve is actuated as a function of a deviation of a characteristic number, an average value or a matrix from a respective range specification by the control device. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device carries out a pattern analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the period. Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized in that the control device carries out a pattern prediction on the basis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the period. Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14 , characterized in that the control device relates the measured values of different sensors to one another and derives functional dependencies of the sensors. Procedure according to one of the Claims 13 to 15 , characterized in that the Control device derives a flushing strategy for actuating the flushing valve from the pattern analysis. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device determines the actuation of the flushing valve by means of artificial intelligence. Flushing system for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or industrial water supply networks, comprising a flushing device, a control device and a water supply network connected to the public supply network with a water house inlet, the water supply network comprising a plurality of sub-distribution lines, taps and sensors for determining a water temperature and / or a water flow, wherein the rinsing device allows the water supply network to be rinsed at least partially, the rinsing device having a rinsing valve with a free outlet, the control device being connected to the sensors and the rinsing valve, and rinsing the water supply network as a function of Measured values determined with the sensors can be initiated by actuating the flushing valve, characterized in that the control device is designed such that the measured values of the sensors r can be stored for a period of time, wherein the actuation of the flushing valve can be carried out by the control device taking into account the stored measured values.

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