EP3604698B1 - Method and flushing system for flushing water line networks - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and a flushing system for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or service water supply networks, whereby a water temperature and / or a water flow in one with a water house entry is connected to the public supply network and with a plurality of sub-distribution lines and Tapping points formed water pipe network is determined, with a flushing device, the water pipe network is at least partially flushed by means of a plurality of flushing valves, wherein the control device stores the measured values of the sensors over a period of time.

Such methods and flushing systems are well known and are regularly used for flushing water pipe networks in order to be able to ensure compliance with the relevant hygiene regulations for drinking and service water pipe networks. Among other things, the German Drinking Water Ordinance contains regulations to avoid contamination of the drinking water by bacteria, for example due to long stagnation times of the water in the pipes suitable security measures are mandatory. Particularly in large buildings, such as residential buildings with a large number of residential units, old people's and nursing homes, hospitals, schools, gyms, hotels, etc., a hygiene-compliant operation of the drinking and service 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 free the relevant lines of a water supply network from such contamination by flushing them. So describes the EP 2 096 214 A2 a drinking and service water supply network of a building with a water house entry or a house connection, wherein the water house entry is connected to the public supply network, and different, outgoing lines within the building, to which flushing lines are assigned that communicate with a waste water outlet that is connected to the public sewage network is connected.

Next it is from the DE 10 2014 208 261 A1 known to use a control device for flushing a water supply network, the control device actuating a flushing valve as a function of sensors which measure a temperature and a volume consumed in a sub-distribution line of the water supply network. It is then possible, by means of the control device, to initiate a needs-based flushing of the water pipe network by actuating the flushing valve and thus to save water. Another flushing valve operated by a control device is shown in FIG EP 3 020 877 A1 known.

The disadvantage of the known method or flushing system is that they can only be used effectively in the case of water pipe networks laid in new buildings. At least one design of the water supply network of a building must be known in order to be able to To be able to retrofit the water supply network with a flush valve. Only then is it 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 preset time, sufficient flushing of the water supply network takes place without too much water being wasted. In buildings with existing water supply networks or old buildings with water supply networks, where the design of the respective water supply network is no longer known and can therefore no longer be traced without great effort, the flushing valves in question cannot be effectively used. For example, it is possible that certain lines of piping are not flushed sufficiently or beyond the necessary extent because their route and connection within the water supply network is not known.

The WO 2018/104738 A1 describes a system for the acquisition of relevant data for flushing water pipe networks. It is provided that temperatures and amounts of liquid in sections of the water supply network are measured using various sensors and stored by means of data processing. Among other things, a comparative analysis of different stored time periods can also be carried out. The aim of data collection and storage is a water-saving flushing of the water pipe network.

The EP 2 500 475 A2 discloses a flushing apparatus and method for flushing water supply networks. The flushing device comprises a control device as well as temperature sensors and flushing valves. With the temperature sensors, a temperature profile is measured in the relevant sub-distribution line of the water supply network, that is to say stored by the control device over a period of time. A flushing process is then triggered automatically by the control device as a function of the temperature profile.

The EP 2 166 159 A2 shows a method for flushing a water pipe network in a building, for example in a hotel. A sub-distribution network with tapping points is provided for supplying individual rooms, with a flush valve being integrated in a cistern of a toilet flush. The flushing valve forms a flushing device together with an electronic control. The controller comprises a data memory and a sensor, with which a water flow through the cistern can be measured and stored. To avoid contamination of the drinking water line, the control automatically triggers a rinsing process if this is necessary or if no drinking water has been withdrawn within a time interval. A flushing amount can also be adapted to a drinking water withdrawal carried out in the time interval.

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

This object is achieved by a method with the features of claim 1 and a flushing system with the features of claim 16.

In the method according to the invention for flushing water supply networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or service water supply networks, a water temperature and / or a water flow in a water supply network connected with a water house entry and formed with a plurality of sub-distribution lines and taps is determined by means of sensors , wherein the water pipe network is at least partially flushed by means of a plurality of flushing valves of a flushing device, wherein by means of a control device connected to the sensors and the flushing valves, the flushing of the water pipe network as a function of the sensors determined measured values by a Actuation of the flushing valves is initiated, the control device storing the measured values of the sensors over a period of time, the actuating of the flushing valves taking into account the stored measured values by the control device, the control device performing a pattern analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the period of time, the Control device derives a flushing strategy for actuating the flushing valves from the pattern analysis.

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 flushing valve or also spatially separated from the flushing valve. The water pipe network also has sensors which measure a water temperature and / or a water flow in the area of the respective sensor in a pipe section of the water pipe 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 draw-off points through which water can be drawn from the water supply network. When water is withdrawn at a tap, water flows through a sub-distribution line, possibly with a change in the 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, whereby water does not necessarily have to be withdrawn at a tap within the period of time. It is essential that the control device stores the measured values of the sensors determined in the period of time. Depending on a possible change in the measured values within the period or even if the measured values remain unchanged, the control device initiates an actuation of the flushing valve. The flushing valve, together with a free outlet, forms a flushing device 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 jointly controlled by the control device. Overall, the fact that the control device stores the measured values over the period provides the option of using the stored measured values for determining a point in time and a duration of a flushing process by the control device. More precise knowledge about the design of the water pipe network then no longer needs to be available, since the control device can initiate and design the flushing process as a function of the measured values determined by the sensors in the time segment. For example, it is possible to only carry out the rinsing process if, in total, insufficient amount of water has flowed through a certain sub-distribution line in the period of time, the rinsing process then being able to be carried out until the desired water flow has been achieved at the relevant sensor.

According to the invention, the control device carries out a pattern analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the period of time. As part of the sample analysis, special periods of use, water temperatures and water flows from tapping points 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 The point in time for flushing the water supply network or a relevant sub-distribution line can thus be delayed if necessary.

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

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

Operating sensors with which the operating states of fittings and / or apparatuses installed in the water supply network can be measured can also be used as sensors. What is essential with the sensors is 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 with electrical energy autonomously via a battery or a power generator, in which case a wireless connection to the control device, for example via a radio standard, is possible. 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 which can signal status information that can be detected with the control device. State information can, for example, reflect a functional state 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 wash basin is triggered without contact by a user, a defined amount of water flows out of the relevant sub-distribution line via this sanitary fitting, the control device then using the trigger signal of the electronic sanitary fitting to register the amount of water that has escaped 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. So it can be provided that the control device, for example, the speed of a pump or one with The temperature value measured by a sensor is continuously recorded and stored, or these measured values are determined 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, with regular time 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 pipe 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 pipe network the sensors are installed, it also being possible for combinations of the aforementioned installations to be present in the water pipe 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, if necessary, on certain days of the week, months, weeks or individual days within a year, special features occur when using the water supply network and take these special features into account when the flush valve is operated. For example, water consumption and thus water flow can be lower on weekends than on working days or vice versa.

The control device can weight and evaluate the measured values of the sensors stored over the period with regard to relevance for a microbiological contamination for each sensor, wherein the actuation of the flushing valve can take place as a function of the evaluation by the control device. For example, the water supply network is in a hygienic condition if the water has a temperature of less than 20 ° and greater than 55 ° C. Contamination of the water is inhibited by the reproduction of germs. In this case, for example, time intervals for actuating the flushing valve can be lengthened.

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

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 $$\nu \left(T\right)=\frac{\eta }{\rho }$$

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

be determined. The key figure for water flow or a water flow can be, for example, with the formula $$K_{\mathit{Reynold}}=\frac{1}{{2.1}^{\frac{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="100"\; label="T"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">T</figure-callout>}}{100}}}\cdot {10}^{\mathrm{7th}}$$

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 $$\nu \left(T\right)=\frac{\eta }{\rho }$$

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

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

If a temperature at a measuring point or a sensor does not change due to a tap or a flushing valve, then the water temperature λ (t) = 1 must be set for this measured value. Overall, it is thus 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 the control device, for example, 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 value of the characteristic numbers from the characteristic numbers. The mean can be calculated using the formula $$K=\frac{K_{\mathit{cold}}+K_{\mathit{Reynold}}}{2}$$

can 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, a resulting characteristic value will be 1 or close to 1. Deviates a temperature or a Reynolds number of a measuring point of a sensor, the mean value of the characteristic numbers will move further away from the characteristic number 1, 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: $$\mathrm{K}\left(\begin{array}{ccc}{K}_{\mathit{first}\mathit{Measuring\; point}}& \cdots & K_{1,n}\\ ⋮& \ddots & ⋮\\ K_{m,1}& \cdots & K_{\mathit{latest}\mathit{Measuring\; point}}\end{array}\right)$$

By assigning matrix points of the matrix to actual measuring points or sensors, areas of the water pipe network that are critical for hygiene can be localized. It is also possible, in addition to the matrix with the key figures or also without the key figures, to use the control device to map a matrix that contains the information relevant to the hygiene of the water. This matrix can be processed by the control device, for example, within the framework of the finite element method.

The flush 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 default range 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 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 optimize the flushing of the water pipe network even further, so that there is no waste of water during flushing. Furthermore but it is also ensured that the water supply network can always be operated in a hygienically perfect manner.

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 using 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 sub-distribution line could not have been known due to ignorance of the design of the water supply network, but it could result from the derivation of the functional connections by the control device.

In particular, the control device can determine the actuation of the flush 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 pipe networks in buildings, in particular drinking and / or service water pipe networks, comprises a flushing device, a control device and a water pipe network connected to the public supply network with a water house inlet, the water pipe network having a plurality of sub-distribution lines, taps and sensors for determining a water temperature and / or a water flow, wherein the water pipe network can be at least partially flushed by means of the flushing device, wherein the flushing device has a plurality of flushing valves with a free outlet, wherein the control device is connected to the sensors and the flushing valves, and a flushing of the Water supply network in Depending on the measured values determined with the sensors can be initiated by actuating the flushing valves, the control device being designed such that the measured values of the sensors can be stored over a period of time, the actuating of the flushing valves being executable by the control device taking into account the stored measured values, wherein With the control device, a pattern analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the period can be carried out, with the control device being able to derive a flushing strategy for actuating the flushing valves from the pattern analysis. With regard to 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 dependent claims referring back to method claim 1.

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

Fig. 1

einen Funktionsgraph einer Kennzahl für Kaltwasser;

Fig. 2

einen Funktionsgraph einer Kennzahl für Strömung.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a function graph of a characteristic number for cold water;

Fig. 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 Fig. 1 The function graph shown for a characteristic number for a cold water temperature is the temperature and the characteristic number is plotted on the ordinate axis. A function of the key figure results from the formula $$K_{\mathit{cold}}=\frac{{1.3}^{T-10}}{\mathrm{13th}}$$

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

The Fig. 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, a Reynolds number being plotted on the abscissa axis and a characteristic number being plotted on the ordinate axis. A function of the key figure results from the formula $$K_{\mathit{Reynold}}=\frac{1}{{2.1}^{\frac{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="100"\; label="T"\; filenames="imgf0001.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">T</figure-callout>}}{100}}}\cdot {10}^{\mathrm{7th}}.$$

In particular, the Reynolds number can only be determined while the pipe flow is running. This means that a time-dependent function must be superimposed on the determined value for the Reynolds number. As time goes on, the determined figure drifts away from the standard value 1, so that stagnation is also taken into account in the case of water standing in a pipe.

Claims (16)

1. A method for flushing water pipe networks in buildings, in particular drinking water pipe networks and/or tap water pipe networks, a water temperature and/or a water flow in a water pipe network connected to the public supply network via a water entry point of the building and realized having a plurality of sub-distribution pipes and extraction points being determined by means of sensors, the water pipe network being at least partially flushed by means of a plurality of flush valves of a flushing device, the control device storing the measured values of the sensors over a time period,
   characterized in that
   the flushing of the water pipe network is initiated as a function of measured values determined by means of the sensors by actuating the flush valves by means of a control device connected to the sensors and the flush valves, the flush valves being actuated by means of the control device taking into account the stored measured values, the control device performing a pattern analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the time period, the control device deriving a flushing strategy for the actuation of the flush valves from the pattern analysis.
2. The method according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   volume sensors by means of which a flow velocity and/or a flow rate are/is measured in different sub-distribution pipes in the water pipe network and/or temperature sensors by means of which a water temperature is measured in different sub-distribution pipes in the water pipe network are used as sensors.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterized in that
   operating sensors by means of which operating states of valves and/or apparatuses installed in the water pipe network are measured are used as sensors.
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the control device records and stores the measured values of the sensors at regular time intervals or when a measured value changes or continuously.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the control device records and stores the measured values of the sensors in the water pipe network having a cold water installation, a hot water installation, a closed circular pipeline, a branched structure, a looped structure and/or a floor installation.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the control device takes into account the measured values stored in the time period of at least one month, preferably at least one year.
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the control device weights and assesses the measured values of the sensors stored over the time period with regard to a relevance for a microbiological contamination for each sensor, the flush valve being actuated as a function of the assessment by means of the control device.
8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in that
   the control device assigns a characteristic number to each measured value of the sensors, the characteristic number representing the relevance of the measured value for a microbiological contamination, in particular with Legionella.
9. The method 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 quantity.
10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
    characterized in that
    the control device forms a mean value of the characteristic numbers from the characteristic numbers.
11. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 10,
    characterized in that
    the control device forms a matrix of the characteristic numbers from the characteristic numbers.
12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
    characterized in that
    the flush valve is actuated by the control device as a function of a deviation of a characteristic number, a mean value or a matrix from a respective predetermined range.
13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the control device performs a pattern prediction on the basis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the time period.
14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the control device relates the measured values of different sensors to each other and derives functional dependencies of the sensors.
15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the control device determines the actuation of the flush valve by means of artificial intelligence.
16. A flushing system for flushing water pipe networks in buildings, in particular drinking water pipe networks and/or tap water pipe networks, the flushing system comprising a flushing device, a control device and a water pipe network connected to the public supply network via a water entry point of the building, said water pipe network comprising a plurality of sub-distribution pipes, extraction points and sensors for determining a water temperature and/or a water flow, the water pipe network being at least partially able to be flushed by means of the flushing device, said flushing device comprising a plurality of flush valves having a free outlet, the control device being realized in such a manner that the measured values of the sensors can be stored over a time period,
    characterized in that
    the control device is connected to the sensors and the flush valves, and in that flushing of the water pipe network can be initiated as a function of measured values determined by means of the sensors by actuating the flush valves, the flush valves being able to be actuated by means of the control device taking into account the stored measured values, a pattern analysis of the measured values of the sensors stored over the time period being performable by means of the control device, a flushing strategy for the actuation of the flush valves being derivable from the pattern analysis by means of the control device.

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