WO2020141228A1

WO2020141228A1 - System for detecting a water leak

Info

Publication number: WO2020141228A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/050110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexandre Robert; Zineddine WAKRIM
Original assignee: Shayp Sa
Priority date: 2019-01-03
Filing date: 2020-01-03
Publication date: 2020-07-09
Also published as: BE1026946B1; BE1026946A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a system (1) for detecting a water leak in a water distribution network, comprising: - a measurement module (10) comprising: ° at least one sensor (101) mounted on a water meter (20), the sensor (101) being configured to detect pulses (21) generated by the water meter (20); ° an acquisition element (102) configured to generate a water flow signal (2) corresponding to the water flow, from said pulses (21); ° a wireless measurement transmitter (103) configured to periodically transmit the water flow signal (2); and - an analysis module (11) configured to evaluate a flow of water from the water flow signal (2) of the water meter (20) and to detect a water leak in the distribution network when the water flow signal (2) exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold.

Description

WATER LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM

Technical area

[01] The present invention relates to a non-invasive electronic system making it possible to detect and quantify water leaks in a water distribution network from a single measurement point upstream of said network and to warn the responsible.

Prior art

[02] To detect and quantify a water leak, a person must manually raise the index of the water meter between two distinct times when there is no normal active consumption. The leak rate is calculated on the amount of water consumed divided by the time between the two readings. Alternatively, the speed of rotation of the meter indicators can give an estimate, as long as there is no water consumption. However, a water leak can happen at any time and therefore requires frequent manual reading in order to detect an abnormal rotation of the meter.

[03] Automatic reading systems first require a pulse transmitter corresponding to the manufacturer and the model of the water meter coupled to a data transmitter. This requires that each piece of equipment is adapted to the model of the meter and requires a technical prerequisite from the installer. US2010 / 289652, DE29910829 and US201 1/050395 describe such equipment. [04] Certain pulse reading methods suitable for a larger series of water meter models require a technical prerequisite and special attention from the user at the time of installation, which generates a high error rate. sensor positioning. The module leak analysis is sometimes physically located at the level of data collection, thus greatly limiting the leak analysis capacity, which can lead to frequent false alerts, requiring manual calibration by the user. Unless you have an external power supply, reducing the technical possibility of installing without the intervention of a professional, the frequency of data transfer and / or the amount of data to a sophisticated analysis module is insufficient to have reading accuracy of consumption and precise analysis of water leakage.

Summary of the invention

[05] The present invention relates to a leak detection system which solves the technical limitations mentioned in relation to state-of-the-art systems. The leak detection system of the present invention comprises: at least one non-invasive sensor placed on a water flow counting mechanism; an element of acquisition, processing, encryption and frequent wireless transmission of data which does not require external power; an analysis module decrypting and analyzing the data to interpret the presence of a water leak; and a wireless analysis transmitter to the user reporting a water leak.

[06] The main objective of the present invention is to propose a new technical solution which makes it possible to remote read water consumption from a metering point on the distribution network, independently of the model of the water meter, without necessity. the intervention of a technician or a technical prerequisite, in order to detect and quantify a water leak to make a quick connection with an insurer or a maintenance service.

[07] The subject of the invention is therefore a system for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network, the system comprising:

- a measurement module comprising: o at least one sensor configured to be mounted on a water meter of the water distribution network, the sensor being configured to detect pulses generated by the water meter; o an acquisition element coupled to the sensor and configured to generate a water flow signal corresponding to the water flow apart from the pulses of the water meter;

o a wireless measurement transmitter configured to periodically transmit the water flow signal; and

an analysis module configured to receive the water flow signal from the measurement module, the analysis module being configured to evaluate a water flow in the distribution network from the water flow signal, and wherein the analysis module is also configured to detect a water leak in the distribution network when the water flow signal exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined period.

[08] Thus, a water leak, or a continuous and / or intermittent flow of water, which is abnormally prolonged can be detected from data obtained from a water meter in order to assess the consumption of water from an installation such as an apartment, a house, a building, a factory, etc. The pulses generated by the water meter are generated by a mechanical or electronic element of the meter which is or is not provided for this purpose. effect. The water flow signal corresponding to the water flow includes a time stamp or an encrypted time stamp, and the water flow signal also includes a number of pulses which is proportional to the water consumption measured by the meter. of the distribution network. The predetermined water flow threshold can be established according to the water consumption profile recorded by the meter for the distribution network through the use of automatic learning by a Machine Learning method. The sensor is configured to be coupled to the water meter. Alternatively, the sensor is configured to be directly coupled to the water meter. [09] The analysis module of the water leak detection system of the water distribution network is for example implemented on a computer server physically independent of the measurement module. The detection of water leaks and the calculation or evaluation of the water flow from the water flow signal is done in this case on the computer server. Thus, the water leak detection system of the water distribution network is less limited in calculation capacity and the water consumption within the water distribution network is analyzed dynamically. This helps prevent water damage before it even occurs, which is not possible with state of the art detection systems. This also avoids the detection of false positives for which a water leak is detected. These false positives are for example detected by water leak detection systems known in the prior art which calculate a water leak locally, for example in the water leak detection system itself, and which do not have an analysis module implemented on a computer server physically independent of the measurement module as in the water leak detection system of the invention. The analysis module of the water leak detection system is calibrated by adapting the method of calculating the water flow according to the water consumption or use profile of the water distribution network. For example, a hospital often includes water leak detection systems that determine the water flow locally in the detection systems themselves. This generates many false detection of water leaks. With the analysis module of the water leak detection system of the invention, the profile of a leak is determined with machine learning. Essentially, the analysis module of the water leak detection system of the invention manages to recognize the moments of intensive use, ie the moments when the water flow is high, and manages to determine whether this flow d high water is also present during moments of low activity in the water distribution network. In addition, with the analysis module of the water leak detection system of the invention, it becomes possible to differentiate and recognize the presence of human consumption rather than an involuntary water leak. Indeed, human consumption, for example the use of a shower, a bathtub, a toilet, corresponds to a more irregular water flow than a leak. Indeed, a water leak corresponds to a constant, regular and stable water flow.

[10] More particularly, the analysis module comprises an alert generator configured to generate an alert signal when the water flow signal exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined time; and in which the analysis module also comprises a wireless analysis transmitter configured to transmit the alert signal to an entity of the water distribution network, for example to a manager in charge of the water distribution network , such as the occupant of the house or apartment, the owner of the distribution network, a plumber, a repair company, etc.

[11] Optionally, the measurement module of the water leak detection system of the invention is also configured to measure the temperature in order to determine the risk of freezing of pipes, the quality of the water flow signal, the flow direction to identify possible malfunctions of the water distribution network, the type of connector to find out the type of water meter.

[12] Thus, a responder or an entity can be notified remotely in the event of a water leak and be informed of the amount of water lost by the leak, in order to be put in touch with a repairer.

[13] Specifically, the wireless transmitter is configured to transmit the water flow signal multiple times a day or an hour, including a series of values. For example, a water flow signal is sent every hour between thirty seconds and six minutes.

[14] Thus, a false alert can be avoided thanks to the analysis module which can automatically adjust the alert level according to the usual consumption profile on the distribution network. [15] More specifically, the wireless measurement transmitter is configured to transmit the maximum duration between two consecutive pulses recorded from the counter.

[16] Thus, the level of accuracy in detecting a water leak is considerably increased in a distribution network with significant activity. But also, the profile of the water leak can be established without having to increase the number of messages sent, which reduces the battery life.

[17] More specifically, the wireless measurement transmitter is configured to periodically transmit an index comprising the water flow signals generated by the acquisition element during a predetermined period.

[18] Thus, the data regularly transmitted several times a day are checked and if necessary, corrected, based on the index.

[19] More particularly, the sensor comprises an optical sensor.

[20] Thus, the sensor has a circular or semi-circular shape and / or with a circular or semi-circular base, with an adhesive, which is placed above the rotating element of the meter without technical prerequisite of the installer, making installation quick and easy and safe.

[21] More particularly, the pulses correspond to a reflected light signal generated when a light signal from a light source is reflected by a rotating element of the water meter; and wherein the optical sensor is configured to collect the reflected light signal.

[22] Thus, the counters generating a pulse are made compatible with the system, that the counters generate a pulse from a rotating element, such as a needle or any other rotating element of the counter, or even from a light. The rotating element of the counter is provided or not this effect to generate pulses. The water leak detection system is calibrated. For example, the water leak detection system is calibrated automatically by measuring the maximum and minimum thresholds detected by the optical sensor and preferably using a statistical intermediary, such as 70% to 80%, as the basis for calibration or calibration.

[23] More particularly, the sensor comprises a magnetic sensor.

[24] More specifically, the pulses correspond to magnetic pulses from the water meter and in which the sensor is configured to be mounted on the water meter for the magnetic sensor to detect magnetic pulses.

[25] Thus, counters generating a magnetic type pulse are made compatible with the system.

[26] More particularly, the sensor comprises an inductive sensor.

[27] Thus, the sensor has a circular or semi-circular shape and / or with a circular or semi-circular base, with an adhesive, which is placed above the metallic rotary element of the meter without any technical prerequisite of the installer.

[28] More particularly, the sensor comprises a base configured to be mounted on the water meter; and in which the sensor is circular or semi-circular and / or in which the base is circular or semi-circular.

[29] Thus, the user places the sensor intuitively, without technical prerequisites, making it possible to arrange the electronic elements necessary for the detection of the pulses above the active element, such as a needle, a disc or a luminous element of the water meter, making it possible to limit the error rate at installation. The active element can for example be a flashing LED. [30] More particularly, the entity of the water distribution network comprises a mobile telephone and the wireless analysis transmitter is configured to transmit a short message to the mobile telephone.

[31] Thus, the distribution network entity or the operator is remotely notified in the event of a water leak and the rate of the water leak. The wireless analysis transmitter is also configured to transmit a confirmation of a successful repair in the water distribution network. Leak detection technology also provides leak detection repair functionality. This validates the work carried out by the maintenance teams on the water distribution network. When a leak becomes a priority and a leak must be repaired, information about the building in the water distribution network is automatically sent to the maintenance service, for example the location, the leak, the type of leak. probable, etc. Once the repair has been made by the maintenance service, the status of the leak is recalculated by the water leak detection system of the water distribution network and more particularly by the analysis module of the water leak detection system of the water distribution network, and a notification is sent to the maintenance service confirming the effectiveness of the intervention, for example by the wireless analysis transmitter.

[32] More particularly, the analysis module comprises a reception element configured to generate an acknowledgment of receipt of the index.

[33] Thus, there is a certainty that the main water flow data is transmitted and received by the analysis module.

[34] More particularly, the analysis module is also configured to identify water use in the water distribution network associated with the water flow signal. [35] Thus, the water leak detection system in the water distribution network of the invention, and more particularly the analysis module of the water leak detection system is configured to disaggregate different types of water uses corresponding to different types of water consumption. The analysis module of the water leak detection system is capable of identifying and recognizing certain types of water leak. For example, a toilet leak is often intermittent over time while a valve leak or leak due to a pierced pipe is continuous. The malfunction of a softener in the water distribution network can also be detected and recognized or identified by the analysis module of the water leak detection system. This makes it possible to distinguish leaks which have a higher risk profile causing significant water damage from other leaks which have a less risk profile causing unnecessary water consumption but which does not immediately cause significant water damage. . Thus, with a granularity of more than one measurement point for example every 15 min or less of the water flow signal, the analysis of the water consumption is carried out by the analysis module by disaggregation of the signal water flow. This analysis offers the user a vision on the distribution of the water used for example by the devices in the water distribution network. The analysis module of the water leak detection system includes for example an artificial intelligence capable of detecting and identifying and recognizing different types of water use in the water distribution system. The association of water consumption with a type of use is determined according to the water flow signal which combines the duration of consumption and the quantity of water consumed. The artificial intelligence of the analysis module of the water leak detection system goes, for example, through machine learning. This artificial intelligence is configured to detect and identify and recognize a water flow signal corresponding to a particular type of use in the water distribution network, for example a shower, a toilet, a dishwasher, a machine washing, etc. The analysis module of the water leak detection system is also configured to identify the repetition of a water flow signal. The leak detection system analysis module is also configured to allow a user of the water distribution network to associate this repetition of a water flow signal with a particular type of use, for example a shower, a toilet, a dishwasher, washing machine, etc. Even when several different water flow signals are superimposed, the analysis module of the water leak detection system is also configured to differentiate and recognize them all. Certain analysis techniques such as, for example, pattern search algorithms, or pattern matching in English, are for example used to associate a water flow signal with the consumption of machines, such as a softener, a washing machine - dishes, a washing machine, etc. Other analysis techniques, such as a dynamic time adaptation algorithm, or Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) in English, or a grouping algorithm for centroids, called K-Means in English, can be used for example for the recognition of the use of a shower, a bath or a toilet.

[36] More particularly, the measurement module comprises a battery.

[37] Thus, installation is facilitated, requiring no outlet in its environment. The measurement module is also waterproof and withstands temperature changes.

[38] More specifically, the system includes the water meter of the water distribution network. More particularly, the system also includes a closing valve in the water distribution network and also includes a valve controller configured to remotely control the closing valve and instruct it to close in the event of a leak detected by the module. analysis.

[39] In order to achieve the objective mentioned above, the present invention provides a method for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network, said method comprising the following steps:

- provide at least one sensor suitable for detecting pulses generated by a water meter; - mount the sensor on the water meter of the water distribution network;

- detect the pulses generated by the water meter using the sensor;

- generate a water flow signal corresponding to the water flow from the pulses of the water meter;

- periodically transmit the water flow signal;

- evaluate a water flow in the distribution network from the water flow signal; and

- detect a water leak in the distribution network when the water flow signal exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined period.

[40] Thus, a water leak, or a continuous and / or intermittent flow of water, which is abnormally prolonged can be detected from data obtained from a water meter in order to assess the consumption of water from a facility such as an apartment, house, building, factory, etc.

[41] Computer program comprising instructions which lead the water leak detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to execute the steps of the method according to claim 15.

Brief description of the drawings

[42] Fig. 1 is a representation of a water leak detection system in a water distribution network according to a variant of the invention.

[43] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a sensor coupled to a water meter according to a variant of the invention.

[44] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a measurement module according to a variant of the invention. [45] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a measurement module according to a variant of the invention.

[46] Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C are schematic views of a sensor according to several variants of the invention.

[47] Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic views of a sensor according to several variants of the invention.

[48] Fig. 7 is a representation of the steps of a method for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network according to a variant of the invention.

[49] Fig. 8 is a representation of a water flow signal measured by a water leak detection system in a water distribution network according to a variant of the invention.

detailed description

[50] There is shown in FIG. 1 a first example of a system 1 for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network according to the invention. The system 1 comprises a measurement module 10 and an analysis module 1 1. The measurement module 10 comprises at least one sensor 101, an acquisition element 102 and a wireless measurement transmitter 103. The sensor 101 is configured to be mounted on a water meter 20 of the water distribution network. The sensor 101 is configured to detect the pulses 21 generated by the water meter 20. The acquisition element 102 is coupled to the sensor 101. The acquisition element 102 generates a water flow signal 2 corresponding to the water flow from the pulses of the water meter 20. The wireless measurement transmitter 103 periodically transmits the water flow signal 2. The analysis module 1 1 receives the water flow signal 2 of the measurement module 10. The analysis module 1 1 evaluates a water flow in the network of distribution from the water flow signal 2 and the analysis module 1 1 detects a water leak in the distribution network when the water flow signal 2 exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold during a predetermined period. The analysis module 1 1 also includes an alert generator 1 1 1 which generates an alert signal 3 when the water flow signal 2 exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined period. The analysis module 1 1 also includes a wireless analysis transmitter 1 12 which transmits the alert signal 3 to an entity of the water distribution network. The wireless measurement transmitter 103 transmits the water flow signal 2 several times an hour or several times a day to save the battery of the measurement module 10. The wireless measurement transmitter 103 periodically transmits an index 4 comprising the water flow signals 2 generated by the acquisition element 102 during a determined period. The sensor 101 includes an optical sensor. In this case, the light pulses 21 correspond to a reflected light signal generated when a light signal 210 from a light source 212 is reflected by a rotary element 213 of the water meter 20. The optical sensor 101 collects the reflected light signal 214. According to another example, the sensor 101 comprises a magnetic sensor. In this case, the pulses 21 correspond to magnetic pulses from the water meter 20 and the sensor 101 is mounted on the water meter 20 so that the magnetic sensor 101 detects the magnetic pulses. According to yet another example, the sensor 101 comprises an inductive sensor. The sensor 101 comprises a base 300 configured to be mounted on the water meter 20. The sensor 101 can be circular or semi-circular and the base 300 of the sensor 101 is circular or semi-circular. The entity 20 of the distribution network comprises a mobile telephone 30 and the wireless analysis transmitter 1 12 transmits a short message to the mobile telephone 30. The analysis module 1 1 comprises a reception element 1 13 which generates a acknowledgment 40 of index 4. The measurement module 10 includes a battery 50.

[51] There is shown in FIG. 2 an example of a water meter 20 of a water distribution network and a sensor 101 according to the invention. The components which have the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1 have the same function. The sensor 101 is mounted directly on the water meter 20 to be able to detect the pulses generated by the water meter 20. The sensor 101 includes a cable 161 to be connected to the measurement module.

[52] There is shown in FIG. 3 an exploded view of a measurement module 10 according to the invention. The components which have the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1 or Fig. 2 have the same function. The measurement module 10 comprises an acquisition element 102 which generates a water flow signal 2 corresponding to the water flow when the sensor 101 is coupled to a water meter and to the measurement module 10 by a wire which is connected to the measurement module 10 at connection 501. The measurement module 10 also includes a battery 50.

[53] There is shown in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a measurement module 10 according to the invention. The components which have the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 have the same function. The measurement module 10 comprises an acquisition element 102 which generates a water flow signal 2 corresponding to the water flow when the sensor 101 is coupled to a water meter and to the measurement module 10 by a wire which is connected to the measurement module 10 at connection 501. The measurement module 10 also includes a battery 50. The measurement module 10 is for example mounted on a water supply pipe from the water distribution network.

[54] There is shown in Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C are perspective views of a sensor 101 according to the invention. The components which have the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 have the same function. The sensor 101 comprises a base 300. The sensor 101 is circular, as in FIGS. 5A and 5B or the sensor 101 is semi-circular as in FIG. 5C. The base 300 of the sensor 101 is either semi-circular, as in FIGS. 5A and 5C, or circular, as in FIG. 5B. A rectangular shape for the sensor 101 is not very intuitive for the user and the sensor 101 is often badly positioned on the water meter when the sensor 101 is rectangular. With a circular 101 sensor, the shape is more intuitive and the adhesive tape is wider. The sensor 101 is better placed above the rotary element and the measurement is more correct. Each sensor 101 includes a cable 161 to be connected to the measurement module.

[55] There is shown in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C are perspective views of a sensor 101 according to the invention. The components which have the same reference numbers as in FIG. 1 or Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 or Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C have the same function. The sensor 101 comprises a base 300. The sensor 101 is circular, as in FIGS. 5A and 5B or the sensor 101 is semi-circular as in FIG. 5C. The base 300 of the sensor 101 is either semi-circular, as in FIGS. 5A and 5C, or circular, as in FIG. 5B. The sensor 101 of FIG. 6A is an optical sensor and adhesive 201 is bonded to the base 300 in order to be able to couple the sensor 101 to the water meter. The sensors 101 of FIG. 6B are two optical sensors and adhesive 201 is bonded to the base 300 in order to be able to couple the sensors 101 to the water meter. The sensors 101 of FIG. 6C are two inductive sensors and adhesive 201 is bonded to the base 300 in order to be able to couple the sensors 101 to the water meter.

[56] Fig. 7 is a representation of the steps of a method for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network according to a variant of the invention. At first in step 401 of the method, at least one sensor 101 is provided to be adapted to detect pulses 21 generated by a water meter 20. Then, in step 402, the sensor 101 is mounted on the water meter 20 of the water distribution network. In the next step 403, the pulses 21 generated by the water meter 20 are detected by the sensor 101. In the next step 404, a water flow signal 2 corresponding to the water flow is generated from pulses 21 of the water meter 2. In the following step 405, the water flow signal 2 is transmitted periodically. In the following step 406, a water flow in the distribution network is evaluated from the water flow signal 2. Finally, in step 407 of the method, a water leak in the distribution network is detected when the water flow signal 2 exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined period. Each sensor 101 includes a cable 161 to be connected to the measurement module.

[57] Fig. 8 is a representation of a water flow signal measured by a water leak detection system in a water distribution network according to a variant of the invention, for example the water leak detection system water of Fig. 1. A water flow signal 2 is shown diagrammatically as a function of time 5. The water leak detection system of the invention is configured to identify a water flow 6 corresponding to the use of water from a washing machine with three successive cycles over time. The water leak detection system of the invention is configured to identify a water flow 7 corresponding to the use of water from a shower with several different and irregular water flows over time. [58] In conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the technical content and detailed description of the present invention are set out below according to a preferred embodiment which does not limit the scope of its execution. Any changes and modifications made according to the appended claims are covered by the claims of the present invention. The invention has been explained according to its preferred embodiment (s) as described above. However, it should be noted that many other possible modifications or variations can be made without altering the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the appended claim (s) include (s) said modifications or said variations coming within the real scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system (1) for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network, said system comprising:

- a measurement module (10) comprising:

o at least one sensor (101) configured to be placed above an active element of a water meter (20) of said water distribution network, said sensor (101) being configured to detect pulses ( 21) generated by said active element of said water meter (20);

an acquisition element (102) coupled to said sensor (101) and configured to generate a water flow signal (2) corresponding to said water flow from said pulses (21) of said water meter (20) ; o a wireless measurement transmitter (103) configured to periodically transmit said water flow signal (2); and

- an analysis module (1 1) configured to receive said water flow signal (2) from said measurement module (10), said analysis module (1 1) being configured to evaluate a water flow in said distribution network from said water flow signal (2) and where said analysis module (1 1) is also configured to detect a water leak in said distribution network when said water flow signal (2) exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined period.

2. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to claim 1, wherein said analysis module (1 1) comprises an alert generator (11 1) configured to generate an alert signal (3 ) when said water flow signal (2) exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined time; and in which said analysis module (11) also comprises a wireless analysis transmitter (1 12) configured to transmit said alert signal (3) to an entity (200) of said water distribution network.

3. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to any one of claims 1 and 2, in which said wireless measurement transmitter (103) is configured to transmit said water flow signal (2) several times per hour or per day.

4. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which said wireless measurement transmitter (103) is configured to periodically transmit an index (4) comprising said signals. water flow (2) generated by said acquisition element (102) during a predetermined period.

5. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which said sensor (101) comprises an optical sensor.

6. A water leak detection system (1) according to claim 5, in which said pulses (21) correspond to a reflected light signal generated when a light signal from a light source is reflected by a rotary element ( 213) of said water meter (20); and wherein said optical sensor (101) is configured to collect said reflected light signal.

7. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which said sensor (101) comprises a magnetic sensor.

8. A water leak detection system (1) according to claim 7, wherein said pulses (21) correspond to magnetic pulses (215) of said water meter (20) and wherein said sensor (101) is configured to be mounted on said water meter (20) so that said magnetic sensor (101) detects said magnetic pulses (215).

9. A water leak detection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said sensor (101) comprises an inductive sensor.

10. A water leak detection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which said sensor (101) comprises a base (300) configured to be mounted on said water meter (20 ); and wherein said sensor (101) is circular or semi-circular and / or wherein said base (300) is circular or semi-circular and includes an adhesive.

1 1. A water leak detection system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said entity (200) of said water distribution network comprises a mobile telephone (30) and in which transmitter of wireless analysis (1 12) is configured to transmit a short message to said mobile phone (30).

12. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to claim 4, in which said analysis module (1 1) comprises a reception element (113) configured to generate an acknowledgment of receipt (40) of said index. (4).

13. A system (1) for detecting a water leak according to any one of claims 1 to 12, in which said analysis module (1 1) is also configured to identify a use of water in said network of water distribution associated with said water flow signal (2).

14. A system (1) for detecting water leaks according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said system (1) comprises said water meter (20) of said water distribution network.

15. A method for detecting water leaks in a water distribution network, said method comprising the following steps:

- provide at least one sensor (101) adapted to detect pulses (21) generated by an active element of a water meter (20);

- placing said sensor (101) above said active element of said water meter (20) of said water distribution network;

- detecting said pulses (21) generated by said active element of said water meter (20) using said sensor (101); - generating a water flow signal (2) corresponding to said water flow from said pulses (21) of said water meter (20);

- periodically transmit said water flow signal (2);

- evaluate a water flow in said distribution network from said water flow signal (2); and

- detecting a water leak in said distribution network when said water flow signal (2) exceeds a predetermined water flow threshold for a predetermined period.