WO2022003578A1

WO2022003578A1 - Water saving device

Info

Publication number: WO2022003578A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/055837
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tyrone BAYMAN; Karen BAYMAN; Stephen BAYMAN
Original assignee: Diligent Business Services Limited
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: ZA202300375B; AU2021302963A1

Abstract

A water saving apparatus has a valve system, a temperature sensor and a controller configured to detect when hot water is required at a tap and operate the valve system to direct water from a hot water supply to the tap when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the supply to an outlet other than the tap when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature. This allows water below a required temperature to be used for other purposes rather than being wasted.

Description

Water Saving Systems

Field of the invention

This invention relates to water saving or conservation apparatus, systems and methods. The invention has particular application to domestic water reticulation systems, and allows cold water that is present in hot water supply lines to be re-used, or used for other purposes. The invention also has application to other processes or systems in which warm or hot water is piped to a remote location for periodic use.

Background

Many domestic water supplies have a hot water cylinder, califont, or similar hot water source which is connected remotely from the one or more hot water taps or faucets that are operated by users to activate a supply of hot water, for example to wash hands, shower or bathe.

The distance between the hot water supply and the tap means that there is often a significant volume of water which lies dormant in the supply line or conduit piping system when the hot water tap is closed. Over time, the water on the supply conduit cools down. Therefore, when a user opens the tap there is often a considerable volume of cool or cold water which comes out of the tap and which the user allows to go straight to the drainage system because the water is not sufficiently warm for use.

In some domestic housing situations, the amount of water that is present in the hot water supply conduit between the hot water source and the tap can be anything up to 10 liters or more for example. If a califont or similar continuous hot water system is used, then the volume of water passing through a faucet before the water is up to a required temperature can be greater still. Hot water taps, faucets or mixers are typically operated many times a day, for example during hand washing, and there is often sufficient time between successive uses of the tap that the water in the supply line cools between each use to a point that it is no longer hot enough for the intended purpose. Therefore, existing water reticulation systems suffer the problem that a very significant amount of water is wasted. Object

It is an object of the present invention to provide a water saving apparatus, system or method which goes at least some way toward addressing the problem described above, or to at least provide a useful alternative to existing systems or methods.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect the disclosed subject matter provides a water saving apparatus comprising an inlet connectable to a hot water conduit a first outlet connectable to a hot water tap supply conduit a second outlet a valve means fluidly connected between the inlet and the first and second outlets, a temperature sensor provided to sense an inlet temperature of water at the inlet, and a controller configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature.

In some embodiments the valve means comprises a three way valve, such as a three way two position valve whereby water at the inlet is diverted to one of the first or the second outlets. The three way valve may be a solenoid valve.

In some embodiments the valve means comprises a first valve fluidly connected between the inlet and the first outlet, and a second valve fluidly connected between the inlet and the second outlet.

In some embodiments the first and/or second valves comprise solenoid valves.

In some embodiments the first valve is a normally open valve and the second valve is a normally closed valve.

In some embodiments the apparatus is provided in a housing.

In some embodiments the valve means comprises a valve assembly.

In some embodiments the controller is provided remotely from the valve assembly. In some embodiments the second outlet supplies a reservoir. A capacity or overflow limit apparatus or system may be provided. This may for example in some embodiments comprise a level sensor associated with the reservoir. In other embodiments it may alternatively or additionally comprise a timer to only allow water to flow to the reservoir for a set time period.

The apparatus may further comprise a detector to detect a requirement for hot water at the first outlet.

The detector may comprise a flow sensor or a pressure sensor.

The apparatus may also comprise a timer to time flow through the inlet or flow through the first outlet.

The controller may be configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the timer has reached a time limit, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet before the timer has reached the time limit.

The apparatus may further comprise a flow sensor to detect volume water passing through the second outlet.

The controller can be configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the volume has reached a volume limit, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet before the volume has reached the volume limit.

The second outlet can be connected to a reservoir.

The controller can be configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the water level in the reservoir has reached a level limit, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet before the water level has reached the level limit.

In another aspect the disclosed subject matter provides a water saving apparatus comprising an inlet connectable to a hot water conduit a first outlet connectable to a hot water tap supply conduit a second outlet a first solenoid valve fluidly connected between the inlet and the first outlet, a second solenoid valve connected between the inlet and the second outlet, a temperature sensor provided to sense an inlet temperature of water at the inlet, and a controller configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature.

In some embodiments a water flow sensor is provided to sense water flow at the inlet or first outlet.

In some embodiments a safety valve is provided between the inlet and the first or second valve.

In another aspect the disclosed subject matter provides a water saving apparatus comprising: a valve unit comprising: a housing having an inlet connectable to a hot water conduit; a first outlet connectable to a hot water tap supply conduit; a second outlet; a valve means fluidly connected between the inlet and the first and second outlets; and, an electrical unit comprising: a controller configured to receive a sensed water temperature at or near the inlet and provide one or more electric signals to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature.

In some embodiments the electrical unit may be housed within, or connected to the valve unit.

In another aspect the disclosed subject matter provides a water saving apparatus comprising: a valve unit comprising: a housing having an inlet connectable to a hot water conduit; a first outlet connectable to a hot water tap supply conduit; a second outlet; a valve means fluidly connected between the inlet and the first and second outlets, whereby the valve means is configured to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when water at the inlet is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature; and, an electrical unit comprising: a user interface to input the set point temperature.

In some embodiments the electrical unit may be housed within or connected to the valve unit.

In some embodiments the electrical unit comprises control logic to provide an electric current or voltage or signal or instruction to the valve means. In some embodiments the control logic comprises one or more switches such as relays or transistors.

In another aspect the disclosed subject matter provides a water saving method comprising detecting a requirement for hot water at a tap sensing a temperature of a supply of water being or to be supplied to the tap operating a valve to direct water from the water supply to the tap when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the water supply to an outlet other than the tap when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature.

Further aspects will become apparent form the following description.

Drawing Description

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a water saving system;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the water saving system of Figure 1 , but further including a plurality of hot water outlets;

Figure 3 is a diagram of a valve unit arrangement and temperature control module, with housing lid removed;

Figure 3A is a diagram of an electrical unit for use with the valve unit of Figure 3, with housing lid removed;

Figure 3B is a diagram of the lid for the housing of the electrical unit of Figure 3A;

Figure 4 is a diagram of a further valve arrangement which may be used with the apparatus shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a flow chart showing operation of a controller to control a valve arrangement such as the arrangement shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4;

Figure 5A is a flow chart showing operation of a controller to control a valve arrangement such as the arrangement shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, and also including a flow limit system; Figure 5B is another flow chart showing operation of a controller to control a valve arrangement such as the arrangement shown in Figure 3 or Figure 4, and also including a flow limit system; Figure 6 is an example of a control circuit that may be used to implement the operation as described in Figure 5 and other preceding Figures.

Detailed Description

Specific examples or embodiments will now be disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.

The present invention allows cool or cold water (or simply water that is below a required temperature) in a hot water supply conduit to be diverted to another location for an alternative use, therefore saving water. This addresses the problem set forth in the background section of the specification.

Referring to Figure 1 , a diagrammatic illustration of a water supply system including apparatus according to the present disclosure is shown, generally referenced 1. In many practical installations, the water reticulation system will be much more complicated than that illustrated in Figure 1 , which is simply set forth as an example of one embodiment which is provided for overall ease of illustration and explanation. The system 1 includes a hot water source, referenced 10. The hot water source 10 is configured to supply of hot water at a selected temperature suitable for purposes such as showering, handwashing, clothes washing etc.

The hot water source 10 may take a variety of different forms. In some embodiments, hot water source 10 may comprise a hot water cylinder for example, which cylinder may be supplied with energy electrically from an electrical heating element, or by gas. In other embodiments the hot water source 10 may comprise a califont. In other embodiments the hot water source may comprise a continuous hot water supply, for example a large hot water supply conduit in which the water is maintained at a required elevated temperature. The hot water source 10 has an outlet 12 which may in some installations include a valve to control release of hot water only when required, so that the water at the hot water source 10 is maintained at the required temperature.

Outlet 12 is fluidly connected to hot water supply conduit 14 which provides a flow path for water from the supply 10 to the point of use, such as a tap or faucet or mixer 20. In some embodiments conduit 14 may comprise a network of conduits which connect to a plurality of hot water outlets throughout the water reticulation installation, as will be described further below.

The conduit 14 as illustrated in Figure 1 , and as is frequently the case in use, extends over a reasonable distance, typically some meters or tens of meters to connect the hot water source and the remotely located tap 20. Tap 20 maybe any form of hot water outlet, including a tap or faucet or hot water mixer, for example a shower mixer. The components 14 and 20 are both present in domestic hot water supply installations. Figure 1 differs from known installations in that a water supply control and diversion module 22 is connected in the hot water supply line 14. The diversion module 22 is preferably located nearer to the tap 20 than the hot water supply 10, and is ideally located close to the tap 20, for example within one meter, or two meters, or three meters of the tap 20.

In some embodiments diversion module 22 has an inlet 24 for connecting to the hot supply conduit 14, and outlet 26 for connecting to the tap 20. The tap 20 may be directly connected to the outlet 26 or may be connected to the outlet 26 by another conduit. The diversion module also has a second outlet 28 which is connected to a water outlet conduit 30.

In use, diversion module 22 is configured and operable such that when a user activates tap 20 i.e. by turning the tap ON so as to initiate a flow of water from tap 20, diversion module 22 directs or diverts water from inlet 24 to outlet 28 while the temperature of water entering inlet 24 is below a required minimum hot water temperature. Once water flowing through inlet 24 reaches the required minimum temperature, the diversion module then 22 directs the water from inlet 24 to outlet 26 i.e. to the tap 20.

It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the cool or cold water directed to conduit 30 can be used for a number of other purposes. For example, in some embodiments the conduit 30 may lead directly to a garden irrigation system. In other embodiments, the conduit 30 is connected to, or leads to a reservoir 40 so that the cool water may be accumulated for use at a subsequent time. In another embodiment the outlet 28 is used to return cold water to the water supply. This may involve the use of a pressure augmentation device such as a pump or a header tank. In some embodiments the outlet 28 can be used to deliver a supply of water to a hot water system, such as a hot water tank, so that it can be heated to be recirculated for re use.

Referring now to Figure 2, an embodiment is shown in which it will be seen that conduit 14 branches out to supply a plurality of taps 20. A diversion module 22 is connected between each tap 20 and the conduit 14. It will also be seen that in some embodiments there may be more than one tap connected to a diversion module 22. Therefore, for example, there is a further tap 21 connected to the outlet 26 of the diversion module furthest from the hot water source 10.

Although only four taps are shown in Figure 2, it will be understood that two or more taps may be present. That is to say, there may be two or diversion modules 22 each supplying one or more taps, and there may be one or more diversion modules 22 each supplying two or more taps, or there may be a combination of the foregoing.

Still referring to Figure 2, in some embodiments there may also be a network of conduits 30 which may in some embodiments individually lead to a reservoir 40 for example, or in other embodiments may be connected together and lead to a reservoir 40, or to another destination (for example they may go direct to one or more irrigation systems).

As shown in Figure 2, the reservoir 40 in some embodiments may have an outlet 42 which is fluidly connected to an auxiliary supply or outlet conduit 44. As shown in Figure 2, the outlet conduit 44 may in some embodiments supply one or more water consumption devices, such as one or more of the devices 46 to 50.

Thus, in one embodiment the reservoir 40 can be provided is a header tank or pressurized tank. Because the water that exits conduits 30 is supplied at pressure, the reservoir 40 may be provided at a height to provide suitable head or pressure. For example, the reservoir 40 could be provided in a ceiling space of a domestic dwelling so that the outlet 42 supplies water under pressure for other purposes. In other embodiments, the reservoir 40 may be provided as a pressurized tank, for example using a pressurized bladder or similar, or indeed using a pump to supply water at the outlet 42 at a required pressure. Reservoir 40 can thus provide a volume of water which is suitable for a number of purposes. Therefore, in some embodiments the destination device 46 may comprise a lavatory cistern, destination device 48 may comprise a washing machine. Destination device 15 may comprise an irrigation system. Other possible destination devices may include drinking water filters or installations, or even recycling the diverted water back to the mains supply or to the hot water source for reheating.

Turning now to figure 3, an embodiment of the diversion module 22 is shown in greater detail.

In this example, the module 22 includes a housing which is generally referenced 50 and contains valve system 52. Inlet 24 is connected by conduit 58 to the valve system 52. Similarly, outlets 26 and 28 are connected to the valve system by conduits 60 and 62. The outlets are conveniently provided with fittings, for example plumbing grade screw fittings to enable ready attachment to existing supply lines. As an alternative to screw fittings, crimped fitting arrangements may be provided so that the apparatus is easily affixed to either rigid copper or similar materials or flexible plastics-based conduits as required.

By being provided as a modular unit within a housing such as housing 50, the unit as a whole can be adequately sealed from a plumbing or fluid perspective. The housing 50 has a cable entry for cable conduit 51 which carries cables required for temperature sensing and valve control. Thus cable conduit 51 may include a temperature sense cable 56 which is thermally connected to inlet 58 so as to conduct the temperature from that location, and cables 77 which are connected to the valve assembly 52 to control the valve assembly as will be described further below. Another cable (not shown) can be provided to pass a signal from a flow switch 58A to a controller to provide an indication of water flow through the valve unit.

Figure 3A shows an electrical housing 75 comprising an electrical unit for housing electrical componentry for driving or controlling the apparatus in housing 50. In Figure 3A the housing 75 is shown with the lid of the housing removed, revealing components that include a power supply 54, circuit breaker 55 and relays 76A-76C. The circuit breaker provides electrical isolation in the event of a fault. Relay output cables 77 are fed to conduit 51 for connection to the valve assembly as described above with reference to Figure 3.

The power supply 54 can be provided as a low voltage supply. The low voltage supply may be supplied directly from a transformer or similar power supply at a remote location, or the stepdown function may occur within the unit itself. By use of a low voltage supply, safety of the system is enhanced. The power supply 54 may comprise a step-down transformer to provide a low voltage supply for operating the electrical unit. This may be 6, or 12 or 24V DC for example. A mains supply cable 78 may be provided for connection to a domestic mains power supply.

Referring to Figure 3B, the temperature sense line 56 may be provided to a controller 66 via cable conduit 51 . The controller 66 provides the required temperature control by comparing the sensed temperature from line 56 with a set point temperature entered by a user. In some embodiments the set point temperature may be one which is set at the time of manufacture or installation. A return cable 87 from the controller 66 may provide a signal or provide a connection to a temperature control switch 102 (see Figure 6) to one or more of the relays 76A and 76B which can then control solenoid valves in the valve assembly, as will be described further below. A cable running from the flow switch 58A to the electrical unit can be used to provide an indication that water flow is present, so the unit can activate. An ON/OFF button 89 may be provided, along with pilot lights 90A and 90B for determining the operational state of the unit.

By providing a modular diversion unit 22 such as the unit in housing 50, it is relatively straightforward to provide a plurality of units 22, one unit being closely adjacent to each hot water outlet or tap.

Turning now to Figure 3C, another possible embodiment of the diversion module 22 is shown in greater detail. In this example, the module 22 includes a housing which is generally referenced 50 and contains valve system 52 together with a power supply 54 and a temperature sensor 56. Inlet 24 is connected by conduit 58 to the valve system 52. Similarly, outlets 26 and 28 are connected to the valve system by conduits 60 and 62. The outlets are conveniently provided with fittings, for example plumbing grade screw fittings to enable ready attachment to existing supply lines. As an alternative to screw fittings, crimped fitting arrangements may be provided so that the apparatus is easily affixed to either rigid copper or similar materials or flexible plastics-based conduits as required.

By being provided as a modular unit within a housing such as housing 50, the unit as a whole can be adequately sealed both from a plumbing or fluid perspective, and also from an electrical perspective as an insulated unit. Moreover, the power supply 54 can be provided as a low voltage supply. The low voltage supply may be supplied directly from a transformer or similar stepped down power supply at a remote location, or the stepdown function may occur within the unit itself. By use of a low voltage supply, safety of the system is enhanced.

Figure 3 also shows a temperature control unit 70. In some embodiments the temperature control unit 70 may provide a means for setting a temperature set point being the minimum required hot water temperature that the user wants to experience when a hot water tap or mixer is operated. In some embodiments a controller 66 receives power from supply 56, a temperature reading input from sensor 56 and a set point input from communications unit (or plug) input 64. The control unit 66 has an output that is connected to the valve assembly 52, in order to provide actuation signals required to control the valve assembly.

In other embodiments the controller or the control logic might be provided within the unit 70, or as a separate module at another location, or could be provided as a software application in a device such as a mobile telephone.

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that a wireless communication apparatus 64 may be present with them housing 50 in order to allow wireless communication between the apparatus and the temperature control interface 70. In embodiments in which unit 64 comprises a communications unit, it is in communication (e.g. wireless communication) with the temperature controller 70.

In some embodiments, the control until 70 may simply have a display 72 which displays an input set temperature and a keypad or similar functional device 74 which is used to set the set point temperature required by user. In some embodiments the control unit 70 may comprise a mobile phone or similar device or even a computer which is located nearby.

In other embodiments, the temperature control unit 70 is a unit which is mounted on a wall for example in a convenient location within a dwelling. In some embodiments the unit 70 may be mounted in a kitchen for ease of use and reference. Referring now to Figure 5, operation of one or more embodiments will be described. A user, in step 84, sets a certain temperature which is an effective minimum temperature for the hot water which is to be supplied at a tap that is associated with the module 22. Therefore, if a user only wishes to receive hot water that has reached a temperature of 50 degrees, then the user will set a 50 degree temperature on the control module 70, using panel 74 to adjust the temperature which is displayed on display 72.

The process begins at 80 with the user opening a hot water tap 20. This may be sensed in some embodiments by use of a flow detector or pressure detector, or a switch operated when a user operates the tap. A pressure sensor may be provided at or in communication with the inlet or one or both outlets to detect pressure change. A flow sensor may be provided at the inlet, and/or within the apparatus to detect when flow occurs. The module 22 will then in step 82 detect the temperature using sensor 56 at conduit 58 to see whether the temperature of water in supply line 14 which is entering the unit is less than 50 degrees (as shown in step 83) and if so, then the water is directed to outlet 28, as shown in step 85, since it is not sufficiently hot.

As soon as the water does reach 50 degrees, then it is directed from inlet 24 to outlet 26 and therefore to the tap, so that it is at or above a minimum required temperature as required by the user.

The valve system 52 may comprise a two-way valve of a form which is readily available in the plumbing industry and which in at least one embodiment is capable of being actuated electrically. Other means of actuation are possible, but for the purposes of convenience the preferred form of valve actuation is one which is electrical and typically operated by solenoid.

The control unit 66 may operates the solenoid or solenoids using relays in some embodiments so that a low current supply from a controller, such as a microprocessor for example can be used to compare the output from the temperature sensor with the set point set by the user and make a determination as to which solenoids should be activated to activate the valve system.

In one embodiment the valve system 52 is normally configured, in the absence of any electric power applied to the solenoid, to direct water to outlet 26. Therefore, if there is a power failure, then the system operates in the normal way. A capacity limit or overflow limit apparatus or system may be provided in some embodiments to ensure that reservoir 40 does not overflow. This may for example in some embodiments comprise a level sensor associated with the reservoir. A level sensor 41 is shown as an example in Figure 1 . The sensor 41 can comprise any form of level sensor, for example a float switch, and may be operatively connected to a relay for example, as will be known to a person skilled in the art, to allow a suitable actuator to stop or divert water flow to the tank or reservoir 40. The water supply may be diverted using a further valve arrangement or may be diverted back to outlet 26. An overflow of water at the reservoir 40 is possible if the hot water supply has failed in some way. For example, if the hot water supply heating element has failed, then the water temperature at the hot water tap will not rise, and an excess quantity of water will be diverted to the reservoir 40. If the excess water is diverted back to the hot water outlet 26, then the user will be aware that there is a problem with the hot water supply.

In other embodiments the capacity limit or overflow limit may alternatively or additionally comprise a timer to only allow water to flow to the reservoir for a set time period. The timer may be operatively connected to a relay for example, as will be known to a person skilled in the art, to allow a suitable actuator to stop or divert water flow to the tank or reservoir 40. The water supply may be diverted using a further valve arrangement or may be diverted back to outlet 26. The timer may be started when the hot water tap is turned on. If the water comes up to temperature before a selected time period elapses, then the system operates as normal. However, if there is no hot water detected, then the timer will time out before the reservoir 40 overflows.

Figure 5A shows a flow chart for a control system that includes both a level sensor and a timer for limiting the amount of water diverted to reservoir 40. As described above either one or the other of the timer or level sensor may be used in some embodiments. The aspects of the flow chart of Figure 5A that are the same as those of Figure 5 have the same reference numerals and have been described above. The differences are that as part of the temperature sensing loop or process there is a check in step 100 as to whether the timer has reached a pre-set time limit or time out setting 102, and there is another check at step 104 to see whether the level set at 106 has been reached (for example by monitoring level sensor 41). Level 106 may be set physically by a float, or electrically by a potentiometer for example, or even digitally in some embodiments. If the temperature is reached, then the timer and level sensors are effectively bypassed. But if the temperature limit is not reached within the time or level constraints then the water is directed to outlet 26. Figure 5B shows another flow chart representing another embodiment for which the features are the same as those described in Figure 5A but with the temperature, timer and level or volume sensing being more clearly in parallel. Monitoring of elapsed time by a timer occurs at 101 , and monitoring of level and/or volume occurs at 103. Monitoring volume is appropriate when a reservoir is not used, for example when the water at outlet 28 is returned directly to the cold- water supply.

Those skilled in the art will see that the logic in the flow charts of the preceding Figures may be incorporated in the circuit schematics described further below.

Turning now to Figure 4, an arrangement or valves which can be used to implement the valve system 52 according to some embodiments is shown. The valve system may include an optional inlet valve 76 which may be used as a safety valve to shut down the system should there be a problem, such as a pressure or flow problem, or an electrical circuit malfunction.

Valve 78 may comprise a normally open solenoid valve and valve 77 may comprise a normally closed solenoid valve. Thus, if there is a power failure, the tap 20 will work as normal. If the sensed temperature is less than the set point temperature, then the controller 66 activates valve 78 to turn it to a closed state and simultaneously activates valve 77 to turn it to an open state.

In Figure 6 an example of a circuit 200 or wiring schematic for controlling the electrical unit is shown. Features which are similar to or the same as those described above are referred to in this figure using the same reference numerals. The power supply 54 may include a fuse 54A and provides a +24V DC rail 54B and a ground rail 54C. The relays can be energised to operate their relay switch contacts (76A-R1 ; 76B-R2; 76C-R3). Water flow switch 58A will close to energise relay 76C and thus close switch R3 which makes rail 54B available to relays 76A and 76B. When the temperature control switch 120 is closed, relays 76A and 76B are energized which will close switches R1 and R2, causing water to be directed from the inlet 24 to the second outlet 28. When the temperature of the water at the inlet reaches the set point, or within a threshold of the set point, then switch 120 opens causing R1 and R2 to return to their normal state, so that water is directed from inlet 24 to the first outlet 26 and thus to the tap or faucet.

As will be apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, both. As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun. The term “comprising” as used in this specification means “consisting at least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features prefaced by that term in each statement all need to be present, but the other features can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in the same matter. The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1 . A water saving apparatus comprising an inlet connectable to a hot water conduit a first outlet connectable to a hot water tap supply conduit a second outlet a valve means fluidly connected between the inlet and the first and second outlets, a temperature sensor provided to sense an inlet temperature of water at or near the inlet, and a controller configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a detector to detect a requirement for hot water at the first outlet.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the detector comprises a flow sensor.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the detector comprises a pressure sensor.

5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a timer to time flow through the inlet or flow through the first outlet.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the controller is configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the timer has reached a time limit, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet before the timer has reached the time limit.

7. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a flow sensor to detect volume water passing through the second outlet.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the controller is configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the volume has reached a volume limit, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet before the volume has reached the volume limit.

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the second outlet is connected to a reservoir.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the controller is configured to operate the valve means to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when the water level in the reservoir has reached a level limit, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet before the water level has reached the level limit.

11 . A water saving apparatus comprising: a valve unit comprising: a housing having an inlet connectable to a hot water conduit; a first outlet connectable to a hot water tap supply conduit; a second outlet connectable to a cold water supply conduit; a valve means fluidly connected between the inlet and the first and second outlets, whereby the valve means is configured to direct water from the inlet to the first outlet when water at the inlet is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the inlet to the second outlet when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature; and, an electrical unit comprising: a user interface to input the set point temperature.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the electrical unit is co-housed housed with the valve unit.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the electrical unit is provided separately or remotely from the valve unit.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the electrical unit comprises control logic to provide an electric current or voltage or signal or instruction to the valve means.

15. A water saving method comprising detecting a requirement for hot water at a tap sensing a temperature of a supply of water being or to be supplied to the tap operating a valve to direct water from the water supply to the tap when the sensed temperature is above a set point temperature, and direct water from the water supply to an outlet other than the tap when the sensed temperature is below the set point temperature.

16. A water saving apparatus or method substantially as herein described.