WO2024025431A1

WO2024025431A1 - Automatic water-saving systems and a method for saving water using said systems

Info

Publication number: WO2024025431A1
Application number: PCT/PT2023/050023
Authority: WO
Inventors: João Carlos GONÇALVES GUERREIRO
Original assignee: Aroundinspire, Lda
Priority date: 2022-07-25
Filing date: 2023-07-24
Publication date: 2024-02-01
Also published as: PT118125A

Abstract

The present invention relates to automatic water-saving systems, comprising at least two modules that communicate with each other: a control module (A) and a peripheral module (B), which modules carry out the water-saving method. The systems of the present invention are actuated by opening the hot water tap (10) and allow water that is cooler than a temperature pre-selected by the user to be returned by module (B) into a cold branch of module (A) in a closed circuit, by means of the direction switching provided by the three-way valve (7). Water-saving systems aim to increase water efficiency by reducing waste in hot water taps (10) during the heating process.

Description

AUTOMATIC WATER SAVING SYSTEMS AND WATER SAVING METHOD USING SAID SYSTEMS

The present invention relates to automatic water saving systems which comprise at least two modules (a control module and a peripheral module) that perform a water saving method.

These automatic water saving systems use a software-controlled electromechanical method that aims to increase water efficiency by reducing waste in hot water taps during the heating process.

In buildings and houses where there is no hot water return system, when a hot water tap is opened, it is necessary to wait some time for the water to heat up.

This poor water efficiency contributes to the waste of tens of thousands of cubic meters of drinking water daily and presents high social costs, both in capturing this water and treating it in a Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). This waste is related to energy and is reflected in the final consumer's bill.

As a way to reduce this waste, many people use containers to capture and use this water for other purposes, however, in addition to being impractical, this process is also unsightly.

Given the context mentioned above, other technologies were developed with the aim of saving water.

Document ES1074141U describes a modular water saving device to be installed between hot and cold water supply pipes and a tap, which comprises a single module. The device allows water to be recirculated until it reaches a predetermined desired temperature, automatically and without the need for manual activation of any system.

In addition to being made up of different components, the modular device described in document ES1074141U requires a 220V power socket next to the tap, thus reducing its versatility.

The automatic water saving systems of this invention are comparatively more compact and facilitate installation in places with limited space. Furthermore, since they are controlled by software , they allow the recording of the system's usage history, as well as the configuration of parameters by the user, in which this data can be communicated to other equipment through a computer application.

Using the function monitor, it is possible to monitor the amount of water saved and the status of the peripheral module, namely, the battery charge (if any), the strength of the communication signal with the control module and which peripheral module is in use – if there is more than one.

In document ES1060933Y, a tap and a water saving system associated with it are described, in which said system comprises two solenoid valves which, together with a small pump, are responsible for changing the direction of advancement of water that has not yet been heated through the pipe. of cold water.

Unlike the present invention, which makes use of a 3-way valve, the valve used in ES1060933Y only leads to a flow reduction. Furthermore, the ES1060933Y system is activated by means of pressure sensors, while the automatic water saving systems of the present invention are activated by opening the hot water consumption tap and circulating water within at least one first meter / flow sensor.

DE3723089 refers to a hot water distribution arrangement, in which hot and cold water distribution valves are connected to hot and cold water storage tanks, respectively. To achieve economical circulation, a bridge line with a circulation pump is provided, which connects the hot water branch and the cold water branch and allows heat exchange so that the water reaches the desired temperature.

Although the hot water distribution arrangement of DE3723089 allows for water savings, it does not feature a 3-way valve, which allows water recirculation in the present invention. Furthermore, the arrangement described in the prior art has more rudimentary characteristics and does not present any of the control characteristics proposed in the present invention.

Document FR2992986 discloses a water recycling module which uses a solenoid valve to prevent the circulation of water towards a cold water outlet when it does not present a desired temperature. Unlike the present invention, water recycling is carried out in a single and bulky module, which still requires a 220V socket for its operation. Therefore, the present invention appears as a simpler and more versatile alternative.

WO2013017938 proposes a device that can be applied to a tap to save water, with the operating principle of circulating water from the hot water branch to the cold water branch until the temperature in the hot water branch has reached a predetermined temperature.

In this prior art document, the recirculation process is triggered by pressing a radio control button, capable of activating the pump remotely. Although cheap and accessible, it does not have the versatility proposed in the present invention.

DE19712051 describes a water circulation controller, in which a connection is established or interrupted depending on the temperature between a hot water branch and a cold water branch.

However, the controller described in DE19712051 does not intend to solve water waste, but rather to control the water outlet temperature. Therefore, unlike the present invention, which refers to automatic water saving systems, the aforementioned concerns a mixer similar to thermostatic taps.

Previous document PT 11205 Y, from the same inventors, describes an automatic electromechanical system for saving water that includes a sending module and a receiving module and is intended to save water in hot water taps.

The sender module is inserted between the existing tap, the first pipe and the second pipe, and the receiver module is inserted between the water heating equipment and the second pipe. The two modules are paired via radio, in a simple and unidirectional way, without using electrical cables between them.

However, the automatic electromechanical water saving system described in prior document PT 11205 Y differs from the present invention in several aspects.

In PT 11205 Y, the system comprises a thermal switch in the sending module, therefore, the temperature value is fixed. Furthermore, the flow switch is only present in the receiver module and the system operates through a hydro-generator present in the emitter module (it should be noted that there is only one direction of communication, from the emitter module, at the tap, to the receiver , in the water heater). In the present invention, usage data communication can be accessed remotely and also allows connection to home automation systems, integrating water efficiency as a complement to energy efficiency.

The water saving systems of the present invention comprise a thermal sensor that is programmable adjustable. Flow sensors/counters on both the control and peripheral modules collect water consumption and water savings counts, as well as the usage time of the peripheral modules (when more than one peripheral module is present), allowing you to know the sum of all the savings activity or of each individual. Thus, the control module function monitor allows not only the temperature adjustment function, but also consumption sampling, battery status (if present, as the system is also configured to be continuously powered), intensity and quality of communications between modules, secure pairing of modules and sampling of the number of active modules, among others.

Although they describe automated mechanisms that aim to save water, none of these documents solve the problem of the prior art, as proposed in the present invention, which, in addition to promoting water saving more effectively, makes information available in an interactive way. and with smaller modules.

The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to an automatic water saving system comprising a control module (A) and at least one peripheral module (B), wherein said modules communicate with each other and wherein

the control module (A) comprises:

- at least one first counter/flow sensor (2);

- a first control unit (3);

- a first function monitor (4);

- a circulation pump (5); It is

- at least one first thermal sensor (6);

and the peripheral module (B) comprises:

- at least one second counter/flow sensor (2’);

- a second control unit (3’);

- a second function monitor (4’);

- at least one second thermal sensor (6’);

- a three-way valve (7); It is

- a non-return valve (8),

wherein the control module (A) is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the hot water producing equipment (1);

wherein the module (B) is positioned downstream of the safety taps (9) and upstream of the consumption tap (10);

wherein opening the tap (10) for hot water consumption causes the passage of water from the network (11) through at least one first counter/flow sensor (2) and at least one first thermal sensor (6);

wherein the at least one first thermal sensor (6) is configured to detect a minimum temperature of 2°C to activate the first control unit (3);

wherein the second control unit (3') is configured to activate the automatic water saving system according to the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');

wherein the second control unit (3') is configured to act on the three-way valve (7) according to the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');

wherein the three-way valve (7) is configured to direct the flow of hot water to a consumption tap (10) or to the water inlet of the module (A); It is

where, when directed to the water inlet of module (A), the water is transferred from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B).

In a second aspect, the automatic water saving system comprises a control module (A) and at least one peripheral module (B), wherein said modules communicate with each other and wherein:

the control module (A) comprises:

- at least one first counter/flow sensor (2);

- a first control unit (3);

- a first function monitor (4); It is

- at least one first thermal sensor (6);

and the peripheral module (B) comprises:

- at least one second counter/flow sensor (2’);

- a second control unit (3’);

- a second function monitor (4’);

- a circulation pump (5);

- at least one second thermal sensor (6’);

- a three-way valve (7); It is

- a non-return valve (8);

wherein the peripheral module (B) is in line with the pre-existing piping, intercepting it upstream of the consumption tap (10);

In a third aspect, the invention describes a method of saving water using the automatic water saving systems described in the first and second aspects, which comprises the following steps:

The. installation of the control module (A) and peripheral module (B);

B. adjustment of module settings and working temperature parameters;

w. opening the hot water tap (10) at the outlet (b) of the 3-way valve (7);

d. water circulation in the control module (A) and activation of the automatic water saving system by the first control unit (3);

It is. heating the water in the hot water producing equipment (1) and circulating the heated water towards the peripheral module (B);

f. comparison of the water temperature by at least a second thermal sensor (6');

g. activation of the 3-way valve (7) by the second control unit (3’);

H. switching the direction of the water towards the non-return valve (8), when a temperature lower than the pre-defined minimum temperature is detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');

i. transfer of water from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B);

j. repeating steps (d) to (i) until the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6') reaches the pre-defined maximum temperature;

k. activation of the 3-way valve (7) by the second control unit (3’);

l. switching the direction of the water towards the tap (10) of consumption of the hot branch, when a temperature equal to or higher than the pre-defined minimum temperature is detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');

m. interruption of circulation pump operation (5

n. interruption of water consumption in the hot branch; It is

O. stop the activity of control units (3, 3’).

The aforementioned prior documents, although they save water, describe systems that are obsolete and less versatile than the automatic water saving systems described in the present invention.

The fact that they are modular makes the systems described here compact and easy to install, either due to their small size or using a support specially developed for this purpose.

Furthermore, since they are controlled by software, the systems allow the recording of their usage history, as well as the configuration of parameters by the user, in which this data can be communicated to other equipment, such as tablets and cell phones, through of a computer application.

The amount of water saved and the status of at least one peripheral module can also be monitored using a function monitor, which allows modifications to operating parameters to be made to seek more optimized results.

Using the same software , the pressure boost function can be activated, thus increasing the efficiency of the equipment in situations where low network pressure compromises the normal use of hot water, particularly in hot water producing equipment.

The activated pressure boost function ensures that the water pump is turned on whenever there is consumption at any hot water point, with or without the peripheral module acting, thus adding pressure for comfortable and efficient water use.

The present invention reduces water waste in hot water taps through automatic water saving systems that perform a water saving method.

The proposed automatic water saving systems are based on their own, compact interior architecture that uses few components and software, developed to manage all adjustment functions, so that each user or company can adapt the aforementioned systems to their needs. your real needs and know concretely the history of use and how much water was saved.

The data can also be exported to the internet and viewed on equipment such as smartphones, tablets and computers, etc. Furthermore, when installed in buildings or other commercial establishments, such as sports complexes and hotels, data from several units can be monitored in real time, as well as the economic impact of water savings throughout the chain.

In the automatic water saving systems of the present invention, the first control unit is activated automatically by opening the hot water tap. At least one second thermal sensor (6') allows the water temperature to be compared with a minimum temperature value pre-defined by the user.

If the detected temperature is below the pre-defined temperature, the water direction is switched towards returning to the cold branch, thus increasing water efficiency by reducing waste in hot water taps during the heating process.

The automatic water saving systems of the present invention are configured to be adapted in any location where water is wasted in the heating process and the installation can be made on the external side of the wall or the system can be embedded in the wall, ceiling or floor.

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments illustrated in the figures and the language employed to describe them.

It should also be understood that there is no intention to limit the scope of the invention to the content of the figures and that modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, as well as additional applications of the illustrated principles and embodiments, which would normally occur to a person skilled in the art having the possession of this description, are considered within the scope of the invention now claimed.

Fig.1

[Fig. 1] schematically represents the preferred embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention comprising two modules that communicate with each other, in which the control module is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the water-producing equipment. hot water and the peripheral module is positioned upstream of the consumption tap.

Fig.2

[Fig. 2] schematically represents the control module of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

Fig.3

[Fig. 3] schematically represents the peripheral module of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

Fig.4

[Fig. 4] schematically represents the first alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention, in which the control module is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the hot water producing equipment and the peripheral module it is in line with the pre-existing plumbing, intercepting it upstream of the consumption tap.

Fig.5

[Fig. 5] schematically represents the control module, in the first alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

Fig.6

[Fig. 6] schematically represents the peripheral module, in the first alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

Fig.7

[Fig. 7] schematically represents the second alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention, in which the control module is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the hot water producing equipment and the peripheral module It is positioned to replace the consumer tap.

Fig.8

[Fig. 8] schematically represents the peripheral module, in the second alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

Fig.9

[Fig. 9] schematically represents the third alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention, in which the control module is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned downstream of the water producing equipment and the peripheral module is positioned to replace the consumer tap.

Fig.10

[Fig. 10] schematically represents the control module, in the third alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

Fig.11

[Fig. 11] schematically represents the fourth alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention, in which the control module is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the hot water producing equipment and the peripheral module It is positioned at the intersection of the hot and cold branches.

Fig.12

[Fig. 12] schematically represents the peripheral module, in the fourth alternative embodiment of the automatic water saving system of the present invention.

The present invention describes automatic water saving systems, which comprise a control module (A) and at least one peripheral module (B), in which said modules communicate with each other and function interdependently with the aim of maintaining water in the pipeline. the cold water that is wasted in the heating process until it reaches a temperature pre-defined by the user.

The control module (A) and the peripheral module (B) can be provided as a single module or as separate modules. In the figures of the present invention, modules (A) and (B) are represented as separate modules.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the automatic water saving system is shown in Figure 1, wherein the control module (A) comprises:

- at least one first counter/flow sensor (2);

- a first control unit (3);

- a first function monitor (4);

- a circulation pump (5); It is

- at least one first thermal sensor (6);

and the peripheral module (B) comprises:

- at least one second counter/flow sensor (2’);

- a second control unit (3’);

- a second function monitor (4’);

- at least one second thermal sensor (6’);

- a three-way valve (7); It is

- a non-return valve (8);

in which the control module (A) is connected to mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the hot water producing equipment (1) and

in which the peripheral module (B) is positioned downstream of the safety taps (9) and upstream of the consumption tap (10).

Opening the tap (10) for hot water consumption causes the passage of water from the network (11) through at least one first counter/flow sensor (2) and at least one first thermal sensor (6), in which the at least a first thermal sensor (6) is configured to detect a minimum temperature of 2ºC. If a temperature greater than 2ºC is detected by at least one first thermal sensor (6), system activation is initiated by the control unit (3).

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as shown in Figure 2, the control module (A) is connected to the mains water (11) by means of a cold water tap (9) and is positioned upstream of the equipment hot water producer (1), which can be any equipment designed to heat water.

More specifically, the cold branch coming from the network passes through the control module (A) through the circulation pump (5), the at least one first meter / flow sensor (2) and the at least one first thermal sensor (6) and goes to the hot water producing equipment (1).

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention and as shown in Figure 3, the peripheral module (B) is positioned downstream of the safety taps (9) and upstream of the consumption tap (10) - which can be a mixing tap or individual.

More specifically, the hot branch originating from the hot water producing equipment (1) passes through the peripheral module (B) through at least one second counter/flow sensor (2') and at least one second thermal sensor (6') , going to the 3-way valve (7) in the direction of the hot branch consumption tap (10) (direction a-b) or in the direction of the non-return valve (8) (direction a-c).

Optionally, the first and second flow counters/sensors (2, 2') further internally comprise an integrated thermal sensor (not shown in the figures). When integrated, the reduction in the number of parts also impacts the reduced size of the boxes of the aforementioned modules.

According to the detected temperature, the three-way valve (7) is configured to direct the flow of hot water to the consumption tap (10) (if the temperature is higher than the minimum temperature pre-established by the user) or to the water inlet of the module (A) (if the temperature is lower than the minimum temperature pre-established by the user).

When directed to the water inlet of module (A), the water is transferred from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B).

In a second embodiment of the present invention, the control module (A) of the automatic water saving system comprises:

- at least one first counter/flow sensor (2);

- a first control unit (3);

- a first function monitor (4); It is

- at least one first thermal sensor (6);

and the peripheral module (B) comprises:

- at least one second counter/flow sensor (2’);

- a second control unit (3’);

- a second function monitor (4’);

- a circulation pump (5);

- at least one second thermal sensor (6’);

- a three-way valve (7); It is

- a non-return valve (8);

wherein the control module (A) is connected to mains water (11) and positioned upstream or downstream of the hot water producing equipment (1) and

in which the peripheral module (B) is in line with the pre-existing piping, intercepting it upstream of the consumption tap (10).

The automatic water saving system in which the control module (A) is positioned upstream of the water producing equipment (1) is shown in Figure 4. The automatic water saving system in which the control module (A) is positioned downstream of the water producing equipment (1) as shown in figure 10.

In this embodiment of the present invention and as shown in Figure 5, the control module (A) is connected to mains water (11) by means of a cold water tap (9) and is positioned upstream of the production equipment. hot water system (1), which can be any equipment designed to heat water.

More specifically, the cold branch from the network passes through the control module (A) through at least one first counter/flow sensor (2) and at least one first thermal sensor (6) and goes to the water producing equipment hot (1).

In this embodiment of the present invention and as shown in Figure 6, the peripheral module (B) is in line with the pre-existing plumbing and upstream of the consumption tap (10) - which can be a mixer or individual tap.

More specifically, the hot branch coming from the hot water producing equipment (1) passes through the peripheral module (B) through the circulation pump (5) and at least one second counter/flow sensor (2') and at least a second thermal sensor (6'), going towards the 3-way valve (7) in the direction of the hot branch consumption tap (10) (direction a-b) or in the direction of the non-return valve (8) (direction a-c).

Optionally, the first and second flow counters/sensors (2, 2') further internally comprise an integrated thermal sensor (not shown in the figures).

When in this configuration, the installation of the automatic water saving system is built into the wall, ceiling or floor.

It is important to highlight that the automatic water saving systems proposed here differ in relation to the location of the circulation pump (5) (in the control module - A - or in the peripheral module - B).

More generally, this means that the circulation pump (5) can be at any point in the closed circuit, be it in the cold branch (if in module A, when it is upstream of the hot water producing equipment) or in the hot water (if in module A, when it is downstream of the hot water producing equipment, or if in module B).

In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the circulation pump (5) is in the control module (A) and upstream of the hot water producing equipment (1), in order to be more accessible, visible and also to save said component of the contact with higher temperatures.

However, it is worth noting that the circulation pump (5) can be upstream or downstream of said hot water producing equipment (1), as well as in any intersection thereof.

With regard to the at least one first thermal sensor (6), said component has a safety function. In all situations in which the water inside the control module (A) and/or the peripheral module (B) is below 2ºC, ice may form and, consequently, damage inside the systems proposed here.

Therefore, this first sensor checks the temperature of the mains water (11) before activating the systems and the water saving method is only started when a temperature higher than 2ºC is detected.

It is important to highlight that, even if the aforementioned water saving method does not start, the water in the home can be used as if the automatic water saving systems of the invention were not installed, thus not compromising the normal use of the water. water.

Thus, with the water in the pipes, at least one first thermal sensor (6) checks the temperature and, when the minimum temperature of 2ºC is reached, the systems can be started.

For both systems of the present invention, the peripheral module (B) can also be positioned, replacing the consumption tap (10) (see Figures 7, 8 and 9) and at the intersection of the hot and cold branches (see Figures 11 and 12). In cases where the peripheral module (B) is positioned to replace the consumer tap (10), a third thermal sensor (6”) is necessary to measure the leaving water temperature.

When positioned to replace the consumer tap (10), the installation is not built-in, that is, the water saving systems are installed on the external side of the wall using glue, with a plug and screw, with clamps or any other means support system developed for this purpose.

When positioned at the intersection of hot and cold branches, the installation can be built into the wall, ceiling or floor or not.

In a third aspect, the invention describes a method of saving water using the described automatic water saving systems, which comprise the following steps:

The. installation of the control module (A) and peripheral module (B);

B. adjustment of module settings and working temperature parameters;

w. opening the hot water tap (10) at the outlet (b) of the 3-way valve (7);

d. water circulation in the control module (A) and activation of the automatic water saving system by the control unit (3);

g. activation of the 3-way valve (7) by the second control unit (3’);

k. activation of the 3-way valve (7) by the second control unit (3’);

m. interruption of the circulation pump (5);

n. interruption of water consumption in the hot branch; It is

O. stop the activity of control units (3, 3’).

After installing the aforementioned modules (A, B), the working temperature parameters (minimum and maximum) and date and time adjustment are configured (steps a and b). The water saving method using the system of the invention is triggered by opening the hot water consumption tap (10) at the outlet (b) of the 3-way valve (7) (step c).

When opening the hot water tap (10), water circulates through at least one first counter/flow sensor (2) and at least one first thermal sensor (6) and, when a temperature greater than 2ºC is detected , activates the first control unit (3) of the control module (A) (step c). The water goes to the hot water producing equipment (1) and the hot branch from said hot water producing equipment (1) then reaches the peripheral module (B) (step e).

In the peripheral module (B), the water temperature is compared with the minimum value pre-defined by the user by means of at least a second thermal sensor (6') (step f) and goes to the 3-way valve (7) , which is configured to direct the flow of hot water towards the hot branch consumption tap (10) (direction a-b) or towards the non-return valve (8) (direction a-c) (step g).

If the detected temperature is lower than the pre-defined minimum temperature, the water is transferred from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B) (step h). To do this, the second control unit (3') activates the 3-way valve (7) which, in turn, switches the direction of the water towards the non-return valve (8), that is, from direction a-b (tap ( 10) consumption) to a-c (non-return valve (8)).

The non-return valve (8) yields to the pressure difference and the water coming from the hot branch is transferred to the cold branch, creating a closed circuit between the modules (A, B) (step i).

At the same time, in the control module (A), the first function monitor (4) indicates the liters of water saved and the status of the module (B), namely, the battery charge (if any), the intensity of the communication between modules (A, B) and how many peripheral modules (B) are paired – if there is more than one. In turn, the second function monitor (4’) indicates the water temperature in real time. Furthermore, the second control unit (3') can emit an audible signal that informs that the saving process is taking place.

The control module function monitor allows temperature adjustment functions, consumption sampling, battery status (if present), intensity and quality of communications between modules, secure pairing of modules and sampling of the number of active modules, among others. .

When at least one second thermal sensor (6') detects that the water has reached the maximum temperature pre-defined by the user, this information is transmitted to the second control unit (3') of the peripheral module (B), which controls the valve 3-way connection (7) in the direction of the hot branch, that is, from a-c to a-b, interrupting the return circuit (steps k and l). The sound signal stops and the second control unit (3') transmits to the first control unit (3) that the saving cycle is complete, thus disconnecting the circulation pump (5).

After stopping the flow of water from the hot branch (step m), the flow counters/sensors (2, 2') of the modules (A, B) come to rest, the same happens with the control units (3, 3') (step n), which, now in energy saving mode, wait for a new request as described above.

Briefly, the water saving method of this invention is triggered by the detection, by the flow meters/sensors (2, 2'), of the movement of water within the pipes, as a consequence of opening the consumption tap (10).

It is also these components that produce information on water saved, water consumed and duration of use, individually, for each of the peripheral modules (when more than one peripheral module is present). The information is then sent to the control units (3, 3'), which process said information and display it on the function monitor (4).

The control units (3, 3') comprise dedicated on-board software configured to feed data, such as user-determined working temperatures, and control the internal components of the systems. Furthermore, said software provides the usage history with date and time, consumption and savings of the installed peripheral modules (B) and is configured to communicate this data through a computer application for equipment such as mobile phones, tablets and computers. Communication of usage data also allows connection to home automation systems, integrating water efficiency as a complement to energy efficiency.

Using the same software, the pressure boost function can be activated, thus increasing the efficiency of equipment in situations where low network pressure compromises the normal use of hot water, particularly in hot water producing equipment.

The activated pressure boost function ensures that the water pump is turned on whenever there is consumption at any hot water point, with or without the actuation of the peripheral module, thus adding pressure for comfortable and efficient water use.

The aforementioned automatic water saving systems have numerous possible configurations, which vary according to the location in which the system will be installed.

Installation can be done on the external side of the wall, which allows the installer to place the modules without the need for works and quickly into the pre-existing plumbing. Versions built into the wall, ceiling or floor are also planned (as shown in Figure 4), requiring the necessary adaptations to the plumbing during the design or construction phase.

The system is powered by the electrical network of the location where it will be installed or by means of batteries.

The automatic water saving systems of the invention can be installed anywhere where water is wasted in the heating process. Thus, the system can be installed in apartments for housing or local accommodation in buildings of different types, villas, beauty salons, company changing rooms, sports buildings, SPAs and hotels, without being limited to them.

The subject matter described above is provided as an illustration of the present invention and, therefore, should not be construed as limiting it. Terminology employed for the purpose of describing preferred embodiments of the present invention should not be restricted thereto.

As used in the description, the definite and indefinite articles, in their singular form, are intended to be interpreted as also including the plural forms, unless the context of the description explicitly indicates otherwise.

The indefinite articles “a” or a” should generally be interpreted as “one or more” and “one or more”, unless the meaning of a singular modality is clearly defined in a specific situation.

It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include”, when used in this description, specify the presence of related features, elements, components, steps and operations, but do not exclude the possibility of other features, elements, components, steps and operations as well. be covered.

As used throughout this patent application, the term “or” is used in an inclusive sense rather than an exclusive sense, unless the exclusive sense is clearly defined in a specific situation. In this context, a sentence like “X uses A or B” should be interpreted as including all relevant inclusive combinations, for example “X uses A”, “X uses B” and “X uses A and B”.

All changes, as long as they do not modify the essential characteristics of the following claims, must be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

1. Hot water producing equipment

2. Flow counter/sensor

3. Control unit

4. Function Monitor

5. Circulation pump

6. Thermal sensor

7. Three-way valve

8. Non-return valve

9. Safety taps

10. Consumer taps

11. Mains water

Below is the list of citations:

ES1074141U

ES1060933Y

DE3723089

FR2992986

WO2013017938

DE19712051

Claims

An automatic water saving system characterized by comprising a control module (A) and at least one peripheral module (B), wherein said modules communicate with each other and wherein:
the control module (A) comprises:
- at least one first counter/flow sensor (2);
- a first control unit (3);
- a first function monitor (4);
- a circulation pump (5); It is
- at least one first thermal sensor (6);
and the peripheral module (B) comprises:
- at least one second counter/flow sensor (2');
- a second control unit (3');
- a second function monitor (4');
- at least one second thermal sensor (6');
- a three-way valve (7); It is
- a non-return valve (8),
wherein the control module (A) is connected to the mains water (11) and positioned upstream of the hot water producing equipment (1);
wherein the module (B) is positioned downstream of the safety taps (9) and upstream of the consumption tap (10);
wherein opening the hot water consumption tap (10) causes the passage of water from the network (11) through at least one first counter/flow sensor (2) and at least one first thermal sensor (6);
wherein the at least one first thermal sensor (6) is configured to detect a minimum temperature of 2°C to activate the first control unit (3);
wherein the second control unit (3') is configured to activate the automatic water saving system according to the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');
wherein the second control unit (3') is configured to act on the three-way valve (7) according to the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');
wherein the three-way valve (7) is configured to direct the flow of hot water to a consumption tap (10) or to the water inlet of the module (A); It is
where, when directed to the water inlet of module (A), the water is transferred from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B).
An automatic water saving system characterized by comprising at least one control module (A) and at least one peripheral module (B), wherein said modules communicate with each other and wherein:
the control module (A) comprises:
- at least one first counter/flow sensor (2);
- a first control unit (3);
- a first function monitor (4); It is
- at least one first thermal sensor (6);
and the peripheral module (B) comprises:
- at least one second counter/flow sensor (2');
- a second control unit (3');
- a second function monitor (4');
- a circulation pump (5);
- at least one second thermal sensor (6');
- a three-way valve (7); It is
- a non-return valve (8);
wherein the control module (A) is connected to mains water (11) and positioned upstream or downstream of the hot water producing equipment (1);
wherein the peripheral module (B) is in line with the pre-existing piping, intercepting it upstream of the consumption tap (10);
wherein opening the tap (10) for hot water consumption causes the passage of water from the network (11) through at least one first counter/flow sensor (2) and at least one first thermal sensor (6);
wherein the at least one first thermal sensor (6) is configured to detect a minimum temperature of 2°C to activate the first control unit (3);
wherein the second control unit (3') is configured to activate the automatic water saving system according to the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');
wherein the second control unit (3') is configured to act on the three-way valve (7) according to the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');
wherein the three-way valve (7) is configured to direct the flow of hot water to a consumption tap (10) or to the water inlet of the module (A); It is
where, when directed to the water inlet of module (A), the water is transferred from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B).
Automatic water saving systems, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the peripheral module (B) is positioned alternatively to replace the consumption tap (10) or at the intersection of the hot and cold branches.
The automatic water saving systems, according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the peripheral module (B) is positioned to replace the consumption tap (10), a third thermal sensor (6”) is configured to measure the leaving water temperature.
The automatic water saving systems according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second control units (3, 3') comprise dedicated on-board software configured to feed data, control the internal components of the systems, reinforce water pressure and provide the history of uses, consumption and savings and communicate this data through a computer application for equipment such as cell phones, tablets and computers.
Automatic water saving systems, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the installation is carried out on the external side of the wall by means of glue, with a plug and screw, with clamps or other suitable means of support or embedded in the wall , ceiling or floor.
The automatic water saving systems, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the power supply for said systems is made from the electrical network of the place where they are installed or by means of batteries.
A water saving method using automatic water saving systems as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:
The. installation of the control module (A) and peripheral module (B);
B. adjustment of module settings and working temperature parameters;
w. opening the hot water tap (10) at the outlet (b) of the 3-way valve (7);
d. water circulation in the control module (A) and activation of the automatic water saving system by the first control unit (3);
It is. heating the water in the hot water producing equipment (1) and circulating the heated water towards the peripheral module (B);
f. comparing the water temperature by at least a second thermal sensor (6');
g. activation of the 3-way valve (7) by the second control unit (3');
H. switching the water direction towards the non-return valve (8), when a temperature lower than the pre-defined minimum temperature is detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');
i. transfer of water from the hot branch to the cold branch in a closed circuit between modules (A) and (B);
j. repeating steps (d) to (i) until the temperature detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6') reaches the pre-defined maximum temperature;
k. activation of the 3-way valve (7) by the second control unit (3');
l. switching the direction of the water towards the hot branch consumption tap (10), when a temperature equal to or higher than the pre-defined minimum temperature is detected by at least one second thermal sensor (6');
m. interruption of the circulation pump (5);
n. interruption of water consumption in the hot branch; It is
O. stop the activity of the control units (3, 3').
The water saving method according to claim 8, characterized in that, in step d, activation of the system by the first control unit (3) only occurs when the temperature detected by at least one first thermal sensor (6) is greater than 2ºC.