WO2024121551A1

WO2024121551A1 - Location and flow rate meter

Info

Publication number: WO2024121551A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/053141
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Milne KRYWYJ
Original assignee: Aquam Water Services Limited
Priority date: 2022-12-07
Filing date: 2023-12-06
Publication date: 2024-06-13

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for detecting and determining flow in a water release assembly are provided. A flow monitoring module may include a flow meter, a fluid flow processing module, a generator, and a charging circuit. The flow meter detects fluid flow through a fluid flow conduit. The processing module is configured to acquire and store location data, store fluid flow data, and wirelessly transmit the location data and the fluid flow data to an external computer. The location data relates to a geographic location of the flow monitoring module. The fluid flow data relates to fluid flow through the fluid flow conduit and is based, at least in part, on the detected fluid flow. The generator is configured to convert mechanical energy from the fluid flow to electrical energy. The charging circuit is configured to control charging of an energy storage device using the electrical energy generated by the generator.

Description

LOCATION AND FLOW RATE METER

RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] A PCT Request Form is filed concurrently with this specification as part of the present application. Each application that the present application claims benefit of or priority to as identified in the concurrently filed PCT Request Form is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluid may be flowed through various conduits of a fluid delivery system and flowed out of the fluid delivery system at multiple geographical locations using various fluid extraction assemblies.

[0003] For example, fresh-water distribution systems in municipalities have a network of water mains and other pipes that carry water to various customers and other destinations. It is difficult to monitor and control disposition of water throughout the network, particularly in real time.

This is particularly true when water release elements such as standpipes can be easily installed at various locations throughout the network.

SUMMARY

[0004] The systems, methods, and devices of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein. Included among these aspects are at least the following implementations, although further implementations may be set forth in the detailed description or may be evident from the discussion provided herein.

[0005] According to some embodiments, a flow monitoring module includes a flow meter, a fluid flow processing module, a generator, and a charging circuit. The flow meter is configured to detect fluid flow through a fluid flow conduit. The fluid flow processing module is configured to: acquire and store location data, the location data being related to a geographic location of the flow monitoring module. The fluid flow processing module is also configured to store fluid flow data, the fluid flow data being related to fluid flow through the fluid flow conduit and being based, at least in part, on the fluid flow detected by the flow meter. The fluid flow processing module is further configured to wirelessly transmit the location data and the fluid flow data to an external computer. The generator is configured to convert mechanical energy from the fluid flow to electrical energy. The charging circuit is configured to control charging of an energy storage device using the electrical energy generated by the generator.

[0006] In some embodiments, the fluid flow conduit may include at least a portion of a standpipe.

[0007] In some embodiments, the flow monitoring module may further include a circuit configured to provide the fluid flow processing module with electrical power from the energy storage device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the energy storage device may be a battery, and the charging circuit may be configured to limit the charging of the battery to a threshold fraction of a charge capacity of the battery.

[0009] In some embodiments, the threshold fraction may be about 40% to about 80% of the charge capacity of the battery.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flow monitoring module may further include a solar cell configured to provide electrical energy to the fluid flow processing module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluid flow processing module may include a global positioning satellite (GPS) antenna and a wireless antenna. The fluid flow processing module may be further configured to: acquire the location data using the GPS antenna, and transmit the location data and the fluid flow data using the wireless antenna.

[0012] In some embodiments, the wireless antenna may be at least one of a cellular antenna, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) antenna, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) antenna, a low power wide area network (LoRaWAN) antenna, an antenna capable of operating between 850 MHz and 1,900 MHz, an antenna capable of operating between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, a Bluetooth antenna, an omnidirectional antenna, and a directional antenna.

[0013] In some embodiments, the generator may include a rotor including a plurality of first permanent magnets coupled to a first end portion of a shaft, and a stator including a plurality of wire coils. The rotor may be configured to rotate about an axis extending between the wire coils so as to cause the first permanent magnets to form a rotating magnetic field between the wire coils.

[0014] In some embodiments, the generator may further include a support structure having a through hole configured to interface with the rotor. The wire coils may be mounted on a surface of the support structure.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support structure may be a printed circuit board communicatively connected to either or both of the charging circuit and the fluid flow processing module.

[0016] In some embodiments, the flow monitoring module may further include a counter circuit communicatively coupled to the wire coils via the printed circuit board. The counter circuit may be configured to count polarity changes in the wire coils caused, at least in part, by the rotation of the magnetic field.

[0017] In some embodiments, the counter circuit may be communicatively coupled to the fluid flow processing module; and the fluid flow processing module may be configured to determine the fluid flow data based on information received from the counter circuit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the flow meter may include a first flow responsive mechanism supported in a passageway of the fluid flow conduit; and the permanent magnets may be configured to magnetically couple to and receive torque from the first flow responsive mechanism.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first flow responsive mechanism may include a flow wheel, a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, or an impeller wheel.

[0020] In some embodiments, an interior cavity of the passageway and an interior cavity of a housing of the fluid flow processing module may be fluidically isolated from one another.

[0021] In some embodiments, the generator may further include a plurality of second permanent magnets coupled to a second end portion of the shaft. The second end portion may oppose the first end portion. The flow meter may further include a second flow responsive mechanism at least partially supported in a first housing of the flow monitoring module. The second permanent magnets may be magnetically coupled to the second flow responsive mechanism.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second flow responsive mechanism may include a magnetic drive.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second flow responsive mechanism may be enclosed within a second housing; and an interior cavity of the first housing may be fluidically isolated from an interior cavity of the second housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, the flow monitoring module may further include a gasket configured to form a seal between the first and second housings. [0025] In some embodiments, the gasket may be an annular gasket configured to encircle an outer surface of the second housing, interface with a rimmed portion of the outer surface, and interface with an inner surface of the first housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first housing may include an opening through which a portion of the second housing extends.

[0027] In some embodiments, a housing of the flow monitoring module may include a transparent or semitransparent portion that is configured to allow light of one or more predetermined wavelengths to propagate therethrough and an impinge on the solar cell.

[0028] According to some embodiments, a method includes charging an energy storage device with electrical energy from a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from fluid flow in a fluid flow conduit to electrical energy in a flow monitoring module, acquiring location data of the flow monitoring module, acquiring fluid flow data related to the fluid flow through the fluid flow conduit attached to the flow monitoring module, and wirelessly transmitting the fluid flow data and the location data.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method may further include generating a record that includes the fluid flow data and the location data.

[0030] In some embodiments, the record may further include information about the energy storage device.

[0031] In some embodiments, the information about the energy storage device may include a voltage of the energy storage device and/or a charge level of the energy storage device.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fluid flow conduit may include at least a portion of a standpipe.

[0033] In some embodiments, charging the energy storage device may include limiting the charging of the energy storage device to a threshold fraction of a charge capacity of the energy storage device.

[0034] In some embodiments, the threshold fraction may be about 40% to about 80% of the charge capacity of the energy storage device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the flow monitoring module may include a housing having a transparent or semitransparent enclosure configured to allow solar radiation to reach a solar cell connected to the flow monitoring module.

[0036] In some embodiments, acquiring the location data may include using a GPS antenna, and wirelessly transmitting the flow data may include using a wireless antenna. [0037] In some embodiments, acquiring the fluid flow data may include forming a rotating magnetic field between a plurality of wire coils, counting a number of polarity changes in the wire coils caused, at least in part, by the rotating magnetic field, and determining the fluid flow data based on the number.

[0038] In some embodiments, the polarity changes may induce electrical pulses in the wire coils, and counting the number of the polarity changes may include counting at least one aspect of the electrical pulses via a counting circuit.

[0039] In some embodiments, charging the energy storage device may include diverting at least some of the electrical pulses from the counting circuit to a rectifying circuit configured to generate a direct current therefrom, the direct current conveying the electrical energy, and storing the electrical energy via the energy storage device.

[0040] In some embodiments, converting the mechanical energy to the electrical energy may include causing, at least in part, torque to be received, at a shaft, from a first flow responsive mechanism exposed to the fluid flow. The shaft may include a plurality of first permanent magnets supported thereon and arranged to rotate between a plurality of wire coils in response to the reception of the torque. Rotation of the first permanent magnets may cause, at least in part, a rotating magnetic field to be formed between the wire coils that induces polarity changes in the wire coils that may cause, at least in part, electrical pulses to be transmitted via the wire coils.

[0041] In some embodiments, converting the mechanical energy to the electrical energy may further include generating a direct current utilizing the electrical pulses, the direct current conveying the electrical energy; and storing the electrical energy via the energy storage device.

[0042] In some embodiments, a first internal cavity to which the first flow responsive mechanism may be exposed may be fluidically isolated from a second internal cavity in which the shaft and the first permanent magnets may be supported.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first permanent magnets may be magnetically coupled to the first flow responsive mechanism.

[0044] In some embodiments, a plurality of second permanent magnets may be supported on the shaft and spaced apart from the first permanent magnets; and the second permanent magnets may be magnetically coupled to a second flow responsive mechanism. The second flow responsive mechanism may be configured to convey analog and/or digital information about the fluid flow.

[0045] In some embodiments, a first internal cavity to which the first flow responsive mechanism may be exposed may be fluidically isolated from a second internal cavity in which the shaft, the first permanent magnets, and the second permanent magnets may be supported. A third internal cavity in which the second flow responsive mechanism may be supported may be fluidically isolated from the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first flow responsive mechanism may include a flow wheel, a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, or an impeller wheel. The second flow responsive mechanism may include a magnetic drive.

[0047] In some embodiments, the second flow responsive mechanism may further include an odometer coupled to the magnetic drive. The odometer may be configured to convey the analog and/or the digital information about the fluid flow.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first flow responsive mechanism may include a flow wheel, a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, or an impeller wheel.

[0049] The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1A-C depict an example water release assembly.

[0051] Figure 2 depicts another example water release assembly which is a standpipe.

[0052] Figures 3A-D depict an example flow meter having a movement mechanism inside a chamber.

[0053] Figure 4 depicts a schematic of an example processing module.

[0054] Figures 5A-H depict an example processing module structure.

[0055] Figure 6 depicts an example technique of operating a water release assembly.

[0056] Figure 7 depicts an example record.

[0057] Figure 8 depicts an example map showing multiple water release assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0058] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. The presented concepts may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure the described concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with the specific embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

Introduction

[0059] Many water utility districts have numerous above-ground water access points or taps where water may be drawn from an overall water distribution system. These water access points may include fire hydrants, water spouts, spigots, and standpipes. A single water utility district may have thousands of these access points distributed throughout geographic regions that could be tens or hundreds of miles in size. These access points are available and used for many types of uses, such as commercial, residential, and other municipal uses; these uses may include filling water tanks for commercial construction, filling up a fire truck tank, filling up a ferry tank, irrigating an agricultural area, and providing drinkable water to remote locations.

[0060] These discharge locations generally do not have a means for easily tracking from which access point water was drawn, who drew water from an access point, and how much water was drawn from an access point. Employees or contractors may go to field sites and read meter values at access points, but this is a slow and inconvenient technique and frequently misses significant amounts of water release. In some instances, a meter is connected to an electronic device for detecting water flow and/or transmitting information about water flow. But such device may require routine service such as replacement of a battery or other power source.

[0061] As a consequence, much water dispensed from access points in water distribution network is wasted or is consumed without payment. Such uncompensated water drawn from access points is deemed nonrevenue water (NRW). Commonly, up to 20% or more of the total water discharged by a water utility across its entire distribution system is NRW. Water release assemblies described herein may be used to determine the location and amount of water drawn from a specific access location in order to determine who drew the water and how much water was drawn, which may be used to generate revenue from the extracted water. These water release assemblies may also be used to quickly stop undesired water releases. In certain embodiments, these assemblies automatically monitor and report water flow by wireless communication.

[0062] As stated above, some water utilities often employ standpipes or similar structures that serve as the aboveground access points. A standpipe may be a free-standing pipe that can be connected to a water conduit of a water supply or system, such as a water main or water delivery pipe. The standpipe may have an inlet through which water enters the standpipe, an outlet from which the water exits the standpipe, and an attachment mechanism configured to connect the inlet to a tap of the water conduit or delivery pipe. This attachment mechanism may be a threaded fitting that may be screwed onto a threaded port of the water conduit. When installed, a standpipe remains in a fixed geographic location until uninstalled. In some cases, standpipes are designed to be easily transportable. For example, a service employee or team may transport a group of standpipes via truck to multiple water access points that each have a tap to which the standpipe may be connected and draw water from any such access point. Further, a service employee can remove a standpipe in one location and install it in a different location. Tracking the installed locations of all the various standpipes in a water distribution system can be challenging. Given this and the inconvenience of manually reading meters of standpipes, water utilities often do not know from which discharge locations water was taken and how much water was taken.

Example Water Release Assemblies

[0063] Some embodiments of the water release assembly described herein (e.g., a standpipe) include a fluid flow passage, a flow meter configured to detect fluid flow through the fluid flow passage and generate fluid flow data related to the fluid flow, and a processing module configured to acquire location data related to the geographic location of the water release assembly and to transmit the location data and the fluid flow data. Figures 1A-1C depict an example water release assembly 100 that includes a fluid flow passage 102 with two sections of pipe 104A and 104B, a flow meter 106 (encompassed by the dashed line) that has a measuring chamber (or chamber) 108, a register 110, and a fluid flow processing module 112. As can be seen, the chamber 108 is interposed between the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B such that fluid flowing through the fluid flow passage 102 flows through the chamber 108. In some cases, the chamber 108 may be sized differently than the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B, and as such, may include transition sections 114 and 116 having respective coupling portions 118 and 120 to enable the flow meter 106 to be connected between the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B, such as connected between the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B in an inline manner, but embodiments are not limited thereto. As such, transition sections 114 and 116 may be utilized to compensate for changes in flow passage geometry from chamber 108 to the corresponding sections of pipe 104A and 104B. The coupling portions 118 and 120 may be formed as threaded collars configured to thread onto corresponding portions of the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B, but embodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, at least one of the coupling portions 118 and 120 (and a respective one of the corresponding sections of pipe 104A and 104B) may be configured to form a butt weld, socket weld, or solder joint connection, a compression connection, a push-on (or push-to-connect) connection, or any other suitable type of connection, such as a grooved coupling/fitting connection, a flanged connection, a flared connection, etc. In some cases, coupling portions 118 and 120 respectively form an inlet and an outlet (or vice versa) of flow meter 106.

[0064] One or more of the transition sections 114 and 116 of the flow meter 106 may include an access or control point, such as access or control point 122 in transition section 116, that may be utilized as (or in association with) a drain or weep hole to selectively drain water from at least the chamber 108, but allow the flow meter 106 to remain fluidically connected to the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B. For example, the access or control point 122 may be a stem or operating nut of (or configured to couple with) an internal valve mechanism (not shown) associated with the flow meter 106 and/or at least one of the two sections of pipe 104A and 104B that is configured to control fluid flow through the fluid flow passage 102. In this manner, the access or control point 122 may be utilized to not only prevent water from stagnating in chamber 108, but also to prevent (or at least reduce the likelihood of) internal components of the chamber 108 from rusting, seizing up, and/or freezing in cold temperature conditions or environments.

[0065] According to various embodiments, chamber 108 may include, in its interior, a flow wheel 124 (shown in phantom in Figure IB) that nutates (or otherwise rotates) about an axis 126 of rotation in response to fluid flow through chamber 108, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The nutating flow wheel 124 causes rotation of, for instance, a shaft 128 (also shown in phantom in Figure IB) that may be physically coupled to the flow wheel 124. In some cases, the flow wheel 124 may be a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, an impeller wheel, or other suitable flow structure configured to cause rotation of the shaft about the axis 126. The register 110 may include a flow responsive mechanism 130 mechanically coupled to the shaft 128 in the chamber 108 in a non-contact manner so as to enable an environment of the fluid flow processing module 112 to remain separate from the environment of the chamber 108. For instance, the flow wheel 124 in the chamber 108 may be mechanically coupled to the register 110 through one or more magnetic couplings (or drives) that use magnetic fields instead of physical mechanical connections to transmit torque between corresponding components, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the shaft 128 in the chamber 108 may include (or may be associated with) a magnetic disk 132 magnetically coupled to the flow responsive mechanism 130 of the register 110. Accordingly, the flow responsive mechanism 130 may be configured to utilize the mechanical energy received from the magnetic disk 132 to drive one or more mechanical readout components (e.g., gears, dials, etc.) of the register 110 or generate signals responsive to the flow rate through chamber 108. In some cases, one or more additional or alternative flow responsive mechanisms may be supported within the fluid flow processing module 112 (along with other components) or may be supported on an exterior surface of chamber 108, and thereby, separate from the internal environment of chamber 108. It, however, is contemplated that any other suitable flow detection sensor/mechanism may be utilized.

[0066] For example, in some implementations, the chamber 108 may simply define a flow distribution passageway configured to allow an embodiment of the register 110 (and/or another sensor of the flow meter 106) to sense, detect, or otherwise determine the flow rate through the chamber 108. For instance, the register 110 or other sensor of the flow meter 106 may include or be associated with, for example, an accelerometer, a vibration sensor, and/or the like, that is configured to generate signals responsive to the flow rate through the chamber 108. In some cases, the generated signals may be provided to the fluid flow processing module 112 for the determination of the flow rate through the chamber 108. In some cases, the generated signals may be utilized by the register 110. Whatever the case, various embodiments of the flow meter 106 may have flow sensing components in at least one of three parts: the interior of the chamber 108, the register 110, or the fluid flow processing module 112. In Figures 1 A-1C the register 110 is depicted as being positioned on the chamber 108 and partially enclosed within a housing of the fluid flow processing module 112, but may, in practice, be positioned outside, inside, or partially inside the chamber 108 and/or supported outside, inside, or partially inside the housing of the fluid flow processing module 112.

[0067] The flow meter 106 can take many forms and need not have the separate components depicted in Figures 1A-1C. For example, all the components for detecting flow or quantitating flow rate may be housed in fluid flow processing module 112. In another example, all the components are contained in the fluid flow processing module 112 and the register 110. Further, the register 110 and the fluid flow processing module 112 may be communicatively connected by one or more wires. In some embodiments, the register 110 and the fluid flow processing module 112 may be configured to communicate wirelessly or may not be communicatively coupled to one another. It is also contemplated that, in some implementations, the register 110 may be omitted and/or supplanted by any of various other sensors, or a combination of sensors, described herein below. As will also become more apparent below, the fluid flow processing module 112 may include an intermediate component (or assembly) 134 (shown in phantom in Figure IB) between the magnetic disk 132 in the chamber 108 and the flow responsive mechanism 130 of the register 110 that is at least configured to transmit torque between the magnetic disk 132 and the flow responsive mechanism 130. For instance, the intermediate component 134 may be an intermediate magnetic drive between the magnetic disk 132 and the flow responsive mechanism 130. In some embodiments, the register 110 may be omitted and the intermediate component 134 may be configured to receive torque from the magnetic disk 132 to generate and/or convey signals indicative of the flow rate through the chamber 108 to the fluid flow processing module 112. To this end, and whether or not the flow meter 106 includes the register 110, the intermediate component 134 may be configured to harvest energy from, for instance, its mechanical movement (e.g., rotation about axis 126) caused by the flow of water through the chamber 108. In this sense, the intermediate component 134 may form or include components forming a generator. Various embodiments of the intermediate component 134 will be described in more detail in association with Figures 3A-3D.

[0068] The fluid flow processing module 112 is depicted as being positioned outside the fluid flow passage 102 and the chamber 108, and may be connected to any of these elements, such as the first section of pipe 104A in Figures 1A-IC. This connection may be through the use of mechanical fastening features, such as screws, bolts, ties, clamps, or the like; it may also be through the use of a weld or an adhesive, such as an epoxy, silicone, cyanoacrylate, or ultraviolet (UV) cure adhesive. It is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, a pressure-sensitive adhesive may be additionally or alternatively utilized. The fluid flow processing module 112 is shaped with rounded edges and a slim profile, for example, to minimize (or at least reduce) damage to it that might be caused by it catching or being physically impacted during use or transport, such as being thrown in the back or bed of a truck. As previously described, in some embodiments, the flow meter 106 uses magnets on one or more movable components in order to detect flow and/or form at least one magnetic drive mechanism. The fluid flow processing module 112 may also use antennas to wirelessly transmit and receive data. In some implementations, the housing of the fluid flow processing module 112 is constructed of a durable material (e.g., so that it may withstand impacts and/or thermal exposure, such as to temperatures of greater than 48 °C and 60 °C, for example, and less than 0 °C and -34 °C, for instance) that does not interfere with the antennas and magnets. As an example, the durable material may be a non-metallic material like a polymer, a plastic, a thermoplastic such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some embodiments, the material of the housing of the fluid flow processing module 112 may be transparent, semitransparent, or at least translucent (hereinafter, collectively or individually referred to as “transparent”) to light of one or more wavelengths or wavelength ranges. For example, the material may be transparent to light in the visible spectrum, e.g., light having a wavelength (or range of wavelengths) between about 380 nm and about 740 nm. In some cases, the level or extent of the transparency of the housing may be contingent upon the inclusion of one or more other components, such as the inclusion of one or more solar cells in association with flow meter 106, etc.

[0069] Figure 2 depicts a more detailed example water release assembly, which is a standpipe. Like the water release assembly 100 of Figures 1A-1C, the standpipe 200 includes a fluid flow passage 202 having two sections of pipe 204A and 204B, similar to sections 104A and 104B in Figures 1A-1C, a flow meter 206 that has a chamber 208 and a register 210, and a fluid flow processing module 212. Similar to chamber 108 of water release assembly 100, chamber 208 may include transition sections 214 and 216 having respective coupling portions 218 and 220 enabling flow meter 206 to be connected between the two sections of pipe 204A and 204B. Unless otherwise characterized, these elements may be considered the same as their counterparts in Figures 1A-1C. The water release assembly 200 of Figure 2 may also include an inlet 222, an outlet 224, and an attachment structure 226 for attaching the standpipe to an external fluid flow conduit, such as a municipal water main (not shown). As discussed above, this attachment structure 226 may be a threaded collar that is configured to be threaded onto a tap of a fluid conduit or pipe. As with Figures 1A-1C, the chamber 208 is interposed between the two sections of pipe 204A and 204B such that fluid flowing between these two sections of pipe flows through the chamber 208.

[0070] In some embodiments, the flow meter 206 may also include a movement mechanism (e.g., instances of one or more of the flow wheel 124, the shaft 128, the magnetic disk 132, the intermediate component 134, and the flow responsive mechanism 130) positioned within and/or adjacent to the chamber 208 and configured to be contacted and moved by fluid flowing through the chamber 208. In some implementations, the movement mechanism that responds to fluid flowing between rotating components may have one or more portions housed within the chamber 208 and one or more portions housed within the fluid flow processing module 212. In response to continuous flow, this movement mechanism may repeatedly move along a movement path, which may be cyclic or reciprocating along or around one or more rotational or linear axes (e.g., axis 228, or a combination. Axis 228 may extend perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly) to longitudinal axis 230 of water release assembly 200. The movement can be detected by a signal pick up that may be provided by an instance of the intermediate component 134 or the register 210, which alone or in combination with the fluid flow processing module 212 determines a quantity of flow through the chamber 208. For instance, a first point on the movement mechanism may, in response to flowing fluid, move past a second point on the chamber 208 once per movement cycle and each time this occurs generate a pulse at the second point. Detecting each time the first point passes by the second point, e.g., detecting a pulse, effectively detects one complete movement cycle. In this manner, a total volume or mass of fluid flowing through the chamber 208 may be determined by counting or totaling each cycle detection and multiplying this total by the known volume of fluid that flows through the chamber 208 per cycle. This detection may also be used for determining specific quantities of flow information, such as a flow rate.

[0071] In some embodiments, components of the chamber 208, the intermediate component 134, and the flow responsive mechanism 130 may have magnets which, during flow, generate repeated variations in magnetic field pulses that are detected by sensors such as wire coils (e.g., wire coils 307 and 309 shown in Figures. 3A and 3C). These pulses may be used to determine fluid flow through the chamber 208 in association with, for instance, a magnetic drive, e.g., a magnetic drive formed between the magnetic disk 132 in the chamber 208, the intermediate component 134 in the fluid flow processing module 212, and/or the flow responsive mechanism 130 in the register 110. As used herein, a pulse includes any detectable variation in a magnetic field (or other field if magnets are not used). Many waveforms may be employed, including sinusoidal waveforms, square waveforms, triangle waveforms, saw-tooth waveforms, and/or the like. Various other types of mechanical movement mechanisms may be used to generate signals reflecting a quantity of flow through the water release assembly, such as standpipe 200. Examples include mechanisms that rely on the rotation to drive either a magnetic coupling or a direct gear train connected to a mechanical counter. Further, the mechanism for detecting flowing fluid can produce any of a number of detectable signals, not just magnetic field signals. Examples include capacitive signals, optical signals, acoustic signals, inductive signals, etc. It is also contemplated that energy (e.g., electrical energy) may be harvested from the variations in the magnetic field pluses.

[0072] Figure 3A depicts a partially exploded side view of an intermediate component of a flow meter according to some embodiments. Figures 3B-3C respectively illustrate a perspective view, a side view, and a plan view of the intermediate component of Figure 3 A in an assembled state according to some embodiments.

[0073] Referring to Figures 3A-3C, the intermediate component 300 may include one more magnetic assemblies (e.g., first and second magnet assemblies 301 and 303), a support structure 305, and one or more wire coils (e.g., first and second wire coils 307 and 309). As will become more apparent below, the first and second magnetic assemblies 301 and 303 may be configured to rotate about a central axis 311 extending between the first and second wire coils 307 and 309. The rotation of at least the first magnetic assembly 301 about the central axis 311 generates a rotating magnetic field between the first and second wire coils 307 and 309 that periodically flips the magnetic polarity of the wire segments of the first and second wire coils 307 and 309. These polarity changes generate current pulses in the first and second wire coils 307 and 309 that may be utilized to energize a low-power counter circuit configured to record the rotation count of the first magnetic assembly 301, which may be magnetically coupled to (and, thereby, receive torque from) the magnetic disk 132 in, for example, chamber 208 of water release assembly 200. The low-power counter circuit may be incorporated as part of one or more electronic packages 313.

[0074] As previously discussed, fluid flow through the chamber 208 causes, at least in part, the rotation of the magnetic disk 132 about, for example, the axis 228. Accordingly, a total volume or mass of fluid flowing through the chamber 208 may be determined utilizing the rotation count recorded by the counter circuit per detection cycle and multiplying the total by the known volume of fluid that flows through the chamber 208 per cycle. This detection may also be used for determining specific quantities of flow information, such as a flow rate. Similar to the first magnetic assembly 301, the second magnetic assembly 303 may be magnetically coupled to the flow responsive mechanism 130 of the register 210 to allow the register 210 to gather and record an aggregate volume or mass of fluid having flowed through the chamber 208.

[0075] According to some embodiments, the current pulses generated in the first and second wire coils 307 and 309 may not only have a sufficient amount of energy to power the counter circuit, but may also include a sufficient amount of extraneous energy that can be harvested by a charging circuit and stored via, for instance, a rechargeable power source, such as a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the charging circuit may be incorporated as part of the one or more electronic packages 313. It is also contemplated that the counter circuit may be powered by at least one other source and the energy from the current pulses stored via the rechargeable energy supply or otherwise dissipated to power, for example, a component of the fluid flow processing module 212 or to prevent overcharging.

[0076] In some implementations, the first and second magnet assemblies 301 and 303 include respective pluralities of magnets 315 and 317 (such as rare earth magnets formed from one or more elements in the Lanthanide series of metals, e.g., neodymium, samarium cobalt, and the like) supported at least partially within corresponding non-ferrous holders (or holders) 319 and 321. The holders 319 and 321 may be formed of a non-ferrous metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum, copper, etc., or a polymer material, such as a thermoplastic, thermosetting, or fiber reinforced plastic material, but embodiments are not limited thereto. As seen in Figures 3B and 3D, the holders 319 and 321 may be elongated in an axial direction and may have multilobed cross-sectional shapes in a plane perpendicular to their direction of axial extension. For instance, the cross-sectional shapes may form a quatrefoil, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some cases, the cross-sectional shapes may be circular, triangular, rectangular, etc. Whatever the case, the holders 319 and 321 may include respective pluralities of blind bores (or bores) 323 circumferentially arranged about the central axis 311 and individually configured to receive and support respective magnets among magnets 315 and 317 therein. In some cases, the bores 323 may be formed in the lobes of the multilobed cross-sectional shape of the holders 319 and 321, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The bores 323 may extend parallel (or substantially parallel) to the central axis 311 or a direction of extension of the bores 323 may form oblique angles with the central axis 311 and/or a first surface 305a of the support structure 305. For example, the bores 323 may converge upon or away from the central axis 311. As another example, the bores 323 may form positive or negative axial rake angles relative to the first surface 305a of the support structure 305. It is also contemplated that corresponding inner surfaces of the blind bores 323 may include one or more retaining features 325 (such as axially extending, inwardly protruding structures) configured to form an interference fit with a magnet among magnets 315 and 317. The holders 319 and 321 may also respectively include protruded portions 319p and 32 Ip.

[0077] Support structure 305 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) including a second surface 305b opposing the first surface 305a in the axial direction. A centrally arranged through hole (or hole) 327 (shown in phantom in Figure 3A) may be configured to receive a central bearing (or bearing) 329. Bearing 329 may have a generally annular shape with inner and outer races and may be formed as, for example, any suitable ball or roller bearing, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some cases, the bearing 329 may include a flange 329f having a lower surface that abuts against the first surface 305a of the support structure 305 when the bearing 329 is pressed into (or otherwise aligned with) hole 327. An axially extending shaft 331 may be press fit to the inner race of the bearing 329 such that the inner race rotates about the central axis 311 with the shaft 331. Opposing distal ends 331a and 33 lb of the shaft 331 may be respectively coupled to the holders 319 and 321. For example, the distal ends 331a and 331b may be received in and form interference fits with corresponding bores in the protruded portions 319p and 32 Ip of the holders 319 and 321. In some instances, the shaft 331 may be formed as a pin undersized relative to the corresponding bores in the protruded portions 319p and 321p. As such, the distal ends 331a and 331b of the shaft 331 may form respective transition fits with the corresponding bores in the protruded portions 319p and 321p. An adhesive or sealant may be utilized to prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of the shaft 331 separating from the holders 319 and 321 during operation. In some embodiments, the shaft 331 may be additionally or alternatively undersized relative to the inner diameter of the bearing 329 and distal ends of the protruded portions 319p and 321p of the holders 319 and 321 may be configured to interface with the inner race of the bearing 329. In such a configuration, the shaft 331 may couple the holders 319 and 321 to one another and the inner race of the bearing 329 may rotates about the central axis 311 with the holders 319 and 321.

[0078] The one or more electronic packages 313 may be mounted (e.g., surface mounted) to the first surface 305a of the support structure 305. The first and second wire coils 307 and 309 may be mounted on the second surface 305b of the support structure 305. Interconnections between the one or more electronic packages 313 and the first and second wire coils 307 and 309 may be formed in at least one signal layer of the support structure 305. The interconnections of the at least one signal layer may also be connected to cable connection 333, which enables the circuitry of the intermediate component 300 to be electrically connected to the fluid flow processing module 212 via at least one wire, such as ribbon cable 335. In this manner, information (such as the count from the counter circuit) may be transmitted to the fluid flow processing module 212 for the determination of a total volume or mass of fluid flowing through, for instance, the chamber 208 or the determination of specific quantities of flow information, such as a flow rate. The cable connection 333 and the ribbon cable 335 may also establish a connection between the charging circuit and the rechargeable power source.

[0079] According to some embodiments, support structure 305 may also include one or more connection regions (e.g., through slots) 337 configured to align with corresponding connection regions associated with a housing of, for example, the fluid flow processing module 212. In this manner, the connection regions 337 may be sized to allow shaft portions of fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, or the like) to pass therethrough and couple with the corresponding connection regions of a housing, but may be smaller than head portions of the fasteners so as to enable the intermediate component 300 to be supported within the housing.

[0080] Although the intermediate component 300 has been described in association with Figures 3A-3D as having one or more particular configurations, the intermediate component 300 may have other forms and may not have some components depicted in Figures 3A-3D. For instance, in some embodiments, register 210 may be omitted from the flow meter 206, and as such, the second magnetic assembly 303 may be omitted from intermediate component 300.

[0081] It is also contemplated that additional or other flow detection sensors may be utilized, and thereby, incorporated as part of intermediate component 300. For instance, in some embodiments, the intermediate component may include a Hall effect sensor or a reed switch. A reed switch generally includes two spring loaded metal contacts that are separated from each other within a sealed region. When a magnetic flux of suitable strength, such as produced by near proximity of a magnet within, for instance, first magnetic assembly 301, is applied near the reed switch, the two contacts are caused to touch each other and complete a circuit to generate a voltage applied across the two contacts or otherwise produce a detectable response. Once the magnet is moved away, the two contacts separate and open the electrical circuit. A Hall effect sensor is a transducer that varies a voltage output in response to a magnetic field, such as a magnetic field from a magnet.

[0082] The register 210 may be a positive displacement volumetric flow meter, such as the Honeywell Elster VI 00, but embodiments are not limited thereto. The volumetric meter may have a chamber diameter between about 80 millimeters and 260 millimeters, a minimum flowrate between about 10 liters per hour and 100 liters per hour, a starting flowrate between about 2 liters per hour and 20 liters per hour, and an output pulse of about 0.5 to 5 liters per pulse.

[0083] In some embodiments, the fluid flow monitoring and processing module is configured to perform one or more of the following functions: receiving and storing fluid flow data, acquiring and storing location data, generating electrical energy from solar radiation, generating electrical energy from mechanical movement of a fluid flow sensor, storing electrical energy, and wirelessly transmitting data. The fluid flow data may be related to fluid flow through the fluid flow passage and may be based, at least in part, on the fluid flow detected by the flow meter, which may be sensed data as detected by the sensor. For example, this fluid flow data may be the count of the magnetic pulses produced by the intermediate component and/or the movement mechanism that may be transmitted as voltage or current pulses from the sensor. The location data, as described below, may include information directly or indirectly specifying the geographic location, e.g., altitude, latitude, and longitude, of the water release assembly.

[0084] Figure 4 schematically depicts an example flow monitoring and processing module 430, as well as one or more components communicatively coupled thereto. The depicted fluid flow processing module 430 includes a processor 432 that includes a detector 434, a counter 436, a clock 438, and a memory 440. The memory 440 may be a program memory that stores instructions to be executed by the processor 432 and buffers data for analysis and other processing. The detector 434 may be configured to detect a signal generated by a flow sensor 410. The flow sensor 410 may be part of a flow meter, such as flow meter 106 or 206, or may be external to fluid flow processing module 430. For example, as described above, the flow sensor 410 may be a reed switch that closes each time a magnet passes by the flow sensor 410, which in turn generates a voltage signal that is passed to the detector 434. Although only one sensor is depicted, the processor may be configured to receive and store signals and data from more than one sensor. The counter 436 may be configured to count and store each signal or pulse from the sensor. The clock 438 may be a real time clock or a timer. Memory 440 or different memory device may be configured to store data generated by the flow sensor 410 or other aspects of the fluid flow processing module 430, such as the counter 436 and the clock 438. A power source 444, such as a battery and/or a capacitor, is also a part of the fluid flow processing module 430 (or communicatively coupled thereto) and is configured to provide power to the elements of the fluid flow processing module 430, such as the processor 432 and a communications unit 446. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid flow processing module 430 includes a solar cell and associated charging circuit 443 connected to the power source 444. Electrical energy generated by the solar cell is provided to the power source 444 to charge a battery. The fluid flow processing module 430 may be configured to monitor and control the charge level of a battery in the power source 444 to thereby modulate a charge level of the battery.

[0085] The fluid flow processing module 430 may include a turbine or other electrical generator and an associated charging circuit 445 connected to the power source 444. The generator may include a rotating member, such as a rotor of a magnetic drive 449 that rotates in response to flowing fluid in a standpipe, such as standpipe 200. In some cases, the rotating member may be magnetically coupled to, for example, a flow wheel 451 including (or otherwise associated with) one or more permanent magnets and/or conductive wire windings. In the context of the intermediate component 300 described in association with Figures 3A-3D, the rotor may be a combination of the first magnetic assembly 301 coupled to the shaft 331. While rotating, the rotating member interacts with a stationary structure, such as a stator including one or more magnets and/or conductive wire windings. In the context of the intermediate component 300 described in association with Figures 3A-3D, the stator may be a combination of the first and second wire coils 307 and 309. The variable magnetic field produced by the rotating member induces electrical current to flow in the windings. The current generated by the turbine is provided to the power source 444 to charge, for instance, a battery and/or capacitor. As with electrical energy generated by the solar cell 443, the charging circuit 445 may be configured to monitor and control the charge level of a battery/capacitor of the power source 444 in response to receiving electrical energy from the generator 445. Energy from the generator may be particularly useful when fluid flows for a long period of time, such as over two or more hours and/or when solar energy is not available. It is also noted that energy from the generator may be particularly useful during prolonged use in dark environments.

[0086] In some embodiments, the solar cell and charging circuit 443 are configured to limit the battery charge level to a defined charge level such as about 40-80% of a storage capacity of the battery, or about 40-60% of a storage capacity of the battery, or about 50% of a storage capacity of the battery. In various implementations, the solar cell and charging circuit 443 are configured to implement other limits on the charging of the battery or discharging process, such as the rate of charge, current profile of the charge, voltage profile of the charge, and the like.

[0087] While this description has identified a battery as a power source, other energy storage devices may be used alone or in combination with a different source. Examples of such other energy storage devices include capacitors, including supercapacitors, fuel cells, and the like.

[0088] The power source 444 may be connected to an information retrieval (IR) printed circuit board (PCB) 447 containing one or more light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) and an IR programming device. The IR PCB 447 and IR device may be configured for diagnostics and/or fault detection. For instance, the IR device may be configured to collect and/or analyze textual descriptions contained in bug reports generated by, for instance, the processor 432 and identifier names and comments in source code files stored to, for example, the memory 440 to identify and localize (or otherwise associate) fault conditions with certain processes and/or components of the fluid flow processing module 430. In some cases, the IR device may be configured to localize fault conditions based on similarities between the content of a bug report and the source code, as well as a history of bug reports/solutions and the processes and components of the fluid flow processing module 430 being executed and utilized around the time of the fault condition. As such, the IR device may be further configured to rank the likelihood of different potential causes (e.g., code blocks or statements) for any given fault condition and provide such information to a remote device (e.g., remote device 454) via, for example, communications unit 446. The information provided by the IR device may be utilized to remotely diagnose and resolve issues without having to uninstall, dismantle, test, fix, assemble, and reinstall the fluid flow processing module 430. To this end, over-the-air firmware updates may be provided to the fluid flow processing module 430 via communications unit 446 to address various remotely diagnosed issues. This also helps reduce the likelihood of contaminate (e g., dirt, water, etc.) ingress into the fluid flow processing module 430 as it does not need to be dismantled and reassembled to fix issues. In some embodiments, the IR device may also be configured to provide, for instance, water volume measurements via its information providing interface.

[0089] The processor 432 may execute machine-readable system control instructions, which may be cached locally on the memory 440 and/or may be loaded into the memory 440 from a different memory device such as an external memory and may include instructions for controlling any aspect of the fluid flow processing module 430. The instructions may be configured in any suitable way and may by implemented in software, firmware, hard-coded as logic in an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), or, in other suitable implementation. In some implementations, the instructions are executed in a general-purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, or other computational device. In some embodiments, the instructions are implemented as a combination of software and hardware. Although not shown in Figure 4, the fluid flow processing module 430 may additionally include one or more analog and/or digital input/output connection(s) and one or more analog-to-digital and/or digital-to-analog converters

[0090] The communications unit 446 may include a first antenna 448 and a second antenna 450. The communications unit 446 may be configured to acquire location data about the location of the water release assembly using the first antenna 448, which is configured to connect with an external location device and receive location data from the external location device. The location data may include the latitude, longitude, and altitude, for example, of the fluid flow processing module 430 that houses the first antenna 448. For example, the first antenna 448 may be a global positioning satellite (“GPS”) antenna that can establish a connection with multiple GPS satellites, such as GPS satellites 452. Using data from communications with such satellites, the communications unit 446 can determine the location of the water release assembly, and thereafter, send location data to the processor 432.

[0091] The term “GPS” herein may mean the broader concept of a location system employing one or more satellites that transmit ephemeris (e.g., a table or data file that gives the calculated positions of a satellite at regular intervals throughout a period) and/or position fixing data to a GPS receiver or antenna on a device. The location of the device may be calculated from the position fixing data on the device itself — communications unit 446 in this case — on a secondary device. Multiple satellites may be used in the system with each one communicating ephemeris data and/or position fixing data. The same satellite may communicate both ephemeris data and position fixing data, or ephemeris data and position fixing data may be communicated through separate satellites. The satellites, such as satellites 452, may be satellites in a GPS system, or may be satellites in another satellite system, such as the Russian Global Navigation Satellite System, the European Union Compass system, the Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System, or the Chinese Compass navigation system.

[0092] Some GPS systems use a very slow data transfer speed of 50 bits per second, which means that a GPS receiver, in some cases, has to be on for as long as 12 minutes before a GPS positional fix may be obtained. Once a positional fix is obtained, subsequent positional fixes may take much less time to obtain (assuming that the subsequent positional fix occurs within a sufficiently close interval), but this initial lock-on period requires that the GPS receiver be powered for the entire initial lock-on, which can be taxing on devices with small battery or capacitor capacities. [0093] The communications unit 446 may also be configured to wirelessly connect with, and transmit and receive data from, an external device 454 (e.g., a computer, server, router, handset, user equipment, etc.), which may be part of or communicatively coupled to a network, such as network 456, using the second antenna 450 that is configured to connect with the external device 454. The communications unit 446 and second antenna 450 may be configured to communicate by an appropriate cellular protocol, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). Alternatively, or additionally, the communications unit 446 and second antenna 450 may be configured to communicate by a non-cellular wireless protocol, such as a low power wide area network (LoRaWAN) protocol, which operates between 850 MHz and 1,900 MHz, or other sufficiently long-range protocol. As an example, the communications unit 446 may be the SIM808 from SIMCom Wireless Solutions, Shanghai, China. The product may be packaged on a printed circuit assembly (“PCA”) with support integrated circuits from Adafruit, Industries of New York, New York. In some embodiments, the communications unit 446 may be a NimbeLink Skywire LTE-M/NB-IoT modem having part number NL-SW-LTE-QBG96-B, but embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0094] The processor 432 may be configured to cause power to be delivered to the communications unit 446 and to stop the power to the communications unit 446. Although the first and second antennas 448 and 450 are depicted in a single communications unit 446, they may be, in some embodiments, separate units that are individually connected to the power source 444 such that they may be individually powerable. For instance, a first communications unit that includes the first antenna 448, such as a GPS unit with the GPS antenna, may be powered on while a second communications unit that includes the second antenna 450, such as a wireless communications unit that has a wireless antenna, is powered off.

[0095] In some embodiments, the memory 440 or a different memory device is configured to store data received from the processor 432 (e.g., count or flow rate data), the first antenna 448 and the second antenna 450, such as location data from the first antenna 448. Firmware updates, which may be received from the second antenna 450, are stored at an appropriate location (e.g., an external memory) accessible to the processor 432. The processor 432 is also configured to access and transmit data stored in memory 440 and/or a different memory device over the second antenna 448. In some embodiments, the elements of the processor 432 may be communicatively connected with each other and the processor 432 is configured to control each such element, as well as any element of the fluid flow processing module 430.

[0096] In some embodiments, the fluid flow processing module 430 includes one or more sensors 412, which may provide information directly or indirectly related to fluid flow or location about the water release assembly. Examples, of such sensors include accelerometers, humidity sensors, and temperature sensors. Each of these may be disposed internally in the module or externally. An accelerometer may provide information about vibrations, orientation, and/or transport. A further discussion of information from accelerometers is provided elsewhere herein. A humidity sensor may be used to detect tampering by somebody removing the cover. A humidity sensor may also provide information relevant to module failure through water ingress. A temperature sensor may be used to acquire temperature data each time a module is operated.

[0097] Figure 5A illustrates a plan view of an example flow monitoring and processing module according to some embodiments. Figure 5B depicts a cross-sectional view of the flow monitoring and processing module of Figure 5 A according to some embodiments. Figure 5C provides an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of Figure 5B according to some embodiments. Figure 5D illustrates a perspective view of a first housing of the flow monitoring and processing module of Figure 5 A according to some embodiments. Figure 5E shows an exploded side view of a flow sensor supported by the flow monitoring and processing module of Figure 5 A according to some embodiments. Figures 5F-5H respectively illustrate perspective, top, and side views of a flow monitoring and processing module having a smaller form factor according to some embodiments.

[0098] Referring to Figures 5A-5E, a flow monitoring and processing module 500 may include a housing 501, an intermediate component (or assembly) 503, a register 505, a main printed circuit board (PCB) 507, one or more communications units 509, one or more antennas 511, a power source 513, a solar cell 515, and a secondary PCB 517. The intermediate component 503 corresponds to the intermediate component 300 described in association with Figures 3A-3D, and the other components of the flow monitoring and processing module 500 correspond to those described in association with Figure 4, unless otherwise explained below. However, in this regard, the main PCB 507 and/or the secondary PCB 517 may include or be coupled with other or alternative sensors of the flow monitoring and processing module 500, such as the previously described accelerometers, humidity sensors, and/or temperature sensors.

[0099] In some embodiments, the housing 501 may be divided into a first (e.g., upper) shell 501a and a second (e g., lower) shell 501b. A material of the first shell 501a may be transparent, semitransparent, or at least translucent (hereinafter, collectively or individually referred to as “transparent”) to light of one or more wavelengths or wavelength ranges (hereinafter, referred to as “predetermined light”). For example, the material of the first shell 501a may be transparent to light in the visible spectrum, e g., light having a wavelength (or range of wavelengths) between about 380 nm and about 740 nm. As such, the first shell 501a may allow the predetermined light to propagate therethrough and impinge on the solar cell 515 for conversion into electrical energy via one or more circuits (e.g., rectifier circuits configured to generate a direct current) of or connected to the secondary PCB 517, such as the solar cell and charging circuit 443 described in association with Figure 4. The electrical energy may be conveyed via the direct current and stored to the power source 513 and/or utilized to power one or more components of the flow monitoring and processing module 500, such as the aforementioned counter circuit, one or more circuits of (or connected to) the PCBs 507 and 517, the one or more communications units 509, etc. As such, the secondary PCB 517 may be communicatively coupled to the main PCB 507, and thereby, communicatively coupled to the other components of the flow monitoring and processing module 500 via, for instance, cable 518. In some cases, the material of the first shell 501a may be opaque (or substantially opaque) to the predetermined light, but may include a window portion 501w overlapping the solar cell 515 to allow the predetermined light to propagate therethrough and impinge on the solar cell 515. A material of the second shell 501b may be the same as or different from the material of the first shell 501a. Additionally, at least one of the first and second shells 501a and 501b may include one or more informational portions 501s, such as a display, label, etc., that provide, for instance, instructions, warnings, etc.

[0100] The first and second shells 501a and 501b may be detachably coupled to one another to form one or more enclosed regions, such as a first region 519, a second region 521, and a third region 523. The first to third regions 519-523 may be fluidically connected to one another. For instance, the first region 519 may extend from a lateral side of the second region 521 and the third region 523 may extend from a lower side of the second region 521. In this manner, the third region 523 may protrude towards a chamber (e.g., the chamber 208) of a water release assembly (e.g., water release assembly 200) so as to permit the intermediate component 503 to be arranged between the flow responsive mechanism 130 of the register 505 and the magnetic disk 132 within the chamber. Such a configuration may allow the first magnetic assembly 301 of the intermediate component 503 to be magnetically coupled to the magnetic disk 132 within the chamber and the second magnetic assembly 303 of the intermediate component 503 to be magnetically coupled to the flow responsive mechanism 130 in the register 505.

[0101] The first region 519 may be sized and configured to support the solar cell 515, the secondary PCB 517, the main PCB 507, the one or more communications units 509, the one or more antennas 511, and the power source 513 therein. In some instances, the solar cell 515, the secondary PCB 517, the main PCB 507, the one or more communications units 509, and the power source 513 may be arranged within the first region 519 so as to overlap with one another and coupled to the first shell 501a via one or more first supports, such as first support 519s. In some instances, the power source 513 may rest upon a lower, inner surface of the second shell 501b, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, the secondary PCB 517 may be coupled to the first shell 501a via one or more fasteners, such as fastener 520. Fastener 520 may be, for example, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, etc. The one or more antennas 511 may be supported within the first region 519 along inner surfaces of the first and second shells 501a and 501b and may partially encircle the aforementioned stack of components within the first region 519.

[0102] The second region 521 may be sized and configured to support the register 505 at least partially therein. For instance, the first shell 501a may include an opening 50 lo through which a face cap 505a of the register 505 extends, and the second shell 501b may include one or more mounting ribs (e.g., mounting rib 501r upon which a corresponding rimmed portion 505r of a cup 505b of the register 505 rests. The face cap 505a may be mechanically coupled to the cup 505b and together enclose the flow responsive mechanism 130. As seen in Figure 5C, an annular shim (or mounting ring) 525 may be disposed between a lower surface of the rimmed portion 505r of the register 505 and an upper surface of the mounting rib 501r. An internal periphery of the opening 501o in the first shell 501a may include a notched (or grooved) portion 501n configured to receive at least a portion of a gasket 527 therein. In some embodiments, the gasket 527 may be an annular O-ring having, for instance, a rectilinear cross-sectional shape, e.g., a square shape, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In other words, any suitable cross- sectional shape may be utilized. Whatever the case, the gasket 527 may be at least partially compressed between a lower surface of the notched portion 501n in the first shell 501a and an upper surface of the rimmed portion 505r of the register 505 in an assembled state of the flow monitoring and processing module 500. Accordingly, the register 505 may be suspended (or otherwise supported) over the intermediate component 503, and thereby, spaced apart from a chamber of a water release assembly to which the flow monitoring and processing module 500 may be coupled, such as chamber 208 of water release assembly 200.

[0103] Adverting momentarily to Figure 5E, the flow responsive mechanism 130 of the register 505 may include a register subassembly 130a and a magnetic drive 130b coupled to the register subassembly 130a via shaft 130s. Accordingly, rotation of the magnetic drive 130b about a rotational axis 505c causes, for example, a gear train drive 130al of the register subassembly 130a to actuate an odometer 130a2 of the register 505 to record analog information about fluid flow through the chamber 529. In other embodiments, the gear train drive 130al may be formed as one or more electronic components configured to convert the rotation of the magnetic drive 130b into digital information about the fluid flow through the chamber 529. In either case, the face cap 505a (or a portion thereof) may be formed of a glass or clear polymeric material to enable an observer to read the analog or digital output, and thereby, ascertain a total volume or mass of fluid flowing through the chamber 529 of a water release assembly to which the flow monitoring and processing module 500 may be coupled, such as the chamber 208 of the water release assembly 200. Of course, other information, such as flow rate information, may be provided via the output. It is noted that the second magnetic assembly 303 of the intermediate component 503 may be magnetically coupled to the magnetic drive 130b of the register 505.

[0104] Referring back to Figures 5A-5D, the third region 523 may be sized and configured to support the intermediate component 503 therein. As previously discussed in association with Figures 3A-3D, the support structure 305 of the intermediate component 503 may be coupled to the housing 501 of the flow monitoring and processing module 500 via connection regions 337. For instance, one or more connection regions (e.g., protrusions) 523 s may extend from an inner surface of first shell 501a and made to abut against the first surface 305a of the support structure 305 as part of assembly process of the flow monitoring and processing module 500. The connection regions 523s may include corresponding blind bores, which may be aligned with the openings forming the connection regions 337 in the support structure 305. In some cases, the blind bores may or may not be threaded and may engage with fasteners, such as clamps, screws, bolts, rivets, ties, or the like, fed through the openings forming the connection regions 337 in the support structure 305 to enable the support structure to be supported within the housing 501. It is contemplated, however, that the connection regions 523 s may alternatively extend from the second shell 501b and abut against the second surface 305b of the support structure 305 to enable the intermediate component 503 to be supported within the housing 501. In other cases, connection regions may extending from one of the first and second shells 501a and 501b and support risers may extend from the other of the first and second shells 501a and 501b to even more securely support the intermediate component 503 in the third region 523.

[0105] Referring, in particular, to Figure 5B, the flow monitoring and processing module 500 may be coupled to a chamber 529 of a water release assembly via a coupling portion 531. In some embodiments, the coupling portion 531 may include one or more inwardly extending protrusions 53 Ip configured to center a protrusion 501p in the second shell 501b that corresponds with the third region 523 of the housing 501. The protrusions 53 Ip may be threads configured to engage with a surface 50 It of the protrusion 501p of the second shell 501b or may simply be bosses that may or may not abut against the surface 50 It. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the coupling portion 531 may be threaded to engage with an inner threaded surface of a coupling portion 533 of the second shell 501b.

[0106] According to some embodiments, one or more components of the flow monitoring and processing module 500 may be omited, and as such, the housing 501 may be configured as housing 501_l having a first (e g., upper) shell 501_la and a second (e g., lower) shell 50 l ib coupled to the first shell 501_la. In this regard, housing 501_1 may be similar to housing 501, but may have a smaller form factor, such as illustrated in Figures 5F-5H. Namely, given that less components are supported within the housing 501 1, the housing 501_l may be more compactly configured than the housing 501. Similar to the housing 501, the main printed circuit board (PCB) 507, the one or more communications units 509, the one or more antennas 511, the power source 513, the solar cell 515, and the secondary PCB 517 may be supported within an interior cavity of the first shell 501_la of the housing 501 1. At least an upper portion 535 of the first shell 501_la may be transparent to the predetermined light to allow the predetermined light to propagate therethrough and impinge on the solar cell 515. Other aspects of the first shell 501_la may be similar to those of first shell 501a.

[0107] In some implementations, the register 505 may be omitted from the flow monitoring and processing module 500 and the intermediate component 503 may be utilized to collect information about fluid flow through the chamber 529. In such embodiments, the intermediate component 503 may be supported within an interior cavity of the second shell 50 l ib in a manner similar to as described in associations with Figures 5 A-5D, but relative to inner surfaces of the second shell 50 l ib. Further, when the flow monitoring and processing module 500 omits the register 505, the intermediate component 503 may selectively omit the second magnetic assembly 303. As another example, the flow monitoring and processing module 500 may exclude the intermediate component 503 and the register 505 may be supported within the interior cavity of the second shell 50 l ib . In such implementations, an upper portion 537 of the second shell 50 l ib may allow viewing of information conveyed via the register 505, such a total volume or mass of fluid flow through chamber 529. Other aspects of the second shell 50 l ib may be similar to those of the second shell 501b. It is noted, however, that the housing 501 1 may be coupled to (or include) an adapter 539, and the adapter 539 may interface with the coupling portion 531 of the chamber 529. In still other embodiments, the flow monitoring and processing module 500 may omit one or both of the intermediate component 503 and the register 505, and flow information may be acquired by one or more of the other or additional sensors, such as an accelerometer, a vibration sensor, etc.

Example Processing Sequences

[0108] As stated above, the fluid flow processing module is configured to receive and store signals related to fluid flow that are generated by a sensor (and optionally convert those signals to values representing fluid flow rates or volumes, to receive and store location data, and to transmit the fluid flow data and location data). This configuration may include instructions stored on, for instance, one or more memories (e g., memory 440) that are executable by the processor. Figure 6 depicts an example processing sequence for a processing module of a water release assembly. The blocks shown in Figure 6 may be implemented by the processor 432 and other components of the fluid flow processing module 430 of Figure 4A executing instructions stored on, for example, the memory 440.

[0109] The example technique 601 of Figure 6 begins at block 603 in which a pulse from the flow meter is detected. This pulse may be a signal from or generated by the flow sensor 410 that, as described above, may be an electrical voltage from a reed switch sensor. Before receiving a pulse at block 603, the fluid flow processing module 430 may be in a sleep state in which power is on to the processor 432, but in a low power mode, with few, if any, operations being performed. At the same time, the communications unit 446 is not powered on. In block 605, the processor 432 exits the low power state, and “wakes up”, in response to detecting the signal from the flow sensor 410. The pulse or signal is typically interpreted to indicate that flow has started in the flow meter and fluid flow passage. The processor 432 may then simultaneously or sequentially cause various functions to be performed, as described below. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the processor, often in conjunction with other components of the processing module, executes four different operations, sometimes concurrently. As shown, the operations are acquiring GPS data, creating and populating a record, logging fluid flow information, and making a network connection. These operations are depicted as separate branches from operation 605.

[0110] For example, after waking up, the processor 432 may attempt to acquire location data or cause another component to make the attempt. For example, the processor may power on the communications unit 446. In response, the communications unit 446 begins attempting to receive a signal from one or more GPS satellites. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the communications unit may attempt to acquire a signal via a different location providing method, such as by triangulation or other approach using a cellular transmission tower. After block 607, oval 609 indicates that a decision or assessment may be made as to whether the signal was successfully acquired. A successful signal acquisition may include both the establishment of a signal as well as the receipt of location data. In some embodiments, the receipt of the location data may be a separate operation. The GPS protocol, for example, has its own sequence of operations, including obtaining or using ephemeris data, obtaining position fixing data, and determining a geographical location. These operations may be performed within operations 607 and 609 [0111] If the signal was not acquired, then the processing module may repeat operation 607 until a signal is successfully acquired. However, continuously repeating this attempt without success may drain the power source or otherwise interfere with the operation of the fluid flow processing module 430. In some embodiments, the fluid flow processing module 430 may stop making attempts to acquire the signal after a defined number of attempts or a defined period of time has elapsed. For example, simultaneously with or soon after (e.g., within 5 seconds) the attempt of 607 is made, a first timer may be started using the clock 438. If the first timer reaches a first threshold time, such as about 3 minutes or about 5 minutes, (which may be considered the expiration of the first timer), then the attempt to acquire the signal may be stopped by, for instance, powering off the communications unit 446. The first timer may count up from zero to the threshold time, may count down from the threshold time to zero, or may count up from a specific time according to the clock 438. This decision regarding the first timer is represented by block 609A; if the timer has not expired, then block 607 may be repeated, but if it has reached the first threshold time and expired, then block 611 may be executed. In some embodiments, the turning off of block 611 may include powering off the communications unit 446 that includes both the first and second antennas. In some other embodiments in which the GPS antenna is a part of the GPS unit that is separated powered from the network communications unit, this attempt to acquire the signal may be stopped by powering off the GPS unit.

[0112] If the GPS signal was acquired in operation 607 and with it sufficient location data to determine the location of the water release assembly, then the GPS antenna may be powered off as indicated in block 611. As described above, this may include powering off the first communications unit that is the GPS unit, or the communications unit that includes both the first and second antennas. In some other embodiments, like the one depicted in Figure 4A, if the GPS antenna (the first antenna 448) and a cellular antenna (the second antenna 450) are both part of the same communications unit 446, then the communications unit 446 may remain powered on (thereby skipping block 611) until a record has been stored and/or transmitted. In block 613, the GPS location data, such as the latitude, altitude, and longitude, may be reported to a record in the memory 440 or a different memory device. In some embodiments in which a GPS signal was not acquired, GPS data may still be reported which could include zero values or other information indicating that a GPS signal, and therefore location data, were not acquired. In some embodiments in which the GPS data was not acquired, GPS is not reported (e.g., data is not updated in a record).

[0113] Returning to the point where the processor wakes up (block 605), a record may be created as indicated by block 615. In some embodiments, the contents of the record are stored in the memory 440 or a different memory device. The record may include, at least, some of the location data and the fluid flow data. After creating the record, the processor enters various pieces of information, such the time, date, and power level (e.g., battery voltage) of the power source 444 and other information, into the record. See block 617. Next, as illustrated in block 619, the location data, if available, may be entered into the record. As illustrated such data may be provided via operation 613 in the GPS branch of the process. As stated above, even if location data is not available, some information may be entered such as null or zero values.

Next, as illustrated in block 621, the processor enters information about the network to which the communications device is connected, such as the wireless carrier, if available. As explained below such information may come from the communications unit or at least its logic associated with wireless communications.

[0114] Returning to the point where the processor wakes up (block 605), the processing module may capture information associated with fluid flow in a branch of the overall process. As illustrated in block 623, the module logs pulses or other indicia of fluid flow, depending on the type of sensor used. In certain embodiments, the processing module stores or logs such information in the memory 440 or a different memory device. As discussed above, fluid flow data may be provided as voltage pulses from the sensor, a count or counts from the counter 436, or other indicia of fluid flow. Other examples of the types of information that may be provided to indicate a quantity of fluid transferred include optical signals, acoustic signals, electrical signals (e.g., capacitive and/or inductive), and the like. In addition to fluid flow rate or quantity of fluid passed, the processing module may detect other quantities related to the fluid or the conduit; examples include temperature, pressure, etc. For compressible fluids such as gases, pressure, temperature, and volume may all need to be detected/monitored to determine the mass of the fluid that is flowing (or has flowed). Examples of other indicia of fluid flow, particularly acoustic signals, are described in more detail below.

[0115] The fluid flow data may be organized into discrete flows through the water release assembly, with each use being considered an “event.” For example, the water may flow for twenty minutes and the stop for five hours, followed by a second flow for three minutes. The twenty minute flow and the three minute flow may be treated as two separate events. In some embodiments, an event begins with receipt the first pulse, which wakes up the processor at operation 605, and ends with a timer timing out after defined period from detection of the last pulse. In one implementation, simultaneously with or soon after (e.g., within 5 seconds) an indicator of fluid flow is received by the fluid flow processing module 430, such as a pulse from the flow sensor 410, a second timer is started using the clock 438. This is indicated by block 625. Each time the fluid flow processing module 430 receives such an indicator, the timer is reset. If the second timer reaches a second threshold time, such at about 5 minutes or about 10 minutes, and therefore expires without receiving during that period an indicator of flow, the processing module may conclude that the event has ended. This second timer may perform like the first timer described above, e g., counting up from zero. Once the event has ended, the information entered into the record, and the record itself, may be stored in a memory, such as the memory 440, as indicated by block 629.

[0116] In another embodiment, before or after a pulse is detected at operation 603, a check may be made as to whether a detected pulse is a part of an ongoing event. This may include determining whether the second timer, which was started after a previous pulse was detected, has reached the second threshold time. If not, then the detected pulse may be associated with the ongoing event; i.e., the pulse is included in data indicating an accumulated amount of fluid flow during the event.

[0117] Returning to the point where the processor wakes up (block 605), the fluid flow processing module may attempt to make a network connection. See block 631. This may include causing the communications unit 446 to attempt to wirelessly connect with a wireless network using the second antenna 450, described above. Similar to operation 609, an operation 633 determines whether the connection was successfully made.

[0118] If the connection was not made, then the processing module may repeat operation 631 until the connection is successful. However, as described in the context of acquiring GPS data, continuously repeating this attempt without success may drain the power source and therefore, in some such embodiments, the fluid flow processing module 430 may stop making such attempts. This cessation of attempts may occur after a number of attempts have been made or a period of time has elapsed as determined by a third timer, similar to those described above with reference to blocks 607, 609 and 609A. In some embodiments, for instance, if the third timer reaches a third threshold time without making a connection, then the attempt is stopped. In the embodiments in which the fluid flow processing module includes separately powered GPS unit and wireless communications units, this stopping may be made by powering off the wireless communications unit without powering off the GPS unit. In some other embodiments, this may include powering off the entire communications unit 446 of Figure 4. Additionally, even if the network connection was not made, then the record may still be stored on the memory and sent at a later time once the network connection is made, such as during another event. This may result in multiple records being sent at one time.

[0119] In some implementations, if the attempt to wirelessly connect (631) fails, the processing module may reattempt to connect. If such second attempt fails, the module may store the data on board in memory and shut down operation. Upon a next detected pulse, the module may transmit the stored data as well as any new data.

[0120] If the connection is made, then the network information may be entered into the record as indicated by block 621. Additionally, after the record is stored in block 629, the record may be wirelessly transmitted over the network to, e.g., an external device, such as a computer, server, cell phone, or mobile device, for instance. See block 635. In certain embodiments, the processing module sends not only the most recent record (the one for the just concluded event) but other records for other recent events (e.g., the ten or twenty most recent events). After this transmission, as illustrated by block 637, the communications unit 446 may be powered off. Further, as illustrated in block 639, the fluid flow processing module 430 may be placed into a sleep state or low power mode as described above.

[0121] In some embodiments, the fluid flow processing module may be configured to periodically send records of multiple events (e.g., the last ten or the last twenty or all the records stored on the memory 440 or a different memory device) even if there is no location data stored in the records. This may occur, for example, one time per day so to enable the data to be periodically transferred off the fluid flow processing module and to the external device.

[0122] Figure 7 depicts an example record generated by a processing unit. In the depicted example, the record includes the version of firmware on the processor, fluid flow data such as a count or other information related to the fluid flow, the battery voltage, the number of GPS satellites to which the communications unit is connected, the time, the date, the location data that includes the latitude, longitude, and altitude, and network information which may include the cellular network to which the communications unit is connected, such as T-Mobile™ Any combination of these items may be included in the record. In various embodiments, the record includes, at least, the location and captured fluid flow information over an appropriate time period for a particular water release assembly.

[0123] In some embodiments, the first antenna 448 and the second antenna 450 are oriented within the fluid flow processing module 430 to minimize any interference between the antennas and to maximize their abilities when positioned on the water release assembly For example, many water release assemblies will be installed in a vertical position, similar to the position of the water release assembly 200 of Figure 2. The first and second antennas 448 and 450 may therefore be positioned such that when the fluid flow processing module 430 is in this in-use vertical position, the first and second antennas 448 and 450 are each in their optimal orientations. For instance, an optimal orientation of a GPS antenna may be one that receives vertically directed signals such that its longitudinal axis is parallel to the center axis of the fluid flow passage 202; an optimal orientation of a wireless antenna, like a GSM antenna, may be one that transmits and receives horizontally directed signals, such that its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the center axis of the fluid flow passage 202. These antennas may also be positioned on opposite ends of the fluid flow processing module 212 in order to minimize their interference with each other.

[0124] The data sent over the external network may be ultimately transmitted to a computer or server and stored on a memory device of that computer or server. This data includes any data described above, such as the fluid flow data and location data. Such data can be stored in the format of a record as described above or any other suitable format. In some cases, the data indicates to a user, a municipality, or a company that fluid was flowed out of a specific water access point. This data may also be used to determine how much water was drawn from that water access point and who drew the water. The computer or server may be configured to send an alert to one or more other external devices, such as other servers, mobile devices, and the like, that fluid is being drawn from a specific water access point. This alert may be in the form of an email, pop-up screen, text message, light, and audio signal, for instance.

[0125] Location determination coupled with fluid transport (volume, mass, rate, etc.) is useful not only for identifying where fluid is consumed but also for providing performance indicators based on the functionality and behavior of the pipes, valves, and other infrastructure, as well as services used by the infrastructure.

[0126] In some embodiments, this data may be used to provide real-time use of one or more water release assemblies. This may be in the form of a chart or a map that is correlated with the geographic location of each in-use water release assembly. The map may include other information, such as historical use data of the geographic locations of all water release assemblies that were used to draw fluid from a fluid delivery system in a particular region over a certain amount of time. For example, the map may be of sub-region of a water utility district that includes geographic icons which indicate each use of a water release assembly within the past 24 hours. The geographic icons may provide any of the data included in the record as well as other flow related information, such as the total amount of water drawn or the number of events at the location.

[0127] Figure 8 depicts an example map showing multiple water release assemblies. The map 852 is depicted on a screen 854 of a device, such as a computer, and includes a region 862 that represents a geographical region, such as the boundary or a city or utility district. The map 852 includes first geographic icons 856A and 856B that each may represent the real-time use of a single water release assembly, such as a standpipe. The first geographic icons 856A and 856B may provide information about the real-time use, such as the flow rate and total volume drawn during an event, as indicated by the pop-up bubble 860 over the first geographic icon 856A that may be generated when the first geographic icon 856A is selected. Second geographic icons 858A and 858B may indicate past historical use at a particular location and similar pop-up bubbles may be generated to provide the past use at each of those icons. In some embodiments, the real-time and historical uses of a water release assembly or geographic location may be displayed in a chart adjacent to the map 852 on the screen 854.

[0128] Any one or more of various sensors may participate in the controlling operation and/or collecting and processing data of a module or system as described herein. Such sensors may include inertial sensors (e.g., accelerometers and/or gyroscopes), temperature sensors, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, material sensors (e.g., humidity sensor or volatile organic compound sensors), and the like. In certain embodiments, accelerometers or other inertial sensors are integral to operation of a module.

[0129] In some embodiments, an accelerometer is employed to determine whether a standpipe is being stored. Based on that decision, the data collection and/or data transmission operations can be put in a sleep mode to avoid energy consumption. An accelerometer can detect vibrations and orientation. In some implementations, when accelerometer data indicates that a standpipe has a particular orientation (e.g., substantially upright, which is typical for storage) and is not vibrating (i.e., it is likely not being transported or installed in a hydrant), the system may turn off data acquisition and/or data communication operations. For example, the system may be put in a sleep mode.

[0130] In some embodiments, an accelerometer is employed to determine whether location information should be acquired (e.g., GPS processing should be performed). If a standpipe has not been moved, the system need not redetermine its location and hence can conserve energy that would otherwise be consumed executing GPS processing. An accelerometer can present data that discriminates between various types of vibration. Some vibrations are associated with fluid flow through a standpipe, while others are associated with transportation in a vehicle. If accelerometer vibration data indicates that standpipe has not been transported, the system can forego acquiring location information. In some implementations, the system simply acquires and stores location data after an initial wakeup upload and transmits data (e.g., turns on a modem) only after it determines that water is no longer being consumed (as indicated by a different type of vibration).

[0131] In some embodiments, accelerometer data is employed to measure water consumption from the device without having to rely on another form of flow meter such as a rotational or magnetic device as described elsewhere herein. This is useful in the event the primary flow meter fails and/or somebody tampers with such meter. In some embodiments, accelerometer data is used to determine flow characteristics other than merely flow rate. For example, accelerometer data may identify blockages and poor hydraulic conditions based on vibration signatures.

Other Embodiments

[0132] While the embodiments described herein have focused on water dispensing pipes and water distribution networks, this disclosure extends to other systems and contexts. For example, the fluid measured is not necessarily water or even a liquid. It may be any gas or liquid for which a dispensed or transmitted quantity may need to be measured and reported over a network. Examples of liquids include petroleum (e.g., in a pipeline), chemical feedstocks in chemical plants, and the like. Examples of gases include natural gas (e.g., in pipelines, whether within residences or in gas delivery network administered by a utility), gaseous chemical feedstocks, steam, pressurized air, etc. Further the quantity of fluid transported and the associated location can be detected and transmitted for any fluid conduit, not just pipes. Aqueducts, canals, troughs, and the like may benefit from the embodiments disclosed herein. And the conduits may be used in various contexts including utilities, municipalities, manufacturing plants, large buildings, compounds, complexes, and residences.

[0133] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments are to be understood as providing example features of varying detail of some embodiments. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the features, components, modules, regions, aspects, structures, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively referred to as an “element” or “elements”), of the various illustrations may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0134] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing some embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be understood that the phrases “for each <item> of the one or more <items>,” “each <item> of the one or more <items>,” and/or the like, if used herein, are inclusive of both a single-item group and multiple-item groups, i.e., the phrase “for . . . each” is used in the sense that it is used in programming languages to refer to each item of whatever population of items is referenced. For example, if the population of items referenced is a single item, then “each” would refer to only that single item (despite dictionary definitions of “each” frequently defining the term to refer to “every one of two or more things”) and would not imply that there must be at least two of those items. Similarly, the term “set” or “subset” should not be viewed, in itself, as necessarily encompassing a plurality of items — it is to be understood that a set or a subset can encompass only one member or multiple members (unless the context indicates otherwise). The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms, are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such, are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the term “substantially” as used herein, unless otherwise specified, means within 5% of a referenced value. For example, substantially parallel means within ±5% of parallel. To this end, numerical or mathematical values, including end points of numerical ranges, are not to be interpreted with more significant digits than presented and may be understood to include some variation, such as within 5% of the referenced value or within 1% of the referenced value. For example, perpendicular may, in certain embodiments, mean within +/- 5% of 90 degrees.

[0135] The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. As such, the sizes and relative sizes of the respective elements are not necessarily limited to the sizes and relative sizes shown in the drawings. When an embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific process order may be performed differently from the described order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order opposite to the described order.

[0136] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or at least one intervening element may be present. When, however, an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other terms and/or phrases if used herein to describe a relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion, such as “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” “on” versus “directly on,” etc. Further, the term “connected” may refer to physical, electrical, and/or fluid connection To this end, for the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “fluidically connected” is used with respect to volumes, plenums, holes, etc., that may be connected to one another, either directly or via one or more intervening components or volumes, to form a fluidic connection, similar to how the phrase “electrically connected” is used with respect to components that are connected to form an electric connection. The phrase “fluidically interposed,” if used, may be used to refer to a component, volume, plenum, hole, etc., that is fluidically connected with at least two other components, volumes, plenums, holes, etc., such that fluid flowing from one of those other components, volumes, plenums, holes etc., to the other or another of those components, volumes, plenums, holes, etc., would first flow through the “fluidically interposed” component before reaching that other or another of those components, volumes, plenums, holes, etc.. For example, if a pump is fluidically interposed between a reservoir and an outlet, fluid flowing from the reservoir to the outlet would first flow through the pump before reaching the outlet. The phrase "fluidically adjacent," if used, refers to placement of a fluidic element relative to another fluidic element such that no potential structures fluidically are interposed between the two elements that might potentially interrupt fluid flow between the two fluidic elements. For example, in a flow path having a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve arranged sequentially therealong, the first valve would be fluidically adjacent to the second valve, the second valve fluidically adjacent to both the first and third valves, and the third valve fluidically adjacent to the second valve.

[0137] For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, . . ., and Z” and “at least one selected from the group consisting of X, Y, . . ., and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, . . ., Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, . . ., and Z, such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, when the word “or” is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0138] Although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. To this end, use of such identifiers, e.g., “a first element,” should not be read as suggesting, implicitly or inherently, that there is necessarily another instance, e g , “a second element.” Further, the use, if any, of ordinal indicators, such as (a), (b), (c), . . ., or (1), (2), (3), . . ., or the like, in this disclosure and accompanying claims, is to be understood as not conveying any particular order or sequence, except to the extent that such an order or sequence is explicitly indicated. For example, if there are three steps labeled (i), (ii), and (iii), it is to be understood that these steps may be performed in any order (or even concurrently, if not otherwise contraindicated), unless indicated otherwise. For example, if step (ii) involves the handling of an element that is created in step (i), then step (ii) may be viewed as happening at some point after step (i). In a similar manner, if step (i) involves the handling of an element that is created in step (ii), the reverse is to be understood.

[0139] Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” “over,” “higher,” “side” (e.g., as in “sidewall”), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes, and, thereby, to describe one element’s spatial relationship to at least one other element as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such, the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0140] The term “between,” as used herein and when used with a range of values, is to be understood, unless otherwise indicated, as being inclusive of the start and end values of that range. For example, between 1 and 5 is to be understood as inclusive of the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, not just the numbers 2, 3, and 4.

[0141] If used herein, the phrase “operatively connected” is to be understood as referring to a state in which two components and/or systems are connected, either directly or indirectly, such that, for example, at least one component or system can control the other. For instance, a controller may be described as being operatively connected with (or to) a resistive heating unit, which is inclusive of the controller being connected with a sub-controller of the resistive heating unit that is electrically connected with a relay that is configured to controllably connect or disconnect the resistive heating unit with a power source that is capable of providing an amount of power that is able to power the resistive heating unit so as to generate a desired degree of heating. The controller itself likely will not supply such power directly to the resistive heating unit due to the current(s) involved, but it is to be understood that the controller is nonetheless operatively connected with the resistive heating unit.

[0142] As used herein, the singular forms, “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that the phrases “for each <item> of the one or more <items>,” “each <item> of the one or more <items>,” and/or the like, if used herein, are inclusive of both a single-item group and multipleitem groups, i.e., the phrase “for . . . each” is used in the sense that it is used in programming languages to refer to each item of whatever population of items is referenced. For example, if the population of items referenced is a single item, then “each” would refer to only that single item (despite dictionary definitions of “each” frequently defining the term to refer to “every one of two or more things”) and would not imply that there must be at least two of those items.

Similarly, the term “set” or “subset” should not be viewed, in itself, as necessarily encompassing a plurality of items — it is to be understood that a set or a subset can encompass only one member or multiple members (unless the context indicates otherwise). In addition, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0143] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional views, isometric views, perspective views, plan views, and/or exploded illustrations that are schematic depictions of idealized embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result of, for example, manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. To this end, regions illustrated in the drawings may be schematic in nature and shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shapes of regions of a device, and, as such, are not intended to be limiting.

[0144] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein. [0145] As customary in the field, some embodiments are described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in terms of functional blocks, units, and/or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these blocks, units, and/or modules are physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, discrete components, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, wiring connections, and the like, which may be formed using semiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturing technologies. In the case of the blocks, units, and/or modules being implemented by microprocessors or other similar hardware, they may be programmed and controlled using software (e g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed herein and may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. It is also contemplated that each block, unit, and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware, or as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor (e g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit, and/or module of some embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and discrete blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the inventive concepts. Further, the blocks, units, and/or modules of some embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and/or modules without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0146] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems, and apparatuses of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not as restrictive, and embodiments are not to be limited to the details given herein.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A flow monitoring module comprising: a flow meter configured to detect fluid flow through a fluid flow conduit; a fluid flow processing module configured to: acquire and store location data, wherein the location data is related to a geographic location of the flow monitoring module, store fluid flow data, wherein the fluid flow data is related to fluid flow through the fluid flow conduit and is based, at least in part, on the fluid flow detected by the flow meter, and wirelessly transmit the location data and the fluid flow data to an external computer; a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from the fluid flow to electrical energy; and a charging circuit configured to control charging of an energy storage device using the electrical energy generated by the generator.

2. The flow monitoring module of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow conduit comprises at least a portion of a standpipe.

3. The flow monitoring module of claim 1, further comprising: a circuit configured to provide the fluid flow processing module with electrical power from the energy storage device.

4. The flow monitoring module of claim 1, wherein: the energy storage device is a battery, and the charging circuit is configured to limit the charging of the battery to a threshold fraction of a charge capacity of the battery.

5. The flow monitoring module of claim 4, wherein the threshold fraction is about 40% to about 80% of the charge capacity of the battery

6. The flow monitoring module of claim 1, further comprising: a solar cell configured to provide electrical energy to the fluid flow processing module.

7. The flow monitoring module of claim 1, wherein: the fluid flow processing module includes a global positioning satellite (GPS) antenna and a wireless antenna; and the fluid flow processing module is further configured to: acquire the location data using the GPS antenna, and transmit the location data and the fluid flow data using the wireless antenna.

8. The flow monitoring module of claim 7, wherein the wireless antenna is at least one of a cellular antenna, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) antenna, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) antenna, a low power wide area network (LoRaWAN) antenna, an antenna capable of operating between 850 MHz and 1,900 MHz, an antenna capable of operating between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, a Bluetooth antenna, an omnidirectional antenna, and a directional antenna.

9. The flow monitoring module of claim 1, wherein: the generator comprises: a rotor including a plurality of first permanent magnets coupled to a first end portion of a shaft, and a stator including a plurality of wire coils; and the rotor is configured to rotate about an axis extending between the wire coils so as to cause the first permanent magnets to form a rotating magnetic field between the wire coils.

10. The flow monitoring module of claim 9, wherein: the generator further comprises a support structure having a through hole configured to interface with the rotor; and the wire coils are mounted on a surface of the support structure.

11. The flow monitoring module of claim 10, wherein the support structure is a printed circuit board communicatively connected to either or both of the charging circuit and the fluid flow processing module.

12. The flow monitoring module of claim 11, further comprising: a counter circuit communicatively coupled to the wire coils via the printed circuit board, wherein the counter circuit is configured to count polarity changes in the wire coils caused, at least in part, by the rotation of the magnetic field.

13. The flow monitoring module of claim 12, wherein: the counter circuit is communicatively coupled to the fluid flow processing module; and the fluid flow processing module is configured to determine the fluid flow data based on information received from the counter circuit.

14. The flow monitoring module of claim 9, wherein: the flow meter comprises a first flow responsive mechanism supported in a passageway of the fluid flow conduit; and the permanent magnets are configured to magnetically couple to and receive torque from the first flow responsive mechanism.

15. The flow monitoring module of claim 14, wherein the first flow responsive mechanism comprises a flow wheel, a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, or an impeller wheel.

16. The flow monitoring module of claim 14, wherein an interior cavity of the passageway and an interior cavity of a housing of the fluid flow processing module are fluidically isolated from one another.

17. The flow monitoring module of claim 14, wherein: the generator further comprises a plurality of second permanent magnets coupled to a second end portion of the shaft, the second end portion opposing the first end portion; the flow meter further comprises a second flow responsive mechanism at least partially supported in a first housing of the flow monitoring module; and the second permanent magnets are magnetically coupled to the second flow responsive mechanism.

18. The flow monitoring module of claim 17, wherein the second flow responsive mechanism comprises a magnetic drive.

19. The flow monitoring module of claim 17, wherein: the second flow responsive mechanism is enclosed within a second housing; and an interior cavity of the first housing is fluidically isolated from an interior cavity of the second housing.

20 The flow monitoring module of claim 19, further comprising: a gasket configured to form a seal between the first and second housings.

21 The flow monitoring module of claim 20, wherein the gasket is annular gasket configured to encircle an outer surface of the second housing, interface with a rimmed portion of the outer surface, and interface with an inner surface of the first housing.

22. The flow monitoring module of claim 21, wherein the first housing comprises an opening through which a portion of the second housing extends.

23. The flow monitoring module of claim 6, wherein a housing of the flow monitoring module includes a transparent or semitransparent portion that is configured to allow light of one or more predetermined wavelengths to propagate therethrough and an impinge on the solar cell.

24. A method comprising: charging an energy storage device with electrical energy from a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from fluid flow in a fluid flow conduit to electrical energy in a flow monitoring module; acquiring location data of the flow monitoring module; acquiring fluid flow data related to the fluid flow through the fluid flow conduit attached to the flow monitoring module; and wirelessly transmitting the fluid flow data and the location data.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: generating a record that comprises the fluid flow data and the location data.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the record further comprises information about the energy storage device.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the information about the energy storage device comprises a voltage of the energy storage device and/or a charge level of the energy storage device.

28. The method of claim 24, wherein the fluid flow conduit comprises at least a portion of a standpipe

29. The method of claim 24, wherein charging the energy storage device comprises: limiting the charging of the energy storage device to a threshold fraction of a charge capacity of the energy storage device.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the threshold fraction is about 40% to about 80% of the charge capacity of the energy storage device.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein the flow monitoring module comprises a housing having a transparent or semitransparent enclosure configured to allow solar radiation to reach a solar cell connected to the flow monitoring module.

32. The method of claim 24, wherein: acquiring the location data comprises using a GPS antenna, and wirelessly transmitting the flow data comprises using a wireless antenna.

33. The method of claim 24, wherein acquiring the fluid flow data comprises: forming a rotating magnetic field between a plurality of wire coils; counting a number of polarity changes in the wire coils caused, at least in part, by the rotating magnetic field; and determining the fluid flow data based on the number.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: the polarity changes induce electrical pulses in the wire coils; and counting the number of the polarity changes comprises counting at least one aspect of the electrical pulses via a counting circuit.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein charging the energy storage device comprises: diverting at least some of the electrical pulses from the counting circuit to a rectifying circuit configured to generate a direct current therefrom, the direct current conveying the electrical energy; and storing the electrical energy via the energy storage device.

36. The method of claim 24, wherein: converting the mechanical energy to the electrical energy comprises causing, at least in part, torque to be received, at a shaft, from a first flow responsive mechanism exposed to the fluid flow, the shaft comprising a plurality of first permanent magnets supported thereon and arranged to rotate between a plurality of wire coils in response to the reception of the torque; and rotation of the first permanent magnets causes, at least in part, a rotating magnetic field to be formed between the wire coils that induces polarity changes in the wire coils that cause, at least in part, electrical pulses to be transmitted via the wire coils.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein converting the mechanical energy to the electrical energy further comprises: generating a direct current utilizing the electrical pulses, the direct current conveying the electrical energy; and storing the electrical energy via the energy storage device.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein a first internal cavity to which the first flow responsive mechanism is exposed is fluidically isolated from a second internal cavity in which the shaft and the first permanent magnets are supported.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the first permanent magnets are magnetically coupled to the first flow responsive mechanism.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein: a plurality of second permanent magnets is supported on the shaft and spaced apart from the first permanent magnets; and the second permanent magnets are magnetically coupled to a second flow responsive mechanism, the second flow responsive mechanism being configured to convey analog and/or digital information about the fluid flow.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein: a first internal cavity to which the first flow responsive mechanism is exposed is fluidically isolated from a second internal cavity in which the shaft, the first permanent magnets, and the second permanent magnets are supported; and a third internal cavity in which the second flow responsive mechanism is supported is fluidically isolated from the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity.

42 The method of claim 40, wherein: the first flow responsive mechanism comprises a flow wheel, a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, or an impeller wheel; and the second flow responsive mechanism comprises a magnetic drive.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the second flow responsive mechanism further comprises an odometer coupled to the magnetic drive, the odometer being configured to convey the analog and/or the digital information about the fluid flow.

44. The method of claim 36, wherein the first flow responsive mechanism comprises a flow wheel, a flap wheel, a paddle wheel, or an impeller wheel.