U.S. patent application number 10/668897 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption.
Invention is credited to Fima, Raoul G..
Application Number | 20050067049 10/668897 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32029019 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050067049 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fima, Raoul G. |
March 31, 2005 |
Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water
consumption
Abstract
Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling water
consumption in a water-based system are disclosed using one or more
sensors for generating signals indicative of the operation thereof.
One or more interface modules are provided as breaker circuits for
receiving the generated signals, and a fluid control device is
operable for limiting the water consumption. A motherboard receives
the interface modules and provides communication therebetween for
information processing. Signals from the various sensors are
supplied to a controller, which provides signals to status
indicators, and also operates to provide alarm signals via network
interfaces to remote locations and to operate an alarm. In an
alternate embodiment, a water monitoring system is designed to shut
off the water supply to the water device and to shut off either the
electrical supply or the gas supply to the heating unit of the
water device in response to sensing a malfunction through one or
more of a number of different sensed parameters. These parameters
include a water leak detector located beneath the water device, a
water level float sensor, a temperature sensor to sense excess
temperature, and a pressure sensor located in line.
Inventors: |
Fima, Raoul G.; (Oceanside,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLC
401 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
SUITE 1900
CHICAGO
IL
60611-4212
US
|
Family ID: |
32029019 |
Appl. No.: |
10/668897 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10668897 |
Sep 23, 2003 |
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10252350 |
Sep 23, 2002 |
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6766835 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/192 ;
340/603 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01M 3/186 20130101;
G01M 3/002 20130101; G01M 3/2807 20130101; F24H 9/2007 20130101;
F24H 9/2021 20130101; G01M 3/2815 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/192 ;
340/603 |
International
Class: |
B65B 001/30 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for monitoring and controlling water consumption,
comprising: a sensor for monitoring a water consumption parameter
in a water-based system and for generating signals indicative of
the operation thereof; an interface module for receiving signals
from the sensor; a fluid control device operable with the interface
module for limiting the water consumption in the water-based
system; and a power panel for receiving one or more of the
interface module.
2. A system as recited in claim 1, comprising a processor residing
in the power panel, the processor being in communication with the
interface module for interpreting signals from the sensor.
3. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a
fluid flow sensor to sense the water flow within a component of the
water-based system.
4. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a
pressure sensor connected to sense the pressure inside a component
of the water-based system to generate an output signal when the
sensor pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold.
5. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the fluid control device
comprises a valve in a water supply line of a component of the
water-based system.
6. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the interface module
controls the fluid control device for disconnecting a water or
energy source from the water-based system.
7. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the processor receives
the signal from the sensor, and in response thereto, communicates
with the interface module to close the valve in the water supply
line.
8. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the water-based system
is in a residential or commercial structure and includes one or
more of a sink, toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, water heater,
swimming pool and sprinkler sub-systems, requiring monitoring and
control of the water consumption thereof.
9. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the processor is on a
motherboard and the motherboard includes a communication port
enabling communications via the processor.
10. A system as recited in claim 1, wherein the motherboard
includes an information port for establishing a computer network
interface.
11. A system as recited in claim 10, wherein the interface module
is configured by a remote computer via the information port.
12. A system as recited in claim 11, wherein the interface module
is operable to configure an Internet website.
13. A method for monitoring and controlling water consumption,
comprising: generating signals indicative of a water consumption
parameter sensed from a water-based system; receiving the generated
signals to monitor the water consumption parameter; operating a
fluid control device for limiting the water consumption in response
to the received signal; and information processing of the received
signal providing a communication interface for interpreting
signals.
14. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the water-based system
resides in a residential or commercial structure and includes one
or more of a sink, toilet, dishwasher, washing machine, water
heater, swimming pool and sprinkler sub-systems, requiring
monitoring and control of the water consumption thereof.
15. A method as recited in claim 13, wherein the water-based system
is a tank-less toilet comprising measurement and control of the
water metered through the tank-less toilet system.
16. A system for monitoring and controlling water consumption,
comprising: at least one sensor for monitoring a water parameter in
a water-based system; at least one receiver for receiving signals
from the sensor, the signals generated from the sensor being
indicative of the operation of the water-based system; a processor
in communication with the at least one sensor and for monitoring
and controlling the water consumption; and a fluid control device
operable with the processor for limiting the consumption of water
in the water-based system.
17. A system as recited in claim 16, wherein the processor is in a
housing providing a circuit box for receiving the at least one
sensor and receiver, each of the at least one sensor or receiver
acting as a circuit breaker of the monitored water-based system to
protect from malfunction of the water-based system.
18. A system as recited in claim 16, wherein the processor is
connected to a network interface bi-directional data communications
device.
19. A system as recited in claim 16, wherein the processor is
connected to a multi media interface for interactive video
communications, for identifying a location in which the monitored
water-based system operates.
20. A system as recited in claim 16, and a motherboard for
receiving said processor, the motherboard having a connection for
electronically communicating with one or more processors on other
motherboards.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility
application Ser. No. 10/252,350 filed 23 Sep. 2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the fluid consumption
systems in the home and commercial environments. More particularly,
the invention relates to automated controls and monitoring of such
water-based systems employing methods for detecting, communicating
and preventing operational failures.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] There are various water-consuming fixtures, appliances, and
systems in both residential and commercial installations. Typical
water-based systems include sinks, toilets, dishwashers, washing
machines, water heaters, lawn sprinklers, swimming pools and the
like. For example, hot water tanks include a heating element
located at the bottom of the tank, with a hot water outlet pipe and
a make-up water inlet pipe connected through the top of the tank.
In water tanks a thermostat is generally included for setting the
desired temperature of the hot water withdrawn from the tank, and
typically a blow-out outlet is connected through a pressure relief
valve to allow hot air, steam and hot water to be removed from the
tank through the relief valve when the pressure exceeds the setting
of the relief valve. The relief valve may be periodically operated
for relatively short intervals during the normal operation of the
hot water tank. This allows bubbling steam and water to pass
through the relief valve for discharge. Once the pressure drops
below the setting of the relief valve, it turns off and normal
operation of the hot water tank resumes.
[0006] After a period of time, however, mineral deposit buildup and
corrosion frequently take place in relief valves and the like, as a
result of these periodic operations. In time, such corrosion or
scale build up may impair operation. When this occurs, the
possibility of a catastrophic failure exists. In addition to the
possibility of high pressure explosions taking place in water
tanks, other conditions can also lead to significant damage to the
surrounding structure. As hot water tanks age, frequently they
develop leaks, or leaks develop in the water inlet pipe or hot
water outlet pipe to the tank. If such leaks go undetected, water
damage from the leak to the surrounding building structure
results.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,022 to Franklin discloses a sensor
system, utilized in conjunction with hot water tanks designed to
shut off the water supply in response to the detection of water
leaks. In addition, the Franklin patent includes multiple
parallel-operated sensors, operating through an electronic control
system, to either turn off the main water supply or individual
water supplies to different appliances, such as the hot water
heater tank.
[0008] The U.S. Pat. No. 3,154,248 to Fulton discloses a
temperature control relief valve operating in conjunction with an
over heating/pressure relief sensor to remove or disconnect the
heat source from a hot water tank when excess temperature is
sensed. The temperature sensor of U.S. Pat. No. 4,381,075 to
Cargill et al. is designed to be either the primary control or a
backup control with the pressure relief valve. Three other U.S.
patents, to Lenoir U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,302; Salvucci U.S. Pat. No.
6,084,520; and Zeke U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,309, all disclose safety
systems for use in conjunction with a hot water tank. The systems
of these patents all include sensors which operate in response to
leaked water to close the water supply valve to the hot water tank.
The systems disclosed in the Salvucci and Zeke patents also employ
the sensing of leaked water to shut off either the gas supply or
the electrical supply to the hot water tank, thereby removing the
heat source as well as the supply water to the hot water tank. The
U.S. Pat. No. 3,961,156 to Patton utilizes sensing of the operation
of the standard pressure relief valve of a hot water tank to also
operate a microswitch to break the circuit to the heating element
of the hot water tank.
[0009] While the various systems disclosed in the prior art patents
discussed above function to sense potential malfunctioning of a hot
water tank to either turn off the water supply, the energy supply,
or both, to prevent further damage, none of the systems disclosed
in these patents are directed to a safety system for monitoring
potentially damaging pressure increases in the hot water tank in
the event that the pressure relief valve malfunctions. This
potential condition, however, is one which is capable of producing
catastrophic damage to the structure in the vicinity of the hot
water tank.
[0010] An improved water sensor unit would be desirable wherein a
plurality of water-related appliances or equipment can be
simultaneously monitored and, in the event of sensing water with
respect to any one of the several items being monitored,
appropriate action is taken, such as shutting off the power to the
unit and simultaneously shutting off the water supply to that
particular unit.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,347 to Barron shows a water monitoring
system with minimal expansion and protection capabilities. The
input and outputs (I/O) offered by the system limit the number of
water appliances individually protected. The Barron device was
designed such that a normal installation would use a single control
unit. The number and types of inputs suggest it was designed
primarily to protect a single water heater, and to act as an
external control unit for an air conditioner. A number of auxiliary
devices could be protected using an auxiliary water sensor input.
Outputs provide for control of a hot water solenoid, a cold water
solenoid, three alarm signals for external buzzers or bells and an
optional external air conditioner control unit. This requires that
the unit control be a single standard 24 vac water control valve
for the main hot water in feed and the main cold water in feed
line. Thus, it can cut off the power to the unit that tripped the
alarm. No matter which sensor is triggered, it appears the unit can
only cut off the main water in feed line(s) to the home and can
only remove power from the unit plugged in to it. However, the unit
does not have a one-to-one correspondence between a sensor and a
control valve. The valve control outputs are wired such that if any
one of the units sense a water leak, it could close the valves.
[0012] It is desirable to provide a water consumption monitoring
system which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, which is
capable of monitoring one or more water consumption parameters of
water-based systems that may be installed with an after-market add
on, or which may be incorporated into original equipment, and which
further includes the capability of remote monitoring of branches or
areas of the water-based systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The invention is designed to monitor and control the daily
water consumption flow of all water-based systems in the home or
commercial business. These include, for example, water heater,
sinks, toilets, dishwashers and clothes washer, swimming pool and
lawn sprinklers. The invention includes one or more electrical
circuit interface modules in an electrical panel, or motherboard,
and each interface module "protects" a branch or area of the home
or business from electrical overload or malfunction. The interface
module motherboard also "protects" a branch or area of the home or
business. The electrical interface module offers protection from
electrical malfunction and protection from water/liquid based
overloads or malfunctions.
[0014] A motherboard design includes single or dual
microcontrollers, user interface, USB port for Web/network
interface, video interface, and provisions for up to sixteen s
interface modules. One interface module acts as a main shut off
valve and controls flow meter expansion connectors, power supply,
sealed lead-acid battery backup with charger. Modular in design,
the interface module is based on two separate printed circuit
boards (PCBs). Up to sixteen interface modules are plugged into the
motherboard. Each interface module is connected to one or more
water leak sensors that detect water leaks or levels, and a control
valve used to control the associated water in feed. When an
interface module is used as a water leak sensor, it is attached to
the water heater and connected to an interface module. A cutoff
valve is attached to the water in feed of the water heater and
connected to the same interface module. The motherboard
microcontroller monitors the water leak sensor. If the
microcontroller detects a leak, it closes the control valve and
issues an alarm. An interface module can also be used to monitor
the level of water in such items as a swimming pool. A water level
detector is attached to the swimming pool along with a control
valve that controls the water in feed to the pool. When the
microcontroller detects a low level condition, it opens the in
control valve and adds water to the pool until the level is normal.
Each interface module can operate with direct wire connection, to
the N/O or N/C valve and sensor. Individual interface modules can
also transmit or receive wireless data, between the valve and
sensor directly to the interface module. The interface modules can
also be operated in a timed mode or sensor mode. This allows the
user to set multiple on/off times for the control valves. This
allows the system to control a lawn sprinkler on and off at any
given time.
[0015] The interface module system motherboard and control panel is
a web appliance. It includes a standard 10-mega-byte Ethernet
TCP/IP connection. This allows it to be connected to either a local
area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) such as the World
Wide Web. The web connection is used for configuring the interface
module system via a remote PC connected to the same network (LAN or
WAN). It is also used to communicate alarm warnings to those
parties of interest via standard simple mail transfer protocol
(SMTP) e-mail. Alarm e-mails can be sent to multiple addresses such
as the home, homeowner's office, a cell phone, or even the
plumber.
[0016] The interface module system also has the capability to host
a web page on the Internet. This allows the owner or security
service to monitor the status of all water facilities in a home or
business remotely. The web page can be configured to provide remote
operation and control. That is, remote commands can be issued by
clicking controls on the web page. As an example, the owner of a
home could shut off the main water feed remotely.
[0017] The interface module supports a video uplink. It provides
sixteen standard RCA video input connectors, one for each interface
module. Small low cost video cameras can be plugged in and aligned
to show a picture of each water appliance. The alarm e-mail can be
setup to include a jpg video image as an attachment. The picture
can be used without the network interface. The motherboard provides
a graphic vacuum florescent display (VFD) and a keypad. The display
and keypad can be used to setup, configure, and operate the system
even during power failures. A sealed lead-acid battery provides
power for the system during power failure. The motherboard includes
an onboard buzzer to signal alarm conditions. In addition, it
provides a connection for one or more external alarm buzzers. These
can be located around the home or business.
[0018] It is another object of this invention to provide a water
monitoring system which turns off the water supply and the energy
supply to a water appliance or system upon the sensing of one or
more parameters of operation of the water appliance or system. It
is an additional object of this invention to provide a monitoring
system for sensing excess pressure in a water appliance or system
to shut off the water supply to the appliance or system and to shut
off the energy supply to it.
[0019] It is a further object of this invention to provide a
monitoring system including a pressure sensor located to sense the
pressure variations of the water appliance or system without water
flow through the pressure sensor to provide an output for shutting
off the water supply and/or the energy supply to the heating unit
of the water appliance or system when excess pressure is
sensed.
[0020] Briefly summarized, the present invention relates to systems
and methods for monitoring and controlling water consumption using
one or more sensors in a water-based system for generating signals
indicative of the operation thereof. One or more interface modules
are provided as breaker circuits for receiving the generated
signals, and a fluid control device is operable for limiting the
water consumption. A motherboard receives the interface modules and
provides communication there between for information processing.
Signals from the various sensors are supplied to a controller,
which provides signals to status indicators, and also operates to
provide alarm signals via network interfaces to remote locations
and to operate an alarm. In an alternate embodiment a monitoring
system is designed to shut off the water supply to a water
appliance or system and to shut off either the electrical supply or
the gas supply to the heating unit of the water appliance or system
in response to sensing of malfunction of one or more of a number of
different sensed parameters. These parameters include a water leak
detector located beneath the water appliance, a water level float
sensor, a temperature sensor to sense excess temperature, and a
pressure sensor located in line.
[0021] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a
monitoring system having an input water supply, an output water
line and a source of heat energy is provided. The system includes a
pressure sensor connected to sense the pressure inside the
appliance or system and provide an output signal when the sensed
pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. Additional sensors also
may be provided to respond to one or more additional operating
parameters of the appliance or system, including excess
temperature, water level, and water leaks to provide additional
output signals whenever a senses parameter reaches a predetermined
threshold. A valve is located in the input water supply. A control
for disconnecting the source of heat energy from the water
appliance or system is also provided. A controller is coupled to
receive output signals from the pressure sensor and the additional
parameter sensors, if any, and operates in response to an output
signal from a sensor to close the valve in the water supply line,
and to cause the source of heat energy to be disconnected from the
water appliance or system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the
invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a detail of a portion of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1A;
[0025] FIGS. 3A and 3B together comprise a more detailed circuit
block diagram of the first embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing circuitry for an
interface module for the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, providing
breaker circuitry that monitors and controls water consumption in
accordance with the invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 shows the interface module motherboard including
master-slave microcontrollers;
[0028] FIGS. 6A, B, C and D show eight (8) additional slave
microcontrollers provided on the motherboard of FIG. 5;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing alarm enunciation
devices used for indicating alarm conditions and the like;
[0030] FIGS. 8 and 9 show power and battery backup circuitry,
respectively, for the monitoring and controlling circuitry of the
described system;
[0031] FIG. 10 shows the interface module "breaker" housing for the
circuity of FIG. 4, providing breaker circuitry that monitors and
controls water consumption in accordance with the invention;
and
[0032] FIG. 11 shows the panel housing for the motherboard of FIG.
5 to receive a plurality of interface modules.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the
same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to
designate the same or similar components. FIGS. 1A and B are block
diagrams of water monitoring systems providing comprehensive
monitoring of various alarm conditions representative of
malfunctioning parameters in water-based systems and the like. In
addition, the system of FIG. 1A operates in response to a water
appliance or system malfunction to turn off the input water supply
and to disconnect the energy source supplying heat to the water
appliance or system when such a malfunction occurs.
[0034] In the monitoring system shown in FIG. 1A, a hot water tank
10, which may be of any conventional type, is illustrated. The hot
water tank 10 may be heated either by a gas supply or an electric
supply. The system operates in the same manner, irrespective of
which type of heat source is employed for the hot water tank 10.
Inlet or make-up water for the hot water tank 10 is supplied
through an inlet supply pipe 12 through an electrically operated
valve 14, from a water inlet pipe 16. The heating energy is
supplied, either through a gas pipe or through electrical lines 18,
through a gas shut-off valve 20 (or alternatively, an electric
power switch 20), with gas/electric power input being supplied
through a gas pipe 22 (or suitable electrical leads).
[0035] Hot water produced by the tank is supplied to a water output
pipe 24 in a conventional manner. The final portions of the hot
water tank system include a blow-out pipe or outlet 26, which is
connected to a conventional pressure relief valve 28, designed to
relieve pressure in the tank 10 when the internal tank pressure
exceeds a predetermined amount. Such a blow-out outlet 26 and
relief valve 28 are conventional.
[0036] In the remainder of the system shown in FIG. 1A, various
parameter sensors are connected to a central controller 30 for
providing indicia representative of the operating condition of the
water tank, and for sensing different parameters of the operation
of the water tank 10. If the parameters either exceed some
pre-established threshold or indicate a condition which is
indicative of a failure of the hot water tank 10, a signal is sent
to the controller 30, which then operates to provide outputs
indicative of the status of the water tank operation, and, in
addition, operates to turn off the water supply to the tank and
turn off the source of heat energy to the tank 10.
[0037] As indicated in FIG. 1A, one of the parameter sensors is a
water leak detector 32. This is indicated diagrammatically in FIG.
1, with a pair of contacts shown located beneath the water tank 10.
A suitable container (not shown) to catch water leaks from the
water tank 10 and the pipes 12 and 24 may be provided. When the
water level becomes sufficient to bridge the contacts which are
shown extending from the leak sensor 32, it provides a signal to
the controller 30 indicative that a leak, either from the water
tank 10 itself or from the supply pipe 12 or the water outlet pipe
24, in the vicinity of the hot water tank 10, has occurred. The
signal sent to the controller 30 then is processed to place the
system in its alarm and safety shut down mode. Also shown in FIG. 1
is a float sensor 34 to provide an indication that the water level
within the tank 10 has dropped below a safe level. The output from
the float sensor 34 is supplied to the controller 30 to cause it to
operate in a manner similar to the response to the leak sensor
32.
[0038] In addition to the generally conventional leak sensor 32 and
float sensor 34, the hot water tank system shown in FIG. 1A has
been modified in the region of the connection to the hot water tank
at 26 for the pressure relief valve 28 to employ two additional
branches to sense parameters at the blow-out outlet 26. One of
these is to sense temperature through a branch or leg 40 coupled
with the pipe 28. A temperature sensor 36 is provided in the branch
40. A pressure sensor 38 is coupled through a branch or leg 42 to
the blow-out relief valve line 26. The outputs of the temperature
sensor 36 and the pressure sensor 38 also are supplied to the
controller 30, as indicative of a temperature exceeding a safe
operating temperature (as determined by the manufacturer of the hot
water tank 10) and by sensing through the pressure sensor 38 a
pressure in excess of a safe threshold (again, determined by the
manufacturer of the hot water tank 10) to supply signals to the
controller 30. Thus, the sensors 32, 34, 36 and 38 all supply 8
independent malfunction signals, depending upon the parameter being
sensed, to the controller 30 to cause it to operate whenever one of
the hot water tank malfunctions occurs.
[0039] Ideally, the pressure sensor 38 is selected to provide a
signal to the controller 30 at a pressure slightly above the
pressure which normally would operate the relief valve 28 for the
hot water tank 10. Thus, the safety system operates prior to a
condition which causes the relief valve 28 to operate.
[0040] The controller 30 is supplied with operating power from a
suitable power supply 52, supplied with input from an alternating
current input 50. The power supply 52 is shown in FIG. 1A as
supplying positive and negative DC power over lines 54 and 56,
respectively. It should be noted, however, that DC power levels at
other voltage levels also may be obtained from the power supply 52
for operating various electronic circuits and sub-circuits through
the controller 30. Operating power also is supplied, as indicated
in FIG. 1A, over the positive DC power lead 54 to an LED status
indicator 60. The LED status indicator 60 has at least two output
status lights in the form of LED lamps 62 and 64 located in a
convenient location for a home owner or maintenance person to
obtain a quick visual check of the status of the hot water heater
10. Under normal conditions, with no outputs from any of the
sensors 32, 34, 36 and 38, the controller 30 sends a signal to the
LED status indicator 60 to illuminate a green LED light 62. In the
event that anyone or more of the sensors should supply an alarm
signal to the controller 30, a signal is sent from the controller
30 to the LED status indicator 60 to turn off the green LED 62 and
to illuminate a red LED 64. This indicates to a person checking on
the water heater 10, either at the location of the water heater 10
or at a remote location where the LED status indicator 60 may be
located, the operating condition of the water heater 10.
[0041] If an alarm condition occurs, the controller 30 also sends
signals to the electric shut-off valve 14 to turn off the water
supply through the inlet pipe 16, and a signal to the gas/electric
shut-off valve switch 20 to turn off the supply of gas or
electricity to the heating element of the water heater 10.
Consequently, no water is supplied to the water tank 10 and the
source of heat is removed, thereby establishing as safe as possible
a condition for the environment around the hot water heater 10
whenever an alarm condition exists.
[0042] At the same time, the controller 30 also may operate one or
more alarms 66, which may be local or remote audible or visual
alarms, and in addition, may provide, by way of a modem 68 to phone
jacks 70, an automatically dialed alarm signal to a pre-established
connection. In this manner, it is possible for a person at a remote
location to have a call forwarded from the controller 30 indicative
of the presence of shut down of the hot water tank 10 coupled with
a message indicative of either an alarm condition in general, or a
specific message tailored to the particular alarm condition which
was sensed by the controller 30 in response to the one or more of
the sensors 32, 34, 36 and 38 which created the alarm in the first
place.
[0043] FIG. 1B shows a second embodiment block diagram for
monitoring and controlling water consumption in a water-based
system.
[0044] The interface module system includes two basic circuit
modules. The first module is referred to as the interface module.
The interface module is a stand-alone, plug-in version which can,
but does not need to, plug into the second module, an expansion
board known as the interface module motherboard. The inputs and
outputs of the plug-in version are monitored/controlled by a
microcontroller on the interface module motherboard. Power for the
plug-in version is provided by either a wall outlet (if stand
alone) or by the power supplies found on the interface module
motherboard (if plugged into it).
[0045] FIG. 2 is directed to a diagrammatic indication of a
modification of the connections to a standard hot water heater,
which are employed for providing inputs to the temperature sensor
36 and the pressure sensor 38 in a manner which are not subject to
the corrosive effects of water flow in the blow-out pipe 36. As
mentioned previously, the pressure relief valve 28 of most hot
water tanks undergoes periodic operation during the course of the
operation of the hot water tanks 10. This particularly may occur
when the hot water tank 10 becomes aged. In any event, when
repeated discharge occurs of bubbling water and steam of sufficient
pressure to open the pressure relief valve 28, the hard water,
scale and other corrosive effects of the water flow through the
pressure relief valve 28 over a period of time may cause the relief
valve 28 to become sufficiently corroded, as described previously,
so that it may not work; or it may require pressure in excess of
the designed pressure to is operate it. To safely and repeatedly,
if necessary, sense excess pressure without subjecting the pressure
sensor to the corrosive effects of escaping water or steam, the
pipe 26 supplying a connection to the relief valve 28 is fabricated
with a generally "X" shaped coupler, as shown in FIG. 2. The
coupler includes the portion 26 which is connected to the blow-out
outlet of the hot water heater. The blow-out relief valve 28 is
screwed into the opposite end in a normal manner.
[0046] On opposite sides of the pipe 26 and extending outwardly at
a 90.degree. angle to the central axis between the outlet 26 and
the blow-out relief valve 28, are a pair of outlets 40 and 42. The
outlet 40 has a temperature sensor element 36A threaded onto it
which includes a bimetallic operator. This bimetallic operator
normally is not in contact with the electrical inlet leads of the
sensor 36A. When temperature in excess of what is considered to be
a safe amount by the manufacturer of the hot water tank 10 is
reached, the bimetallic element in the temperature sensor 36A pops
or is moved to the left, as viewed in FIG. 2, to bridge the
electrical contacts and to provide an output warning signal of
excess temperature to the controller 30 for operating the system as
described previously. It should be noted that once the temperature
sensor 36A has been operated by an excess temperature, it typically
must be replaced with a new sensor, since the bimetallic element
has been moved from the position shown in FIG. 2 to an operating
position, described previously. Generally, such sensors are not
re-settable.
[0047] On the right-hand side of the fitting shown in FIG. 2 is a
pressure sensor 38. The pressure sensor element 38A is threaded
onto or otherwise secured to the arm 42 of the fitting shown in
FIG. 2. The sensor 38A includes a pressure activated plunger which
is indicated as spring-loaded toward the left of the sensor 38A
shown in FIG. 2. When pressure in excess of the designed 12
parameters of the pressure sensor 38A is reached, the pressure
within the pipe 26/42 forces the sealed diaphragm of the sensor
element 38A toward the right to bridge the electrical contact shown
to then provide an output signal to the controller 30. When the
excess pressure condition terminates, the element 38A returns to
the position shown in FIG. 2, and the alarm indication is
removed.
[0048] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a diagrammatic circuit diagram of the
microcontroller 30 and various other connections to that
microcontroller for responding to the various sensed parameters
which are shown in the block diagram of FIG. 1. The microcontroller
30 is supplied with power from the power supply 52, as indicated
previously. The power supply 52 includes some or all of the
different voltages shown in FIG. 3A, namely +12VDC, -12VDC,
+3.3VDC, and +5VDC. These are typical operating voltages for
various integrated circuits and are employed in a preferred
embodiment of the invention to operate the different sensors 32,
34, 36 and 38, as well as other elements of the system. Some of
these voltages are supplied through the microcontroller 30, and
others are obtained directly from the power supply 52. The manner
in which this is done is conventional, and for that reason, all of
the various circuit interconnections have not been shown in FIGS.
3A/3B.
[0049] In the event a power failure should occur, the power supply
52 also is coupled with a backup battery input shown at 82 in FIG.
3A. A universal battery charger operated in conjunction with the
microcontroller 30 and the power supply 52 is employed, so that in
the event there is a failure of the alternating current input at
50, the battery input at 82 continues to operate through the power
supply 52 to the microcontroller 30 and other circuit components to
maintain operation of the system.
[0050] The sensor circuits 32, 34, 36B and 38B are illustrated
diagrammatically in FIG. 3B. All of these sensors include identical
circuitry, operated in response to the respective sensed condition
to supply an output signal to the controller 30. Consequently, it
is possible to operate the system with a sensing of all of the
various parameters which have been described in conjunction with
FIG. 1, or less than all of them. Whichever system is employed,
however, the overall operation with respect to the manner in which
the signal is supplied from the sensor to the controller 30 is the
same. Each of the sensors 32, 34, 36B and 38B includes a circuit
for sensing the interconnection of contacts, such as the contacts
described above in conjunction with the leak sensor 32, or with the
temperature activated switch 36A, or the power sensor element 38A
to supply a signal to the integrated circuit sensor block 32, 34,
36B or 38B. If not all of the sensors shown in FIG. 1 are employed,
the appropriate one or more of them may be eliminated. The
operation of the remainder of the system, however, is unchanged
from that described above.
[0051] The LED status indicator 60 also maybe operated in
conjunction with a user interface reset 110, as shown in FIG. 3A.
Typically, the reset includes a reset switch (not shown), which
will provide a signal through the controller 30 to re-open the
water supply valve 14 and to re-open the gas/electric valve or
switch 20 for the heat source of the water tank 10. The user reset
also will operate through the microcontroller 30 to reset the LED
status indicator lamps to turn on the green lamp 62 and to turn off
the red lamp 64. As indicated previously, however, if a temperature
sensor bi-metallic switch of the type shown in FIG. 2 is employed,
it also is necessary to replace the bimetallic sensor or the alarm
condition sensed by the controller 30 will continue to persist,
leaving the system in its alarm state of operation.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 3A, the system also may employ video
cameras with built-in sound chips 90, 92, 94 and 96 directed at the
water heater or the area surrounding the water heater for providing
a monitoring signal to the controller 30 whenever the alarm
condition sensed by the microcontroller 30 is reached. Camera 90
(No. 1), for example, could be directed to the area beneath the hot
water tank to provide a visual and audible indication of a water
leak. Others of the cameras may be directed to different regions
around the water tank, or in the room in which it is located, to
provide a visual and audible output indicative of whatever area is
being scanned by that particular camera. Normally, the cameras 90,
92, 94 and 96 are not turned on. Whenever an alarm condition is
sensed by the microcontroller 30, a signal is supplied to the
cameras from the microcontroller 30, through a video multiplexer
100, to turn them on, or turn on the one associated with the
particular alarm condition sensed by the microcontroller, depending
upon the programming of the microcontroller 30. The video
multiplexer 100 also supplies signals through a video amplifier 102
to a digitizer 104 coupled to the microcontroller 30, which then
receives the sound and video signals from the camera (or cameras)
out of the group of cameras 90, 92, 94 and 96 which has been turned
on by the microcontroller 30. The signals from the cameras then are
supplied to a video S-RAM 106 for storing the signals temporarily.
The video signals may be sent from the microcontroller 30 through a
56K modem 68 to the phone jack 70 in the manner described
previously for supplying telephone signals from the modem 68
through the phone jack 70.
[0053] The interface module system includes two basic circuit
modules. The first module is referred to as the interface module or
"breaker" as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 discussed below. The interface
module is designed to plug into the second module, an expansion
board known as the interface module motherboard or circuit panel as
shown in FIGS. 5 and 11 discussed below. The interface module
circuitry is identical on both versions. The second embodiment of
FIG. 1B is accomplished using modular computer aided design (CAD)
and modular computer aided manufacturing (CAM) design concepts.
While the circuitry is identical, selective loading or placing of
groups of parts (modules) on the printed circuit board (PCB) varies
from version to version during manufacturing. As an example, the
stand-alone version includes a radio frequency transceiver allowing
wireless communications with the interface module motherboard. It
is included, or CADed in the design of the stand-alone version
circuit board, but is not CADed (or added) on the plug-in version.
The circuitry for the input sensor on both versions supports three
different types of input sensors: 1) a 24 vdc digital sensor 2) a 5
vdc digital sensor 3) an analog input voltage sensor. Many types of
sensors are supported including leak detectors, flow (volume)
sensors, pressure sensors, termpature sensor and level detectors.
The color of interface modules molded housing reveals the
functionality. While the PCB is the same for each, using modular
CAM techniques, the circuitry for each type of input circuit is
selectively loaded (installed or placed) on the circuit board as
required for each interface module type.
[0054] In both versions of the interface module, the output is
provided by a single pole double throw (SPDT) relay. The off state
of the interface module can be jumper configured for normally open
or normally closed. An interface module configured to detect leaks
would use the normally open (N.O.) configuration, and close the
relay (valve) during an alarm condition (leak detected). An
interface module configured to control a lawn sprinkler would be
normally closed, opening at a scheduled time to apply water, and
closed after a programmed time period or volume had been applied.
Likewise, wherein the water-based system includes a tank-less
toilet, measurement and control of the water may be metered with a
normally closed (N.O.) valve configuration, opening to apply water
and closing thereafter for a programmed time period or volume
directed through the tank-less toilet system.
[0055] The major difference between the stand-alone version of the
interface module and the plug-in interface module is the
stand-alone version includes an onboard microcontroller and power
supply. This allows it to operate without the support provided by
the interface module motherboard. The plug-in version does not
include either the microcontroller or a power supply. The inputs
and outputs of the plug-in version are monitored/controlled by a
microcontroller on the interface module motherboard. Power for the
plug-in version is provided by the power supplies found on the
interface module motherboard.
[0056] To provide consistency and familiarity, the design of the
interface module motherboard resembles an electrical circuit
interface module electrical panel found in a home or business as
shown in FIG. 11. Each electrical circuit interface module (see
FIG. 10) in an electrical panel "protects" a branch or area of the
home or business from electrical overload or malfunction. The
interface module motherboard also "protects" a branch or area of
the home or business. The electrical interface module offers
protection from electrical malfunction, and the interface module
provides protection from water/liquid based overloads or
malfunctions.
[0057] The layout of the interface module motherboard is much more
sophisticated than that found in an electrical interface module
panel. The top of the panel is provided with a 256.times.64 dot
matrix blue vacuum florescent display (VFD) surrounded by a number
of keys (forming a keypad), the sum of which provide a user
interface. The user interface allows the user to configure and
control many of the functions and options available on the
interface module motherboard. Below the display are two rows of
eight interface modules. Wires to the inputs and outputs for each
interface module run out of the bottom of the unit to the
appropriate sensor or valve.
[0058] The interface module provides for virtually unlimited system
expansion of the number of devices protected. The initial interface
module motherboard (known as the master motherboard) provides
protection for up to sixteen devices, appliances or systems. Some
devices may require two or more interface modules for full
protection. As an example, if the protected device has both hot and
cold water in feeds, two interface modules would be required to
protect the device. Additional expansion is accomplished by simply
adding additional interface module expansion motherboards (known as
slave motherboards) to the system.
[0059] Each expansion motherboard provides protection for up to
sixteen additional devices. Up to 100 slave motherboards may be
added to an interface module system. A maximum of 1600 devices can
be protected per interface module system. The master motherboard
communicates with and controls slave motherboards via a private
controller area network (CAN) bus. Multiple interface module
systems may be connected via a local area network connection. This
gives the interface module system a 1 to N correspondence. That is,
a single sensor can determine the action of N number of valves. The
simplest example is a device with both hot and cold water in feeds.
One sensor can control the two valves needed to stop water flow to
that device.
[0060] The interface module system is based on state of the art
microcontrollers, which are in fact complete computers on a chip,
or system(s) on a chip (SoC). The microcontroller is completely
programmable, allowing new features and functionality to be added
at any time, in the field via the Internet. When this feature is
combined with the hardware expansion capabilities described
previously, the system has virtually unlimited expansion
capability.
[0061] A graphic user interface (GUI) provides operational
information to the user. The display presents real-time display of
system status, alarm conditions, configuration options, network
(web) status, and power status. The status of each interface module
is displayed for a set period of time, one after the other. As an
example, if the display time is set for one second, then the status
of each interface module is displayed for one second before moving
on to the next interface module in line. The user interface also
provides a number of keys, allowing the user to set the
configuration and operation of each interface module, as well as
various operational parameters of the interface module motherboard.
Other display options allow viewing of the status of various
interface module parameters for all sixteen interface modules in a
system in a single graphic screen format. Accordingly, the
malfunction of, e.g., a valve coil or the like, will be informed
through the interface module of the system. The graphical user
interface thus indicates, for example, when the blowout valve in
the hot water tank is inoperable, to permit the user to replace the
failed valve rather than the entire water tank. The reason for the
water tank failure would be indicated separately, for instance,
from identifying leaks and the like, which would require
replacement of the tank itself.
[0062] The interface module provides a TCP/IP based 10 Base-T
Ethernet interface. This interface by default supports DCHP
protocol for dynamic IP addressing. An interface module master may
be connected to either a local area network (LAN, a private network
found in the home or company) or a WAN (Wide Area network) such as
the Internet (World Wide Web). In addition to visual and audible
warnings (internal and optional external buzzers and lights), an
email alarm warning can be sent to one or more email addresses
programmed by the user. As an example, the home user may program an
interface module to send an alarm email to their office, their
home, their cell phone and even their plumber. A commercial user
can send emails to key management and/or maintenance personnel.
[0063] The interface module can receive emails. A text template is
included with the interface module system. The user can edit the
template and email it to his/her interface module to configure
it.
[0064] The interface module can be used to host (sever) a web page.
This mode of operation is provided to allow security companies that
normally monitor homes and businesses for break-ins, to monitor all
water appliances from their central office. The web page provides
JAVA applets, which allows remote control of the system. As an
example, the security service can issue a (password protected)
command to close the main water in feed valve.
[0065] Interface module provides both physical and battery (power)
backup for a power failure.
[0066] Physical backup holds the state of the valves in the event
of a system failure. This is accomplished with latching relays.
Once the relay is turned on, it will hold its state indefinitely
until reset. As long as power is available, the valve(s) will be
closed.
[0067] The battery backup provided by the interface module allows
the system to operate normally during a power failure (optional
battery packs allow longer protection). This protection allows
interface module to continue to monitor, control, and warn
interested parties of a failure.
[0068] The interface module provides total, selective,
configurable, protection. One sensor can be assigned to protect one
or more devices each with one or more valves. Multiple sensors can
be configured to protect a single device with one or more
valves.
[0069] Support for water appliances is virtually unlimited. Any
device with water in feed or out feed can be protected and/or
controlled. This includes, but is not limited to water heaters, air
conditioners, laundry and dish washing machines, toilets, tank-less
toilets, ice makers, sinks, spa, swimming pool, sprinkler system,
water meters, etc. In the tank-less toilet water-based system the
water may be metered to apply water, closing thereafter for a
programmed time period or volume directed through the tank-less
toilet system.
[0070] An interface module can be configured to monitor for leaks,
control liquid levels or time the application of liquids. Examples
include monitoring the bath tub, water heater, dishwasher, clothes
washer, toilets, sinks and icemaker for leaks, controlling the
water level in the spa, swimming pool, and bath tub, and timing the
lawn sprinkler on/off times. Water amounts may be monitored by time
or volume, such as, for example, to check whether the water company
correctly read the meter and whether the lawn or the tree line on
the south side of the house was sufficiently or excessively
watered. Many cities don't like to see lawn sprinklers with water
run-off. Interface modules can be configured to deliver an exact
amount of water by the gallon. Herein the water-based system
including, e.g., a tank-less toilet, that limits water consumption
metered with the electronic valve configuration to control water
flow time period programmed or volume directed through the
tank-less toilet system.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 4, the stand-alone interface module
circuitry is based on a "state-of-the-art" microcontroller, such as
a Cygnal Integrated Products C8051F310 device 111. The F310 is an
8-bit device with an 8051 family central processing unit (CPU)
operating at 25 mhz, requiring as little as one clock cycle per
instruction and instruction cycle time of 40 nano seconds. This
means the device is capable of executing a single instruction in 40
nsec, or up to 25 million instruction per seconds (MIPS). Seventy
percent of the instruction set operates with one clock cycle. The
balance requires two, three, or four clock cycles. The device
includes sixteen mega bytes of FLASH program memory for storing the
control (application) program and non-volatile data and 1280 bytes
of random access memory (RAM) for temporary data storage. A total
of 29 Input/Output port pins are provided. That means up to 29
input and/or output signals can be connected to the device.
[0072] Three different serial port protocols are supported
(available concurrently): 1) a standard 9-bit serial port (UART)
compatible with PC COMM Ports; 2) a system management bus (SMBus)
compatible with the SMBus found on many PC motherboards used to
control a variety of devices found on the board; 3) a serial
peripheral interface (SPI) bus used to control addition peripheral
devices on a given system. Additional peripheral devices found on
the device include 4 timer/counters, 5 programmable counter arrays,
10-bit analog to digital converters with up to 21 channels, voltage
comparators, reset manager, software watchdog, brownout detector,
missing clock detector, and an internal clock oscillator accurate
to 2% and a real time clock. The F310 includes a JTAG interface
112. This provides support for a built-in in-circuit emulator (ICE)
for direct program debugging (no expensive external ICE needed),
program code download (programming) and boundary layer scanning
(for device testing during manufacturing).
[0073] When configured as a plug-in version, the interface module
includes an expansion connector 113. Many of the control signals
used by the onboard microcontroller on the stand-alone version are
routed to this connector. This allows a microcontroller found on
the interface module motherboard to monitor and control plug-in
interface modules in the same manner as the onboard microcontroller
on a stand-alone interface module.
[0074] These signals include the user reset switch 114 used to
reset an alarm condition. An opto-isolated sensor input 115
provides the real-time state of the attached input sensor. The
voltage used to power the opto-isolator is jumper configurable to
allow a wide range of digital sensors to be used with an interface
module. Two jumpers 116, 126 allow the voltage to set to either 24
vac or 5 vdc. An amplifier 117 is used to detect current flow in
the valve control circuit. This allows the system to detect and
report a valve coil failure. The sensor input and valve output are
routed to a four position, screw terminal block 118. The external
sensor and valve are attached to the interface module at this
connector. An alarm buzzer 120 is found on the stand-alone version,
driven by a PNP transistor driver 119. The plug-in version does not
support it. Instead, a single buzzer is found on the interface
module motherboard. In addition, up to four external buzzer or
warning lights can be attached to the system (see the interface
module motherboard circuit description to follow).
[0075] A relay is used to drive the valve output 123. The relay is
a latching relay. Two control drivers 121 are incorporated in the
design, one to latch the relay and one to reset the relay. The
latching relay can be configured to provide either 24 vac or 24
vdc, to allow the use of either an AC or DC valve set by a two
jumpers 122, 125. The latching relay has one pole and two contacts.
One is normally open and the other is normally closed. A jumper
allows the default state of the output to set to either normally
open or normally closed. Two status LEDs 130 are found on each
interface module. A blue LED flashes to indicate a normal
operational state. A red LED will flash during and alarm state.
[0076] Additional support circuitry includes a resettable PTC fuse
127 on the AC input. This device opens (trips) if the current flow
reached a predetermined level. A 5 vdc voltage regulator 128 and a
+3.3 vdc regulator 129 form an onboard Power Supply for the
stand-alone version of the interface module (not used on the
plug-in version).
[0077] One optional circuit is found on the stand-alone version
only. A radio frequency transceiver 131 operates at 912 Mhz. It is
used to allow "wireless" operation of a stand-alone interface
module up to 300 feet from an interface module motherboard.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the interface module motherboard is a
very high integration design provided by no less then ten
microcontrollers. At the heart of the board is a master
microcontroller 141, preferably a Cygnal Integrated Product
microcontroller, C8051F042. This device is a "Big-Brother" to the
F310 device used on the stand-alone interface module. It
incorporates the same 25 MIP 8051 central processing unit (CPU)
with JTAG interface 142 as found on the F310. It also includes all
the features and peripherals found on the F310 plus a large number
of addition features. These include expanded onboard FLASH program
memory (64K bytes total), expanded random access memory (RAM) (4352
bytes), a larger number of input/output port pins (64 total), a
controller area network (CAN) protocol serial port, an additional
PC compatible COMM port (UART), and an additional timer and an
additional 8-bit analog to digital converter. The F042 also
incorporates an external expansion bus, which allows further memory
and peripheral expansion "off-chip."
[0079] Nine slave microcontrollers are found on the interface
module motherboard. The first is a special purpose microcontroller
module 143. Referred to as the "network slave," it is designed to
provide a TCP/IP based, 10 base-T Ethernet interface, allowing
direct connection to a local (LAN) or wide (WAN) area network. It
includes 256K of FLASH and 128K of RAM memory onboard. It also
incorporates a slave port. This port is connected directly to the
master F042 microcontroller's external expansion bus, allowing
bi-directional communication between the two microcontrollers. The
master sends warning messages across the slave bus (which includes
the network address of the recipient) to the network slave, which
in turn manages the TCP/IP stack protocol needed to send email
warnings over the Internet. Incoming emails are passed to the
master via the slave port as well. The network slave also can be
configured to serve a "Web status page." The basic web page is
retained in the network slave. The dynamic data representing the
current "real-time" status of the interface module system is sent
to the network slave across the slave port. The network slave
collates the data and places it on the page, serving it to
requesting web clients. The sole purpose of the network slave is to
manage web based traffic.
[0080] In addition to the sixteen plug-in interface modules
directly supported on the motherboard, an additional 256 remote
interface modules can be monitored and controlled by an interface
module motherboard. This is accomplished using a radio frequency
(RF) link, or network. A FCC part 68 certified RF transceiver 144
is an option available on the interface module motherboard.
Operating at a frequency of 912 Mhz, a band of frequencies is set
aside for among other things, process control and monitoring, and
remote interface modules can be sited as far away as 300 feet.
[0081] Each interface module motherboard incorporates a controller
area network 145, known in the industry as "CAN." It is
intelligent, bi-directional, collision detection, serial
communication protocol, commonly used in industrial automation and
automotive control applications. The interface module system uses
it to link multiple interface module motherboards together to form
large systems used in commercial applications.
[0082] To allow time/date stamping of alarm warnings, the interface
module motherboard incorporates a real time clock/calendar 146. The
device includes battery backup to retain current time and date
during power failures.
[0083] In FIGS. 6A-D, eight (8) additional slave microcontrollers
or module slaves 149 are found on the interface module motherboard.
Each is a Cygnal Integrated Products C8051F310, the same device
used on the stand-alone interface module. Each interface module
slave monitors two plug-in interface modules 150 in real-time. Each
interface module slave communicates with the master via the SMBus.
When an alarm condition on any one plug-in interface module is
detected, the status is reported to the master. It should be noted
that the circuitry is the same for all eight interface module
slaves 154, 160.
[0084] In FIG. 7, a single buzzer 161 is provided on the interface
module motherboard. It provides an audible warning of an alarm
condition. Four external alarm outputs 165 are available on the
interface module motherboard. Up to four external buzzers, bells,
sirens or warning lights maybe remotely located with in the
boundaries of an installation.
[0085] Two master status LEDs 164 are provided on the interface
module motherboard. They duplicate the functionality of the status
and warning LEDs found on a stand-alone interface module. A blue
status LED flashes during normal operation. A red warning LED
flashes during and alarm condition.
[0086] The interface module motherboard provides a user interface
to allow its operation to be configured. A large blue 256 pixel by
64 pixels vacuum florescent display (VFD) 162 provides graphic
information on the current status of the system. Twelve keys 163
form a keypad allowing the user to configure the system.
[0087] In FIG. 8, 24 vac power is supplied to the interface module
motherboard by a screw terminal 166. A full wave bridge rectifier
168 converts the 24 vac to 24 vdc. A relay circuit 169 is used by
the master to switch the input voltage supply from the 24 vac to 24
vdc battery backup. Two voltage regulators, one 5 vdc and the other
3.3 vdc, form a power supply to power the circuitry found on the
interface module motherboard. This includes power for 16 interface
modules. The master monitors the power supply voltages 172 for
normal operation. Voltages outside allowable tolerances generate an
alarm condition.
[0088] In FIG. 9, the interface module motherboard provides 24 vdc
battery backup for the complete system. This is provided by two 12
vdc sealed lead-acid 30 amp/hr batteries connected in series (24
vdc). An onboard charger 174 maintains a charge on the batteries.
The master microcontroller monitors and controls the operation of
the charger. This includes monitoring the charge/discharge current
173, the battery voltage 172, and the current status of the charge
cycle 176. The charger can be configured for a number of different
battery configurations 177, 178.
[0089] The foregoing system is a comprehensive system for
monitoring and controlling the safe operation of a water system.
Clearly, some components of the system may be employed in other
environments than the one described previously. The foregoing
description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is to be
considered as illustrative and not as limiting. Various other
changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art
for performing substantially the same function, in substantially
the same way, to achieve substantially the same result without
departing from the true scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
* * * * *