SENSING EVENTS AFFECTING LIQUID FLOW IN A LIQUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

摘要

By monitoring pressure transients in a liquid within a liquid distribution system using only a single sensor, events such as the opening and closing of valves at specific fixtures are readily detected. The sensor, which can readily be coupled to a faucet bib, transmits an output signal to a computing device. Each such event can be identified by the device based by comparing characteristic features of the pressure transient waveform with previously observed characteristic features for events in the system. These characteristic features, which can include the varying pressure, derivative, and real Cepstrum of the pressure transient waveform, can be used to select a specific fixture where a valve open or close event has occurred. Flow to each fixture and leaks in the system can also be determined from the pressure transient signal. A second sensor disposed at a point disparate from the first sensor provides further event information.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
monitoring water pressure at one or more locations of a water distribution system of a building using one or more pressure sensors to produce one or more pressure signals, the building comprising two or more water appliances coupled to the water distribution system; and using the one or more pressure signals to determine that a first water appliance of the two or more water appliances is consuming water and to determine a first individual water usage amount for the first water appliance.