Flow sensor for controlling a shower pump

摘要

A flow sensor for controlling a bathroom water pump is disclosed. The flow sensor is for use with a bathroom shower and comprises a turbine for extracting energy from water flowing relative to the sensor, an electrical generator coupled to the turbine, and an RF transmitter electrically connected to the generator. The transmitter is configured to transmit a pre-determined signal to turn on a water pump when the rate of rotation of the turbine exceeds a pre-determined threshold. Such a flow sensor allows the flow sensor to be located in a bathroom environment at a convenient-to-service location while allowing the pump to remain in a separate location and to be actuated contingent on flow of water through the flow sensor. The use of a turbine reduces the likelihood of fouling of the flow sensor by particulate contaminants. The pump may, for example, be a power-shower pump to supply water at enhanced pressure to a shower outlet or may be a waste water gulley pump to extract waste water from a gulley.