Patent Application
20250101722
The present invention relates to a hot water circulation system, more specifically a hot water circulation system that uses sensors, bypass valves, thermostat, and a water pump controlled by a microcontroller to autonomously circulate hot water through the cold-water line to prevent freezing whether or not the owner is home.
Every year hundreds of thousands of homeowners' pipes freeze resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Until now, there have been no effective solutions to this problem.
In the past, people have resorted to leaving the water running, but this is only effective down to certain temperatures. Dripping faucets also result in almost 2 billion gallons of water wasted per year in the United States, which drives up household water consumption costs. This method also requires people to remember to leave the water dripping, which people often forget to do. Also, if a homeowner is away from their home for an extended period, and the temperature unexpectedly drops below freezing, they will be unable to do anything. Another solution has been to insulate the pipes that are susceptible to freezing, but again this method only works down to a certain temperature then it becomes ineffective.
This invention solves all the problems mentioned above. This invention will allow the user to monitor the temperature of freeze-susceptible pipes from anywhere they are connected to the internet. The system will also operate autonomously, thus once the system is set up the owner can essentially set it and forget it. Thus, homeowners do not have to worry about forgetting to leave the water running. This system, instead of wasting water by letting water drip, will recirculate hot water through the system. This will save homeowners money on their water bills and reduce the amount of water wasted. Also, unlike the water-drip method and the insulation method, there is likely no temperature at which the system becomes ineffective. Since the system is pushing heated water through the pipes, the system will always be kept at a temperature above freezing.
This system will save homeowners millions of dollars while preventing waste.
The present invention comprises of a Smart Freeze Prevention Hot Water Circulation System (“SFPHWCS”), including a cold-water line, a hot-water line, a water heater, a water pump, at least one bypass valve, at least one temperature sensor, a microcontroller, and at least one plumbing fixture. The bypass valve includes a cold-water inlet, a cold-water outlet, a hot-water inlet, a hot-water outlet, and a bypass channel. The cold-water line includes a tee junction and a bypass channel. The water heater has an inlet and an outlet.
The water heater is coupled to the water pump, and the water pump to a hot-water line. The hot-water line is coupled to the hot-water inlet of the bypass valve. The cold-water line bifurcates the tee junction into cold-water line one and cold-water line two. Cold-water line one is coupled to the inlet of the water heater, cold-water line two is coupled to the cold-water inlet of the bypass valve. Thermal sensors are strategically placed along the water lines in areas susceptible to freezing. The thermal sensors, bypass valves, and water pump are connected and controllable via the microcontroller.
If one of the thermal sensors detects a threshold temperature, the microcontroller will open a bypass valve behind it in the SFPHWCS and simultaneously increase the flow rate of the water pump. The higher pressure in the hot-water line as compared to the cold-water line will result in a reversal of the water flow, causing hot water to flow into the cold-water line and preventing it from freezing.
In another embodiment, the present invention may include the capability to remotely monitor and control the SFPHWCS through an online application interface. By integrating the microcontroller with the online application, users gain convenient access to real-time monitoring of system parameters, such as temperature and other relevant metrics. Furthermore, the online application enables users to exert control over the microcontroller, facilitating adjustments to the system's settings, scheduling and triggering specific actions. This novel feature enhances user convenience, customization, and efficient management of the SFPHWCS.
In another embodiment, the SFPHWCS may include at least a pressure sensor, a leak sensor, and a thermostat, all connected and controllable via the microcontroller. The system may also include a pressure release valve.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” and “comprising,” when u in this specification, indicate the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that 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 the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more or, in some cases, all of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.
The present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.
The present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing embodiments in detail.
Also as depicted in
In another embodiment, microcontroller 1000 may be connected to bypass valve 700, thermal sensor 900, water pump 300, and any other components in the system by wire or wirelessly. The connection between microcontroller 1000 and these components can be established using wired connections, such as electrical cables or data wires. Alternatively, wireless connectivity protocols, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee, can be employed to establish communication links.
As depicted in
But as depicted in
In another embodiment, thermal sensor(s) 900 may be positioned in an external environment, such that, upon detection of temperatures at or below the threshold temperature, microcontroller 1000 initiates a response sequence involving the activation of bypass valve(s) 700 and the propulsion of heated water through the system via water pump 300, wherein this cycle remains in effect, recurring periodically, for as long as thermal sensor(s) 900 continues to record temperatures at or below the threshold temperature. The threshold temperature, duration, and periodicity of the cycle may be determined by the user.
In another embodiment, as shown in
Microcontroller 1000 may be designed to relay information in real-time to the online application, ensuring that the user has up-to-date and accurate data at their disposal. This information can include various parameters, such as sensor readings, environmental data, device status, and other relevant metrics. Microcontroller 1000 could collect and process these data points through the sensors employed in the system, including but not limited to, thermal sensors, leak sensors, and pressure sensors.
To establish the connection between microcontroller 1000 and the online application, a communication protocol could be employed. This protocol would facilitate the secure transmission of data packets over the wireless network, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the information exchanged. Various wireless communication technologies can be utilized, including but not limited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or cellular networks, based on the requirements of the application and the available infrastructure.
Once microcontroller 1000 is connected to the online application, the user would gain access to a comprehensive and user-friendly interface. This interface may be accessible through a web-based portal, a mobile application, or any other suitable means, providing a convenient and intuitive platform for monitoring and controlling microcontroller 1000. The online application interface could display real-time data, historical trends, graphical representations, and customizable dashboards, tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Moreover, the online application would empower the user with remote control capabilities over microcontroller 1000. Through the interface, the user could send commands, configure settings, and initiate actions, which are then executed by microcontroller 1000. This bidirectional communication enables seamless interaction, allowing the user to customize and optimize the functionality of microcontroller 1000 according to their requirements.
In addition to real-time data display and remote control, the online application could provide various features to enhance user experience and facilitate comprehensive device management. These features may include data logging and analytics, enabling the user to analyze historical data patterns and make informed decisions. Furthermore, the online application could incorporate alert mechanisms, triggering notifications or alarms based on predefined conditions or user-defined thresholds.
In another embodiment, cold-water line 500 and hot-water line 600 may be fully or partially covered with insulation to prevent heat loss.
In another embodiment, cold-water line 500 and hot-water line 600 may be made of nonconductive material to prevent heat loss.
In another embodiment, the system may include more than one water pump placed strategically throughout the system.
In another embodiment, the system may incorporate at least one pressure sensor 1300 that is connected and controllable via the microcontroller 1000, enabling pressure monitoring based on real-time data. Microcontroller 1000 may be programmed to monitor and analyze data from pressure sensor(s) 1300. If a threshold the system could alert the user via an online application or by an alarm (not shown). Microcontroller 1000 could also be programmed to trigger appropriate actions to regulate the pressure accordingly.
In another embodiment, the system may incorporate thermostat 1400 which is connected and controllable via the microcontroller 1000, enabling intelligent temperature regulation based on real-time data and user-defined parameters.
Microcontroller 1000 may be programmed to monitor and analyze data from thermal sensors 900. Based on the received temperature data, microcontroller 1000 could compare the readings against predefined threshold temperatures, which could be set by the user through the online application interface or manually. If the temperature surpasses or falls below the specified thresholds, microcontroller 1000 would trigger appropriate actions to regulate the temperature accordingly.
The ability to program the microcontroller 1000 through the online application interface would allow users to customize temperature control based on their specific preferences and requirements. Users could define their desired temperature ranges, set up schedules for temperature adjustments, and configure automated responses to different environmental conditions.
Additionally, the online application interface may allow users to remotely control the thermostat 1400. Through the interface, users could adjust temperature settings, activate, or deactivate heating mechanisms, and monitor the current status of the thermostat.
In another embodiment, the system may a include pressure release valve (not shown). The pressure release valve could be designed to open at a predetermined pressure, thereby relieving the system of excess pressure and reducing the likelihood of the system's pipes bursting.
When the pressure within the system reaches a critical threshold, the pressure release valve would automatically open, allowing water to be released into a drain conduit (not shown). By diverting the excess water out of the system, the pressure release valve would prevent the pipes in cold-water line 500 and hot-water line 600 from becoming over-pressurized and potentially bursting.
In some implementations, the system may include multiple pressure release valves strategically positioned at different locations within the system. This distribution of pressure release valves would enhance the overall safety and efficiency of the system, as it would allow for localized pressure relief and minimize the risk of over-pressurization in specific sections of the pipes.
In another embodiment, the pressure release valve may be electrically connected and controllable via microcontroller 1000, adding a layer of control and monitoring to the system. By integrating the pressure release valve with the microcontroller 1000, users could use the online application interface to manage and monitor the valve's operation.
Through an online application, users could receive alerts and notifications if the pressure release valve is opened. The user could also manually control the pressure release valve through the online application interface. This capability would enable users to open or close the valve remotely, providing flexibility and control. Additionally, users could set a threshold pressure for the valve to open via the online application, allowing for customization and fine-tuning of the pressure relief mechanism based on specific system requirements.
In another embodiment, the SFPHWCS could employ a Battery Backup 1600 during a power outage. In such a circumstance, the sensors would not relay the temperature continuously, as the microcontroller could be programmed to recognize that the temperature is above freezing and rising, and thus refrain from using battery power by continuously pulling temperature information, but instead lay dormant based on the time of day and the sensors last set of readings.
A Legend of components discussed herein follows:
