WO2014207721A1

WO2014207721A1 - Vessel operation control system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014207721A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/062673
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin John JOSEPH
Original assignee: Joseph Gavin John
Priority date: 2013-06-28
Filing date: 2014-06-27
Publication date: 2014-12-31
Also published as: ZA201502743B

Abstract

This invention relates to a vessel operation control system (10) and method. The system (10) comprises a first liquid sensor (12) positioned in a receptacle (14) below a vessel (18) and a second liquid sensor (20) positioned adjacent to and associated with a safety valve (22). The sensors (12 and 20) sense if there is liquid (16) leaking from the vessel (18) or associated piping (23, 30 and 44). The system (10) further includes a controller (24) for controlling a supply of electricity and water to the vessel (18). The controller (24) terminates the supply of both water and electricity to the vessel (18) when a sensing signal A is communicated to it from either of the sensors (12 or 20). Upon receipt of the sensing signal A, the controller (24) causes a valve (28) to close and cuts off the power supply to an electrical element (not shown).

Description

VESSEL OPERATION CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a vessel operation control system and method. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention relates to a system and method which monitors a vessel and associated piping and detects when there is a leak, performs at least one safety operation in response to the leak detection, and reports such detection.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A vessel is well known and widely used to store and heat water to provide hot water on demand. Such a vessel is also commonly referred to as a storage water heater or geyser.

Conventionally, a storage water heater is either installed inside or outside of a structure which it provides with hot water. When installed inside a structure, there is always a significant risk that the water heater or associated piping could crack or rupture, resulting in water leaking therefrom and causing water damage to the structure and/or its contents.

To at least partially overcome the above problem, it is known to install a receptacle or drip tray underneath the water heater so to catch any water leaking from the water heater. Such water is then conveyed by means of a drain or overflow pipe leading from the drip tray to a location where it is disposed of safely.

A disadvantage with having only a drip tray as a safety precaution is that the water heater could be leaking for extended periods without a user noticing it, resulting in a significant wastage of hot water. Also, if the leak is severe, the drain pipe might be unable to accommodate the volume of water the drip tray receives, causing the water to flow over sides of the drip tray. Furthermore, a water heater is usually placed where it is difficult to access and as a result, the drain pipe is not checked on a regular basis to see if there is an obstruction therein.

It is not uncommon for a leak to last for an extended period as a user is not notified of the leak. If left unattended for a while, the leaking water could cause significant damage to infrastructure.

Furthermore, for maintenance or power saving purposes, a user currently has to manually switch on or off the water and/or power supply to the geyser, either on the mains supply, or on the power main distribution board. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a vessel operation control system and method which seeks to overcome or reduce the above disadvantages and/or which will be a useful alternative to existing vessel operation control systems and methods. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vessel operation control system comprising:

- a liquid sensor for sensing liquid leaking from a vessel; and

- a controller for controlling a supply of at least one of electricity and water to the vessel, the controller being in communication with the sensor and terminating said supply in response to the liquid sensor sensing liquid. There is provided for the controller to control the supply of both electricity and water to the vessel and terminating both supplies in response to the liquid sensor sensing liquid.

There is further provided for the liquid sensor to communicate a sensing signal to the controller when it senses liquid.

The system may also include a liquid flow control valve for controlling the flow of liquid to an inlet of the vessel, the valve having an open configuration in which liquid is permitted to enter the inlet, and a closed configuration in which liquid is prevented from entering the inlet, the valve being manipulatable between its open and closed configurations by means of the controller.

There is also provided for the controller to transmit a notification message to a receiving address in response to the liquid sensor sensing liquid. The receiving address may comprise at least one of an email address, user address and mobile number. The notification message may be in the form of at least one of an e-mail, text message, picture message, voice message, and instant message.

The notification message may contain at least one or more of the following:

- date of when liquid is sensed;

- time of when liquid is sensed;

- location where liquid is sensed;

- status of water supply to vessel;

- status of electricity supply to vessel; and

- information regarding sensor that sensed the liquid.

The sensor may be a first sensor located in a receptacle positioned below the vessel. Alternatively, the sensor may be a second sensor associated with a safety valve fitted to the vessel.

There is still further provided for the controller to receive an instruction remotely and executing such instruction, which instruction containing the status of at least one of electricity and water supply to the vessel. The instruction may contain the status of both supplies of electricity and water.

The system may also include a local switch in communication with the controller with which the status of at least one of electricity and water supply to the vessel may be regulated. The local switch may regulate the status of both supplies of electricity and water simultaneously.

The system may also include a battery pack for providing backup power when a power mains is interrupted.

The controller may be in wired or wireless communication with the sensor.

The controller may be in wired or wireless communication with the valve.

The vessel may comprise a storage liquid heater, such as a domestic geyser.

The valve may be operated by means of a solenoid. The system may still further include an alarm which may be activated in response to the sensed liquid. When activated, the alarm may provide an audible or visible output.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is a vessel operation control method including the steps of:

- sensing liquid leaking from a vessel; and

- automatically terminating a supply of at least one of electricity and water to the vessel in response to the sensing of liquid. Both supplies of electricity and water to the vessel may be terminated in response to the sensing of liquid.

The method may include the further step of transmitting a notification message to a receiving address in response to the sensing of liquid. The receiving address may comprise at least one of an email address, user address and mobile number. The notification message may be in the form of at least one of an e-mail, text message, picture message, voice message, and instant message. The notification message may contain at least one or more of the following:

- date of when liquid is sensed;

- time of when liquid is sensed;

- location where liquid is sensed;

- status of water supply to vessel;

- status of electricity supply to vessel; and

- information regarding sensor that sensed the liquid.

The liquid may be sensed in a receptacle positioned below the vessel. Also, the liquid may be sensed when it passes through a safety valve which is fitted to the vessel.

The method may also include the step of sending instructions remotely to regulate the status of at least one of electricity and water supply to the vessel. The instructions may regulate the status of both supplies of electricity and water simultaneously.

The method may further include the step of activating an alarm in response to sensed liquid. When activated, the alarm may provide an audible or visible output.

The vessel may comprise a storage liquid heater, such as a domestic geyser.

These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One example embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of a non- limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vessel operation control system installed on a vessel; and figure 2 is a similar view as figure 1 wherein the system senses water leaking from the vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, a vessel operation control system is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The system 10 comprises a first liquid sensor 12 positioned in a receptacle 14 or drip tray for sensing if there is liquid 16 leaking from a vessel 1 8 and associated piping 23, 30 and 44 and accumulating in the receptacle 14 positioned below the vessel 18. The vessel 18 is in the form of a storage water heater, also known as a geyser. The system 10 further includes a second liquid sensor 20 positioned adjacent to and associated with a safety valve 22, which is mounted to the vessel 1 8. The second liquid sensor 20 senses liquid passing through the safety valve 22. According to this example embodiment, the second sensor 20 is located in an auxiliary outlet conduit 23, in which the safety valve 22 is also located. Is should be appreciated that the location of the second sensor 20 is not limited to this location. For example, the second sensor 20 could also be located within the safety valve 22, or any other location where it is able to detect liquid escaping through the safety valve 22.

The safety valve 22, also referred to as a temperature and pressure, or T-P valve, is a safety device that allows water to discharge from the vessel 18 through it when the temperature and/or pressure within the vessel 18 exceeds a predetermined threshold, so to depressurize the vessel 18. It should be appreciated that the first and second sensors 12 and 20 could comprise any type of liquid sensor. The system 10 further includes a controller 24 for controlling a supply of electricity and water to the vessel 18. The controller 24 controls the supply of electricity to the vessel 18 by means of an electrical cord 26 extending between the controller 24 and an electrical element (not shown) of the vessel 18. The controller 24 is connected to an electricity mains supply 27 and thus forms the gateway between the electricity mains supply 27 and the vessel 18. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention an electric isolator (not shown) could be installed between the electricity mains 27 and controller 24, so to protect the controller 24 from a power surge. Similarly, the controller 24 controls the supply of water to the vessel 18 by it being in wired communication with a liquid flow control valve 28. The valve 28, operated by means of a solenoid, is provided on an inlet conduit 30 connected to an inlet 32 of the vessel 18. The inlet conduit 30 extends between the inlet 32 and a water mains supply (not shown). The valve 28 controls the supply of liquid to the inlet 32 and has an open configuration in which liquid is permitted to enter the inlet 32, and a closed configuration in which liquid is prevented from entering the inlet 32. The controller 24 manipulates or moves the valve 28 between its open and closed configurations.

The controller 24, which is in wired communication with the first and second sensors 12 and 20, terminates the supply of both water and electricity to the vessel 18 when a sensing signal A (see figure 2) is communicated to it from either of the sensors 1 2 or 20. Upon receipt of the sensing signal A, the controller 24 causes the valve 28 to close and also cuts off the power supply to the electrical element. By closing the valve 28, the vessel 18 is effectively isolated from the water mains supply. The system 1 0 further includes transceiving means including an antenna 34 which transmits through a network 36 a notification message to a receiving address 38 in response to either of the sensors 12 or 20 sensing liquid. The transceiving means could also include a modem or any device capable of transmitting and/or receiving a message. In example embodiments of the invention, the receiving address 38 comprises at least one or more of an email address, user address and mobile number, which could be accessed on computing devices. Similarly, the notification message is in the form of at least one of an e-mail, text message, picture message, voice message, and instant message and contains the following information:

- date of when liquid is sensed;

- time of when liquid is sensed;

- location where liquid is sensed;

- status of water supply to vessel;

- status of electricity supply to vessel; and

- information regarding sensor that sensed the liquid.

It is envisaged that the notification message could be transmitted to any person or entity, registered on the network 36, including a user associated with the vessel 18, an insurance company, or the like. It is further envisaged that the notification message could extend to any form of notification that is given to the user and or entity regarding the state of the system 10.

The system 1 0 further permits for an instructing message to be transmitted to the controller 24 and the execution thereof. The instruction is received remotely by the antenna 34 from a user and/or entity responsible for the operation of the system 10. The instructing message could include the status of both or only one of the electricity and water supply to the vessel 1 8. For example, when the instructing message is received, the controller 24 either terminates or restores both or either of the electricity and water supply, depending on the instruction contained in the instructing message. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a local switch 40 is provided with which either or both of the electricity and water supplies could be manually terminated, or restored. In at least some embodiments of the invention, a supplementary power source (not shown), such as a battery pack or other power reservoir is included to provide backup power to the system 10 for when a power interruption on the mains power supply 27 occurs. This enables the system 10 to continue functioning and monitoring the vessel 18 and associated piping 23, 30 and 44 for a predetermined period, despite the power mains 27 being down.

In use, and referring particularly to figure 1 , the system 10 is fitted to the vessel 1 8 as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. When the vessel 18 is operating normally, the receptacle 14 has no liquid in it and no liquid is passing through the safety valve 22. Cold liquid enters B the vessel 18 through the inlet conduit 30, is heated and stored in the vessel 18, and when hot water is required, exits C the vessel through an outlet 42 and is routed by means of a supply conduit 44.

Referring particularly to figure 2, when there is a problem with the vessel 18 or associated piping 23, 30 and 44, either by liquid 1 6 leaking therefrom and accumulating in the receptacle 14, or by liquid escaping the vessel 1 8 through the safety valve 22, the sensing signal A is communicated to the controller 24 by either of the sensors 1 2 or 20. The controller 24 then terminates the supply of water and electricity to the vessel 18. Simultaneously, a notification message is transmitted to the remote address 38 advising the recipient of the status of the system 1 0. Corrective action could now be swiftly taken by the recipient.

The system 10 is not only provided for emergency situations and also allows for the management of power and/or water supply to the vessel 18 from a remote location by the system 10 being able to receive an instructing message advising as to the preferred status of either or both of the supplies. According to example embodiments of the invention, the instructing message would be in the form of either a text message, e-mail, or instant message. For example, it could be the user or entity responsible for the operation of the system sending the instructing message. The power and/or water supply could thus be switched on or off, as desired.

The system 10 could be reset either locally by means of the local switch 40, or remotely by means of the instructing message to restore the supply of electricity and water to the vessel 18, if it was previously terminated.

It is envisaged that this invention discloses a vessel operation control system 10 and method that can be conveniently and easily fitted to and used on a new or existing vessel 1 8, so to monitor and manage the vessel 18 on a continuous basis. The system 10 enables that rapid and effective preventive action could take place when a water leak is detected, which reduces the extent of potential water and consequential damage. Also, an associated user and/or entity are immediately informed of the leak. Furthermore, when a leak is detected, the system 10 depressurizes the vessel 1 8 and permits for excess water to drain away. It also is envisaged that the system 10 will improve the overall safety of vessels 18, more particularly of pressurized vessels 18. The system 10 provides for two-way communication, that is, into the system 10, as well as from the system 10. It is further envisaged that the system 10 could be installed on any vessel without tampering or interfering with such vessel, and potentially voiding its warranty.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein and that many other variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the system 1 0 could also include an alarm which is activated upon receipt of the sensing signal A by the transceiver and gives an audible or visual signal. Further, the controller 24 could be adapted to only regulate one of the water and electricity supply. Also, the controller 24 could be in wireless communication with the sensors 1 2 and 20 and valve 28. Yet further, the system 1 0 only has to include one of the first and second sensors 12 and 20.

It will further be appreciated that the foregoing example has been provided merely for the purposes of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment only, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. The present invention is also not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A vessel operation control system comprising:

- a liquid sensor for sensing liquid leaking from a vessel; and

- a controller for controlling a supply of at least one of electricity and water to the vessel, the controller being in communication with the sensor and terminating said supply in response to the liquid sensor sensing liquid.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller controls the supply of both electricity and water to the vessel and terminating both supplies in response to the liquid sensor sensing liquid.

3. The system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the liquid sensor communicates a sensing signal to the controller when it senses liquid.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a liquid flow control valve for controlling the flow of liquid to an inlet of the vessel, the valve having an open configuration in which liquid is permitted to enter the inlet, and a closed configuration in which liquid is prevented from entering the inlet, the valve being manipulatable between its open and closed configurations by means of the controller.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller transmits a notification message to a receiving address in response to the liquid sensor sensing liquid.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the receiving address comprises at least one of an email address, user address and mobile number.

The system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the notification message is in the form of at least one of an e-mail, text message, picture message, voice message, and instant message.

8. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the notification message may contains at least one or more of the following:

- date of when liquid is sensed;

- time of when liquid is sensed;

- location where liquid is sensed;

- status of water supply to vessel;

- status of electricity supply to vessel; and

- information regarding sensor that sensed the liquid.

9. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor is a first sensor located in a receptacle positioned below the vessel.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a second sensor associated with a safety valve fitted to the vessel.

1 1 . The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller receives an instruction remotely and executes such instruction, which instruction containing the status of at least one of electricity and water supply to the vessel.

12. The system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the instruction contains the status of both supplies of electricity and water.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a local switch in communication with the controller with which the status of at least one of electricity and water supply to the vessel is regulated.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the local switch regulates the status of both supplies of electricity and water simultaneously.

15. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, including a battery pack for providing backup power when a power mains is interrupted.

16. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is in wired or wireless communication with the sensor.

17. The system according to claim 4, wherein the controller is in wired or wireless communication with the valve.

18. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vessel comprises a storage liquid heater, such as a domestic geyser.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve is operated by means of a solenoid.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, including an alarm which is activated in response to the sensed liquid to provide an audible or visible output.

21 . A vessel operation control method including the steps of:

- sensing liquid leaking from a vessel; and

- automatically terminating a supply of at least one of electricity and water to the vessel in response to the sensing of liquid.

22. The method according to claim 21 , wherein both supplies of electricity and water to the vessel are terminated in response to the sensing of liquid.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, including transmitting a notification message to a receiving address in response to the sensing of liquid.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the receiving address comprises at least one of an email address, user address and mobile number.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the notification message is in the form of at least one of an e-mail, text message, picture message, voice message, and instant message.

26. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the notification message contains at least one or more of the following:

- date of when liquid is sensed;

- time of when liquid is sensed;

- location where liquid is sensed;

- status of water supply to vessel;

- status of electricity supply to vessel; and

- information regarding sensor that sensed the liquid.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the liquid is sensed in a receptacle positioned below the vessel.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the liquid is sensed when it passes through a safety valve which is fitted to the vessel.

29. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 28, including sending instructions remotely to regulate the status of at least one of electricity and water supply to the vessel.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the instructions regulate the status of both supplies of electricity and water simultaneously.

31 . The method according to any one of claims 21 to 30, including activating an alarm in response to sensed liquid to provide an audible or visible output.

32. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 31 , wherein the vessel comprises a storage liquid heater, such as a domestic geyser.

33. A vessel operation control system substantially as herein described and/or exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A vessel operation control method substantially as herein described and/or exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings.