Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning
Methods and compositions for controlling and monitoring residential and commercial pumping systems. Preferably, the controlling and monitoring functions include a remotely located controller component capable of displaying alerts and/or from which a user may input commands regulating the functioning of the plumbing system. In particularly preferred examples, the plumbing system is an “on command” hot water system in which hot water availability, use and energy efficiencies and conservation are monitored and maximized.
대표청구항▼
1. A remotely located controller component for a structural on demand hot water system (HWS), said HWS comprising a hot water source, a hot water delivery line, a hot water return line, one or more sensors, and a hot water circulation pump; comprising: a controller component remotely located from sa
1. A remotely located controller component for a structural on demand hot water system (HWS), said HWS comprising a hot water source, a hot water delivery line, a hot water return line, one or more sensors, and a hot water circulation pump; comprising: a controller component remotely located from said HWS for coordinating water and energy use comprising: a microprocessor having a memory component, at least one input connector component for receiving sensor signals, and at least one output connector component for sending control signals,at least one sensor comprising a temperature sensor, said temperature sensor detecting water temperature at said hot water delivery line or said hot water return line over a temperature gradient time period; said remotely located controller component being structured to receive temperature-dependant data from said temperature sensor; detect a change in hot water line temperature (ΔT) at said sensor over a temperature gradient time period; and export a control signal to one or more HWS components;wherein said controller component receives signals from, and/or sends signals to, said one or more HWS components wirelessly. 2. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to receive sensor signals from, and send control signals to, the HWS via the internet. 3. The remotely located controller component of claim 1, structured to receive status data signals from the HWS and display an alert to the user. 4. The remotely located controller component of claim 3, structured to receive alert data signals from a local controller component of the HWS and display an alert comprising information selected from the group consisting of image, video, energy usage, water usage, and video feed data to the user. 5. The remotely located controller component of claim 1, structured to receive alert data signals from a local controller component of the HWS and display an alert to the user. 6. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to receive sensor signals from, and send control signals to, the HWS via the internet using at least in part a method selected from the group consisting of wifi, Bluetooth®, satellite, and a cellular telephone network. 7. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 wherein the controller component is structured to receive sensor signals from and/or send control signals to one or more device selected from the group consisting of: an alarm system, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a heating system, a door lock, and structural lighting. 8. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 wherein said one or more HWS components are selected from the group consisting of a water flow sensor; a water line pressure sensor; a manual valve, an automated valve, a water temperature sensor; a pump status sensor; a local controller, a sound detector, a camera, a video camera, a pump flow rate sensor; a hot water source status sensor; a hot water source thermostat, a moisture detector; a time of day indicator; a day of week indicator; and a timer status detector. 9. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 wherein said controller is structured to accept user input and transmit a control signal based thereon to said one or more HWS component. 10. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to detect an event selected from the group consisting of a loss of water pressure, a loss of water flow, or a lack of hot water in the hot water line, and if such event is detected to turn the pump on for a predetermined circulation time period. 11. The remotely located controller component of claim 1 structured to determine patterns of pump activity, water presence or flow, water pressure, temperature, period of pump activity or inactivity, period of hot water source activity or inactivity. 12. A remotely located controller component for a structural on demand hot water system (HWS), said HWS comprising a hot water source, a hot water delivery line, a hot water return line, one or more sensors, and a hot water circulation pump; comprising: a controller component remotely located from said HWS for coordinating water and energy use comprising: a microprocessor having a memory component, at least one input connector component for receiving sensor signals, and at least one output connector component for sending control signals,at least one sensor comprising a temperature sensor, said temperature sensor configured to work in conjunction with a controller component to determine changes in hot water temperature selected from the group consisting of whether the water temperature reaches a threshold temperature, or whether a change in water temperature (ΔT) in the conduit has occurred; said controller component structured to export a control signal to one or more HWS components when a temperature threshold or temperature gradient threshold is passed;wherein said controller component receives signals from, and/or sends signals to, said one or more HWS components wirelessly, andwherein said controller component is structured to permit a user to access HWS data selected from the group consisting of photographic, video, energy usage data, water usage data, and video feed data to the user. 13. The remotely located controller component of claim 12, wherein said data is accessed by a user inputting a control signal. 14. The remotely located controller component of claim 12, wherein said data is accessed by a user receiving an alert from the controller component. 15. The remotely located controller component of claim 12, wherein the data comprises historical data recorded by said controller component. 16. The remotely located controller component of claim 12, wherein the data is displayed at least in part as a visual representation selected from the group consisting of a photographic representation, a video representation, a graphical representation and a tabulated representation.
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