EP1978164A1 - Method for dimensioning and planning fresh water distribution systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves determining the number and type of consumption points, and ascertaining, which defined water flow rate that is provided for a consumption point in question and planning notice for each of the consumption points by stating an application and associated flow rate. A code, particularly a color code, is assigned to each water flow rate or each water flow rate region, and deriving the value of the expected maximum feed volume per unit of time. An independent claim is also included for a sanitary component, e.g. nozzle, which has flow regulator or pressure independent flow regulator.

Description

The invention relates to a method for dimensioning and planning of fresh water distribution systems in buildings with a plurality of consumers and a pressure-independent flow regulator or volume-controlled jet regulator for use in such a method.

Flow controllers or volume-controlled jet regulators for use in or on sanitary fittings are state of the art. For example, be on here PCT WO 97/32244 directed. The local flow regulator has a control core insert, comprising a support ring and a control core connected to webs. In the control core U-, rectangular or semi-circular grooves are recessed, between which lie substantially flat lateral surfaces. An O-ring can then come in line, but also over a large area with the mantle surfaces in contact. The for the fluid medium, especially water, open cross-sections in the grooves and thus the flow rate is precisely defined and reproducible.

Similarly, jet regulators or jet shapers, which are offered by Neoperl GmbH under the brand name "Neoperl®" or "Perlator®", are state of the art. Such jet regulators or jet shapers may have an integrated flow regulator whose operating principle is based on the fact that an elastically deformable element more or less closes or releases a passage gap for the fluid medium, depending on the prevailing pressure conditions.

According to various standards, eg the European standard EN 246 or the US standard ASME A112.18.1 M, a large number of different products of different flow rates or with flow rate limitation or quantity-regulating properties must be kept in stock. For ease of identification has therefore been proposed to provide the various necessary components with a coding, so that the user in a simple manner in the It is possible to make the desired selection and, for example, to make a substitute assembly.

It has been found, however, that due to the small dimensions of the respective sanitary component, it is difficult to apply or apply the necessary information in a form that can be recognized without any aids, so that only minimal information or specific instructions for the application are taken into account.

From the EP 1 308 563 A2 It is known, for the purpose of detecting and accounting for changes in piping systems compared to the planning to provide the installed parts with a registration. The corresponding sanitary installation device has for this purpose a continuous coding, which contains information on the installed parts. Furthermore, a recording device is provided with which the coding is readable. The pipe sections, rods or fittings used are preferably already provided in the production with a continuous coding according to the teaching there, which contains, for example, the nature of the pipe section or the connecting rod and which is arranged at fixed intervals.

In training of EP 1 308 563 A2 It is envisaged that the coding is attached, for example, only on elongated connection points, ie on the pipe sections or connecting rods. The fittings are identified indirectly via the pipe sections or connecting rods. On the necessary recorder then only the type of connection part, so for example a plastic fitting, must be entered. When registering it should then only be necessary to identify the elongated connecting parts with the recorder. In an associated computer system, a bill of material is then created, which, coupled with a product database, enables the exact billing of the installed sanitary pipe system. The coding according to EP 1 308 563 A2 preferably consists of a bar code, which can be identified with an optical reader and which is printed, for example, on the outside of the coded parts. Also, the coding can be spiraling on the coded parts be applied to create a reading opportunity in any position. However, the barcode or barcode can only be identified with a special reader, but not by simple inspection, and the information content hidden in the code can be recognized.

When dimensioning, in particular, sanitary building installations, as a rule, empirical values are taken into consideration and taken into account that all consumers must be supplied with a simultaneity assumption with regard to fresh water withdrawal. The design of the systems and installations is therefore either oversized or it comes in practical operation with a critical dimensioning to an uneven distribution of the existing taps.

Using simultaneity of the need for fresh water for multiple consumers using the prior art design guidelines, this is usually done without consideration of pressure fluctuations, ie calculations are made at a presumed pressure regardless of the actual conditions. This in turn means that in practical operation of sanitary installations, the flow rate varies, with a doubling of the pressure, the flow increases about 1.5 times. In order to prevent these changes, pressure reducers are used in the domestic installation as well as in industrial plants. However, these limit only the effects of excessive overpressure, eg in the range of> 5 bar. In buildings over several floors partially own pumping stations for groups of floors are necessary. With a height difference of 9 m, there is already a pressure difference of 0.9 bar, which leads to further problems with the supply of the individual consumption points. The more potential consumers, ie water-purifying sanitary components are provided, the more difficult it is to make a plan based on the actual circumstances in practice planning and execution of the corresponding system.

Once a building installation has been erected, it is not readily apparent to the respective user which properties the sanitary components and installation objects have, in particular to which flow classes they are to be assigned. This in turn leads to ambiguity in replacement and remedial measures. In many cases the replacement takes place e.g. a jet regulator with integrated flow regulator intuitively or purely for a favorable offer, as available in usual hardware stores.

The result is a possibly increased energy and water consumption and a loss of comfort, especially if the consumer is not clear that at simultaneity acceptance and given, finally determined by the supplier pressure conditions, the taps are supplied differently. Thus, e.g. when simultaneously opening a valve for a garden irrigation system and opening the water inlet valve in an automatic washing machine, the filling process there, i. the fresh water intake, take too long a period of time.

From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for sizing and planning of fresh water distribution systems in buildings with a variety of consumers, which allows precise planning and specification of distribution systems by reducing planning unknown. It is a further object of the invention to provide a condition that during later replacement or renovation of sanitary components exactly that is used new, which corresponds to the intended for the respective tap water flow rate.

The object of the invention is achieved by a definition according to the method of claim 1, wherein the dependent claims represent at least expedient refinements and developments.

Essential to the invention is also the use of pressure-independent quantity regulators or jet regulators, which have such a flow regulator, according to the teaching Claim 8.

A basic idea of the invention lies in the fact that in the planning and execution of sanitary facilities basically only sanitary components are to be used at the consumption points, which have separate or integrated flow regulator. With stringent pursuit of this basic idea, the dimensioning of complex building installations for fresh water distribution systems is simpler, since the pressure fluctuations which usually arise during operation and can not be influenced can largely be disregarded.

Oversizing by e.g. Use of additional pumping stations is no longer required or can be largely eliminated. Since pipe cross-sections can be reduced, there is a reduction of the line weight and the total weight of line and located therein fluid medium.

If volume regulators are used on all significant sanitary components, it is also possible to control mixed pressure systems hot / cold or kitchen / bathroom. Ultimately, it is possible with the invention, essential prerequisites to save water and energy and thus to ensure CO ₂ reduction.

Each tapping point of the fresh water distribution system has a defined water flow or a fixed volume due to the pressure-independent volume regulator.

The dimensioning can be made as needed, taking into account the particular application, e.g. Shower or bath, kitchen, bidet or washbasin. In terms of volume, the dimensioning can be e.g. to the filling of a cistern, a washing machine or dishwasher dish.

Of particular advantage is the use of a present for each flow regulator product identification certificate. The product identification certificate contains information on the water flow rate or the water flow rate range in the form of an encoding, in particular a color coding. This color coding can about it Be used as a synonym for energy efficiency, for example, the color green for a desired and desired consumption reduction, ie, a lower flow rate, for example, for use in a hand basin.

The product identification certificate should be attachable to the product itself, with the additional possibility of having it e.g. in the form of a label on the product packaging or to label the final product containing a quantity or jet regulator according to the achievable energy efficiency.

According to the method, the number and type of future consumption points is determined in dimensioning and planning of fresh water distribution systems in buildings with a large number of consumers in a first step.

Thereafter, a determination is made as to whether the respective consumption location is one for filling a fixed volume, e.g. Washing machine or cistern, or around a point of consumption with a defined water flow rate, e.g. a shower is.

It is then determined which defined water flow rate is provided for the relevant consumption point. After that, a planning note is made for each of these consumption points by specifying the application and the associated flow rate. The use of pressure-independent quantity regulators and volume-controlled jet regulators then takes place on the basis of the present for each of these flow regulator and jet regulator product identification certificate at least for each of the consumption point with a defined water flow rate. Each water flow rate or each water flow rate range is assigned a coding, in particular a color coding, which is unique.

At the conclusion of the planning, an addition of the water flow rates of all consumption points takes place under simultaneity assumption and derivation of the size of the expected maximum feed quantity per time unit, without taking into account the actually occurring pressure variability, ie Pressure fluctuations of the supply or house installation network.

From the expected maximum feed quantity, a calculation of the line cross sections in the building distribution and / or of pumping stations is then carried out in the case of multi-storey installations.

In terms of design, at least information about a desired flow rate of the respective quantity regulator and the installation dimensions for the advantageous field of application can be taken from the product identification certificate.

When implementing the teaching according to the invention after completed planning and corresponding installation remains in the worst case, i. given in itself given overload of the supply network, a water balance for all consumers. The otherwise possibly necessary use of active regulators, which in turn require auxiliary power, can be dispensed with.

As already stated, spare parts or replacement procurement of quantity regulators based on the product identification certificate can be made easily, even by the layman.

Preferably, the outlets, which are used in domestic installations, added to a pack information or it has such an indication, which indicates an optimal interaction with a pressure-independent flow regulator, preferably for this also a color coding is used, which corresponds to the water flow rate coding, so that the correct, preferred combination flow regulator / outlet fitting results solely from the assignment color to color.

Upon acceptance of the building installation with fresh water distribution systems, a classification can be made on the basis of the achieved efficiency classes. This classification, in turn, is preferably taken into account in the consumption fee determination. Likewise, the efficiency class of the fresh water distribution system can be used with legally required house energy pass.

Efficiency class is to be understood as a classification or assessment which is not limited to the water and thus the indirect Energy consumption oriented, but also the noise, due to the flowing medium includes. The respective efficiency class also provides an indication of the extent to which CO ₂ emissions can be reduced if the production of hot water is based on the use of fossil fuels.

The sanitary component proposed for use in the implementation of the method according to the invention is a quantity regulator or a volume-controlled jet regulator. The jet regulator or jet former for fluid media consists of property-determining components which are sandwiched in the flow direction. These comprise at least one attachment screen, a Zerlegerplattenanordnung and a sleeve body extending over its cross-sectional area, beam-forming, perforations having segments, to achieve adaptability to a variety of user and application requirements, the property-determining components are interchangeable and combinable and this on or in the sleeve body fastener and arranged on the Zerlegerplattenanordnung corresponding fasteners, preferably molded or molded. The Zerlegerplattenanordnung has at least on the outside a flow class specifying and the sleeve body a the flow type, namely laminar or air enriched, specifying optical encoding. If a flow regulator is used between the front screen and the separator plate arrangement, the front screen is preferably designed to be translucent or preferably transparent. Here, the flow regulator itself may have a further optical coding.

The aforementioned optical codings are designed as different color codings.

The color gradations or color differences of the respective codings can include color temperatures which can be visually detected by means of optoelectronic image acquisition and evaluation as well as without aids.

The flow regulator has the control gap mentioned in the introduction, the flow cross-section of which is variable by means of an elastically deformable under the pressure of the fluid flowing medium element, in particular ring, wherein the transparent or translucent properties of the attachment screen are selected so that the flow regulator itself and the position of the deformable ring or the elastic element can be seen ,

Ausgestaltend, the elastic element or the elastic ring itself have an optical coding, in particular a color coding, which is in color contrast to the control gap or its bypass. The use of sanitary components designed in this way takes place on the basis of a code table authorized by the manufacturer, which indicates which optical coding of the components recognizable without dismantling corresponds to the respective application with respect to jet shape, flow rate limitation and / or flow class or approaches this application to a large extent. These data are also made available to the respective planning office, so that the corresponding sanitary components can be prescribed according to the assumed consumption conditions at the respective tapping point and then used.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1 a flow chart of the sizing and planning process;

Fig. 2a and 2 B Sectional views and top views of known flow regulator, wherein Fig. 2a the Regulierprofil is provided inside the elastic ring and after Fig. 2b an external regulation profile is present;

Fig. 3 a sectional view of a typical volume-controlled jet regulator with representation of attachment screen, Zerlegerplattenanordnung and sleeve body and

Fig. 4 a typical representation of the flow behavior when using a flow regulator or a jet regulator with integrated flow regulator.

As pointed out in the introduction to the description, the dimensioning of building installations, especially when it comes to a large number of consumers, is subject to a great deal of uncertainty, in particular simultaneity assumptions, which form the basis for the design of installation systems according to the prior art.

As in the schedule after Fig. 1 is represented in the, also automatically running, method of sizing and planning according to the invention, it is assumed to first determine or set the number and type of consumption points. After that, it is defined whether the respective consumption point is a filling of a fixed volume or a point of consumption with a defined water flow rate.

Then, on the planning side, it is determined which defined water flow rate is intended for the respective consumption point, and a planning note is made for each of these consumption points by specifying the application together with the associated flow rate. The planning then further determines the use of pressure-dependent flow controllers and / or quantity-controlled jet regulators based on a present for these flow regulator and jet regulator product identification certificate at least for each of the consumption points with a defined water flow rate or each Wasserdurchflussratenbereich, with a coding, especially color coding is assigned.

Finally, the water flow rates of all consumption points are added together, assuming simultaneity and deriving the size of the expected maximum feed quantity per unit of time. This is done without the otherwise necessary consideration of pressure fluctuations of the network, since the load side is decisively the flow rate at the respective consumption point, which was predetermined by the respectively used pressure-dependent flow regulator or appropriately designed jet regulator.

The pressure-independent flow rate regulators used in accordance with according to the illustration Fig. 2a and 2 B assume a sleeve-shaped basic body 1. A centric insert body 2 has according to Fig. 2a an oriented on its side facing an elastomeric ring 3 side Regulierprofil 4 in the sense of a toothing.

A pressure-dependent change in the position of the elastomeric ring 3 changes the cross section of the passage gap 5 for the fluid medium with the result that the flow rate can be kept almost constant even with pressure fluctuations above a certain minimum pressure.

The operating principle of the flow regulator according to Fig. 2b is basically analogous to that as in the Fig. 2a shown, with the difference that an internal toothing 6 is provided.

The Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a quantity-controlled jet regulator with in the flow direction arranged property-determining components.

Substantially here is the sleeve body 7, on the underside or the lower portion of which flow-rectifying, beam-shaping means 8, which have apertures, are formed.

Through sections of the outer circumference, the sleeve body 7 can have slot-like openings 9 which serve to supply ambient air, specifically when an air-enriched, sparkling spray pattern is to be obtained.

In the inflow direction above the sleeve body 7 is an annular Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10. This Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10 has a variety of special, beam-splitting openings of different cross-sections or varying longitudinal sections, so that the fluid is accelerated and passes to the following in the flow direction flow rectifier 8.

The burster plate assembly 10 is e.g. via a locking connection with the inside of the sleeve body 7 in contact and is fixed accordingly.

To achieve an adaptability to different user and application requirements, the property-determining components, namely the diffuser plate assembly 10 and sleeve body 7, with the beam-forming means 8 interchangeable and combinable.

An encoding of the circular Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10 is at least on the outside. Likewise, an encoding on the sleeve body 7 is formed at least on the outside, wherein preferably both the circular Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10 and the sleeve body 7 consists of a colored plastic material, wherein the color of the plastic corresponds to the desired optical encoding.

In the Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10 is preferably also by means of a locking connection or cohesively a front screen 11 is used. For this purpose ausgestaltend the circular Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10 has an internal recess and the front screen 11 a complementary, partial or complete covenant.

According to Fig. 3 is between the front screen 11 and the Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10 a flow regulator 12 is used. Here, the front screen 11 may be transparent or translucent and the flow regulator 12 have a further optical coding, which is in contrast to the local Zerlegerplattenanordnung 10. The flow regulator may have a yellow color, for example, which means a maximum flow rate of 8.3 l / min when used as intended and with a corresponding variable pressure.

The Fig. 3 again reveals the control gap 13 and the elastically deformable ring 14. In the unloaded case, the ring 14 is not deformed and assumes a desired position with respect to the flow cross section to be changed. A corresponding position of the deformable ring 14 is readily apparent in a translucent or transparent attachment screen 11.

The color coding proposed in particular also makes it easy for the layman to recognize the water flow rate or the water flow rate range and thus an assignment of the application, so that an exchange of the respective sanitary component can be made easily. Even when buying a sanitary fitting can be detected whether the supplied volume regulator the Planning concept or whether an exchange with a suitable controller and appropriate color coding is here to make.

Claims (8)

Method for sizing and planning fresh water distribution systems in buildings with a large number of consumers,
characterized by the following steps: - to determine the number and type of points of consumption; - Determine whether the respective point of consumption is a filling of a fixed volume or a point of consumption with a defined water flow rate; - Determine which defined water flow rate is intended for the respective consumption point, and planning note for each of these consumption points by specifying the application and the associated flow rate; Use of pressure-independent quantity regulators and / or quantity-controlled jet regulators based on a product identification certificate for each of these quantity regulators, at least for each of the consumption points with a defined water flow rate, wherein each water flow rate or each water flow rate range is assigned a coding, in particular color coding; - Adding the water flow rates of all consumption points under simultaneity assumption and deriving the size of the expected maximum feed quantity per unit time. Method according to claim 1,
characterized in that
From the expected maximum feed amount, a calculation of the line cross sections in the building distribution and / or pumping stations for multi-storey facilities takes place. Method according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
at least information about a nominal flow rate of the respective quantity regulator, the installation dimensions and the advantageous field of application can be taken from the product identification certificate. Method according to claim 1 or 3,
characterized in that
the product identification certificate contains an efficiency class for the respective quantity regulator, preferably by color representation or color information. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
Replacement part or replacement procurement of quantity controllers is based on the product identification certificate. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the outlet fittings contain an indication or a package information which indicate an optimal interaction with a pressure-independent flow regulator, for which purpose preferably a color coding is used which corresponds to the water flow rate coding. Method according to claim 4,
characterized in that
if the building installation with fresh water distribution system is approved, a classification is made on the basis of the achieved energy efficiency classes, taking into account this classification in the determination of consumption charges. Sanitary component, namely jet regulator or jet former with flow regulator or pressure-independent flow regulator for use of a method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the flow regulator and the jet regulator or beam former has an optical coding and wherein in the case that between a known front screen and a known Zerlegerplattenanordnung a Jet regulator or Strahlformers a flow regulator is used, the front screen is translucent or transparent designed such that the optical coding of the flow regulator is visible.

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