WO2018174701A1 - Automated device and system for remotely controlling the distribution of fluids - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an automated device for remotely controlling the distribution fluids, which has: a duct formed by a through tube (1), at least one sensor (2), an energy generator (3) and a valve (5) for controlling the passage of fluids; an electronic card (6) for two-way communication; a battery (8) that obtains electrical energy from the energy generator (3); a case for containing, covering and protecting all the components of the device; a screen (11) for inputting and viewing information regarding the state of the device; a proximity sensor (12) that detects the movement of the user and activates the screen (11) of the device; and at least one energy source. The invention also relates to a system for the remotely controlled distribution of fluids which comprises at least one automated device (A) for remotely controlling the distribution of fluids, according to the present invention.

Description

 AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEM, TO CONTROL DISTANCE, THE DISTRIBUTION OF FLUIDS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of electromechanics and the fluid distribution industry, because it refers to an automated apparatus and system, useful in the control, monitoring and distribution of fluids, in a remote way.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently there is great interest in the control of commercial fluids, such as water, fuels, gases, energy, etc., for this purpose, technologies have been developed that help control the distribution of these fluids; however, to date such technologies have not been sufficiently capable of total control of such fluid distributions.

Such is the case of the technology described in patent document W02014 / 059359 A1, which is a network of intelligent valves, which controls all aspects of a fluid flow within a pipe, including programmed control routines and Smart decision control via software and hardware. Specifically, it includes a valve to be connected to a network of valves, said valve comprises at least one set of valves, which in turn comprises: at least one valve for controlling the flow of a fluid or gas, through of an opening in the valve assembly; at least one pressure sensor to detect the pressure of the fluid or gas; at least one viscosity sensor to detect the viscosity of the fluid or gas; at least one flow rate detector, to detect at least the flow or volume of the fluid or gas; at least one fluid or gas temperature sensor; at least one electric power generator that generates electric energy from the flow of the fluid; at least one processor connected to the valve, at pressure sensor, flow rate detector, viscosity sensor, and temperature sensor; where the processor is able to control the position of the valve, based on the information obtained from the pressure sensor; at least one communication module connected to the processor, capable of transmitting and receiving information from at least one or the other of the valves of the valve network or a control unit; at least one safety module mounted on the valve and connected to the communication module and the processor; where the safety module is capable of sending information, obtained from the valve assembly, to the valve network about the status of the fluid or gas flowing in the valve assembly; and at least one energy source that provides power to the set of valves, processor and communication module, and the safety module is charged and / or recharged by an electric power generator.

Furthermore, the valve of said document WO2014 / 059359 A1 may comprise a control unit, which in turn comprises: a secure satellite communication module, a valve control processor, a processor with parameters configured to operate the valve if the communications are interrupted; and one or more web servers that can control additional valves in the valve network.

The communication module can be: cellular network, satellite network, UMTS network, 2G network, 3G network, GSM network, CDMA network, etc. The power source can be: a battery, fuel cell, power generator, nuclear power cell, solar panel, and / or a direct electric current line. The electric power generator is selected from a solar power cell, an electric generator, a dynamo, a nuclear power cell or an alternator. In another aspect, the valve may comprise a second communication system and may be selected from: a communication line, a fiber optic line, an intranet, a satellite, a telephone, etc.

As it has been observed, the valves or networks of controlled distribution of fluids, have a more complex construction, their means of communication are located externally, for example located in a Module of radio frequency transmission and a "machh one" communication module, for sending information to the satellite; its energy generating means such as the solar panel and its physical monitoring means such as a screen, are not integrated into the valve or valve networks, but are external accessories; among other inconveniences.

In order to counteract the aforementioned drawbacks, an automated apparatus and a system comprising it have been developed, to remotely control the distribution of fluids, whose additional characteristics and advantages are more clearly understood in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment. thereof, given by means of a non-limiting example with reference to the attached figures, in which:

Figure 1 is an explosive view of the parts that form the pipeline for the passage of fluids, which is part of the automated apparatus for controlling fluids, remotely, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of the pipeline for the passage of fluids, in an assembled condition.

Figure 3 is a top view of the duct illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a longitudinal section of the pipe where the fluids pass from the automated apparatus of the present invention.

Figure 5 is an explosive view of all the components of the automated apparatus for controlling fluids, remotely, in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 6 is a front view of the automated apparatus, in question, in an assembled condition.

Figure 7 is a rear view of the automated apparatus, in question, in an assembled condition.

Figure 8 is a conventional perspective view of the automated apparatus for controlling fluids, remotely, in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 9 is a block diagram of the automated apparatus of the present invention. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the electronic card, which is part of the automated apparatus, of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a system for the controlled distribution of fluids, which comprises the automated apparatus of the present invention, via internet communication.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a system for the controlled distribution of fluids, which comprises the automated apparatus of the present invention, via satellite communication only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in the first instance, to an automated apparatus for remotely controlling the distribution of fluids; more specifically, it is to remotely control the supply of fluids, in a safer and more practical way. The fluids that can be distributed with this automated device are: water, drinking water, liquid and gaseous fuels, flows of other particles such as electricity, etc. Therefore, by way of clarity, with the term "fluid" we mean all matter that can flow or form a flow. Therefore, said fluids can be liquid, semi-liquid (with a certain density or viscosity), gaseous and / or a combination between them. Among the liquid fluids we can mention water, drinking water, liquid fuels, chemical substances, food substances, among others. The gaseous fluids can be combustible gas and other types of gases. Among the semi-liquid fluids are oil, edible oil, honey, syrups, lubricants, to name a few examples.

The characteristic details of the automated apparatus (A) of the present invention are clearly shown in the following description, accompanying figures and examples; which illustrate some preferred embodiments of said automated apparatus (A), and therefore should not be considered as a limitation on the scope of the invention. The automated apparatus (A) of this invention is self-sustaining, and useful for remotely controlling the distribution and administration of fluids, whereby said apparatus (A) is made up of a passed tube (1) through which a fluid flows; in said past tube (1) at least one sensor (2) is placed to measure some characteristic of the fluids that pass through the past tube (1). The last tube (1) can be a tube with ends suitable for connecting to other devices. Therefore, the ends of the past tube (1) can provide a connection means, such as a thread, projections, stops, cavities, etc. The sensor (2) of the past tube (1) can be: a flow sensor, a volume sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a pH sensor, an oxide-reduction sensor, a content sensor of chlorine, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a conductivity sensor, and / or a combination between them, to name a few, but not limited to; which will depend on the characteristic to be controlled in the distribution of said fluids.

A power generator (3) is connected at one end of the last tube (1) and a conventional connection (4) is required to seal the end of the last tube (1) with the end of the power generator in a sealed manner. (3). The energy generator that is required is one that can be powered by the flow energy of a fluid, for example, a dynamo, a turbine, a microturbine, or any other similar device. The conventional connector (4) can be one that allows a tight connection, to prevent fluid leakage, for example it can be a female type tubular connector, internally threaded, etc.

A fluid flow control valve (5) is connected, in a sealed manner, to the free end of the passed tube (1). So said fluid flow control valve (5) can be any valve that controls the passage of any type of fluid, such as for example having an opening / closing mechanism, more specifically it can be a motorized valve, solenoid valve, among others. With the combination of the power generator (3), the passed tube (1) and the fluid flow control valve (5), a duct is formed (see figure 4) for the passage of the fluids; where the entry of the fluids is through the perforation (1a) of the free end of the power generator (3) and the exit through the perforation of the outlet end (1b) of the fluid flow control valve (5). In this way, when the fluids enter the pipeline, their flow drives the energy generator (3), which takes advantage of that mechanical energy by converting it into electrical energy that is used for the energy consumption required by the automated apparatus (A); the fluids then pass through the sensor (2), where some characteristic of interest of the fluid is measured; then the fluids pass to the fluid flow control valve (5).

It should be noted that the order of the power generator (3), the passed tube (1) with sensor (2), and the fluid flow control valve (5), can be in any other order; since the location of said components does not alter the measurement, control, administration and distribution of fluids.

It is also clarified that the construction of the pipeline in this description is merely illustrative, but not limiting; So the construction of this pipeline can be in any other obvious way for an expert in the field. For example, it can be built in one piece, without the need for connections and connectors, thus guaranteeing a tight seal between the component connections. This pipeline must be able to be coupled to a fluid distribution network, so that at its input (1a) and output (1b) ends, it can comprise conventional connectors or copies (7) to connect it to the distribution network of fluids At least one electronic card (6) for wired or wireless communication is provided in the automated device (A) to control, in an automated manner, the operation of the electronic components of the device (A). Said electronic card (6) is designed to control bidirectionally at least, to the fluid flow control valve (5) and the sensor (2). So this electronic card (6) is configured for the emission and reception of serials of opening, closing, flow measurement and emission of other data or signals resulting from the interaction between a fixed software, and / or mobile applications with general functions of the automated device (A). This card (6) must also be capable of being controlled by communication, wired, wireless or remote networks, by software or mobile applications, through the reception or transmission of data via ethernet, broadband, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, "universal serial bus", global positioning system, short message services, universal mobile telecommunications service, or internet, among others (see figures 10, 11 and 12). This electronic card (6) may comprise at least one microcontroller sufficient to interact and control all the components of the automated device (A).

The electronic card (6) must have an internal battery to enter standby mode, for when there is a power interruption; in such a way that the electronic card (6) continues to collect information from the sensors, until the electrical power is restored; So the automated device (A) will always keep running.

At least one battery (8) is provided to store and provide power to the electronic card (6), even in the absence of power. Therefore, said battery (8) is connected to the power generator (3) to receive the electrical energy that it generates. The battery (8) must have the capacity to store enough energy, to always keep the electronic card (6) powered, which will also keep the automated device (A) running. A housing (9 and 10) is provided to contain, cover and protect all the components of the automated apparatus (A) of the present invention. Where said housing (9 and 10) must be configured according to the arrangement of the components; for example, it must comprise at least one container (9) and a lid (10) that tightly closes the container (9). Therefore the lid

(10) and the container (9) must have, a means of closing or airtight assembly between them, but that allows to open the container (9) by folding, removing or lifting the lid (10), for when it is desired to have access to the Automated device components (A). The closure means can be a tongue and groove type assembly mechanism, a pressure coupling mechanism, screwed, etc.

A screen (11) is provided to the automated device (A), where information about the status of the device (A) can be entered and viewed, whereby said screen (11) communicates reciprocally with the electronic card (6). The screen (11) can be a touch screen, non-touch, LCD, LED, etc. Said screen (11) is strategically supported in some part of the cover (10) of the housing, so that a user can easily manipulate and visualize it.

A proximity sensor (12) is strategically placed on the cover (10) of the housing, so that it detects the movement of a user and activates the screen

(11) of the automated apparatus (A), as required. So said proximity sensor (12) has reciprocal communication with the electronic card (6), which in turn with the screen (11).

At least one energy source (not illustrated) is provided, to supply power to the automated apparatus (A). Being in this case, mainly the flow of the fluids the one that provides the energy, which is harnessed and transformed into electric energy by the power generator (3). However, the energy source may be of another type, such as electric current, solar energy, hydroelectric power, chemical energy, wind energy, the combination between them, etc.

Therefore, when it is desired to take advantage of solar energy, the automated device (A) is provided with a photovoitaic solar panel (13), which must be placed strategically to capture the greatest solar radiation and channel it in the form of energy to the battery (8), to store it.

In this way, an automated device (A) is obtained, whose components are integrated into a single unit, while conventional devices or systems for the measurement and control of remote flows have their components or modules separately; which results in several inconveniences for its interconnections, require ample space for its installation; they have communication problems due to the separation of their components, they cannot be installed and transported easily, etc.

A further advantage of the present apparatus (A), is the fact of being totally autonomous and sustainable, because it generates its own energy.

Said automated apparatus can be used in remote controlled fluid distribution systems or networks; for which said systems or networks will include:

- At least one automated device (A) as described in the present invention.

 - At least one remote receiving and transmitting means, such as an artificial satellite (14) for receiving and sending information remotely, between the automated device (A) and the other system components.

- A virtual space (15) for the storage and analysis of information, such as the widely known computing cloud, where the information emitted by the device (A) and vice versa is received through its electronic card (6), via reciprocal satellite communication, for storage and analysis, based on patterns that allow to identify faults, fluid flow control valve status (5), assemble reports and present predicted calendars so that a technician or user can have a better control and planning of fluid distribution. - Therefore, the system requires the technician or user to have a mobile communication device (16) so that in real time it can operate or monitor the automated device (A) through the virtual space (15) and through, At least, a communication network (not illustrated) or an artificial satellite (14), verify possible failures or measurement errors of the fluids being distributed.

 - The system, in question, also includes an administration module (17), where the technician or user visualizes, diagnoses, controls and manages the distribution of fluids.

 - Said system, therefore requires a network for remote communication (not illustrated), preferably wireless, for communication between the components that form said system. For example it can be a conventional remote communication network, such as internet, GSM, GPRS, 4G, 2G, SMS, GPS, "universal serial bus", local area networks, among others.

 - At least one connection means (18) to said remote communication network (not shown). Said means can be conventional ones, such as WiFi, ethernet, wireless, bluetooth, among others. One method of the system described above is that it could also require computer programs that provide a parameterizable communication protocol, which is provided remotely, such as in virtual space (15), device (A), module administration (17), mobile communication device (16), etc.

A further embodiment of the system in question is that it can comprise a second electronic card (6 ') like the one described above, this for when there is no internet service and there is only satellite communication (14). Said second card (6 ') can be added inside or outside of the administrator module (17), preferably; see figure 12.

Therefore, the present invention also comprises said systems for the controlled distribution of fluids, described above. EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate some preferred embodiments of the automated apparatus (A) and the systems for remote control, of fluid distribution, and therefore should not be considered as a limitation for said invention.

Example 1. Development of an automated device for remote control of the drinking water service.

Said automated apparatus was constructed of: i) a past tube (1) with externally threaded ends;

ii) a water volume sensor (2) was placed externally in the last tube (1);

iii) a dynamo (3) was connected to one of the threaded ends of the tube (1); iv) an internally threaded female type tubular (4) connect was used to seal the ends of the past tube (1) and the dynamo (3) in a sealed manner;

v) a motorized valve (5) was connected, in a sealed manner, to the free end of the tube (1);

vi) a connector (7) was added at the free end of the motorized valve (5), to connect the apparatus to a fluid distribution network;

vii) a wireless electronic card (6) was connected to all the electronic components of the device (A); which has a first microprocessor with reciprocal connectors for at least one antenna; whereby said first microprocessor controls bidirectional communication modules, an EEPROM memory, an SD memory, and a second microprocessor; which also interacts bidirectionally with the connector for communications modules, with the motorized valve (5), proximity sensor (12), display (11), sensor (2), battery connectors (8) and also with memory SD and EEPROM (see figure 10). This card (6) also had a battery internal for standby mode, for when there was no battery power (8); with which, the card (6) did not interrupt the conservation and data collection, until the arrival of the energy.

viii) a flow of drinking water (not shown) provided power to the electronic board (6);

ix) a battery (8) was connected to the dynamo (3) to receive the electrical energy that the dynamo (2) converted from the energy provided by the flow force of the drinking water; which in turn powered the electronic card (6);

x) a housing was used to cover and protect the components of the apparatus (A) in question, where said housing was configured from a container (9) where the duct, formed by the dynamo (3), the last tube was adapted (1) and the motorized valve (5); and a transparent dome-shaped lid (10) to allow light to enter the panel (13), tightly closed the container (9); by means of protrusions (19) that were provided on the lower edge of the lid (10), which were introduced under pressure to some holes (20) located on the upper edge of the container (9);

xi) a photovoltaic solar panel (13) was provided on the inner top of the housing dome (10);

xii) a touch screen (11) was added on the front of the cover (10) of the housing, where said screen has reciprocal communication with the electronic card (6); Y

xiii) a proximity sensor (12) was placed on the front of the cover (10) of the housing, which has reciprocal communication with the electronic card (6) and is in turn with the screen (11), to activate it with the presence of movement.

Example 2. System for the controlled distribution of drinking water.

For the conformation of this system, it was required: i) an automated apparatus (A) as described in example 1; I) at least one artificial satellite (14) for receiving and sending remote information via the automated device (A) and the other system components;

iii) the cloud computing (15) was used where information sent by the device (A) was sent and stored via satellite communication; where said information, in this case was the volume of the flow of drinking water;

iv) a cell phone (16) to receive real-time information from the cloud computing (15);

v) The system, in question, also includes an administration module (17), where the technician visualized, diagnosed, controlled and administered the distribution of water for a week;

vi) Internet was used for the communication of the system components; Y

vii) via Wi-Fi (18) the system components were connected to the internet.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An automated apparatus for remote control, the distribution of fluids, characterized in that it comprises: i) a passed tube (1) where a fluid flows;  ii) at least one sensor (2) to measure some characteristic of interest to the fluid when it passes through the past tube (1);  iii) a power generator (3) is connected at one end of the last tube (1);  iv) a connect (4) is required to seal the end of the tube passed (1) with the end of the power generator (3); v) a fluid flow control valve (5) is connected, in a sealed manner, to the free end of the passed tube (1);  vi) at least one electronic (6) wired or wireless communication card, which communicates bi-directionally with the electronic components of the device (A), and configured for the emission and reception of opening, closing, flow measurement signals and issuance of other data or serials resulting from the interaction between a fixed, and / or mobile software with general functions of the automated device (A);  vii) a battery (8) for storing and providing power to the electronic card (6), is connected to the power generator (3) to receive the electrical energy that it generates;  viii) a housing (9 and 10) to contain, cover and protect all the components of the automated apparatus (A);  ix) a screen (11) that communicates reciprocally with the electronic card (6) to enter and view the information on the status of the device (A), is strategically placed in the cover (10) of the housing; x) a proximity sensor (12) is strategically placed in the housing to detect the movement of a user and activate the screen (11) of the automated device (A); Y xi) at least one energy source to provide power to the automated apparatus (A). 2. The apparatus of the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a photovoltaic solar panel (13). 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the passed tube (1) has ends suitable for connecting to other devices. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensor (2) is selected from the following group: a fluid sensor, a volume sensor, a temperature sensor, pressure sensor, pH sensor, oxide-reduction sensor, Chlorine content sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor, a conductivity sensor, and / or a combination between them. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power generator (3) is: a dynamo, a turbine, and a microturbine. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conventional connector (4) is an internally threaded female type connector. 7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid flow control valve (5) is: a motorized valve, and solenoid valve. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the order of connection of the components: the power generator (3), passed tube (1) with sensor (2), and the fluid flow control valve (5), It is in any other order. 9. The apparatus according to claims 1 and 8, wherein the duct formed by the power generator (3), passed tube (1) with sensor (2), and fluid flow control valve (5). It is built in one piece. The apparatus according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises connectors or copies (7) at its input (1a) and output (1b) ends. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic card (6) comprises: i) a first microprocessor, with reciprocal connectors for at least one antenna, to control two-way communication modules, an EEPROM memory, a memory SD, already a second microprocessor,  ii) an internal battery for standby mode;  iii) a second microprocessor that interacts bi-directionally with the connection for communications modules, with the motorized valve (5), proximity sensor (12), screen (11), sensor (2), battery connectors (8) and with SD and EEPROM memory. 12. The apparatus according to claim 1 and 2, wherein the housing (9 and 10) comprises: i) a container (9) where the duct formed by the dynamo (3), the passed tube (1) with the sensor that measures the flow (2) and the motorized valve (5);  ii) a transparent dome-shaped cover (10) to allow light to enter the panel (13); Y iii) a means of sealing or sealing between container and lid, but allowing the container (9) to be opened by folding, removing or lifting the lid (10). 13. The apparatus of the preceding claim, wherein the closure means is a tongue-and-groove, screw-type assembly mechanism, or pressure coupling mechanism. 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the screen (11) is a touch screen, non-touch, plasma, LCD, and LED. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the energy source is: the flow energy of the fluids to be distributed, solar energy, hydroelectric power, chemical energy, wind energy, electric current and the combination between them. 16. A remote controlled fluid distribution system, characterized in that it comprises: i) at least one automated apparatus (A) for remotely controlling the distribution of fluids, in accordance with any of the preceding claims; ii) at least one remote receiving and signaling means (14), for receiving and sending information, between the automated device (A) and the other system components; iii) a virtual space (15) for the storage and analysis of information, where the information emitted by the device (A) is received via satellite communication for storage and analysis, based on patterns that allow to identify faults, valve status fluid flow control (5), assemble reports and present predicted calendars so that a technician or user can have better control and planning of fluid distribution; iv) a mobile communication device (16) so that in real time, a user can activate the automated device (A), check for possible failures or measurement errors of the fluids being distributed, based on the information stored in the virtual space; v) an administration module (17), where the technician visualizes, diagnoses, controls and manages the distribution of fluids;  vi) a network for remote communication for communication between the components that make up said system; Y  vii) at least one connection means (18), to connect to the remote communication network. 17. The system of the preceding claim, wherein the remote receiving and sending serial means is an artificial satellite. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the virtual space (15), is the cloud computing. 19. The system according to claim 16, wherein the communication network is: internet, GSM, GPRS, 4G, 2G, SMS, "universal serial bus" GPS, and / or local area networks. 20. The system according to claim 16, wherein the connection means (18) is: WiFi, ethernet, wi relay, and bluetooth. 21. The system as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises computer programs that provide a parameterizable communication protocol, which is provided remotely, in the virtual space (15), automated apparatus (A ), administration module (17), and mobile communication device (16). 22. The system according to claims 16 to 21, characterized in that it comprises a second electronic card (6 ') for when there is no remote internet communication network, and there is only satellite communication (14). 23. The system of the preceding claim, wherein the second electronic card (6 ') is added in the administration module.