JP2010236301A - Water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that a water supply valve for supplying water to a water storage tank like a water receiving tank is frozen causing failure in opening and closing operation and precluding water supply and distribution when the water supply valve is left under a low temperature for a long time in a halting state at midwinter since it is installed outdoor. <P>SOLUTION: In a water supply system, a water level control unit of the water storage tank is provided with a timer to allow the water to pass to prevent freeze by opening the water supply valve for a predetermined period of time before elapse of the time of halt of the water supply that causes freeze of the water under a freezable temperature. The passing water to prevent the freeze can be received in a capacity of the water storage tank without being wasted and without trouble. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water supply system having a water level control unit that controls the water level of a water storage tank such as an office building or a condominium, and a storage tank such as an elevated water tank. In particular, the water level control unit has a water supply valve in a cold season such as winter. And an anti-freezing function that prevents the water pipes connected thereto from freezing, and controls the opening and closing of the valve according to the air temperature in the vicinity of the water supply valve to prevent the water from passing through for a predetermined time. The present invention relates to a water supply system having a water level control unit for a water tank.

    In general, a water supply system temporarily stores a predetermined amount of tap water in a water storage tank such as a water receiving tank or an elevated water tank installed upstream thereof via a water supply pipe having a water supply valve. Water is distributed to each consumer through a water distribution pipe having a water distribution pump such as a water pump having a function of a water distribution valve. And the pressure required for water supply and water distribution is obtained by the water pressure of the water main, the pumping pump to the elevated water tank, the potential energy of the elevated water tank, the pump provided in the water distribution pipe, and the like.

  And normally, the water level in the water tank in such a water supply system is detected by a water level sensor provided in the water tank, and depending on the water consumption, that is, the detected water level, the water tank from the tap water mains The water level control unit controls water supply to a water storage tank such as an elevated water tank, water distribution from the water storage tank, and the like, so that an appropriate water level is maintained.

  Specifically, in buildings, condominiums, hospitals, schools, and other buildings where water consumption is high, storage tanks such as water tanks, elevated water tanks, etc. are installed on the rooftop, underground, or outdoors. The tap water is once stored in the water tank and then supplied or distributed to the consumption points at the respective ends.

    And the conventional water supply system which has the control part which controls the water level in such a water tank is equipped with the water level sensor in the bottom part in this water tank, and when the water level reaches a predetermined water level, the output of the water level sensor In response to this, the water supply valve, which is an electromagnetic valve, is closed to stop water supply, and when the water level drops to a predetermined low water level, the water supply valve is opened and water supply is resumed in this water tank. It is configured as follows.

  This water supply valve can also be a self-powered automatic valve, and such a water supply valve has a built-in cylinder, piston, etc., and by releasing the water pressure in the cylinder, Open and close automatically. A pilot pipe and a sub valve are connected to release water in the cylinder of the water supply valve. When the sub valve is opened, the water supply valve is also opened, and when the sub valve is opened, the water supply valve is also opened. As the sub valve, an electromagnetic valve that is electrically opened and closed is used.

  In general, the water in the water supply valve or the water supply pipe is frozen after about one hour when the outside air temperature reaches −5 ° C. It is disclosed that it starts and freezes easily, but it does not freeze if it is running. As described above, in cold regions, it is possible to recognize waste and prevent freezing in the vicinity of the faucet by maintaining a small amount of the faucet open and allowing the water to pass on a daily basis. Has been done. However, such anti-freezing measures by water flow are at the end, and the result is not so large as to change the water level like a water tank. I can't expect water.

  Furthermore, in a situation where the water supply valve is buried in the ground, depending on the depth of freezing, there is an environment that is difficult to freeze, but such installation is rare in the case of a water storage tank.

Edited by the Society for Air Conditioning and Sanitation Engineering, “Prevention and Practice of Freezing of Building Equipment” (issued on March 25, 1996)

  By the way, water tanks and water distribution pipes are often installed outdoors due to their nature. Therefore, the outside air temperature decreases in winter, especially in severe cold seasons. The water supply valve or the water supply pipe connected to it freezes and cannot be opened / closed by the control unit. Therefore, water supply / distribution becomes impossible, which may cause a serious accident depending on the situation.

  For this reason, extra equipment and measures such as the installation of a heating device and a cover for preventing freezing are required, and there are not a few equipment that are left with knowledge of the malfunction. However, if a sudden freezing occurs due to a sudden change in weather conditions, a great number of problems may occur.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in order to prevent the water supply valve from freezing in the severe cold season, the water level control unit of the water storage tank is supplied with water to prevent freezing, that is, the passage of water. A timer capable of executing water for a predetermined time is provided.

  This timer may be automatically linked to at least freezing temperature detection in the vicinity of the water supply valve, or may be manually operated in anticipation of the temperature.

  According to the present invention, the water supply valve of the water storage tank can be prevented from freezing even in a severe cold season by simply installing a timer in the water level control unit.

  Moreover, in the water level control unit of the water tank, measures are taken in preparation for various abnormality management. As will be described later, in general, a water storage capacity that allows a predetermined amount of water to be supplied even after detection of the full water level. Therefore, the water for freezing prevention is substantially received in the water storage tank, and is not drained wastefully, and no particular trouble occurs.

It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows one Example of the water supply system of this invention. It is a flowchart and circuit diagram which shows one Example of the water supply system of this invention.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to a schematic sectional view of the water supply system of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of the present invention.

  The water storage tank 10 is installed, for example, on an outdoor floor 12 of an office building. A water supply pipe 14 is opened above the water storage tank 10, and a water supply valve 16 is provided in the water supply pipe 14. The water supply valve 16 is an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes by a control signal from the water level control unit 18 and controls water supply to the water storage tank 10. For example, tap water from a water main (not shown), that is, tap water The water is supplied from the water supply pipe 14 to the water storage tank 10 via the water supply valve 16 and temporarily stored.

  And the supply pipe, ie, the water pipe 20, is connected to the bottom part of this water tank 10, and this water pipe 20 is connected to the end via a water distribution valve or a connected pump (not shown). Is connected to a water supply terminal (not shown) of a consumer in a building such as a building or a condominium, and the water distribution valve or the pump is controlled by a control signal from the water level control unit 18. Thus, water distribution is appropriately performed, and a predetermined water level is maintained as will be described later. The water supply terminal is, for example, a water tap or a water heater provided from a branched water distribution pipe.

    In addition, a water level sensor 24 is installed at the bottom of the water storage tank 10, its output is transmitted to the water level control unit 18, the output is processed, and the water supply valve 16 is controlled according to the water level of the water storage tank 10. It has come to be. The water level control unit 18 opens and closes the water supply valve 16 in response to a water level signal from the water level sensor 24, controls the amount of water supplied into the water tank 10, and stores the water level in the water tank 10. It is configured to maintain the water level within a predetermined water level range as described later, that is, the control water level range. A control panel having an openable / closable door 18a with a display window is configured.

    On the other hand, the water tank 10 is provided with a water level detection unit 26 composed of electrode rods, and four electrode rods 26-1, 26-2, 26-3, 26-4 are provided from the upper part of the water reservoir 10. The water level is detected by the respective electrode rods, and the detection signals are transmitted to a pump control unit (not shown) to control the pump.

  That is, the electrode rod 26-1 is the longest common ground electrode, and the other electrode rods 26-2, 26-3, 26-4 have a length corresponding to each detected water level. -2 indicates a drought level L1, that is, an idling water level is detected to prevent idling of the pump, the electrode bar 26-3 is for a low water level L2 detection alarm, and the electrode bar 26-4 is a full water level L3 detection alarm It is for.

  More specifically, the drought level L1 is a water level that issues a drought warning when the water level in the water storage tank 10 becomes lower than its tip, and is detected by the electrode rod 26-2. That is, when the water level becomes lower than the drought level L1, the control unit determines that the water level has fallen below the drought level L1, issues a drought warning to the outside, and stops the pump to prevent the pump from idling.

    The water reduction level L2 is a water level that issues a water reduction alarm when the water level becomes lower than its tip, and is detected by the electrode rod 26-3. That is, when the water level becomes lower than the reduced water level L2, a water reduction alarm is issued to the outside.

    The full water level L3 is a water level that issues a full water alarm when the water level is equal to or higher than the tip position, and is detected by the electrode rod 26-4, and the pump control unit is configured to issue a full water alarm to the outside.

    Here, for example, when the water level in the water storage tank 10 falls below the reduced water level L2 due to water distribution by the pump operation from the water storage tank 10, the pump control unit issues a water reduction alarm to the outside. When the water level is further lowered, and the tap water is supplied from the water supply valve 16 under the control of the water level control unit 18 by the water level sensor 24, the water level is still low and falls below the drought level L1. The pump operation is stopped. In this case, it is possible to set the pump in a state where the pump can be restarted when the water level rises due to water supply and exceeds the return water level by installing another electrode rod.

  As described above, the alarm and the pump are mainly controlled by such a water level detection of the electrode rod method.

  In the figure, reference numeral 28 denotes an overflow pipe, which drains the water stored above the overflow pipe when water supply continues for some reason such as failure after the above-described full water warning and the water level in the water storage tank 10 rises. It is provided to do.

  Next, in addition to such alarm and pump control by the electrode rod 26, the water level sensor 24 described above is controlled by the control unit 18 based on the output of the water level sensor 24 based on the detected water level in the water tank 1. By controlling the opening and closing of the water supply valve 16, the water level between the full water level L3 by the electrode rod 26-4 and the drought level L1 by the electrode rod 26-2 in the water tank 10 is appropriately set at each level described later. And is configured to be controlled safely.

In other words, as shown in the drawing, on the right side of the water storage tank 10, the meaning of each detected water level of the water level sensor 24 is written so as to correspond to the detected water level of the electrode rod. The high water level water supply stop position La, the current water level Lb, the high water level water supply start position Lc, the low water level water supply stop position Ld, and the low water level water supply start position Le are detected from the water level.
More specifically, for example, when the pump is activated and water is distributed from the current water level Lb at the current time, the water level reaches the high water level water supply start position Lc. In response, the control unit 18 opens the water supply valve 16 to supply water. If this water supply amount exceeds the water distribution, then the high water level water supply stop position La is detected and the water supply stops. Therefore, the water level in the water tank 10 is normally maintained between the high water level water supply stop position La and the high water level water supply start position Lc if the control unit 18 is set to a high water level corresponding to the consumed capacity. The

  On the other hand, if the water distribution further exceeds the water supply, the low water level water supply start position Lc is detected, the water supply is started, the low water level water supply start position Lc is detected, the water supply is started, and the low water level water supply stop position Ld is detected. When it is done, water supply stops. Therefore, in this case, the water level in the water tank 10 is maintained between the low water level water supply stop position La and the low water level water supply start position Lc. Furthermore, if the water distribution exceeds the water supply and exceeds the electrode rod 26-3 (water reduction alarm), and further exceeds the electrode rod 26-4 (air slip prevention alarm), the pumping pump stops and the water distribution is restricted, and only water supply continues and is normal. The water level can be recovered.

  Normally, the water level control in the water storage tank 10 is stably performed as described above. However, since the water storage tank 10 is often installed outdoors, the water supply valve 16 is also exposed to the outside air. In a severe cold season such as this, the water supply valve 16 may freeze.

  That is, here, assuming a situation where a water supply valve generally disposed in contact with the outside air or a water supply pipe in which the water supply valve is installed freezes in a severe cold season, for example, the water supply valve is closed to allow water to flow. In the stopped state, as described above, when the outside air temperature is, for example, -5 ° C and continues for one hour, the water supply valve and the water supply pipe in contact with the outside air may be frozen. Is extremely high.

  Therefore, in this situation, according to the present invention, as shown in the flowchart and circuit diagram of FIG. 2, the water supply valve 16 is set for a predetermined time before the water supply stop time elapses, which may be frozen, using a timer. By opening and passing water, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the water supply valve and the water supply pipe connected to the water supply valve and the water supply pipe connected to the water supply valve are likely to freeze due to stagnation in a stopped state.

  Preferably, the water flow for preventing freezing is intermittently executed in an amount capable of preventing freezing in the range from the water level at that time to less than the overflow water level of the overflow pipe 28 as described above. The waste water is prevented by storing all the water for freezing prevention in the water storage tank 10. In the case of low water level control, the water flow for freezing prevention is stored without any problem, but in the case of high water level control, the range from the water level to the overflow water level of the overflow pipe 28 is not so large. In order to prevent the freezing within that range, the water flow rate such as the water flow time and the number of water flow is set in advance according to the installation environment of the water supply system.

  That is, first, as shown in FIG. 1, a temperature sensor 30 is installed in the vicinity of the water supply valve 16, for example, on the surface of the valve body, and a predetermined temperature on the surface of the valve body, for example, −5 ° C. A temperature controller 32 is provided to receive the output of the above, and the water supply valve 16 is opened and closed in a timely manner through timers 34 and 36 described later. The installation position of the temperature sensor 30 is the surface of the main body of the water supply valve 16, but this position is a position that is directly affected by the outside air temperature, and the freezing of water in the water supply valve 16 is also caused by the outside air temperature. Therefore, the possibility of freezing can be detected in advance at this position, which is preferable. In addition, the installation on the outer surface is advantageous when retrofitting is added to an existing system because it can be easily retrofitted as compared with the system installed inside.

  Here, the water flow rate for freezing prevention is within a capacity that is accepted between the high water level water supply stop position La in the water storage tank 10 and the full water warning position of the electrode rod 26-1 for 2-3 minutes at a flow rate of 1 m / sec. Set to stay.

  As described above, there is a certain capacity between the high water level water supply stop position La and the full water warning position of the electrode rod 26-1, and the water flow for freezing prevention exceeds the high water level water supply stop position La. Even if it is carried out, the entire amount is stored in the water tank 10 and is not drained unnecessarily, without causing any particular trouble, and in the unlikely event that the capacity is exceeded. However, even if an abnormality that requires water occurs, the excess water level can be drained by the overflow pipe 28 without any trouble.

  Therefore, the water temperature in the water supply valve 16 usually rises by passing a predetermined volume of water for a predetermined time to prevent freezing, but the outer surface of the water supply valve 16 detects that the outer surface of the water supply valve 16 is −5 ° C. by the outside air temperature. In the case of continuing, it is possible to execute this anti-freezing water flow again one hour later, and then repeat it again, and assuming this, it can be performed seven or eight times. It is desirable to set a certain amount of water flow. It is also possible to repeat the subsequent water supply valve water flow regardless of the output of the temperature sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a timer, that is, an adjustment timer 34 and a valve opening / closing timer 36 are connected to the water level control unit 18, and the adjustment timer 34 is received by a temperature regulator 32 that receives the temperature output of the temperature sensor 30. The valve opening / closing timer 36 is activated after 1 hour from the start. The valve opening / closing timer 36 opens the water supply valve 16 according to its output, for example, for 3 minutes, and executes water for preventing freezing. For the timers 34 and 36, the former can select a relatively long delay time setting of about 30 minutes to about 1 to 2 hours, and the latter can select a water passage time setting of about 1 minute to about 5 minutes.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the surface temperature of the water supply valve 16 reaches −5 ° C., the adjustment timer 34 is started by the temperature output from the temperature sensor 30, for example, one hour has passed since then. Thereafter, the valve opening / closing timer 36 is operated to open the water supply valve 16 for a predetermined time, for example, 3 minutes, so that water is supplied from the water supply pipe 14 to the water storage tank 10. The water supply valve 16 itself by this water supply or the water flow in the water supply pipe 14 reliably prevents freezing inside them at that time. After that, when the surface again becomes −5 ° C., the opening operation of the water supply valve 16 can be similarly repeated.

  When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 30 is significantly increased due to the water flow for preventing freezing, the timers 34 and 36 are intentionally interrupted to control the opening and closing of the water supply valve to close the initial state. It is also possible to return to the state and restart from temperature detection.

  In the above-described embodiment, the temperature sensor 30 is provided on the outer surface of the water supply valve 16. However, in the water supply valve provided with the pilot pipe and the sub valve, the temperature sensor 30 is provided on the pilot pipe including the sub valve. Further, it may be provided near the water supply valve. Of course, in each case, the temperature output of the temperature sensor 30 and the time setting of the timer are optimized while empirically predicting the temperature output of each temperature sensor 30 and the freezing temperature and freezing time of the water supply valve or water supply pipe. It is desirable to set it to a value.

  As described above, such freezing prevention water flow is performed by, for example, preventing freezing by performing freezing prevention water flow within the allowable capacity range from the full water level of the water storage tank. The water flow for use can be stored in the water tank without wasting at all, and freezing can be surely prevented, so that the above-mentioned problems can be sufficiently dealt with. The water supply system which can do is provided.

  Of course, a certain amount of water is set from the full water level warning until the actual overflow pipe overflows. That is, even if a certain amount of water flows from the water supply pipe after the full water level is detected, the water is practically stored in the water tank and is not drained wastefully. There is no hindrance. According to the present invention, by skillfully using the capacity that can be received, the water flow for freezing prevention can be automatically executed. Even if the surplus capacity is exceeded due to an abnormal condition, there is no particular problem because it is only flooded.

  In this way, if necessary, according to the measurement result of the outside air temperature, the water supply valve to the originally stopped water tank is automatically opened for the scheduled time to pass water for freezing prevention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a water supply system having a water level control unit that can avoid a state where there is a risk of freezing.

  As described above, the water passage time or the water flow amount is configured so that the freeze prevention function is automatically activated by setting the output of the temperature sensor and the timer operation time in advance in conjunction with the outside air temperature. Can do.

  In the embodiment of the present invention described above, the water flow for freezing prevention is configured to control the water level control unit 18 based on the measurement result of the temperature sensor 30 provided on the outer surface of the water supply valve 16. The control of the control unit is not based on the measurement result of the outside air temperature. Regardless of the operation, it is possible to start and drive the timer for the water supply valve 16 by manually operating an operation unit (not shown) such as a push button switch in the water level control unit. .

In other words, as described above, by setting the minimum water passage time or amount necessary to prevent freezing at a predetermined temperature, it is irrelevant manually or independently from the actual measurement of the outside air temperature. It is also possible to configure to start the set water flow operation.
Whether the water flow for freezing prevention is to be executed continuously or intermittently depends on the degree of the antifreezing effect and the water storage capacity within the safety limit of the water tank. , Either can be selected, but any are possible.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Water storage tank, 12 ... Floor surface, 14 ... Water supply pipe, 16 ... Water supply valve, 18 ... Water level control part (control panel), 18a ... Opening / closing door, 20 ... -Water distribution pipe, 24 ... Water level sensor, 26 ... Water level detector, 26-1 ... Common electrode rod (L1), 26-2 ... Electrode rod for anti-slip alarm (L2), 26- 3 ... Electrode bar for low water alarm (L3), 26-4 ... Electrode bar for full water alarm (L4), 28 ... Overflow pipe, 30 ... Temperature sensor, 32 ... Temperature controller, 34 ... Adjustment timer, 36 ... Valve open / close timer, La ... High water level stop position, Lb ... Current water level, Lc ... High water level start position, Ld ... Low water level stop position, Le ... Low water level start position

Claims (9)

  In a water supply system having a water level control unit that supplies water via a water supply valve and stores a predetermined amount of water in the water storage tank and distributes water from the water storage tank, the water supply valve may be frozen. A water supply system comprising a timer for controlling a water supply valve before a stop time elapses to supply water for freezing prevention for a predetermined time.   2. The water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the water supply amount for preventing freezing is set within a range from a water level at a time when the timer operates to an overflow water level of the water storage tank.   The water supply system according to claim 1, wherein an operation unit capable of manually starting the timer is provided.   The water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a temperature sensor that outputs a freezing temperature of the water supply valve, and the timer is started by an output of the temperature sensor.   The water supply system according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor is provided on an outer surface of a water supply valve.   The water supply system according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of a water supply valve.   The water supply system according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor is provided in a pilot pipe of a water supply valve.   8. The water supply according to claim 4, wherein the temperature output of the temperature sensor is about −5 ° C., and the water supply for freezing prevention is within about 1 hour from the output. system.   The water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the timer repeats the control a predetermined number of times after water has passed for a predetermined time.

Images