WO2026018193A1 - Water and energy saving digital thermostatic shower mixer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application describes a system to reduce water and energy losses during preheating procedures. The system comprises a controller box (100), and a remote control (501), wherein the remote control (501 is configured to set control parameters in the controller box (100) which comprises a set of electro valves and thermistors configured to control and enable and/or disable water supply to a user by means off a handheld shower (300) and/or overhead shower (301) and/ or a faucet based on the parameters set on the remote control. A recirculation system for saving cold water in a tank (201) allows for less waste of water.

Description

Water and energy saving Digital Thermostatic Shower mixer

The present application describes a system to reduce water and energy losses during pre-heating procedures.

The shower market has plenty of different approaches for a shower/bath, but the majority still uses the traditional mixer tap. Thermostatic mixers started to appear in the consumer market in the past 10 to 15 years, but although being more expensive, they are much more comfortable to the user. Today digital mixers are slowly entering the mass market but are still very expensive. None of these existing solutions avoid the waste of water during the “warm-up” of the shower. The only way to solve this limitation of the state of the art is to have an external Pump and extra pipe circuitry to have the water delivered always circulating, and for that, have an instant hot water temperature in the shower mixer.

Also, the wastewater heat exchangers, which appeared in early 2009, and are now starting to grow exponentially due to their benefits. Generally, they are independent of the shower mixers and of the eventual circulating pump systems. The few wastewater heat exchanger solutions that comprise the mixer, are truly expensive, and also don’t save “warm-up” water.

The present invention describes a system to reduce water and energy losses during pre-heating procedures characterized by comprising a controller box, and a remote control, wherein the remote control is configured to set control parameters in the controller box which comprises a set of electro valves and thermistors configured to control and enable and/or disable water supply to a user by means off a handheld shower and/or overhead shower and/or a faucet based on the parameters set on the remote control.

In a proposed embodiment of present invention, the system comprises a wastewater heat exchanger, and/or a stratified water tank, and/or a wastewater heat exchanger and a stratified water tank connected in series, physically connected to at least a water feeder of the controller box by means of a piping system, suitable for storing cold and/or preheated water while the same is not supplied to the user and/or while the cold and/or preheated water as not reached the parameters set on the remote control.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the controller box is connected to a heating apparatus by means of a piping system, in particular by a hot water outlet circuit, which is connected to a hot water feeder comprised in said controller box, and to an outtake of the wastewater heat exchanger, and/or a stratified water tank, and/or a wastewater heat exchanger and a stratified water tank connected in series through a hot water feedback circuit which is connected to a cold-water feeder comprised in said controller box.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the controller box comprises a first control mixer intake serially connected to the cold-water feeder; a second control mixer intake serially connected to the hot water feeder; and wherein the first control mixer and the second control mixer are then combined together and connected to a water quality sensor, which will further be serially connected with a flow sensor.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, both the cold-water feeder and/or the hot water feeder comprise bidirectional flow of water and are suitable to operate as water inlets and/or outlets.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, an outtake of the flow sensor is connected to two independent electro valves, a second electro valve and a third electro valve, which respectively are connected to the water outtake of the overhead shower and/or the water outtake for hand shower and/or a faucet, enabling and/or disabling the water supply to the user.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the controller box comprises a first thermistor and a water pressure sensor parallelly installed between the cold-water feeder and the first control mixer; and a second thermistor parallelly installed between the hot water feeder and the second control mixer intake.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, between both the first thermistor and the water pressure sensor a parallel water branch is set towards the intake of the second motor control mixer, wherein, in a serial arrangement, a first electro valve followed by a circulation pump will be set.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the first electro valve is configured to open or close based on the need of circulating water coming from the water heating apparatus through the cold-water feeder.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the circulation pump is configured to force water circulation from the hot water feeder into the cold-water feeder while a temperature determined in the set of thermistors, the second thermistor and the first thermistor, is not reached.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the water circulation forced from the hot water feeder into the cold-water feeder is stored in the wastewater heat exchanger, and/or a stratified water tank, and/or a wastewater heat exchanger and a stratified water tank connected in series through the hot water feedback circuit.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the first control mixer comprises a first thermistor; the second control mixer comprises a second thermistor; the flow sensor is serially connected with a circulation pump; and by comprising a water pressure sensor installed between the hot water feeder and the first control mixer, enabling a reading and a parallel arrangement between said water pressure sensor and a first electro valve which will further engage with a convergence point between the circulation pump and the second electro valve and third electro valve.

Yet in another proposed embodiment of present invention, the controller box comprises a drain pump suitable for enabling the reuse of water in a closed circuit.

The present invention further describes a method to operate the system to reduce water and energy losses during pre-heating procedures comprising at least three loop operating stages, a standby stage, a start stage and a stop stage, the loop standby comprising, a first step which enables the circulation pump being switched off; the first electro valve, the first motor control mixer, the second motor control mixer being closed, as well as the second electro valve and the third electro valve; and a second step which enables a water quality reading performed by means of the water quality sensor with a subsequent fourth step which enables the water quality reading to be sent to a remote database; a third step which enables a leak detector reading set an alarm on a water leak; and a sixth step which enables information or data filing in a database and warning signal notification; the loop start stage comprising, a temperature and flow reading of the water temperature and flow rate predefined and adjusted by the user on the remote control; during the temperature and flow reading, in an adjacent step, data is sent to the remote database and the first motor control mixer and the second motor control mixer are enabled to be fully open; a temperature verification test is performed, checking if Temperature (T1) is below 40ºC, then a cyclical test occurs, and the circulation pump is enabled on to return water provided by hot water feeder through the cold-water feeder; else Temperature (T1) is above 40ºC, then step occurs, where the first electro valve is open, the first control mixer and the second control mixer are partially open depending on the temperature of the hot water supply on the hot water feeder and preheated cold water, and the temperature and flow rate selected by the user on the remote control; and, a stop stage set by the user in the control which enables a transition stage to the standby stage.

General Description

The present invention discloses a Water and Energy Saving Thermostatic Digital Shower mixer that prevents the waste of water during the start of a user’s normal bathing process and optimizes the performance of the wastewater heat exchangers.

The Thermostatic Digital Shower mixer is conceived to be installed and to operate anywhere within the shower area, like for example, in a technical area in the bathroom or ceiling.

In a general concept of the present invention, the Thermostatic Digital Shower mixer combines a set of devices suitable to ensure energy and water savings, which comprise a controller box equipped with an electronic thermostatic valve control with wastewater heat exchanger and hand shower/showerheads/spout. As previously anticipated, the control box can be installed in the ceiling, or wherever preferable for the installer, since ensuring that a water connection will be required between the water heater and the control box and, between the heat exchanger or cold-water feed and the control box, although no connections or wires are required to the remote control of the control box.

The developed system is able to save unused water that usually is sent down the drain during the heating process. Prior to the delivery of water to a user, who is waiting to have a shower, the system enables energy savings enhanced by the wastewater heat exchanger, ensuring that the incoming cold/preheated water is not sent down the drain. The heat recovery system enables to recover a portion of the energy spent during the eating procedure of the water used for bathing, this occurring when the heated hot water passes through said heat recovery system. This energy can be recovered and reused to heat mains water to be immediately available for use.

To help the user in the configuration and programming of the customization settings of the Thermostatic Digital Shower mixer, the system is provided with IOS/Android App support, or other technically adequate for this purpose, that provides all related information about showering consumptions, potential leaks, potential clogging, etc. The system can also be locally controlled by a remote control installed in the vicinity of the showering zone or even by voice.

The app was developed and structured to be adaptable to new requirements, providing at least the following:

1. Information: - Instant monitoring: [Water (L) – consumed and/or saved water by the shower system; Energy (Kw) – consumed and/or saved energy by the shower system; Time (min) – shower duration; Widget (smile) – according to general evaluation of the shower]; - Average and accumulated consumptions - year, month or other configurable period; - Historical graphical representation (per item) – to illustrate the variables monitored;

2. Warnings: - System Malfunction; - Water Quality – Ex. pH, Bioterrorism, water hardness, limestone, legionella, etc; - Maintenance prevention – according to water quality, a plano for eventual maintenance will be determined, anticipating the development of possible usage problems; - Suggestions for system optimization – ex. reduce exaggerated water flow, reduce exaggerated water heater temperature, etc;

3. Configurations: - Water heater system, energy, distance to shower; - Nº Showers per system; - Localization (city); - Nº Users

Another objective is to acquire knowledge about worldwide showering habits, in order to better understand and gain awareness about consumer standards, leading to the development of better, more adjusted and adequate future user products.

Within the scope of the present development, a circulation pump, comprised within the control box, forces incoming cold water to circulate in the opposite direction towards the water heater. The control of the water supply is ensured by electro valve(s), comprised within the control box that open/close the outcoming shower water, and which are temperature dependent of the water, i.e., whether or not it has reached the user’s predefined temperature through the set data on the remote control, to allow the internal water circulation in the pipe circuitry. The control box is also provided with a combination of temperature sensors that monitor incoming temperature of hot water, incoming cold water and preheated water. It is also developed to comprise a water pressure sensor that through a user’s request, can identify/inform water leaks in the piping system of the dwelling. It is fitted with electro valves that independently manage the flow of the hot water, and preheated water, optimizing the efficiency of the system, in regard to water and energy savings, while avoiding accidental burns to the user. The control box is additionally provided with flow sensors/meters that perform the analysis of water flow in the piping, informing the user of detected water return from the dwelling while the shower system is not in use, leading to the prevention of backflow water contamination. It also combines information provided by the range of the incorporated sensors to prevent clogging formation inside of internal piping system, based on efficiency loss analysis. An internal circulation pump is also fitted to compensate for eventual low water pressure in the piping. Water quality sensors make also part of the control box, in a continuous or random timed basis, and which perform the analysis of the supplied water, validating if the water parameters are within the normal standards, or if they are out of range for any particular reason, and which can arm the user health, like for example, legionella, bioterrorism, etc.

The remote control of the Digital Shower mixer is provided with a display that performs a time countdown until the water reaches the predefined temperature by the user. The remote controller, with waterproof features, can be a digital touch display or of a mechanic type which enables the user to manually control the settings and operations of the system, p.e., controlling the water flow, the temperature and the shower output.

The developed system is mainly developed to deliver a Water and Energy saving Thermostatic Digital Shower mixer. The system enables nor only to reduce the water consumption of water during the heating procedure, prior to the showering procedure of a user, as well as reduce the energy needed to enable the heating of said water. Allied to the prior, the system also ensures additional innovating features like control and setting definition through a wireless waterproof remote or voice control, leakage monitoring and parametric water quality control.

For better understanding of the present application, figures representing preferred embodiments are herein attached which, however, are not intended to limit the technique disclosed herein.

illustrates a first embodiment of the proposed system, installed in a user premises.

illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the proposed system, installed in a user premises.

– illustrates a third alternative embodiment of the proposed system, installed in a user premises.

– illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment of the proposed system, installed in a user premises.

– illustrates a fifth alternative embodiment of the proposed system, installed in a user premises.

– illustrates a first embodiment of the proposed control box.

– illustrates a second embodiment of the proposed control box.

– illustrates the operating method of the overall system.

With reference to the figures, some embodiments are now described in more detail, which are however not intended to limit the scope of the present application.

As illustrated in , the developed system is composed by a set of devices and parts, that in the overall essence, enable to mitigate water and energy losses during pre-heating procedures prior to showering procedures of a user. To ensure the above premises, the system is primarily composed by a controller box (100), i.e. a Water and Energy saving Thermostatic Digital Shower mixer, a remote control (501) and a wastewater heat exchanger (200). Additionally, and no less important, it is also required a heating apparatus (400) and shower outlet elements, like for example a handheld shower (300) and overhead shower (301). The heating apparatus (400) comprises at least one of a water heater, water heating cylinder, water heating solar panels, or other technically suitable means. The remote control (501), in one of the preferred embodiments comprises a technically adequate wired and/or wireless communication system (500) to control and set parameters in the controller box (100) and is usually installed in the vicinity of the handheld shower (300) and/or overhead shower (301). The handheld shower (300) is connected to the controller box (100) by means of a handheld shower water supply piping (22) and the overhead shower (301) is connected to the controller box (100) by means of a overhead shower water supply piping (23).

In the illustrated arrangement of , the controller box (100) is connected to the heating apparatus (400) by means of a hot water outlet circuit (20) and to an intake of the wastewater heat exchanger (200) by means of a hot water feedback circuit (21). Both the hot water outlet circuit (20) and the hot water feedback circuit (21) can comprise a bidirectional supply of water as illustrated in the figure by the arrow direction, going inbound or outbound. The controller box (100) is also connected through an independent piping system to the handheld shower (300) and the overhead shower (301). The heating apparatus (400), besides providing heated water to the controller box (100) by means of the piping (20) and a heater water outtake, it also comprises a water intake which is connected to the cold-water inlet circuit (10). This cold-water inlet circuit (10), besides providing water to the heating apparatus (400) intake, it is also connected to an intake of the wastewater heat exchanger (200).

In another possible embodiment of the invention, as depicted on , is very similar to the arrangement disclosed on . In this suggested arrangement of the system, the wastewater heat exchanger (200) is replaced by a stratified water tank (201).

This stratified water tank will enable water storage dividing into layers based on temperature. This separation occurs naturally due to the difference in density between warm and cold water. In this tank, the warmer water tends to rise to the top while colder water sinks to the bottom, creating distinct layers or stratification within the tank so it can efficiently capture and store thermal energy, with the hottest water being readily available for immediate use while cooler water remains stored for later use or as a reserve.

Like in the illustrated embodiment of , and the following suggested embodiments of this invention, the handheld shower (300) will be connected to the controller box (100) by means of a handheld shower water supply piping (22) and the overhead shower (301) is connected to the controller box (100) by means of an overhead shower water supply piping (23).

The same applies to the remote control (501), like in the previous and, this proposed embodiment and the following suggested, which will comprise a wired and/or wireless communication system (500) to control and set parameters in the controller box (100) and which will be installed in the vicinity of the handheld shower (300) and/or overhead shower (301).

In the proposed embodiment, both the hot water outlet circuit (20), the hot water feedback circuit (21) comprise a bidirectional supply of water as illustrated in the figure by the arrow direction, going inbound or outbound. The inlet and outlet of the water heating apparatus (400) are also bidirectional.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, depicted on , it comprises the use of both the components, i.e., the wastewater heat exchanger (200) and the stratified water tank (201) connected in series, with an inlet of the wastewater heat exchanger (200) connected to the cold-water inlet circuit (10), an outlet of the wastewater heat exchanger (200) connected to an inlet of the stratified water tank (201), and an outlet of said stratified water tank (201) being connected to an inlet of the controller box (100).

Since in this configuration the cold water from the water supply network (10) is connected directly to the heat recovery unit (200), it enables an overall reduction of the water and energy losses, while increases the complexity on determining cold-water temperatures, and consequently, determining the heat exchanger’s performance. In the suggested arrangement, an additional monitoring mode will be introduced in which the system would periodically circulate only cold water in the shower, measure the temperature of the cold water, and use this value as a reference for determining its performance.

In the proposed embodiment, both the hot water outlet circuit (20), the hot water feedback circuit (21) comprise a bidirectional supply of water as illustrated in the figure by the arrow direction, going inbound or outbound. The inlet and outlet of the water heating apparatus (400) are also bidirectional.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, depicted on , the use of both the components is still ensured, i.e., the wastewater heat exchanger (200) and the stratified water tank (201), which are connected also in series, but in this arrangement, the inlet of the stratified water tank (201) is connected to the cold-water inlet circuit(10), and the outlet of the stratified water tank (201) connected to the inlet of the wastewater heat exchanger (200). This time, the outlet of the wastewater heat exchanger (200) is connected to an inlet of the controller box (100). Another inlet of the controller box (100) will be connected through the hot water outlet circuit (20) to the outlet of water heating apparatus (400). This arrangement is one of the most common installations, similar to the one disclosed in , with a particular variation which is related with the positioning of the stratified water tank (200), which in this case is positioned before the wastewater heat exchanger (200), with regard to the cold-water inlet circuit (10), and in is positioned after said wastewater heat exchanger (200), and prior to the controller box (100) with regard to the controller box’s (100) water supply circuit. This proposed embodiment may be useful in some countries where it is not permitted to return hot water to the cold-water network, i.e., through the cold-water inlet circuit (10). This tank (201) enables to prevent hot water from returning to the cold-water network/supply, since the hot water being returned is accumulated in this tank. The cold water will go first to the water saving mixer, i.e. the controller box (100), instead of going directly to the wastewater heat exchanger (200). This is only because ideally the temperature should be measured at the temperature measuring point (A), in the vicinity of the controller box (100), in the controller box (100) or in the tank (201).

The measuring of the temperature at this point is important because: 1) it allows a more rigorous calculation of the heat exchanger’s (200) performance, because at this point it is possible to measure the temperature of the cold water in the network; 2) it ensures that hot water will never return to the cold water network, because when measuring the temperature, if at that temperature measuring point (A) the water becomes hot, the reverse circulation is interrupted.

In a proposed embodiment of the invention, the temperature measuring point (A) can be performed inside the controller box (100), in the vicinity of the controller box (100) and inside the tank (201).

In the proposed embodiment, the hot water outlet circuit (20) is unidirectional towards an inlet of the controller box (100), and both the hot water feedback circuit (21) and cold-water feedback loop circuit (11) comprise a bidirectional supply of water as illustrated in the figure by the arrow direction, going inbound or outbound.

In another possible embodiment of the invention, depicted on , although similarities can be found with other embodiments of the invention, mainly due to the fact the wastewater heat exchanger (200) being installed in the cold-water supply circuit (10) between the inlet and the controller box (100), additional differences can be found. In this proposed arrangement, the controller box (100) comprises an additional outlet, providing a total of three connections to the water supply network, either the cold-water inlet circuit (10) or the hot water outlet circuit (20). So, in this arrangement illustration, the controller box (100) comprises one inlet connected to the water heating apparatus (400) through the hot water outlet circuit (20), an outlet connected in parallel with the water heating apparatus (400) and the cold-water inlet circuit (10) by means of the cold-water return (24) piping, and a third inlet connected to the outlet of the wastewater heat exchanger (200) by means of the hot water feedback circuit (21). As suggested in the proposed embodiment of , this arrangement will also comprise a temperature measuring point (A) with the same purpose as previously mentioned.

On the other hand, the inlet of the wastewater heat exchanger (200) will be connected to the cold-water inlet circuit (10) by means of the cold-water feedback loop circuit (11). In new constructions where the water heater system is located far from the most distant taps, it is common (or even mandatory) to use an additional pipe exclusively for the return and install a pump for this purpose.

In the proposed embodiment, the hot water outlet circuit (20) enables the water flow unidirectionally between the water heating apparatus (400) and the controller box (100) inlet. The cold-water return (24) comprises water flowing unidirectionally between an outlet of the controller box (100) and the inlet of the water heating apparatus (400), i.e., it is an exclusive outlet piping for the water return to the water heating apparatus (400). In a similar manner, the cold-water feedback loop circuit (11) comprises an unidirectional water flow between the cold-water inlet circuit (10) and the wastewater heat exchanger (200), the same occurring between the wastewater heat exchanger (200) and another inlet of the controller box (100).

In a possible embodiment of the current invention, the wastewater heat exchanger (200), when combined along with the controller box (100) operation, enable warm water distribution.

As illustrated in , and in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller box (100) comprises a set of devices that when combined and correctly configured, enable to achieve the proposed water and energy savings. In one of the possible embodiments, the controller box (100) comprises a cold-water feeder (101), a hot water feeder (102), a water outtake for overhead shower (103) and a water outtake for hand shower (104). In the proposed embodiment, both the cold-water feeder (101) and the hot water feeder (102) comprise at least one control mixer, i.e., the cold-water feeder (101) is serially connected to a first control mixer (110) intake, and the hot water feeder (102) is connected to a second control mixer (120) intake. The outtakes of the first control mixer (110) and the second control mixer (120) are then combined together and connected to a water quality sensor (130), which will further be serially connected with a flow sensor (140). As illustrated, both the cold-water feeder (101) and hot water feeder (102) comprise bidirectional flow of water and might operate as inlets or outlets.

As illustrated in , the outtake of the flow sensor (140) will be connected to two independent electro valves, a second electro valve (150) and a third electro valve (160), which, respectively, will be connected to and control the water outtake for overhead shower (103) and the water outtake for hand shower (104). Still with regard to the present embodiment, between the hot water feeder (102) and the second control mixer (120) intake, a second thermistor (121) is parallelly installed. In a similar manner, between the cold-water feeder (101) and the first control mixer (110) intake, a first thermistor (111) and a water pressure sensor (113) are parallelly installed, in an independent way. Between both the first thermistor (111) and the water pressure sensor (113), another water circuit branch is set towards the intake of the second motor control mixer (120). In this parallel circuit, between the intakes of the first control mixer (110) and second control mixer (120), and in this sequence, in a serial arrangement, a first electro valve (112) will be set, followed by a Circulation Pump (122). The first electro valve (112) will be open or closed based on the need of circulating or not the water coming from the water heating apparatus (400). The Circulation Pump (122) is configured to ensure and force the cold-water circulation while the ideal warm water temperature determined by a set of thermistors is not reached, enabling a water circulation loop, retaining and recirculating the unheated water in said loop until the desired temperature is reached, thus avoiding water waste and optimizing the energy costs derived from said heating procedure.

This technological arrangement, in addition to the previously explained benefit, enables, through the incorporation of the mentioned recirculation pump (122) in the control box (100), an optimization of the created system's space, as well as an improvement in performance, due to its technological integration into a single module, which features a robust and fail-proof operating method.

illustrates another possible embodiment of the current invention with regard to the controller box (100) a cold-water feeder (101), a hot water feeder (102), a water outtake for overhead shower (103) and a water outtake for hand shower (104). The cold-water feeder (101) is connected to second control mixer (120) and a second thermistor (121), combined together in the same apparatus. The hot water feeder (102) is connected to first control mixer (110) and the first thermistor (111), combined together in the same apparatus. Both the combined control mixer (120) and a second thermistor (121), and the combined first control mixer (110) and the first thermistor (111) which operate in parallel circuits, have their outputs merged together at the inlet of the water quality sensor (130) which is serially followed by a flow sensor (140), and further a Circulation Pump (122), which further connect to the inlets of the second electro valve (150) and third electro valve (160). A water pressure sensor (113) is positioned between the hot water feeder (102) and the first control mixer (110) and the first thermistor (111), will further provide a reading and a parallel arrangement between said water pressure sensor (113) and a first electro valve (112) which will further engage with a convergence point that feed the second electro valve (150) and third electro valve (160).

Yet in another possible embodiment of the invention, a drain pump can be added to the several proposed embodiments of the controller box (100) to enable the reuse of shower water for continuous shower in a closed circuit without spending new water. By adding this option to the controller box (100), the user is able to decide whether to shift, or not, the source of the incoming water from “fresh new water” or closed circuit.

In it is illustrated the operating method of the overall system. The operation is set by three major stages, the standby (1000), the start (2000) and the stop (2006).

While in standby (1000), a first step (1001) defines that the Circulation pump (122) is switched off, the first electro valve (112), the first motor control mixer (110), the second motor control mixer (120) are closed, as well as the second electro valve (150) and the third electro valve (160).

Then a second step (1002) occurs, where a water quality reading is performed by means of the water quality sensor (130), and subsequently a fourth step (1004) occurs, where the water quality reading is sent to a remote database. Following the first step (1001), another parallel step can occur, defined by third step (1003), and where a leak reading is performed by means of a measurement between the heat Exchanger and the control box, and if in case of any alarm on a potential water leak (1005), an alarm is set on (1005.1), and a sixth step occurs (1006), where said information or data is sent to a database and the system will output an audible warning signal.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, to verify if there are any existing leaks in the piping system is a task determined periodically by the user which can determine when to perform this action and chose in the App to make a Leak Detection test. The App will show the steps to follow. The user will have to close the mains water supply, and then the system will be alert for any water pressure loss during some minutes. After the test is performed the App will inform the result of this analysis to the user. These actions are performed when the shower is not in use, and the system will measure the pressure between the heat Exchanger and the control box.

While still in standby (1000), a start (2000) procedure can occur, which will lead to a Temperature and flow reading (2001) where the shower temperature and flow rate are predefined by the user of the system. These predefined settings are adjusted on the remote control (501). Then two steps can occur. During the temperature and flow reading (2001) after the start (2000), in an adjacent step (2002), data is sent to the remote database and the first motor control mixer (110) and the second motor control mixer (120) are enabled to be fully open. Additionally, a temperature verification test (2003) is performed on the thermistor (121), checking if Temperature (T1) above 40ºC. If during the temperature verification test (2003) the result is negative, i.e., Temperature (T1) below 40ºC (2003.2), then a cyclical test (2004) occurs, and where the Circulation pump (122) is enabled on to return hot water provided by hot water feeder (102) through the cold-water feeder (101). An ON/OFF information display, provided on the remote control (501), indicates switch on and standby time. After the set temperature of 40ºC is reached (2003.1), then a further step (2005) occurs, where the first electro valve (112) is open, the first motor control mixer (110) and the second motor control mixer (120) are partially open depending on the temperature of the hot water supply on the hot water feeder (102) and preheated cold water, and the temperature and flow rate selected by the user on the remote control (501). Afterwords, a stop phase (2006) is set by the user in said control (501), which will enable a transition stage to the standby (1000).

The herein proposed operating method of the water and energy saving Digital thermostatic shower mixer, in one of the proposed embodiments of the invention, may be implemented using one or more processing units, one or more processing devices, any means for processing, such as a processor, a computer or a programmable hardware component being operable with accordingly adapted software. In other words, the herein described method is then executed on one or more programmable hardware components. Such hardware components may comprise a general-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a micro-controller, etc.

(10) cold-water inlet circuit

(11) cold-water feedback loop circuit

(20) hot water outlet circuit

(21) hot water feedback circuit

(22) handheld shower water supply piping

(23) overhead shower water supply piping

(24) cold-water return

(100) controller box

(101) cold-water feeder

(102) hot water feeder

(103) water outtake for overhead shower

(104) water outtake for hand shower

(110) first control mixer

(111) first thermistor

(112) first electro valve

(113) water pressure sensor

(120) second control mixer

(130) water quality sensor

(140) flow sensor

(150) second electro valve

(160) third electro valve

(121) second thermistor

(122) Circulation Pump

(200) wastewater heat exchanger

(201) stratified water tank

(300) handheld shower

(301) overhead shower

(400) water heating apparatus

(500) wired and/or wireless communication and control system

(501) remote control

(1000) standby stage

(1001) first step

(1002) second step

(1003) third step

(1004) fourth step

(1005) water leak

(1005.1) alarm on

(1006) sixth step

(2000) start

(2001) temperature and flow reading

(2002) adjacent step

(2003) temperature verification test

(2003.1) Temperature (T1) equal or above 40ºC

(2003.2) Temperature (T1) below 40ºC

(2004) cyclical test

(2005) further step

(2006) stop

(A) temperature measuring point

Claims (14)

1. System to reduce water and energy losses during pre-heating procedures characterized by comprising a controller box (100), and a remote control (501), wherein the remote control (501) is configured to set control parameters in the controller box (100) which comprises a set of electro valves and thermistors configured to control and enable and/or disable water supply to a user by means off a handheld shower (300) and/or overhead shower (301) and/or a faucet based on the parameters set on the remote control (501).
2. System according to previous claim 1, characterized by comprising a wastewater heat exchanger (200), and/or a stratified water tank (201), and/or a wastewater heat exchanger (200) and a stratified water tank (201) connected in series, physically connected to at least a water feeder of the controller box (100) by means of a piping system, suitable for storing cold and/or preheated water while the same is not supplied to the user and/or while the cold and/or preheated water as not reached the parameters set on the remote control (501).
3. System according to previous claim 1, characterized by the controller box (100) being connected to a heating apparatus (400) by means of a piping system, in particular by a hot water outlet circuit (20), which is connected to a hot water feeder (102) comprised in said controller box (100), and to an outtake of the wastewater heat exchanger (200), and/or a stratified water tank (201), and/or a wastewater heat exchanger (200) and a stratified water tank (201) connected in series through a hot water feedback circuit (21) which is connected to a cold-water feeder (101) comprised in said controller box (100).
4. System according to any of the previous claims, characterized by the controller box (100) comprising a first control mixer (110) intake serially connected to the cold-water feeder (101); a second control mixer (120) intake serially connected to the hot water feeder (102); and wherein the first control mixer (110) and the second control mixer (120) are then combined together and connected to a water quality sensor (130), which will further be serially connected with a flow sensor (140).
5. System according to any of the previous claims 3 and 4, characterized by both the cold-water feeder (101) and/or the hot water feeder (102) comprise bidirectional flow of water and are suitable to operate as water inlets and/or outlets.
6. System according to previous claim 4, characterized by an outtake of the flow sensor (140) being connected to two independent electro valves, a second electro valve (150) and a third electro valve (160), which respectively are connected to the water outtake of the overhead shower (103) and/or the water outtake for hand shower (104) and/or a faucet, enabling and/or disabling the water supply to the user.
7. System according to any of previous claims 1 to 4, characterized by the controller box (100) comprising a first thermistor (111) and a water pressure sensor (113) parallelly installed between the cold-water feeder (101) and the first control mixer (110); and a second thermistor (121) is parallelly installed between the hot water feeder (102) and the second control mixer (120) intake.
8. System according to previous claim 7, wherein between both the first thermistor (111) and the water pressure sensor (113) a parallel water branch is set towards the intake of the second motor control mixer (120), wherein, in a serial arrangement, a first electro valve (112) followed by a circulation pump (122) will be set.
9. System according to previous claim 8, characterized by the first electro valve (112) being configured to open or close based on the need of circulating water coming from the water heating apparatus (400) through the cold-water feeder (101).
10. System according to previous claim 8, characterized by the circulation pump (122) being configured to force water circulation from the hot water feeder (102) into the cold-water feeder (101) while a temperature determined in the set of thermistors, the second thermistor (121) and the first thermistor (111), is not reached.
11. System according to previous claim 10, wherein the water circulation forced from the hot water feeder (102) into the cold-water feeder (101) is stored in the wastewater heat exchanger (200), and/or a stratified water tank (201), and/or a wastewater heat exchanger (200) and a stratified water tank (201) connected in series through the hot water feedback circuit (21).
12. System according to previous claim 4, characterized by the first control mixer (110) comprising a first thermistor (111); the second control mixer (120) comprising a second thermistor (121); the flow sensor (140) is serially connected with a circulation pump (122); and by comprising a water pressure sensor (113) installed between the hot water feeder (102) and the first control mixer (110), enabling a reading and a parallel arrangement between said water pressure sensor (113) and a first electro valve (112) which will further engage with a convergence point between the circulation pump (122) and the second electro valve (150) and third electro valve (160).
13. System according to any of previous claims, characterized by the controller box (100) comprising a drain pump suitable for enabling the reuse of water in a closed circuit.
14. Method to operate the system to reduce water and energy losses during pre-heating procedures according to any of the previous claims comprising at least three loop operating stages, a standby (1000) stage, a start (2000) stage and a stop (2006) stage, the loop standby (1000) comprising, a first step (1001) which enables the circulation pump (122) being switched off; the first electro valve (112), the first motor control mixer (110), the second motor control mixer (120) being closed, as well as the second electro valve (150) and the third electro valve (160); and a second step (1002) which enables a water quality reading performed by means of the water quality sensor (130) with a subsequent fourth step (1004) which enables the water quality reading to be sent to a remote database; a third step (1003) which enables a leak detector reading set an alarm (1005.1) on a water leak (1005); and a sixth step (1006) which enables information or data filing in a database and warning signal notification; the loop start (2000) stage comprising, a temperature and flow reading (2001) of the water temperature and flow rate predefined and adjusted by the user on the remote control (501); during the temperature and flow reading (2001), in an adjacent step (2002), data is sent to the remote database and the first motor control mixer (110) and the second motor control mixer (120) are enabled to be fully open; a temperature verification test (2003) is performed, checking if Temperature (T1) is below 40ºC (2003.2), then a cyclical test (2004) occurs, and the circulation pump (122) is enabled on to return water provided by hot water feeder (102) through the cold-water feeder (101); else Temperature (T1) is above 40ºC (2003.1), then step (2005) occurs, where the first electro valve (112) is open, the first control mixer (110) and the second control mixer (120) are partially open depending on the temperature of the hot water supply on the hot water feeder (102) and preheated cold water, and the temperature and flow rate selected by the user on the remote control (501); and, a stop (2006) stage set by the user in the control (501) which enables a transition stage to the standby (1000) stage.