WATER MANAGEMENT
How does this intelligent technology work? Each TMU device takes a reading every ten seconds and then sends the temperature and flow event data to a cloud-based portal at variable times. Recorded data includes maximum, minimum, and average temperatures. The sensor also records any flow events, such as outlets being utilised. The data readings are analysed by the device’s inbuilt software, batched and sent up back to the cloud, and then on to the user’s preferred interface e.g. phone, tablet, or PC. The accurate data delivered by the installed TMUs identify sections of a building’s water system where safe water meets specific parameters (and therefore does not require excessive flushing). It also highlights areas that may require attention. In premises where TMUs have been installed, constant IoT monitoring will show if flushing has been carried out correctly and appropriate hot and cold temperatures are being reached. Over-stretched technical resources can then be deployed selectively to address specific issues that may have been identified. Building owners and estates facilities management teams both benefit greatly from this increased awareness, as well as added peace of mind.
Hot water pipe share of flow events
The worst case scenario of getting things wrong, in addition to time and cost, is the very real threat of Legionella outbreaks in buildings that are already housing sick and vulnerable people
The power of data However, it is the accuracy of the data and the intelligence of the solution where the system truly shines. Legislative requirements are, of course, a primary benchmark – in developing the system, we continually referred to HTM guidelines in setting the software’s recommended default temperature ranges for outlet types. HTM and HSE L8 ACoP guidance also emphasises the need to ensure water does not stagnate and of accurate record-keeping. This means Linkthru TMU users have the confidence that they’re accurately monitoring and recording what they need to in order to best protect against the threat of Legionella. However, the system goes way
beyond this to provide previously inaccessible information. For those who
want to maximise use of the data, reports can be set up to indicate how water is (or is not) being used in specific rooms, and extrapolating this one step further can profile user behaviour to deploy optimal resource solutions. For example, if a report shows that
most of the activations of a particular TMU are early in the morning or early evening, this may give an estate manager a good indication on when to send cleaners in or schedule water quality sampling at appropriate times. The automatic temperature monitoring facility not only detects temperatures which could lead to Legionella colonisation, but also those that might pose a scalding risk or, conversely, a risk of pipes freezing. It also helps users identify under-used outlets or, taps, or showers which have been left running.
Cold water pipe share of flow events
n >60˚C n 50-60˚C n 45-50˚C n <45˚C
n >220˚C n 20-22˚C n 7-20˚C n <7˚C
The IoT dashboard portal can provide at-a-glance summary views of hot and cold water flow events by temperature range, across defined periods of time.
Activation temperature by time of day 75˚C
50˚C 25˚C
n Hot water pipe (˚C) n Blend output (˚C) n Cold water pipe (˚C)
0˚C
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Time of day
Outlet activation flow events and recorded water temperatures for hot, cold or blended water supplies can be analysed in detail, for specific times of day or night. These readings reveal that no activations have occurred between 8.30 pm and 6.30 am the following morning.
80 IFHE DIGEST 2023
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