Control Network Newsletter

Wireless Leak Detection Prevents Water Damage While Improving Safety and Energy Efficiency

Traditional leak detection methods rely on manual inspections, resulting in slow response times that can lead to water waste and property damage. A wireless leak detection solution that incorporates EnOcean technology with wireless valve controllers (WVCs) and Contemporary Controls' EnOcean to BACnet gateways offers a comprehensive, easy-to-implement solution that prevents water damage, improves safety and energy efficiency, and ensures regulatory compliance, with lowered insurance costs as an additional benefit.

Key Components

• WES Products' Wireless Valve Controller (WVC) is a compact, smart device that regulates water flow through wireless communication. It mounts directly onto solenoid valves via a DIN socket. The EnOcean model (WVC-ENO-230EB and ET) can be paired via built-in buttons on the front of the WVC.
• WES Products' EnOcean Wireless Water Sensor (WWS-ENO) is a battery-powered device for wireless water detection that eliminates electrocution risks associated with traditional wired sensors. It features two exposed conductive screw heads that serve as electrodes. When water completes the circuit between the two electrodes, the sensor is triggered and transmits a leak-detection signal.
  
  
• PIR Sensor is compatible with the EnOcean worldwide Smart Home & Smart Building protocol, this EnOcean Motion Sensor will automatically detect any motion. In this system, the sensor detects occupancy and controls water flow accordingly.
• Danfoss Solenoid Valves work with the WVC to control water flow. Standard solenoid valves with DIN 43650 spade connections can be fitted with the WVC.
• Contemporary Controls' EnOcean to BACnet Gateway (BASGE-EN868 and BASGE-EN902) provides bidirectional communication between EnOcean wireless devices and BACnet/IP networks and allows building automation supervisors to seamlessly discover and integrate EnOcean devices into existing BACnet systems.

How the System Works

1. Occupancy Detection: PIR sensors detect room occupancy and signal the WVC to open the water supply valve.
2. Automatic Shutoff: When a room becomes vacant for a set period, the solenoid valve automatically shuts off the water supply, preventing leaks in unoccupied spaces.
3. Leak Detection: If water sensors detect moisture, they immediately send a wireless signal to the WVC, which closes the affected valve and can trigger alerts.
4. System Integration: The EnOcean to BACnet gateway translates EnOcean wireless signals into standard BACnet objects, allowing the system to be monitored and controlled through existing building management systems.

A wireless leak detection system based on EnOcean technology and Contemporary Controls' EnOcean to BACnet gateways combines wireless sensors, smart valve controllers, and standardized building automation protocols to provide comprehensive protection against water damage while improving safety and energy efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance. By automatically shutting off water when spaces are unoccupied and immediately responding to detected leaks, the system dramatically reduces the risk of water damage. The battery-operated wireless water sensors eliminate electrocution risks associated with traditional wired sensors. The wireless setup eliminates complex wiring, reducing installation costs and time. The system can be easily reconfigured or expanded as building needs change.

The EnOcean to BACnet Gateway incorporates virtual routing technology to enable building automation supervisors to seamlessly discover EnOcean devices via BACnet because each device will appear as a separate BACnet-compliant device. The gateway creates a set of BACnet objects, specific for each EnOcean Equipment Profile (EEP), and decodes the received EnOcean data into standard BACnet objects, eliminating complex programming.

To learn more, visit the EnOcean to BACnet Gateway product page.

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