{
    "title": "Cold water diverter",
    "inventor_name": "Lloyd Linson-Smith",
    "publication_year": 2005,
    "device_name": "Enviro Save Water System",
    "goal": "Automatically divert and store the cool water that would otherwise be wasted when hot water is drawn, reducing household water consumption.",
    "problem_addressed": "Significant water wastage from the cold water that flows out of hot-water taps before the water heater delivers hot water.",
    "concept_summary": "A thermal-sensing valve installed in the hot-water line detects the arrival of cold water and redirects it to a bypass line that feeds a storage tank. When hot water is needed, the valve returns the flow to the tap. A diaphragm valve closes the bypass when the tap is shut.",
    "detailed_description": null,
    "category": "Mechanical Engineering",
    "principles": [
        "Thermal detection of water temperature",
        "Valve actuation based on temperature trigger",
        "Bypass flow control",
        "Diaphragm valve closure"
    ],
    "scientific_domains": [
        "Fluid Mechanics",
        "Thermodynamics",
        "Plumbing Engineering"
    ],
    "mechanisms_of_action": [
        "A thermal element senses when cold water is present in the hot-water line.",
        "A flow-control valve opens a bypass line, directing the cold water to a storage tank.",
        "When hot water reaches a preset temperature, the valve redirects flow back to the tap.",
        "A diaphragm valve in the bypass line closes the bypass when the hot-water tap is turned off."
    ],
    "materials": [
        "Brass (valve body)",
        "Rubber/Elastomer (diaphragm)",
        "Thermal sensor element (metallic or ceramic)"
    ],
    "energy_sources": [],
    "inputs": [
        "Cold water from mains",
        "Hot water flow (temperature trigger)"
    ],
    "outputs": [
        "Stored cold water for later reuse",
        "Hot water to the tap"
    ],
    "claimed_performance": "Up to 40 L of water saved per day (~=16 000 L per year) for a typical three-person household.",
    "experimental_evidence": "The device has been installed in homes and reported to save 40 L per day; it has been a weekly winner on ABC's New Inventors and is in commercial production.",
    "replication_status": "Now in commercial production and available for installation in new or existing homes.",
    "keywords": [
        "water saving",
        "valve",
        "bypass",
        "thermal sensor",
        "plumbing",
        "household conservation"
    ],
    "related_technologies": [
        "Standard plumbing valves",
        "Heat-recovery systems",
        "Water-reuse storage tanks"
    ],
    "controversy_level": "low",
    "confidence_score": 0.95,
    "practicability_score": 0.9,
    "fringe_score": 0.1,
    "evidence_strength": 0.6,
    "risk_score": 0.1,
    "trl_estimate": 7,
    "source_urls": [
        "http://www.enviro.net.au/",
        "http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23400781-3102,00.html",
        "http://www.abc.net.au/tv/newinventors/txt/s1389495.htm"
    ],
    "organizations": [
        "Enviro Save Water System",
        "ABC New Inventors"
    ],
    "applications": [
        "Residential water-conservation",
        "Rainwater-tank augmentation"
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "Requires installation in the hot-water pipe and a bypass line.",
        "May need a pressure-reducing valve and a storage tank for retro-fit installations.",
        "Savings depend on household hot-water usage patterns."
    ],
    "open_questions": [
        "Long-term durability of the thermal sensor and valve components.",
        "Actual water-saving performance across diverse household configurations.",
        "Maintenance requirements for the bypass and storage tank."
    ],
    "red_flags": [],
    "evidence_quotes": [
        "The $198 valve can be fitted to plumbing systems in new homes or retro fitted to older style houses for $475.",
        "A three-person house can save 40 litres a day or 16,000 litres a year it does not take long to get the investment back.",
        "The cold water ahead of the arrival of the hot water is identified by a thermal element and bypasses the sink.",
        "The flow control valve directs the cold water to the hot water tap or to a hot water outlet.",
        "The diaphragm valve in the bypass line closes the bypass line when the hot water tap is closed."
    ]
}