Flow sensors detect liquid flow through pipes. Typically this is water in the smart home. The sensor can detect flow and also measure the rate of flow.
We use common models for all the sensors and all the types of sensors connected to our Home Control System. Combined with technology abstraction this means that any sensor added inherits all the capabilities supported by each model and our smart home. Essentially, every sensor connected becomes instantly very smart. They can all generate or voice announcements if required or trigger an alarm.
Flow sensors typically use a hall effect sensor and magnets to generate a pulse train. The speed of the pulse train is proportional to the flow rate. To get accurate measurement, it is important that none of the pulses are missed and so when connecting a sensor like this to an Arduino, we would use hardware interrupts.
Flow sensors are used to monitor water usage and the volume of water used over a time period. They can also be useful in detecting leaks.
