GB2445790A - Pump Control System and a Method of Controlling a Pump - Google Patents
Pump Control System and a Method of Controlling a Pump Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2445790A GB2445790A GB0700900A GB0700900A GB2445790A GB 2445790 A GB2445790 A GB 2445790A GB 0700900 A GB0700900 A GB 0700900A GB 0700900 A GB0700900 A GB 0700900A GB 2445790 A GB2445790 A GB 2445790A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- pump
- control system
- supply system
- pump control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 37
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000037452 priming Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D15/00—Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
- F04D15/02—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions
- F04D15/0209—Stopping of pumps, or operating valves, on occurrence of unwanted conditions responsive to a condition of the working fluid
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03B—INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
- E03B7/00—Water main or service pipe systems
- E03B7/07—Arrangement of devices, e.g. filters, flow controls, measuring devices, siphons or valves, in the pipe systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04B—POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS
- F04B49/00—Control, e.g. of pump delivery, or pump pressure of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for, or of interest apart from, groups F04B1/00 - F04B47/00
- F04B49/02—Stopping, starting, unloading or idling control
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
- F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
- F04D13/00—Pumping installations or systems
- F04D13/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
- F04D13/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
- F04D13/068—Battery powered
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
- G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
- G05D16/20—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means
- G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
- G05D16/2066—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using controlling means acting on the pressure source
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Control Of Non-Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
A pump control system and method of controlling a pump, the system comprises a battery powered immersed pump 16 and a control unit 20 which includes means such as a pressure sensor for measuring the liquid pressure (30) in a liquid supply system 10; means such as a memory of a microprocessor for storing a target pressure (34), and means such as a microprocessor for controlling the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure. The target pressure is set based on the battery 24 in its present state of charge and setting a new target pressure as the state of charge of the battery changes. When a liquid outlet 22 such as a valve is opened such that the pressure drops below the target pressure the pump 16 is started. Preferably the system is suitable for a caravan, motor homes and other similar vehicles.
Description
Title: Pump control system and a method of controlling a pump
Oescnotion of Invention The present invention relates to a pump control system and, in particular although not exclusively, to one which is for use in a water supply system which includes a battery powered immersed pump, such as those used in caravans, motor homes and similar vehicles.
The performance of battery powered immersed pumps varies greatly with battery voltage, which itself varies widely as the battery discharges with use and is recharged. At present there are two forms of pump control system in use with immersed pumps in caravans, motor homes and similar vehicles.
The first prior art system uses switch controlled taps whereby the pump is turned on when a water outlet such as a tap or shower is turned on. The disadvantage of this is that electrical wiring is required from each water outlet to the pump, which can add significant cost to the of installation of the system.
This also limits the manufacturer to a small range of taps and other water outlets, which may not be desirable.
The second prior art system uses an in-line pressure switch. This system is simple and cheap to install but has a few disadvantages, all of which are which irritating for the people using the system. Many of these units "chatter" when a tap or other water outlet is turned off. In addition this system does not adapt to varying voltage or pump performance and therefore needs not infrequent manual adjustment to operate well. Furthermore, if the water reservoir becomes empty the pump will burn out trying to satisfy the switch off pressure of the system, which makes them vulnerable to failure. * 2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pump control system which mitigates at least some of the above described problems.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pump control system specifically adapted for use in a liquid supply system which includes a battery powered immersed pump, wherein the pump control system includes; means for measuring the liquid pressure in the liquid supply system, means for storing a target pressure and means for controlling the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure.
Conveniently the means for measuring the liquid pressure in the liquid supply system is a pressure sensor.
Conveniently the means for controlling the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure includes a microprocessor and the means for storing a target pressure is a memory of the microprocessor, the microprocessor being programmed to control the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure.
Preferably as conditions change the pump control system is operative to change the stored target pressure. In particular as the battery voltage changes the pump control system is operative to change the stored target pressure.
Preferably the pump control system also includes means to store a minimum pressure and when the measured pressure drops to the minimum pressure the pump control system powers the pump down. Preferably the microprocessor is also programmed with a priming mode to prime the liquid supply system when the pump control system is powered up. Conveniently the priming mode is able to operate to fill the water supply system from empty. S 3.
The pump control system may also include means to store first and second predetermined pressure change amounts and a predetermined over run period and be operative such that the pump is switched on when the pressure in the liquid supply system drops below the target pressure by the first predetermined pressure change amount and when the pressure in the liquid supply system reaches the target pressure less the second predetermined pressure change amount the pump is run for the over run period and then switched off.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling a battery powered immersed pump in use in a liquid supply system, the method including: continuously monitoring the liquid pressure in the liquid supply system and when the pressure is steady setting a target pressure achievable with the battery in its then state of charge and setting a new target pressure as the state of charge of the battery changes, and when a liquid outlet is opened such that the pressure drops below the target pressure the pump is started.
The method may further include a set minimum pressure and when the pressure in the liquid supply system drops to that minimum pressure the pump is powered down.
The method preferably further includes a priming mode to prime the liquid supply system when the pump control system is powered up. Preferably the priming mode is operative to fill the water supply system from empty.
Conveniently the method also includes switching the pump on when the pressure in the liquid supply system drops below the target pressure by a first predetermined pressure change amount and when the pressure in the liquid supply system reaches the target pressure less a second predetermined pressure change amount the pump is run for a predetermined over run period and then switched off.
Am embodiment of a pump control system according to the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates a water supply system of a caravan or the like including a battery operated immersed pump and a pump control system according to the present invention, and Figure 2 schematically illustrates the pump control system according to the present invention.
Referring first to Figure 1, a water supply system 10 is illustrated. The water supply system 10 includes a water reservoir 12 containing water 14 in which is immersed a pump 16. The pump 16 has an outlet to a water supply pipe 18 which passes through a pump control system in the form of a pump control unit 20 before reaching a water outlet such as a tap 22. The pump control unit and pump 16 are powered by a battery 24 via electrical wiring 26.
Referring now to Figure 2, the pump control unit 20 is illustrated schematically and includes means for measuring the water pressure in the water supply system in the form of a pressure sensor 30, an amplifier 32, a microprocessor 34 which includes a memory and a relay 36. The microprocessor 34 is programmed to control the pump 16 in response to measured water pressure and target water pressure which is set according to the prevailing conditions, as described below.
The pump control unit 20 operates as follows. When the pump control unit 20 is switch on it operates in a priming mode to prime the system, and during this mode protection against dry running of the pump 16, as described below, is O 5 disabled. Initially the pump 16 runs continuously for 30 seconds to prime the water supply system 10. If the water supply system 10 is full then it should then be primed. However, if the water supply system 10 in the caravan has been drained, as is often the case to reduce weight for towing or when storing the caravan particularly in cold weather, then during this priming mode a tap 22 is opened to permit the air in the water supply system 10 to escape and the priming mode repeats until water runs from the tap 22. If the water supply system includes a hot water heater then the tap which is opened needs to be a hot tap in order to ensure the water heater is filled and primed.
In the priming mode, after 30 seconds the pump 16 is stopped briefly, for example for about 0.5 seconds, and the pump control unit 20 takes two pressure readings in quick succession using the pressure sensor 30. If the second pressure reading is lower than the first pressure reading then the tap 22 is still open and the pump 16 is restarted for a further 30 seconds. This process is repeated until the tap 22 is closed and the two pressure readings are the same. At this time a code corresponding to the stable pressure in the water supply system 10, which is now the system "target pressure" T, is saved in the memory of the microprocessor 34. The target pressure will typically be about l2psi if the battery 24 is not on charge and l8psi if it is on charge. The water supply system 10 is then primed and ready for use.
Nothing happens, other than the pump supply unit 20 continuously monitors the pressure P in the water supply system 10, until the tap 22, or other water outlet, is opened. When this occurs and the pressure drops by a first predetermined amount, in this case 2psi, to P=T-2, the pump 16 is started and runs until the pressure P reaches the target pressure T minus a second predetermined amount (which is smaller than the first predetermined amount), in this case I psi, P=T-1, this being the cut-off pressure C, the pump 16 is then run for a further 5 seconds (an over run period) and is then stopped. During * 6 this over run period the pressure P should return to the target pressure T, or thereabouts.
If after the pump 16 has been running for 30 seconds the pressure has not reached the cut-off pressure, C=T-1, the pump control unit 20 takes two pressure readings in quick succession and if the second pressure reading is lower than the first pressure reading, indicating that the tap 22 is still open, the pump 16 is restarted. If however the second pressure reading is the same as the first pressure reading, indicating that the tap 22 is closed, this indicates a lower voltage to the pump 16 and this new lower target pressure T is written to memory in the microprocessor 34.
If during any over run period the pressure in the water supply system 10 is found by the pump control unit 20 to exceed the target pressure T then stored in the memory of the microprocessor 34, the new higher pressure is stored in its place as a new target pressure T. If at any time during the running of the pump 16 the pressure in the water supply system 10 is found by the pump control unit 20 to be below a minimum pressure, for example 5psi, for a period of 10 seconds the pump control unit locks the pump 16 in an inoperative mode in order to protect the pump 16 and prevent it running dry and burning out. When this has occurred the pump control unit 20 has to be reset before the pump 16 can be restarted. This is done by powering down pump control unit 20 and then reapplying power. The target pressure T stored in the memory of the microprocessor 34 is retained when power is switched off.
The pump control system described above has the advantage that it is self adjusting to allow for changes in battery voltage and pump performance, and thus provides a good performance without frequent manual intervention. * 7
Although the pump control system is described above in use in a water supply system in a caravan such systems can be used in other situations and in liquid supply systems for liquids other than water.
When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. S 8
Claims (17)
- Claims 1. A pump control system specifically adapted for use in aliquid supply system which includes a battery powered immersed pump, wherein the pump control system includes; means for measuring the liquid pressure in the liquid supply system, means for storing a target pressure and means for controlling the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure.
- 2. A pump control system according to claim I wherein the means for measuring the liquid pressure in the liquid supply system is a pressure sensor.
- 3. A pump control system according to claim I or 2 wherein the means for controlling the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure includes a microprocessor and the means for storing a target pressure is a memory of the microprocessor, the microprocessor being programmed to control the pump in response to the measured pressure and the target pressure.
- 4. A pump control system according to claim 3 wherein as conditions change the pump control system is operative to change the stored target pressure.
- 5. A pump control system according to claim 4 wherein as the battery voltage changes the pump control system is operative to change the stored target pressure.
- 6. A pump control system according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein it also includes means to store a minimum pressure and when the measured pressure drops to the minimum pressure the pump control system powers the pump down.
- 7. A pump control system according to anyone of claims 3 to 6 wherein the microprocessor is also programmed with a priming mode to prime the liquid supply system when the pump control system is powered up.
- 8. A pump control system according to claim 7 wherein the priming mode is able to operate to fill the water supply system from empty.
- 9. A pump control system according to anyone of the preceding claims wherein it also includes means to store first and second predetermined pressure change amounts and a predetermined over run period and the pump is switched on when the pressure in the liquid supply system drops below the target pressure by the first predetermined pressure change amount and when the pressure in the liquid supply system reaches the target pressure less the second predetermined pressure change amount the pump is run for the over run period and then switched off.
- 10. A method of controlling a battery powered immersed pump in use in a liquid supply system, the method including: continuously monitoring the liquid pressure in the liquid supply system and when the pressure is steady setting a target pressure achievable with the battery in its then state of charge and setting a new target pressure as the state of charge of the battery changes, and when a liquid outlet is opened such that the pressure drops below the target pressure the pump is started.
- 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein it further includes a set minimum pressure and when the pressure in the liquid supply system drops to that minimum pressure the pump is powered down. O 10
- 12. A method according to claim 10 or 11 wherein it further includes a priming mode to prime the liquid supply system when the pump control system is powered up.
- 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the priming mode is operative to fill the water supply system from empty.
- 14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein it also includes switching the pump on when the pressure in the liquid supply system drops below the target pressure by a first predetermined pressure change amount and when the pressure in the liquid supply system reaches the target pressure less a second predetermined pressure change amount the pump is run for a predetermined over run period and then switched off.
- 15. A pump control system specifically adapted for use in a liquid supply system which includes a battery powered immersed pump substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
- 16. A method of controlling a battery powered immersed pump in use in a liquid supply system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
- 17. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0700900A GB2445790A (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2007-01-18 | Pump Control System and a Method of Controlling a Pump |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0700900A GB2445790A (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2007-01-18 | Pump Control System and a Method of Controlling a Pump |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0700900D0 GB0700900D0 (en) | 2007-02-28 |
| GB2445790A true GB2445790A (en) | 2008-07-23 |
Family
ID=37846520
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0700900A Withdrawn GB2445790A (en) | 2007-01-18 | 2007-01-18 | Pump Control System and a Method of Controlling a Pump |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2445790A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103643718A (en) * | 2013-12-25 | 2014-03-19 | 重庆成峰二次供水设备有限责任公司 | Automatic dormancy control system of one-frequency one-pump constant-pressure secondary water supply device |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3065697A (en) * | 1960-04-11 | 1962-11-27 | Duplex Mfg Company | Annular buried pressure tank and system |
| DE3127300A1 (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1983-01-27 | Witte + Sutor GmbH Maschinen- und Gerätebau, 7157 Murrhardt | Battery-powered, electrically operated, hydropneumatic plant-watering system |
| US5901744A (en) * | 1996-09-06 | 1999-05-11 | Richards; Samuel K. | Water supply system for a water source with limited flow capability |
| US6568426B1 (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 2003-05-27 | Gee Group Ltd | Pressurized water supply systems |
| GB2397537A (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-07-28 | Nicholas John Trincas | A separation device |
-
2007
- 2007-01-18 GB GB0700900A patent/GB2445790A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3065697A (en) * | 1960-04-11 | 1962-11-27 | Duplex Mfg Company | Annular buried pressure tank and system |
| DE3127300A1 (en) * | 1981-07-10 | 1983-01-27 | Witte + Sutor GmbH Maschinen- und Gerätebau, 7157 Murrhardt | Battery-powered, electrically operated, hydropneumatic plant-watering system |
| US5901744A (en) * | 1996-09-06 | 1999-05-11 | Richards; Samuel K. | Water supply system for a water source with limited flow capability |
| US6568426B1 (en) * | 1998-06-04 | 2003-05-27 | Gee Group Ltd | Pressurized water supply systems |
| GB2397537A (en) * | 2003-01-23 | 2004-07-28 | Nicholas John Trincas | A separation device |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103643718A (en) * | 2013-12-25 | 2014-03-19 | 重庆成峰二次供水设备有限责任公司 | Automatic dormancy control system of one-frequency one-pump constant-pressure secondary water supply device |
| CN103643718B (en) * | 2013-12-25 | 2014-11-26 | 重庆成峰二次供水设备有限责任公司 | Automatic dormancy control system of one-frequency one-pump constant-pressure secondary water supply device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0700900D0 (en) | 2007-02-28 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |