Connected Well Pump Control for Pressure and Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well systems rely on pressure switches that only maintain system pressure within a configured range, offering no pump protection and requiring physical inspection for status and adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based well management system that includes a processor, communication interfaces, and sensors to monitor and control well pump operations, providing enhanced features like pump protection, diagnostics, energy-saving options, and remote monitoring and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressure switch is used to maintain system pressure, then the pump operates intermittently, but the system lacks pump protection and requires physical inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure switch system with an electronic controller that incorporates a pressure sensor, microprocessor, and communication interfaces. This electronic system provides both pressure maintenance and comprehensive pump protection through digital monitoring and analysis, eliminating the limitations of mechanical switches while adding protective capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between the controller and remote devices. This allows the system to provide pump protection and status monitoring remotely without requiring physical inspection, enabling users to monitor and control the well system from distant locations through wireless or wired connections.
2Device complexity
If physical inspection is required for status and adjustments, then the system is simple, but the maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communication network as an intermediary between the controller and remote devices. This allows the system to provide pump protection and status monitoring remotely without requiring physical inspection, enabling users to monitor and control the well system from distant locations through wireless or wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback through the pressure sensor and communication interfaces, which constantly monitor system status and transmit information to remote devices. This real-time feedback eliminates the need for periodic physical inspections, as users can remotely view system status, receive alerts, and make adjustments without traveling to the well location.
3Productivity
If the pump runs continuously to meet demand, then water supply is adequate, but the pump operational lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pump operation through the pressure switch and electronic controller, which cycle the pump on and off based on pressure thresholds. This intermittent operation allows the pump to rest between cycles, reducing wear and extending operational lifetime while still meeting water demand through the pressure tank that maintains system pressure during pump off-periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains configured pressure ranges, provides robust protection and management of well systems, and allows for remote monitoring and control, reducing the need for physical inspections and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The controller can incorporate or be communicatively coupled to a pressure sensor that measures a fluid pressure of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A well management system provides Internet-enabled monitoring, configuration, and control of a well system that may include a pump and a pressure tank. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump. The controller controls the pump based on pressure readings from a pressure sensor to maintain a configured pressure range within the system. The controller can communicate with a management system via a communications network. The management system is further in communication with one or more client devices, which may be associated with a homeowner, a service provider, a manufacturer, or the like. Via the management system, the client devices can receive information from the controller and send commands to the controller.