Multi-Pump Basement Sump System with DC Energy Reservoir
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sunk pump systems are prone to unexpected failures and grid power outages, leading to water damage and high voltage electrocution risks due to their reliance on a single pump and high voltage AC power, which results in inadequate pumping capacity and increased risk of flooding.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pump system with smaller DC-powered pumps that can be activated or deactivated granularly to match water seepage rates, combined with an energy reservoir that converts high voltage AC to low voltage DC for emergency power during outages, and a monitoring system to alert users of potential issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single pump is used to meet worst-case flooding conditions, then the pumping capacity is sufficient for extreme events, but the system reliability deteriorates due to lack of redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single pump system into multiple smaller pumps (first pump, second pump, third pump) that can operate independently. Each pump has its own motor and control circuitry, allowing granular activation based on water seepage rates. This segmentation provides redundancy while maintaining adequate total pumping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using multiple pumps with variable activation rather than a single fixed-capacity pump. The system can activate one or more pumps based on actual water accumulation rates, changing from a static capacity design to a dynamic multi-unit operation mode that optimizes both reliability and energy efficiency.
2Power
If high voltage AC power is used to power the pump, then the power availability is sufficient, but the safety deteriorates due to electrocution risk during flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the high voltage AC electrical system with a low voltage DC electrical system. The converter changes AC power to DC power, and the energy reservoir stores DC energy, eliminating the need for high voltage AC wiring in the basement and reducing electrocution risk while maintaining adequate power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a converter and energy reservoir as intermediary components between the AC power source and the pumps. The converter transforms AC to DC, and the energy reservoir buffers and stores the DC energy, creating a safe intermediate system that isolates the basement environment from dangerous high voltage AC while ensuring continuous power availability.
3Device complexity
If a single pump operates at fixed pumping rate, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the energy efficiency deteriorates during low seepage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control where pumps can be activated or deactivated individually based on water seepage rates. The control system monitors water levels and adjusts pump operation accordingly, transitioning from static fixed-rate operation to dynamic variable operation that matches actual demand, reducing energy waste during low seepage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of pumps based on actual water accumulation rates. Instead of always running all pumps at full capacity, the system uses one or more pumps at appropriate levels, avoiding excessive energy consumption while ensuring adequate pumping capacity when needed.
4Loss of energy
If the pump is not activated for long periods during low seepage, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the water quality deteriorates due to stagnant water odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating pumps on a scheduled basis even during low seepage periods. The controller can activate pumps periodically to circulate water and prevent stagnation, thereby eliminating odors while minimizing energy consumption compared to continuous operation. This periodic activation maintains water quality without excessive energy use.
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
This solution reduces the risk of water damage and electrocution by providing redundant pumping capacity and emergency power during outages, while optimizing energy usage and extending pump system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the embodiments of the pump system convert the high voltage (e.g., above 100 volts) AC grid power to a low voltage (e.g., below 72 volts) DC power and then temporarily stores the power in an energy reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
Design solutions to mitigate the following four fatal flaws in the conventional pump system design; namely, (1) surprise pump-failure in single pump designs that can result in costly water damage; (2) the threat of fatal high voltage electrocution due to flooding; (3) grid power outage and no energy supply to support the needed pumping power that results in water damage; (4) foil odor from the standing water in the well after a period of low seeping rate with or without activated pumping. The principles described herein can completely mitigate the above four fatal design issues.