Power Management Device for Sump Pump Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional line-voltage-powered sump pumps become useless during power interruptions, necessitating the purchase and installation of a backup sump pump with limited pumping capacity, especially during rain storms that threaten basement flooding.
Innovation Solution
A power management device with a line power input, inverter, DC transformer, and relays that switches between line power and DC power sources, including a timer and vibration sensor to ensure continuous operation of the sump pump, even without line power, and alerts for non-operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a backup sump pump with alternative energy source is purchased and installed, then reliability is improved during power interruptions, but device complexity increases and pumping rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (line power and DC battery power) and power management functions into a single integrated power management device. The device includes a battery, inverter, charger, and control circuitry all in one unit, allowing it to replace both the primary and backup pump systems while maintaining full pumping capacity during power interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management device performs multiple functions: it acts as a power source for the pump, a charger for the battery, a controller for pump operation, and a backup power supply. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate backup pump systems while providing comprehensive power management.
2Reliability
If a backup sump pump with alternative energy source is purchased and installed, then reliability is improved during power interruptions, but pumping rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (line power and DC battery power) and power management functions into a single integrated power management device. The device includes a battery, inverter, charger, and control circuitry all in one unit, allowing it to replace both the primary and backup pump systems while maintaining full pumping capacity during power interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter converts DC power from the battery to AC power at line voltage, matching the electrical parameters required by the primary pump motor. This allows the pump to operate at its full rated power and pumping capacity regardless of whether power comes from the utility grid or the battery system.
3Reliability
If timer is used to periodically run the pump, then reliability is improved by ensuring pump operation, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit monitors pump operation status, battery charge level, and power source availability to intelligently control pump operation. The system activates the pump based on actual need rather than fixed timing, and automatically manages battery charging when line power is available, optimizing energy usage while ensuring pump reliability.
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
Provides uninterrupted power to sump pumps, achieving comparable or better pumping performance to primary sump pumps without the need for a separate backup pump, thus preventing basement flooding and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an inverter in communication with one or more DC power sources, the inverter adapted and configured to receive DC power from a DC power source and output line power
Implementation Method 2
a DC transformer in communication with the line power input, the DC transformer adapted and configured to change line power to DC power
Implementation Method 3
a sensor programmed to detect whether vibrations indicative of operation of the sump pump occur
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention provides a power management device. In one embodiment, the device includes: a line power input; a line power output; an inverter in communication with one or more DC power sources, the inverter adapted and configured to receive DC power from a DC power source and output line power; a DC transformer in communication with the line power input, the DC transformer adapted and configured to change line power to DC power; a first relay; a second relay; and a third relay. If line power is provided via the line power input: the first relay is adapted and configured to electrically couple the line power input to the line power output; the second relay is adapted to deactivate the inverter; and the third relay is adapted to electrically couple the DC transformer to the one or more DC power sources.