Automated Pump Control System for Livestock Watering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Remote water wells for livestock face challenges such as low production rates, high maintenance costs, and water wastage due to solar and windmill systems, with existing solutions being inefficient and hazardous for operators.
Innovation Solution
A well pump and controller system that automatically monitors water pressure and levels, preventing over-pumping and overflow, using solar or AC power, and includes a monitoring device to start and stop the pump based on preset conditions, reducing waste and enhancing water distribution efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If solar powered pumping systems are used on deep wells, then environmental friendliness and reduced operational costs are improved, but water production rates become very low compared to AC powered systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump operation based on real-time monitoring of storage tank water levels. The controller activates the pump when water reaches a low level and deactivates it when the tank is full, optimizing energy utilization and maintaining productivity while reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic feedback control through monitoring devices that continuously track water levels in the storage tank and relay information to the controller, enabling automated pump operation that balances energy efficiency with water production requirements.
2Duration of action of moving object
If solar or windmill systems operate continuously when energy is available, then water production is maintained, but water wastage occurs when storage tanks are full
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device provides continuous feedback on storage tank water levels to the controller, which automatically adjusts pump operation to stop when the tank is full, preventing water overflow and wastage while maintaining operational duration during periods when storage capacity is available.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by proactively stopping pump operation before overflow can occur. The controller anticipates the full tank condition through monitoring and deactivates the pump in advance, preventing the harmful effect of water wastage.
3Ease of operation
If windmill systems are used for water production, then remote well water pumping is achieved, but maintenance costs and operator safety risks increase due to hazardous working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated monitoring and control functions. The controller automatically manages pump operation based on water level feedback, eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention and reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining ease of remote operation.
4Productivity
If generators are used to power deep well pumps, then high water production rates are achieved, but operational hazards increase when generators run out of fuel under electrical load
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device provides feedback on generator operation status and fuel levels to the controller, which automatically manages generator shutdown procedures. This feedback control ensures generators are properly deactivated before fuel depletion, preventing the hazardous condition of running out of fuel under electrical load while maintaining high water production rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by proactively managing generator shutdown before fuel depletion occurs. The controller receives advance notification of fuel status and initiates controlled shutdown sequences, preventing the harmful effect of unsafe operation under load.
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 significantly increases water production, reduces waste and maintenance costs, and improves safety by automating operations, allowing for more efficient water distribution and utilization of previously unusable pasture areas.
Implementation Method 1
The monitoring device can be a pressure sensing device that monitors water pressure that is developed on the water piping
Data Source
AI summary
A pump and control system for distributing a fluid from a source location to one or more remote locations. At least one of the remote locations can be at an elevation higher than that of the source location. The system may have a power source, a controller, and one or more fluid storage vessels. The system also may have a distribution piping and one or more monitoring devices to sense fluid pressure corresponding to fluid fill levels in the one or more fluid storage vessels. The system additionally can have a pump that automatically provides fluid to the one or more fluid storage vessels at the remote locations through the distribution piping.