Solar Fountain Pump Control for Battery-Timed Night Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-powered water features for gardens often fail to operate reliably at night or during low solar intensity due to unreliable battery storage of excess energy, leading to potential pump burnout from continuous operation without water.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a solar panel, battery, and controller with a processor and computer-readable medium to allocate solar energy for both pump operation and battery charging, allowing users to designate operation times from the battery and incorporating moisture sensors to prevent pump activation without water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery stores only excess electrical energy generated by the solar panel, then the battery can be used when solar energy is not adequate, but the amount of electrical energy stored by the battery is not reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the allocation of solar energy between charging the battery and operating the pump based on real-time conditions. The controller monitors solar generation levels and automatically modifies power distribution, transitioning from static 'excess energy storage' to dynamic 'demand-responsive energy management' that ensures reliable pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of energy allocation from fixed (storing only excess) to variable (adjusting charge amount based on predicted pump needs). The controller modifies charging parameters dynamically, allowing the battery to store precisely the amount of energy required for designated operation periods, thereby improving reliability without wasting capacity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the solar panel generates electrical energy to operate the water pump, then the water pump can be powered during the day, but the pump cannot operate reliably at night or during low solar intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by charging the battery during periods of sufficient solar generation so that energy is available for later use. The controller designates specific time periods for battery-powered operation in advance, preparing the energy storage system beforehand to ensure continuous pump operation through night or low-light periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by maintaining pump operation across different energy sources. The system seamlessly transitions from solar-powered operation during the day to battery-powered operation during night or low solar intensity, ensuring the pump runs continuously without interruption regardless of external conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is used to store excess electrical energy, then the water pump can operate when solar energy is not adequate, but the user cannot designate a specific time to operate the pump from the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor solar generation levels, battery charge status, and designated operation periods. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust energy allocation, informing users of available operation windows while maintaining the ability to designate specific times for battery-powered pump operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically managing energy allocation and operation timing without requiring complex user intervention. The controller handles the complexity of energy management internally, allowing users to simply designate desired operation periods while the system autonomously coordinates charging and discharge to meet those requirements.
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
Ensures reliable operation of solar-powered water features by charging the battery and allocating energy efficiently, ensuring the pump operates when solar energy is insufficient and preventing battery drain or pump damage from lack of water.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel to provide electrical power to the electrically powered submersible pump and a battery
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a water feature. The water feature includes a vessel and an electrically powered submersible pump within the vessel, an outlet fluidly connected to the pump, a solar panel, and a battery. The water feature also includes a controller, a processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium which stores a set of program instructions which cause the water feature to perform operations. The operations include receiving a predetermined time to operate the pump on the battery. Based on the predetermined time, the operations include allocating a percent of a total electrical power generated by the solar panel to charge the battery and a remainder of the total electrical power generated to operate the pump. The operations additionally include determining that the battery has reached a threshold power level associated with the predetermined time to operate the pump and allocating the total electrical power generated to operate the pump.