Remote Well Pump Pressure Control and Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well systems rely on pressure switches that do not provide robust management, control, or protection and require physical inspection for adjustments, lacking remote monitoring and management capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An Internet-enabled well management system with a controller that communicates with a backend system and client devices, enabling remote monitoring, configuration, and control of the well pump and pressure tank, including features like energy-saving options, diagnostics, alerts, and customizable access permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure switch is used to control the well pump, then the system maintains pressure within a configured range, but the system lacks remote monitoring and management capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication module is introduced as an intermediary between the pressure switch/control system and remote user devices. This module transmits system status data (pressure readings, pump operation state) and receives remote commands wirelessly, enabling users to monitor and control the well pump system from distant locations without adding complexity to the core pressure control function
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent functional modules: a pressure sensing module, a control module, and a wireless communication module. This segmentation allows the pressure maintenance function to operate independently while the communication module provides remote monitoring capabilities, resolving the contradiction by separating these functions into distinct components that can work simultaneously
2Device complexity
If physical inspection is required for system adjustments, then the pressure switch provides simple control, but the system lacks protection and management features
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor pressure levels, pump operation status, and system parameters. This data is processed by the control module to automatically adjust pump operation, provide protection against abnormal conditions (such as excessive pressure or dry running), and communicate system status remotely. The feedback loop enables sophisticated protection features while maintaining simple local control through the pressure switch
3Productivity
If the pump runs continuously to meet demand, then water supply is adequate, but the pump operational lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switch and control system operate the pump in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The system maintains pressure within a configured range by cycling the pump on and off based on pressure thresholds, which reduces wear and extends pump lifetime while still meeting water supply demands through the pressure tank that stores pressurized water during pump operation
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 provides enhanced management and protection of well systems, enabling remote monitoring and control, energy savings, and customizable access, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for physical inspections.
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
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AI summary
A well management system provides Internet-enabled monitoring, configuration, and control of a well system that includes a pump (120) and a pressure tank (130). A controller (110) is operatively coupled to the pump. The controller controls the pump based on pressure readings from a pressure sensor (112) 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 (160), 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.