Remote Well Pump Pressure Control With Pump Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing well systems rely on pressure switches that only maintain system pressure within a configured range, offering no pump protection and requiring physical inspection for status and adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based well management system that integrates a pressure sensor to monitor fluid pressure, enabling remote monitoring, configuration, and control of the well system, including pump operation, system protection, diagnostics, and energy-saving options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pressure switch is used to maintain system pressure, then the pump can operate intermittently, but the system lacks pump protection and requires physical inspection for status and adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a controller that continuously monitors system pressure through a pressure sensor and provides real-time feedback about system status, pump operation cycles, and pressure levels to a remote device via a communications network. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for physical inspection by delivering system information remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pressure switch with an electronic controller that incorporates a pressure sensor and communications capability. This substitution transforms the purely mechanical pressure maintenance function into an intelligent system that provides both pressure control and remote monitoring capabilities.
2Reliability
If a pressure switch is used to control pump operation, then system pressure is maintained within a configured range, but no pump protection is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional controller that performs both pressure maintenance and pump protection functions. The controller monitors pump operation cycles, tracks pressure patterns, and provides protection against excessive cycling and other pump stress conditions, combining multiple functions into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically monitors system conditions and adjusts pump operation to protect the pump without requiring external intervention. It tracks cumulative run time, cycles per hour, and pressure differentials, autonomously making decisions to prevent pump damage while maintaining system pressure.
3Productivity
If the pump runs continuously to meet demand, then water supply is adequate, but the pump has a shorter operational lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic pump operation controlled by the pressure switch and refined by the controller. The system cycles the pump on and off based on pressure thresholds, preventing continuous operation while ensuring adequate water supply. The controller optimizes these cycles to balance water availability with pump longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure tank maintains system pressure and water availability between pump cycles, providing continuous useful action without requiring the pump to run continuously. The controller monitors and optimizes this stored pressure system to ensure adequate supply while minimizing pump runtime.
4Loss of time
If physical inspection is required for system status and adjustments, then simple hardware is used, but time and cost are increased for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a communications network as an intermediary between the controller and the user's remote device. This intermediary transmits system status information and enables remote configuration without requiring physical presence at the well system, significantly reducing maintenance time and travel costs.
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, allowing for remote monitoring and control, reducing operational costs, and extending the lifespan of well components.
Implementation Method 1
A controller is operatively coupled to the pump that moves a fluid from a source to a distribution system. The controller can incorporate or be communicatively coupled to a pressure sensor that measures a fluid pressure of the system.
Data Source
AI summary
A well management system provides Internet-enabled monitoring, configuration, and control of a well system that may include a pump and a pressure tank. A controller is operatively coupled to the pump. The controller controls the pump based on pressure readings from a pressure sensor 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, 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.