Well Watchman Pumping Control System for Remote Water Wells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Remote water wells for livestock face challenges with low production rates and maintenance costs due to solar and windmill systems, which often result in water wastage and hazardous conditions for technicians, while point-of-use generators require frequent trips and are inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A well watchman pumping and control system using a propane or similar fuel combustion engine-driven electric generator, field sensors, and a monitoring device to automatically produce on-demand electrical power, monitor water levels, and control the pumping process to prevent hazards and waste, providing alerts and improving fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If solar powered water pumping systems are used, then environmental friendliness is improved, but water production rate deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidwater production rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines solar power with a generator system to create a hybrid power solution. The solar panels charge batteries that power the pump during daylight, while the generator provides supplemental power when solar energy is insufficient, achieving both environmental friendliness and high water production rates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to operate with multiple power sources (solar, battery, generator) making it adaptable to different environmental conditions. This multi-functional approach ensures high productivity regardless of weather conditions while maintaining environmental sustainability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If windmill water production systems are used, then operational independence is improved, but maintenance safety deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational independenceVSAvoidmaintenance hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical windmill system with an electric pump system powered by solar and generator. This substitution eliminates the need for technicians to climb tall windmill towers for maintenance, removing the safety hazard while maintaining operational independence through automated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the power sources and the pump, enabling automated operation without human intervention. This maintains operational independence while eliminating maintenance hazards by allowing all adjustments to be made remotely or automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If point of use generators are used, then water production rate is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater production rateVSAvoidoperator trip frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to operate autonomously with automated fuel management. The generator automatically refuels itself or is refueled remotely, eliminating the need for operators to make repeated trips to the site. This maintains high water production rates while dramatically improving operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If windmill systems operate continuously, then water production is improved, but water waste increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoidwater waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates water level sensors in the storage tank that provide feedback to the control system. When the tank reaches capacity, the system automatically shuts off the pump, preventing water waste from overflow. This ensures continuous operation when needed while eliminating water waste

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances water production capabilities, reduces waste and emissions, improves reliability and safety, and provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution for remote well sites by optimizing water usage and minimizing maintenance risks.

Implementation Method 1

A well watchman pumping and control system which includes an electric generator driven by a propane or other, similar fuel combustion engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

produce on-demand electrical power sufficient to support an electric well pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8820404B2Water well pumping and control system

Publication Date: 2014.09.02 LISK MIKE

AI summary

A well watchman pumping and control system that is capable of operating in a wide range of ambient conditions. The system automatically maintains water level in a water storage vessel, while protecting the pump and generator from operating in conditions outside preset operating parameters to prevent premature failure and reduce repair. By operating to pump water only when preset operating conditions exist, e.g. low water level, ambient temperature, etc., the system reduces labor, fuel, and maintenance operating costs to the owner, improves well pumping reliability and production, reduces generator fuel consumption, reduces emissions, and conserves ground water.