US2008031752A1PendingUtilityA1

Sump pump control system

39
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Mar 3, 2006Filed: Mar 2, 2007Published: Feb 7, 2008
Est. expiryMar 3, 2026(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Kenneth M. LittwinDaniel P. BacchiereElvir Kahrimanovic
F04D 13/086F04D 15/0072F04D 15/0218F04D 13/068
39
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

A sump pump control system for monitoring and driving AC pumps that are supplied by directly either by AC utility power, or converted DC battery power. AC power is continuously monitored and the control automatically switches to DC battery supply in the case of power failure. DC battery power is converted to AC power. The control is equipped with unique pump switching circuitry allowing the pumps to be configured in parallel or staggered positions. Both pumps automatically alternate to prevent damage to pumps from humidity and corrosion that can result from remaining idle. Each pump has its own float switch to control operation. A third float switch controls both pumps in case of failure of either pump or float switch. Multiple visual and audio signals are included, displaying present power and pump conditions as well as alerting to any pump malfunction. The control utilizes two 12 volt deep cycle lead acid batteries that are being monitored for voltage level and continuously trickle charged to maintain maximum capacity. Batteries can be paralleled to obtain longer pump running time when AC power fails. The control system also allows for use of a single pump in the absence of a second pump.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A method of operating one AC pump or plurality of AC pumps from either utility AC power or inverted battery DC power in case of AC power loss.
 This method is comprised of continuous monitoring of power and pump mechanical condition, automatic triggering of controlled responses with audible and visual alerts of operating status, controlling plurality of AC pumps from the same power source, and battery charging circuitry.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , operating a single pump  FIG. 1   
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , operating two pumps in parallel configuration  FIG. 2   
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , operating two pumps in staggered configuration  FIG. 3   
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pumps can be mounted in different configurations comprising of single, parallel, and staggered configurations. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein parallel pump configuration switching logic is presented in  FIG. 8   
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein staggered pump configuration switching logic is presented in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein single pump configuration switching logic is presented in  FIG. 11   
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pumps are monitored for excessive current consumption in both cases when utility power is available and when inverter is operating. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pumps are monitored for reduced liquid pumping volume in both cases when utility power is available and when inverter is operating. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pump operation is alternated to reduce risk of failure 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pump operation is alternated to avoid flooding due to single pump failure 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pumps are alternated in certain sequence depending on their configuration. The switching sequence is optimized for said configuration. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein liquid level sensing devices are utilized to provide the optimum pump alternating operation. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the AC utility power will drive either primary or backup sump pump. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the inverter output will drive either primary or backup sump pump. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein during inverter operation the battery voltage level will drop and the output AC voltage of the inverter is kept at approximately same level. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the output of the inverter is alternating current. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the inverter output is power signal of about 115Vrms and frequency of about 60 Hz 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the charging means provides power to the battery at variable battery voltage and constant current to maintain maximum battery capacity without damaging the batteries by overcharging them. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the battery voltages are monitored and displayed 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 1 , including visual battery charging indicator 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 1 , including audio alarm of system malfunction. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the enclosure can be table or wall mounted. 
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein pump conditions are monitored and displayed 
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein available power is monitored and displayed 
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein temperature of the system is monitored and protected from overheating

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