DISCHARGE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The embodiments herein are claims the priority of the Indian Non-Provisional Patent Application filed on June 03, 2016 with the number 201641019269 and entitled, "A HIGH HEAD SOLAR POWERED FLUID PUMP WITH LOW DISCHARGE", and the contents of which are included in entirety as reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments herein are generally related to fluid pumps. The embodiments herein are particularly related to a system and method for pumping fluids using high head low discharge pump without impeller. The embodiments herein are more particularly related to a high head low discharge solar powered pump for non-centrifugal transport of fluid. The embodiments herein are especially related to a floatation mechanism for operating a low power low discharge pump using solar power.

Description of the Related Art

[0003] The electrical pumps are widely used in domestic and industrial applications. With a widespread use of solar power, solar powered pumps are desired. However, there are some practical limitations in utilizing the solar power. [0004] Currently used pumping systems employ a standard impeller pump with a high discharge rate. The use of solar power for standard impeller pump requires a very large solar panel array requiring heavy cost and maintenance expenses, as the impeller based pumps are usually high powered (0.5HP or above).

[0005] Solar powered pumping systems are best suited to operate low power pumps, with low discharge rates, such as diaphragm pumps. However, diaphragm pumps have very low suction length and need to be placed close to the surface of water for effective functioning.

[0006] Hence, there is a need for high head low discharge pump without impeller for non-centrifugally transporting fluids. There is also a need for a floatation mechanism to enable to operate a low power low discharge pump using solar power. Further there is a need for using solar powered high head low discharge pump for drip irrigation pumping requirements.

[0007] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

OBJECTS OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0008] The primary object of embodiments herein to provide a system and method to operate a solar powered electrical pump for non-centrifugal transportation of fluid. [0009] Another object of embodiments herein to provide a system and method to operate a solar powered high-head low-discharge pump without impeller for non-centrifugal transportation of fluid.

[0010] Yet another objective of embodiments herein to provide a floatation mechanism to operate a low power low discharge pump using solar power.

[0011] Yet another objective of embodiments herein to provide a low power low discharge pump using solar power for drip irrigation pumping requirements.

[0012] Yet another objective of embodiments herein to provide a waterproof floatation device comprising a commercial grade sealing material for the pump housed in the floatation device.

[0013] Yet another objective of embodiments herein to provide a waterproof floatation device, with suitable dimensions to float the device at the surface of the fluid when a pump is housed in the floatation device.

[0014] Yet another objective of embodiments herein to provide a waterproof floatation device with the center of gravity located just below the surface of the liquid.

[0015] These and other objects and advantages of embodiments herein will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY

[0016] The various embodiments herein provides a system and method for a solar powered high-head low-discharge pump without impeller for a non- centrifugal transport of a fluid. The present invention also provides a floatation mechanism to operate a low-power low-discharge pump using solar power.

[0017] According to one embodiment herein, a solar powered low-power high-head low-discharge pump system is provided. The system comprises a solar panel, a low power high head low discharge pump, a control device, and a plurality of liquid level sensors. The plurality of liquid level sensors is configured to detect a liquid level in a sump and in a tank. A water-proof floatation device is provided to house the low power high head low discharge pump. The water-proof floatation device has an inlet, an outlet and a power supply cable connected to the pump

[0018] According to one embodiment herein, wherein the solar panel has an output power in a range of 50 to 100 Watt, and the solar panel has an open circuit voltage of 40 Volts.

[0019] According to one embodiment herein, the low power high head low discharge pump is a diaphragm booster pump with an operating voltage of 24 Volts to 48 Volts.

[0020] According to one embodiment herein, the control device is an electronically driven switching control device.

[0021] According to one embodiment herein, the plurality of liquid level sensors comprises a first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor. [0022] According to one embodiment herein, the first liquid level sensor is provided in the sump. The control device is configured to operate the pump when a liquid level in the sump detected with the first liquid level sensor falls below a threshold liquid level.

[0023] According to one embodiment herein, the second liquid level sensor is provided in the tank. The control device is configured to operate the pump, when a liquid level in the tank detected with the second liquid level sensor falls below a threshold liquid level.

[0024] According to one embodiment herein, the waterproof floatation device is made of commercial grade waterproof material.

[0025] According to one embodiment herein, the waterproof floatation device is designed such that the floatation device is configured to float at a surface of the fluid when the pump is housed in the floatation device.

[0026] According to one embodiment herein, the waterproof floatation device is designed such that a center of gravity of the system is arranged just below the surface of the liquid. A power cable connected to the pump is waterproof cable, and the waterproof cable is arranged just above the surface of the liquid.

[0027] According to one embodiment herein, a method is provided for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, for a non-centrifugal transport fluid. The method comprises the following steps. The system is powered on. The panel voltage is checked to find whether the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts. When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts, a dump load is turned on.

[0028] The panel voltage is checked after turning on the dump load. When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts, the dump load is turned off and the pump is turned on.

[0029] The activation of a manual mode of operation of the system is checked. When the manual mode of operation of the system is activated, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored. The panel voltage value is checked to find whether the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts after the pump is turned on. When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts during a pump running condition, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volt during the pump running condition, the water level in the tank is checked with the second liquid level sensor and the water level in the sump is checked with the first liquid level sensor. When the water level in the tank is found to be full or the water level in the sump is found to be empty, the system is reset. When the water level in the tank is not found to be at a full tank level or the water level in the sump is not at an empty condition, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored.

[0030] When the manual mode of operation of the system is not activated, the water level in the tank is checked with the second liquid level sensor and the water level in the sump is checked with the first liquid level sensor. When the water level in the tank is found to be full or the water level in the sump is found to be empty, the system is reset. When the water level in the tank is not found to be at a full tank level or the water level in the sump is not at an empty condition, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored.

[0031] According to one embodiment herein, a system is provided for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, for a non-centrifugal transport fluid. The system comprises a solar panel module, an AC input module, a control device, a floatation device, a pump, a sump, a sump level measurement module, a tank and a tank level measurement module. The solar panel module comprises a solar panel with an output power in a range of 50 to 100 Watts and an open circuit voltage 40 Volts. The AC Input module is a backup power supply module for operating the system. The control device is an electronically driven controller to control the operation of the system. The floatation device houses the pump and floats in the sump such that the pump floats at the top of the liquid level in the sump. The sump level measurement module is configured to measure the level of the liquid in the sump. The control device is operated to control the flow of liquid into the tank depending on the liquid level in the sump. The tank level measurement module is configured to measure the liquid level in the tank. The control device is operated to control the flow of liquid into the tank depending on the liquid level in the Tank.

[0032] According to one embodiment herein, a floatation device is provided to house a pump. The floatation device is configured/designed to float at the surface of fluid. The floatation device comprises a top cover, a fixing plate and a bottom cover. The top cover and the bottom cover are configured to prevent the fluid from entering inside the floatation device. The fixing plate is configured to hold the pump in place. The floatation device is mounted in a sump such that the pump floats at the top of the liquid level in the sump.

[0033] According to one embodiment herein, a plurality of liquid level sensors are provided in the sump and tank. Each liquid level sensor is provided with a movable float switch coupled to a tube. A position of the float switch is designed/configured to change with a variation in the level of liquid. The position of the float switch with respect to an activation point of liquid level determines whether the system is switched on or off.

[0034] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating the preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which: [0036] FIG.l illustrates a circuit block diagram of a system for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, according to one embodiment herein.

[0037] FIG. 2A illustrates a side sectional view of floatation device that houses a pump and floats at the surface of fluid, according to one embodiment herein.

[0038] FIG. 2B illustrates a top side perspective view of floatation device that houses a pump and floats at the surface of fluid, according to one embodiment herein.

[0039] FIG.3 illustrates a side view of floatation device that houses a pump and floats at the surface of fluid in the sump, according to one embodiment herein.

[0040] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a liquid level sensor in the sump according to one embodiment herein.

[0041] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a liquid level sensor in the tank according to one embodiment herein.

[0042] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart explaining a method for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, according to one embodiment herein.

[0043] Although the specific features of embodiments herein are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with embodiments herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0045] The various embodiments herein provides a system and method for a solar powered high-head low-discharge pump without impeller for a non- centrifugal transport of a fluid. The embodiments herein also provides a floatation mechanism to operate a low-power low-discharge pump using solar power.

[0046] According to one embodiment herein, a solar powered low-power high-head low-discharge pump system is provided. The system comprises a solar panel, a low power high head low discharge pump, a control device, and a plurality of liquid level sensors. The plurality of liquid level sensors is configured to detect a liquid level in a sump and in a tank. A water-proof floatation device is provided to house the low power high head low discharge pump. The water-proof floatation device has an inlet, an outlet and a power supply cable connected to the pump. [0047] According to one embodiment herein, wherein the solar panel has an output power in a range of 50 to 100 Watt, and the solar panel has an open circuit voltage of 40 Volts.

[0048] According to one embodiment herein, the low power high head low discharge pump is a diaphragm booster pump with an operating voltage of 24 Volts to 48 Volts.

[0049] According to one embodiment herein, the control device is an electronically driven switching control device.

[0050] According to one embodiment herein, the plurality of liquid level sensors comprises a first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor.

[0051] According to one embodiment herein, the first liquid level sensor is provided in the sump. The control device is configured to operate the pump when a liquid level in the sump detected with the first liquid level sensor falls below a threshold liquid level.

[0052] According to one embodiment herein, the second liquid level sensor is provided in the tank. The control device is configured to operate the pump, when a liquid level in the tank detected with the second liquid level sensor falls below a threshold liquid level.

[0053] According to one embodiment herein, the waterproof floatation device is made of commercial grade waterproof material.

[0054] According to one embodiment herein, the waterproof floatation device is designed such that the floatation device is configured to float at a surface of the fluid when the pump is housed in the floatation device. [0055] According to one embodiment herein, the waterproof floatation device is designed such that a center of gravity of the system is arranged just below the surface of the liquid. A power cable connected to the pump is waterproof cable, and the waterproof cable is arranged just above the surface of the liquid.

[0056] According to one embodiment herein, a system is provided for solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, for non-centrifugal transport of fluid. The system comprises a solar panel, a low- power high-head low-discharge pump, a control device, a plurality of liquid-level sensors and a waterproof floatation device that houses the low-power high-head low-discharge pump.

[0057] According to one embodiment herein, the solar panel has an output power in a range of 50 to 100 Watts and an open circuit voltage of 40 Volts.

[0058] According to one embodiment herein, the low-power high-head low-discharge pump is a diaphragm booster pump with an operating voltage of 24 Volts to 48 Volts.

[0059] According to one embodiment herein, the control device is an electronically driven switching control system.

[0060] According to one embodiment herein, a pair of liquid level sensors are provided. A first liquid level sensor is placed in a sump, which is a source of fluid and a second liquid level sensor is placed in a tank, which is a receiver for the fluid. The pair of liquid level sensors are activated respectively, when the level of liquid in the sump and the tank falls below a threshold level.

[0061] According to one embodiment herein, the water-proof floatation device housing the pump is provided. The water-proof floatation device is made up of a commercial-grade material. The dimensions of the floatation device are arranged such that the floatation device floats at the surface of the fluid when the pump is housed in the floatation device. The center of gravity of the system is arranged to be just below the surface of the liquid. The power connections to the pump are waterproof. The power connections to the pump are arranged just above the surface of the liquid.

[0062] According to one embodiment herein, a method is provided for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, for a non-centrifugal transport fluid. The method comprises the following steps. The system is powered on. The panel voltage is checked to find whether the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts. When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts, a dump load is turned on.

[0063] The panel voltage is checked after turning on the dump load. When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts, the dump load is turned off and the pump is turned on. [0064] The activation of a manual mode of operation of the system is checked. When the manual mode of operation of the system is activated, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored. The panel voltage value is checked to find whether the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts after the pump is turned on. When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts during a pump running condition, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volt during the pump running condition, the water level in the tank is checked with the second liquid level sensor and the water level in the sump is checked with the first liquid level sensor. When the water level in the tank is found to be full or the water level in the sump is found to be empty, the system is reset. When the water level in the tank is not found to be at a full tank level or the water level in the sump is not at an empty condition, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored.

[0065] When the manual mode of operation of the system is not activated, the water level in the tank is checked with the second liquid level sensor and the water level in the sump is checked with the first liquid level sensor. When the water level in the tank is found to be full or the water level in the sump is found to be empty, the system is reset. When the water level in the tank is not found to be at a full tank level or the water level in the sump is not at an empty condition, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored.

[0066] According to one embodiment herein, a system is provided for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, for a non-centrifugal transport fluid. The system comprises a solar panel module, an AC input module, a control device, a floatation device, a pump, a sump, a sump level measurement module, a tank and a tank level measurement module. The solar panel module comprises a solar panel with an output power in a range of 50 to 100 Watts and an open circuit voltage 40 Volts. The AC Input module is a backup power supply module for operating the system. The control device is an electronically driven controller to control the operation of the system. The floatation device houses the pump and floats in the sump such that the pump floats at the top of the liquid level in the sump. The sump level measurement module is configured to measure the level of the liquid in the sump. The control device is operated to control the flow of liquid into the tank depending on the liquid level in the sump. The tank level measurement module is configured to measure the liquid level in the tank. The control device is operated to control the flow of liquid into the tank depending on the liquid level in the Tank.

[0067] According to one embodiment herein, a floatation device is provided to house a pump. The floatation device is configured/designed to float at the surface of fluid. The floatation device comprises a top cover, a fixing plate and a bottom cover. The top cover and the bottom cover are configured to prevent the fluid from entering inside the floatation device. The fixing plate is configured to hold the pump in place. The floatation device is mounted in a sump such that the pump floats at the top of the liquid level in the sump. [0068] According to one embodiment herein, a plurality of liquid level sensors are provided in the sump and tank. Each liquid level sensor is provided with a movable float switch coupled to a tube. A position of the float switch is designed/configured to change with a variation in the level of liquid. The position of the float switch with respect to an activation point of liquid level determines whether the system is switched on or off.

[0069] FIG.l illustrates a functional block diagram of a system for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, according to one embodiment herein, with respect to FIG.l, the system comprises a solar panel module 101, AC input supply module 102, controller module 103, floatation device 104, pump 105, sump 106, sump level measurement module 107, tank 108 and tank level measurement module 109. The solar panel module 101 comprises a solar panel in the power range of 50 to 100 Watt and open circuit voltage 40 Volts. The AC input supply module 102 is a backup power supply module for the functioning of the system. The controller module 103 is an electronically driven controller to control the functioning of the system. The floatation device 104 houses a pump 105 and floats in a sump 106 such that the pump 105 floats at the top of the liquid level in the sump 106. A sump level measurement module 107 measures the level of the liquid in the sump 106 and the controller module 103 controls the flow of liquid into the tank 108 depending on the level of liquid in the sump 106. A tank level measurement module 109 measures the level of the liquid in the tank 108 and the controller module 103 controls the flow of liquid into the tank 108 depending on the level of liquid in the Tank 108.

[0070] FIG. 2A illustrates a side sectional view of floatation device that houses a pump and floats at the surface of fluid, according to one embodiment herein, while FIG. 2B illustrates a top side perspective view of floatation device that houses a pump and floats at the surface of fluid, according to one embodiment herein. With respect to FIG.2A and FIG.2B, the floatation device comprises a top cover 104a, fixing plate 104b and bottom cover 104c. The top cover 104a and bottom cover 104c prevent the fluid from entering the inside of the floatation device. The fixing plate 104b holds the pump 105 in place. The floatation device is made up of a commercial-grade waterproof material. The dimensions of the floatation device are arranged such that the floatation device floats at the surface of the fluid when the pump 105 is housed in the floatation device.

[0071] FIG.3 illustrates a side view of floatation device that houses a pump and floats at the surface of fluid, according to one embodiment herein. With respect to FIG.3, the floatation device 104 houses a pump 105 and floats in a sump 106 such that the pump 105 floats at the top of the liquid level in the Sump 106. The center of gravity of the system is arranged to be just below the surface of the liquid. The waterproof floatation device is provided with a fluid inlet 301, a fluid outlet 302 and a power cable 303 on the outer surface. The fluid inlet 301, the fluid outlet 302 and the power cable 303 are connected to the pump. [0072] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a liquid level sensor in a sump according to one embodiment herein. With respect to FIG.4A, a movable float switch 402a is coupled to the tube 401a. The position of the float switch 402a changes with change in the level of liquid in the sump. The position of the float switch 402a with respect to the activation point 403 a determines whether the system is switched on or off.

[0073] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a liquid level sensor in a sump according to one embodiment herein. With respect to FIG. 4B, a movable float switch 402 is coupled to a tube 401. The position of the float switch 402 changes with change in the level of liquid in the tank. The position of the float switch 402 with respect to the activation point 403 determines whether the system is switched on or off.

[0074] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart explaining a method for operating the solar powered high-head low-discharge low-power pumps without impeller, according to one embodiment herein. The method comprises the following steps. The system is powered on (501). The panel voltage is checked to find whether the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts (502). When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts, a dump load is turned on (503).

[0075] The panel voltage is checked after turning on the dump load

(504) . When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts, the dump load is turned off

(505) and the pump is turned on (506). [0076] The activation of a manual mode of operation of the system is checked (507). When the manual mode of operation of the system is activated, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored (509). The panel voltage value is checked to find whether the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volts after the pump is turned on (510). When the panel voltage is not greater than 20 Volts during a pump running condition, the system is reset. When the panel voltage is greater than 20 Volt during the pump running condition, the water level in the tank is checked with the second liquid level sensor and the water level in the sump is checked with the first liquid level sensor (508). When the water level in the tank is found to be full or the water level in the sump is found to be empty, the system is reset. When the water level in the tank is not found to be at a full tank level or the water level in the sump is not at an empty condition, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored.

[0077] When the manual mode of operation of the system is not activated, the water level in the tank is checked with the second liquid level sensor and the water level in the sump is checked with the first liquid level sensor. When the water level in the tank is found to be full or the water level in the sump is found to be empty, the system is reset. When the water level in the tank is not found to be at a full tank level or the water level in the sump is not at an empty condition, the pump is turned on and the pump is monitored.

[0078] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments.

[0079] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

[0080] The embodiments herein provide a system and method for operating a solar powered high-head low-discharge pump without impeller for a non-centrifugal transport of fluid. The embodiments herein also provide a floatation device for operating a low power low discharge pump using solar power. The embodiments herein provide a water-proof floatation device that houses the pump.

[0081] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such as specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. [0082] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.

[0083] Although the embodiments herein are described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein with modifications.