A water well is almost mandatory on the site; it provides many benefits. To ensure that its work is not marred by constant breakdowns, it is necessary to install automation. It can be different in layout, it can be purely mechanical or have an electronic control unit, but any automation ensures the correct operation of the pumping system.
Peculiarities
Automation for the pump, as well as for heating, supports normal work systems, monitoring many parameters, for example, pressure, pump temperature, distributes water in the system, and the like. For correct operation, several units of various types are required and their adjustment to specific specifications, from the type of pumping equipment and well depth to the number of water intake points and the required operating pressure.
The normal operation of the pump is supported by the operation of the automation of important components.
- Distributing collector device. Provides water supply to several water intake points throughout the serviced area.
- Relay. Controls the starting and stopping of the pump. Necessary to control optimal pressure in the system. When sold, it has basic settings from the manufacturer, which can be changed according to the needs of a particular system.
- Pressure gauge, measuring device working pressure systems.
- Dry running sensor. Necessary to prevent overheating of pumping equipment in the absence of water in the system.
Minimum amount of automation for pumping station includes controller and protection system.
- A controller that regulates pump power. Necessary for the system to operate optimally.
- Protection system:
- dry running sensor;
- sensor protecting against overheating;
- sensor that detects a break in the pressure line.
You can note the positive and negative aspects when using automation.
Automation, like any other complex device, is designed to improve the performance of the mechanical component, in this case the pump, in this regard, its use provides certain advantages, these include:
- a wide selection of specialized units allows you to select the appropriate option for a pump with almost any parameters;
- the automation set is already assembled into the system and is ready for operation, so you don’t have to select individual components or check parts for compatibility and synchronization of interaction;
- The main advantage of automation is that the entire pumping system operates in a smooth, measured mode, and there is no need to monitor its balancing, because this is also the task of the automation.
Except positive qualities, automation also has its drawbacks, and these are:
- the assembled system is more expensive than assembling it from individual components yourself;
- If you have certain knowledge, you can select each unit so that it ideally meets the requirements of the pumping system and configure it to optimal performance; at ready-made system such a complete coincidence is rare, but if you look, you can find good option with high compliance;
- automation for the most part does not fit well with vibration pumps due to their specific requirement for an input pressure of 0.3 atm, which it is not designed for.
Species
All automation used to control the operation of the pump is divided into 3 types in chronological order according to the sequence of its creation.
1st generation
This is the first and simplest automated system control of pumping equipment. It is used for simple tasks when you need to provide permanent source water in the house. It consists of three main parts.
- Dry running sensor. It is necessary to turn off the pump in the absence of water, which serves as a coolant; without it, the pump will overheat and the winding will burn out. But an additional float switch can also be installed. Its function is similar to a sensor and is based on the water level: when it drops, the pump turns off. These simple mechanisms reliably protect expensive equipment from damage.
- Hydraulic accumulator. Is necessary element to automate the system. Performs the function of a water reservoir, inside of which there is a membrane.
- Relay. The device that controls the pressure level must be equipped with a pressure gauge that allows you to adjust the operating parameters of the relay contacts.
Dry running sensor
Hydraulic accumulator
Pressure switch
The first generation automation for deep well pumps is simple due to the absence of complex electrical circuits, and therefore its installation on any pumping equipment is not a problem.
The functionality of the system is as simple as the operating mechanism, which is based on a decrease in pressure in the hydraulic accumulator when water is consumed. As a result, the pump turns on and fills the container with new liquid. When completely filled, the pump turns off. This process continues cyclically. It is possible to adjust the minimum and maximum pressure using a relay. The pressure gauge allows you to set the lower and upper limits of automatic operation.
2nd generation
The second generation differs from the first in the use of an electronic control unit to which sensors are connected. They are distributed throughout the pumping system and monitor the operation of the pump itself and the condition of the pipeline. All information goes to the electronic unit, which processes it and makes appropriate decisions.
When using 2nd generation automation, a hydraulic accumulator may not be used, since the pipeline and the sensor installed in it perform a similar function. When the pressure in the pipe drops, a signal from the sensor enters the control unit, which, in turn, turns on the pump and restores the water pressure to the previous level, and upon completion turns it off.
To install 2nd generation automation, basic skills in handling electronics are required. The principle of operation of the 1st and 2nd generation systems is similar - pressure control, but the cost of the 2nd generation system is much more expensive, as a result of which it is in less demand.
The compensation is the absence of a hydraulic accumulator, and, therefore, money is saved on its purchase, although it also has its advantages, since the system based on it continues to work even in the absence of electricity.
3rd generation
This system is different high reliability and efficiency, but also costs more than its predecessors. Precise operation of the system is ensured by advanced electronics and allows you to save on electricity. To connect this system, you need a specialist who will not only install, but also configure the correct operation of the unit. Automation provides a full range of equipment protection against breakdowns, from “dry running” and pipeline rupture to protection against power surges in the network. The principle of operation, as in the 2nd generation, is not associated with the use of a hydraulic accumulator.
The main difference is the ability to more accurately regulate the operation of mechanical components. For example, when turned on, the pump standardly pumps water to maximum power, which is not needed when its consumption is low, and electricity is consumed to the maximum.
The 3rd generation system varies the pump power depending on the intensity of water intake, increasing and decreasing its speed. This not only saves energy, but also extends the life of the unit.
Connection diagram
Depending on the type of pump, the connection diagram may vary.
Installation and connection of a submersible pump and automation
For each generation of automation, the connection diagram to the pumping system has its own differences; often its features are described in the operating instructions.
Let's look at the connection diagram using the example of equipping a submersible pump with 1st generation automation with a hydraulic accumulator.
- First, the hydraulic accumulator is connected. According to the diagram, the nodes are connected in series. Fum tape is used to seal threaded connections.
- The first one to fit on the thread is the “American” one, with its help during operation the hydraulic accumulator will be serviced in order to replace the membrane.
- On the second side, a bronze adapter with threaded branches is screwed to the “American” one.
- Two units are screwed to them: a pressure gauge and a pressure switch.
- Next, the PVC pipe is installed using a fitting adapter on the end of the bronze adapter of the accumulator.
- On the other hand, the pipe is attached to the pump using a fitting.
- The supply pipe and pump are laid on a level area.
- A safety cable with a spare length of 3 meters is attached to the loops of its body.
- The cable and cable are attached to the pipe at intervals of 1.5 meters with clamps. The second end of the safety rope is secured next to the casing.
- After which the pump is lowered into the well, and the safety rope is tightened.
- Next casing covered with a protective cap that protects the well from clogging.
- The cable is connected to the relay and led to the control electrical cabinet.
- Immediately after connection, water is pumped into the accumulator. At this moment, it is necessary to bleed the air by opening the tap.
- After water flows without air, the tap is closed and the pressure gauge readings are checked. Standardly, the relay has settings for the upper pressure limit - 2.8 atm, and for the lower limit - 1.5.
For other indicators, the relay is adjusted using special screws inside the housing.
Installation and connection of a surface pump with automation
With this type of pump, the automation connection has a number of differences, although the sequence of its connection is the same as for submersible type. The differences are as follows:
- a PVC pipe is connected to the pump inlet for drawing water from diameters from 25 to 35 mm;
- attached to the other end using a fitting check valve and is lowered into the well, while the pipe must be long enough so that its end is immersed in water by about a meter, otherwise air will be trapped;
- before starting operation, the engine is filled with water through the filler hole and the intake pipe;
- If all components are properly sealed, turning on the pump will be accompanied by pumping water.
Manufacturers
The selection of any technological equipment for a well pump is associated with the risk of buying poor quality product, and to avoid this, you should give preference to a manufacturer with a good reputation.
Among such companies, several can be noted.
- "Unipump" Russian company, producing reliable, high-quality equipment at a reasonable price. The automation features a wide selection for various pumping systems and is designed to work with units with a power of no more than 1.5 kW. Structurally, the pressure gauge is combined with a pressure switch; this feature simplifies installation.
- Grundfos– Danish automatic high quality. The main features of the product are:
- protection level – IP52, automation with this marking can be installed in almost any conditions;
- trouble-free quality;
- some products are designed for voltage less than 220V;
- wide selection of models for various types and pump power.
I think there is no need to rant here for a long time about the fact that automation for a well is, in our time, vital necessity. No one wants to plug a pump into a socket or press a button in order to fill a cup of water. I would like to open the tap and “like in the city” see a vigorous flow of, at least cold, water.
In order to realize this desire, the well pump must be equipped with automation. Automation for a well can vary in price by about a factor of 100, that is, an automation unit can cost 300 rubles, or maybe 30,000, it all depends on the parameters and capabilities of the unit.
Mechanical pressure regulator for well
The easiest and most cost-effective way to automate a well is to install it mechanical regulator pressure. It works quite simply, the water creates pressure in the capsule, and if it is not enough, the contacts close and the pump turns on; as soon as the tap closes, the pressure increases and the contacts open.
It happens that such pressure switches are equipped with a pressure gauge, but the most inexpensive models lack this. Such a relay can be installed at any point in the pipeline; the pressure in the pipe is the same everywhere. The most significant drawback of this device is the lack of protection against “dry running” and if for some reason the water in the well runs out and the pressure in the system drops, the pressure switch will supply electricity to the pump, and the pump will work until it runs out. building.
The second point is the presence of a hydraulic accumulator in the system. It performs at least two functions:
- Prevents frequent pump starts.
- It absorbs water shocks that occur when the tap is suddenly closed.
How does a hydraulic accumulator work?
A hydraulic accumulator is a tank made of ferrous metal or stainless steel. As a rule, they are painted blue and have a capacity of 5 to 500 liters. The number of pump starts directly depends on the volume of the tank. With low water consumption in systems equipped with small-volume hydraulic accumulators (up to 50 liters), frequent pressure drops in water pressure can easily be observed. Hydraulic accumulator has a built-in membrane and is inflated to a pressure of about 2 atm. The pressure in the system must always be higher than the pressure in the membrane, otherwise the membrane simply will not work.
When the pump is turned on, water begins to fill expansion tank and compresses the membrane in volume, since it has a lower pressure. After the pump is turned off, the pressure in the membrane and in the tank is equalized. When the tap opens, water pours out of the tank, and the volume of water poured out of the tank fills the air in the membrane. At the moment when the pressure in the system drops to the one set in the relay to turn on, the pump turns on and the process repeats.
So, let's summarize. Inexpensive pressure switches must be equipped with a dry-running sensor and a hydraulic accumulator.
Automation unit for well
These are already more advanced systems, which cost 10-15 times more than a conventional pressure switch. For this money you will get convenient control of the minimum and maximum pressure on the LCD display, built-in dry-running protection, protection against pump jamming, and in some models even automatic starts after a certain time interval after the pump stops due to an error.
It would also be useful to supplement these automatic well regulators with a hydraulic accumulator. As a rule, small tanks with a volume of about 5 liters are installed on such systems in order to compensate for water hammer.
Frequency converter
This is the most expensive automation option for a well pump, but also the most convenient from the point of view of using water supply. The frequency converter will produce the frequency that is necessary to maintain set pressure in the system. This allows not only to extend the life of the pump by reducing wear of parts, but also to reduce energy consumption, thereby recouping part of the cost of purchasing a frequency generator.
What is a frequency converter from a user's point of view?
- You open the tap, the pump starts smoothly and picks up speed to create a certain pressure.
- You open the second tap, the water flow increases and the pressure drops. The frequency converter spins the pump faster and thereby, again, raises the pressure to operating pressure.
Manufacturers frequency converters It is also recommended to install a small expansion tank of 1–2 liters to prevent restarts caused by small leaks.
So, for the consumer the choice is very difficult. The convenience and reliability of a frequency regulator are quite expensive, so people often make a choice not in favor of it.
In this case, automation means a set of command relays, power electrical parts and various types protections, the task of which is to protect the electric motor and the device itself from failure. In this article we will look at pump control systems. The most widely used are two main schemes for controlling pump operation: based on the level of the working medium (water) in the storage tank and based on the pressure in the pressure pipeline.
Pump control: level control
The first pump control circuit is used when the device is operating at water tower or to fill a container, from where water is supplied to the consumer by second lift pumps. Special level sensors (electrodes) are installed inside the tanks, which, using a level control relay, monitor the lower (pump on) and upper (pump off when the tank is filled) levels. Application in this scheme float switches instead of electrodes, it is less reliable, which is due to their short working life. An emergency drainage device must be provided when the tank overflows (overflow alarms are usually not used). This scheme is typical for large community wells, when one tank supplies water to an entire dacha settlement, village, village.
The main advantage achieved with this approach is stable operation. The hydraulics are constant: the nominal flow rate is supplied to a height determined by the depth of the well, the height of the tower, and additionally provides another 1–2 m for the spout. One cycle corresponds to the flow rate of the full volume of the tower, taking into account the flow rate of the current water intake. The possibility of short-term start-stops is eliminated, which extends the life of the equipment. It is enough to correctly select the electric pump for the required parameters, carry out commissioning in a qualified manner once, and stable work system is provided.
Pump control: pressure control
According to the second scheme, the pump is controlled by commands from a pressure switch installed on the pipeline. On the relay itself, two parameters are configured: the pressure to turn on the pump and the pressure at which it should turn off. This pump control scheme is typical for individual wells and is usually used in conjunction with membrane tanks designed to maintain the required excess pressure in the network, compensate for water hammer and low flow rates. It is extremely important to produce correct setting relay according to device characteristics and volume membrane tank. To prevent the pump from turning on too often, the set pressure limit should lie in the middle zone performance characteristics. The hysteresis of the values is selected in the range of 1.2–2.5 bar, taking into account data on the maximum permissible number of switchings in a certain period of time.
The pressure switches used in this scheme can be divided into household and industrial. The first, MDR relays from Condor, XMP (Telemecanique), etc., have powerful contact groups capable of withstanding current up to 16 A, but are not equipped with a setting scale indicating an adjustable pressure range. Such relays are adjusted using a pressure gauge. Advantages of relay of this type are their relative cheapness and the possibility of using them in power circuits (directly to control the pump). The disadvantages are low adjustment accuracy and short operating life due to the influence of large starting currents. Industrial relays, FF4 from Condor and KPI (Danfoss), are distinguished by increased accuracy and reliability, but have low-current contacts and require switching through an external starter. The type of relay affects the choice of further electrical diagram and automation systems.
When using household devices It is enough to directly connect the pump through its contact groups to the network. The simplicity and low cost of this option attracts many buyers, but it does not provide any other advantages. Moreover, such cost savings entail additional costs during operation to replace a prematurely failed relay (contacts are burnt or oxidized). The user himself, having installed a new relay, is unlikely to be able to restore the previous settings and check the operating mode, which, in the worst case, can lead to device failure. The well-known saying “the miser pays twice” does not work here: if the pump breaks down, you will have to pay three times - for lifting the device, repairs and, the third time, for lowering it into the well and putting it into operation. To operate a pump with an industrial relay, intermediate devices are required ( various options control cabinets with or without additional protection devices).
Pump protection
As practice shows, the main reasons for the failure of a well pump are operation at an increased or decreased supply voltage in electrical network, overload of the electric motor and operation in “dry” mode, i.e. without water. Any European manufacturer indicates technical documentation supply voltage requirements (in Europe the standard is 1x230 or 3x400 V) and permissible deviations relative to face value.
A radical way to ensure high-quality power supply to the pump is to use alternating voltage stabilizers of appropriate power, which is expensive. Most often, a voltage control relay is installed in the pump automation control system. This automation of the device turns off the pump in case of voltage drop and overvoltage, and can also control phase sequence and asymmetry (for three-phase motors). The presence of a turn-on time delay in the relay provides protection against frequent power surges in the network.
The electric motor is protected from overload using thermal current relays that turn it off when the set current value is reached. It is very important that the setting range of the current relay matches rated current pump
Protection of the pump from “dry” running can be carried out in two ways: directly - by the water level in the well using sensors (electrodes) or floats and indirectly - by the current value or the phase shift of the current and voltage of the electric motor using special relays. In some engines, MS 3 SQ pumps from Grundfos, this protection element is already built in as standard. Disadvantage indirect protection it is precisely its “secondary” nature: the relay operates only when the flow part and bearings are already left without water to lubricate and cool them. If the productivity of the device exceeds the flow rate of the well itself, a similar situation can occur several times a day, which negatively affects its service life. In this situation, it is strongly recommended to use an electrode level control relay, which allows you to turn off the pump before an emergency occurs.
Depending on specific situation Various combinations and types can be used to control and protect a well pump. protective devices, produced both by the pumping equipment manufacturers themselves and by other manufacturers. Let's take a look at the products offered on the market today.
Pump control devices
Conventionally, they can be divided into three groups: start-protective devices assembled on the basis printed circuit boards– QA/50B, QA/60C from Maniero, SK-701 from Wilo, etc.; control units based on relay technology – SK 277 (Wilo), “Hydromat” H110-H311 (“Hidrolans”), etc.; control systems based on microprocessor devices – SPCU3 (Control) MP204-S (Grundfos), SK-712 (Wilo) or similar.
Devices based on printed circuit boards are functionally and structurally complete products and require connection external device– the pump itself, often through a starter and transmitting sensors (level, pressure switch, etc.). They are distinguished by a large set of controlled parameters and functions (thermal current protection, protection against voltage surges, control of “dry” running using electrodes and by electric motor load, etc.), which are not always used. Due to its completeness, it is almost impossible to change the operating logic of the device. Some devices do not have the ability to change trigger values for certain parameters. If the board fails, it must be replaced entirely, which is comparable to the cost of a new device.
The range of relay-based devices on the market is quite wide - from the simplest, SQSK (Grundfos), to control cabinets for several pumps, manufactured directly according to the requirements of a specific customer. The SQSK module is a regular starter in a plastic case. Its function is only to switch the pressure switch at a current of no more than 4 A. In practice, this unit no longer protects the pump itself, but the pressure switch. There is no status or settings signaling. Installation of an external circuit breaker is required.
The H110 control and protection unit manufactured by the Hydrolans company has a plastic waterproof case with dimensions of 310x230x130 mm, with a hinged, removable transparent cover, protection class IP65, sealed cable entries for connection. The module includes a contactor with an adjustable thermal current protection relay, a voltage monitoring device with a built-in digital voltmeter indicating the value of the supply voltage, operating mode signaling lamps, a circuit breaker for the internal control circuit, and a two-position On/Off switch.
As an option, the unit can be equipped with one or two level control relays RM4LG from Schneider Electric and terminals for connecting electrodes. The hardware “filling” of the device provides protection against all the main dangers for a well pump: when operating with an overload, current protection is triggered; when the supply voltage sags or surges, the control relay opens the control circuit and prevents the pump from turning on until the voltage returns to normal; When power is restored, the restart occurs automatically. A digital voltmeter shows the current voltage and signals the cause of the failure, which is convenient for the end user.
The advantages of devices of this type, as follows from comments and reviews, are their relative simplicity and reliability, the possibility of rapid modernization and alteration for non-standard applications, if a part fails, only the failed part is replaced.
Control and protection devices well pumps based on microprocessor controllers - the most complex. They allow you to control pump operating parameters such as insulation resistance, motor temperature, phase asymmetry and phase sequence, protect the pump from high and low voltage, overload and dry running, and allow you to keep track of the pump operating time and the amount of electricity consumed. It is possible to communicate and control the operation of the pump through standard interfaces with a modem or computer. These are the most expensive devices, and it is recommended to use them with pumps high power and productivity, when the cost of possible pump repairs can far exceed the cost of the automation itself. Setting up, starting and commissioning the above devices without specialists is almost impossible.
When using frequency converters in control systems, it is necessary to take into account the minimum speed of the electric motor. This characteristic is indicated in the technical documentation for the pump and is usually 20–30% of the nominal value. If this requirement is not observed, there is a high probability that the pump motor thrust bearing will fail.
In addition to all of the above, special attention must be paid to the class of the selected control system for dust and moisture protection, depending on the installation location (see GOST R 51321.1-2000 “Complete low-voltage distribution and control devices”).
"AQUA-TERM" No. 3 (37) 2007
Pump automation consists of units installed in pumping equipment and designed to ensure its automated operation. This segment includes: pressure switches, automation units, start-up protection devices and pump control stations.
Pump automation
Pump automation is designed to control the pump and monitor its operation. The main functions of pump automation are starting the pump and stopping its operation. As a rule, this occurs due to a pressure switch, an automation unit, start-up protection devices and a pump control station. All automation for pumping stations protects equipment from voltage surges, short circuits, as well as from continuous uncontrolled operation. Let's consider each element of automation for pumping stations.
Pump automation in the form of a block
Designed to automate pump operation. It reacts to a decrease or increase in pressure in the water supply system and starts the pump when the tap is opened or stops when it is closed. The automation unit protects the pump from the so-called “dry running”, preventing it from operating in the absence of water. In our online store you can find automatic regulator according to Gilex flow and pressure. He is able to work with maximum temperature water up to 60°C and allows a pressure of 10 atm.
Pressure switch
The pressure switch, like the automation unit, is designed to regulate the operation of the pump and automate it. The principle of operation of the device is simple. The relay turns on the pump when the pressure in the system drops (for example, during human use of water) and turns off when the user closes the tap and the pressure rises again to the desired point. The pressure switch also protects the pump from dry running. The pressure switch GILEX RDM 5 meets these requirements.
Start panel (start protection device)
Created for starting motors in borehole pumps, and a specific starting panel is selected for each pump model. Such a device is responsible for the operation of the pump itself, regulating its on and off, however, only if there are dry-running sensors.
Pump control station
Serves to automate and control the operation of the pump and protects it from “dry running”. Typically, the protection response time is about 10 seconds. There is a whole model range, capable of providing reliable control pump operation, it is presented in four modifications: KIV-1 A3, KIV-1 B3, KIV-1 B3 and KIV-1 SQ3.
You can buy pump automation right now in our online store “220 volts”. With us you will always find any household and professional power tool, power and construction equipment, and our managers will help you choose from widest range the most suitable model for you and the equipment required for it.
What does the person who purchased or built private house, country cottage, a dacha in an area where there is no centralized water supply network? That's right, he orders a well to be drilled and buys a submersible or other type of pump. Correctly selected in accordance with operating conditions and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, automation for a well and any other pump will allow you to obtain many advantages from using the equipment and guarantee complete comfort in using water extracted from a well.
Separate devices or a centralized well pump control station solve a whole range of problems. Home — ensuring normal operating modes of equipment. Depending on the constructed water supply scheme, devices of the first, second or third level of control, which are also called generations, can be used in a private house or country house. However, regardless of the chosen scheme, automation allows:
- reliably protect the well pump from overloads and other abnormal operating conditions;
- stabilize water supply;
- eliminate excess well production;
- provide normal pressure water in the system for its comfortable consumption;
- eliminate the possibility of emergency leaks;
- ensure that the water supply network operates normally.
But the most attractive thing that automation does is almost complete lack of human participation in managing and monitoring the operation of the water supply system.
Some of the devices that the pump is equipped with can be useful even with manual adjustment. For example, in a system that is built on a large-capacity pressure tank, raised to a considerable height to supply water by gravity.
First generation of automation
The first level of protection, or first generation devices, have the most wide application. They protect the pump and can eliminate excess well production. The use of first generation tools makes it possible to organize completely automatic operation systems built as an addition to the existing water supply network. Connecting automation to a well pump using an intermediate hydraulic accumulator allows you to get a productive and reliable pumping station with separated parts.
First level devices are presented:
- pressure switch;
- float level control sensors;
- pump dry run blockers.
Depending on the selected water supply method, only some of the devices from the list can be used. So, to protect the pump in systems with completely manual control required presence of dry run blocking. This ensures that the pump will not break down when the source is depleted or the maximum cavitation pressure is exceeded when bubbles form in the sampled liquid. Majority good pumps are immediately equipped with similar security systems.
Float sensors will be useful in two cases:
- to control the water level in the tank, from which it is supplied to the house’s pipeline system by gravity;
- to prevent depletion of a low productivity well.
The first application is simple: two sensors are installed in a tank located at a height. One is configured to trigger when the maximum liquid level is reached, the second one is based on the opposite principle. It signals when the water volume drops below the configured limit.
Using simplest trigger, it is easy to achieve fully automatic response and filling of the tank without human intervention. However, it is sufficient to install only one sensor that stops the pump when the maximum water level is reached.
Protecting the well will minimize its maintenance and prevent soil and other impurities from entering the sampled water. If the productivity (rate of replenishment of the aquifer) of the well is less than the amount of water taken by the pump, the walls of the cylindrical hole in the ground dry out. The most common case with similar characteristics is water supply from a well with a submersible pump.
The escape of liquid from the unprotected walls of the well causes destruction and crumbling of the soil. In the worst case scenario, with certain soil characteristics this can cause clogging. Float sensor will allow you to constantly keep the water level at a safe level. This will protect the well, but the owner of the system must be prepared for the fact that the pump will no longer lift enough liquid for comfortable consumption.
Controlling water supply parameters requires a more complex system. It is impossible to connect a pressure switch to a deep-well pump. Therefore they are used only paired with a hydraulic accumulator. This device creates a compensatory supply of water and simultaneously regulates the pressure in the water supply. The operation of the relay is based on monitoring this indicator.
When the set value is reached, the control unit turns off the pump. If it falls below the set value, the blower starts again.
The devices and sensors described are not only automation for a well with a submersible pump. They can also be used when building a system with drainage, surface blowers. The operating principle of the automation does not depend in any way on the type of pump.
Second generation of automation
If the first level automation is designed to create independent system supplying water to the pipeline network, the second generation of devices and sensors is designed to directly connect the pump to the inlet into the house. The work is based on monitoring the parameters of the water supply structure.
The list of second generation devices includes:
- dry run blockers;
- pump temperature sensors;
- electronics for monitoring power supply and consumption parameters;
- flow pressure sensors.
The most complex component on this list is control electronics. Depending on the functional level, it is capable of:
- block the supply of voltage to the pump during a sudden emergency power surge;
- stabilize tension, smooth out surges;
- protect the pump and supply network from short circuits;
- act as lightning protection;
- monitor the pump temperature and turn it off when threshold values are exceeded;
- control the level of current consumption, prevent overloads and other abnormal operating modes of the pump.
The most expensive electronic systems are capable of providing a smooth start and maintaining the power transmitted to the supercharger.
There is a certain contradiction in this class of products: The more complex the system, the more repairable it is. If you buy a simple device, the central chip often requires replacement, which is comparable in cost to buying a new unit. The automation electronics are mounted in a single control cabinet, where protective RCDs and other parts of the switching structure are located.
Flow pressure switches are installed by inserting into the pipes of the water supply network. The operation of such devices is quite clear: when the measured indicator reaches the configured value, a command is given to turn off the pump. When the pressure drops below the set threshold, the supercharger starts.
Flow relays are applicable in systems without a hydraulic accumulator. However, this device can also be installed using second-generation automation. The task of a hydraulic accumulator without its own pressure switch is to create a compensation reserve of liquid, which allows reducing the number of pump starts when drawing water from the system.
Installing a pumping station in a well for direct pumping of water into the house system, equipped with second-level automation, is convenient in terms of simplicity, reliability, and comprehensive control. However she shows good results with a sufficiently large sample of liquid. If small, it can cause aggravation of the underlying problem. automatic control pump.
Third generation of automation
Third generation devices are the most expensive solution. However, their installation is justified. To understand why, it's worth looking at main problem pumping stations.
Discrete pump operation problem
The reliability and durability of the pumping station depends little on the auxiliary components of the system. The turbine wheel impeller and other components are designed to pump a certain amount of liquid. The main part under variable load is the electric motor.
Normal pump operation: always on. At the same time, stable heat generation, current consumption, and mechanical wear are observed. The most dangerous moments are when starting the engine. The currents increase sharply, intense local overheating of the windings (starting or main) occurs, and the load on the components of the control circuits increases stepwise. Therefore, the fewer starts the engine experiences, the longer it will operate.
Advantages of third generation automation
The third generation of automation reduces the discrete operation of the pump motor to the possible limits. In addition, electronic systems perform all the functions of second-level automation products in terms of network and engine protection.
The connection diagram of the pump, as well as other auxiliary parts of the water supply structure, does not change if expensive third-generation systems are used for control. The main thing they do is implement smooth control of the well pump. The fact is that almost all products do not imply a change in engine speed. When purchasing an expensive pump, you can get built-in step pressure/speed regulators, but still the mechanics of operation will remain the same: switch on - reach rated power - switch off.
Third generation automation carries out changing the frequency of the voltage supplied to the pump, and also (in some cases) its numerical value. In this case, the user is offered several customized options for supplying water from the well to the house with a pump (or from another source). For example, you can set the minimum performance mode or the lowest pressure drop limit.
The owner of a third-generation system can fine-tune the operation of the pump motor as desired, achieving as few starts as possible per hour, day, week. At the same time, expensive electronics will offer everything useful features to improve the efficiency and durability of the supercharger, such as soft start, heat control, power support.
Connecting a deep-well pump or other type of device to a third-generation control structure completely eliminates the need for human intervention in the operation of any water supply system. In addition, this will significantly reduce your overall electricity costs.
Features of connecting automation to the pump
The rules for installing any control and regulation device are simple: connecting the automation to the well pump is carried out strictly according to manufacturer's recommendations. Idling blockers and temperature measurement sensors are installed on the pump before it is immersed in a well or borehole.
Float devices placed in a well or storage tank. Their connection can be made either to the corresponding power distribution unit of the pump, or to interrupt the power supply from outside the well. The pressure switch works similarly. It directly controls the voltage supply to the pump and is located on the accumulator block.
The only thing that is produced according to one scenario is setting the pressure switch, flow-through or tank-mounted compensator.
- The system is being assembled or a flow-type device is being installed.
- The condition of the structural elements is checked in accordance with the manufacturer's requirements.
- Appropriate switching and connection to the power supply network are carried out.
- The upper limit range of the relay response is adjusted.
- The response delta is set by a separate regulator.
- Water is supplied to the system to control leaks.
- The pump is fully started to check the relay response.
- If necessary, the set adjustment parameters are changed.
To adjust the relay, nuts, small rotary blocks or heads for a screwdriver or wrench are provided. Depending on the manufacturer and model of the device, the mechanics may change: the upper limit and pressure delta can be set, or both limits of the response range can be adjusted. All detailed information about the configuration method used can be found in the documentation for the equipment.
Important! To mount a control panel and configure the operation of more complex automatic systems Levels 2 and 3 require the skills and knowledge of an electromechanic. If the performer is not confident in his qualifications, it is worth involving a professional in solving the problem or hiring a specialized company.
Conclusion
With the help various means automatic regulation and control can be built stable, reliable system water supply using a submersible or any other pump. The choice of specific equipment depends on future operating conditions. For a summer residence or country house where they live for one season, a station with first-level automation will be sufficient. More complex system will allow you to constantly, in comfortable conditions, consume large number water. And those who want to get guaranteed reliability, convenience, and energy savings should opt for expensive automatic means third generation control.