Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to pump systems and the control thereof.
Background to the Invention
[0002] It is known to use pressure switches to control the pump of a liquid delivery system.
Typically the pump is turned off and on depending on the liquid pressure detected
by the pressure switch. By way of example, the plumbing system of a caravan can be
connected to an external water supply by means of a hose connected to a submersible
pump. The pump is submerged in the external water supply and is turned off and on
by the pressure switch in response to the changes in water pressure in the plumbing
system, for example when a tap is opened or closed.
[0003] EP 1 255 174 A1 and
WO 2009/004277 A2 disclose pump systems in which an electric pump is started and stopped depending
on the liquid demand downstream of the pump.
[0004] A problem with this arrangement is that, in some circumstances, the pressure switch
can cause the pump to turn off and on unnecessarily causing a pulsing in the water
delivery resulting in unwelcome noise and uneven water flow.
[0005] Another problem with such systems is that they are often run from batteries which,
when in a relatively run down state, do not provide the pump with sufficient power
to produce sufficient pressure in the plumbing system to cause the pressure switch
to operate. This can lead to the pump running continuously, producing an unwelcome
level of background noise as well as creating a constant current draw on the battery
which may eventually result in the battery being over-discharged and damaged.
[0006] A third problem arises if the water supply runs dry and the pump continues to run.
This can cause the pump to overheat and permanent damage to occur.
[0007] It would be desirable to provide a pump control system that mitigates the problems
outlined above.
Summary of the Invention
[0008] Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a pump system according to
claim 1.
[0009] In preferred embodiments, the pump system is co-operable with a plumbing system arranged
to deliver fluid (typically liquid, usually water) to users via one or more outlets
(e.g. a tap for a sink or bath, or a shower head), each outlet being controlled by
a tap or similar dispensing device. When one or more of said taps are open (i.e. there
is a demand for fluid via one or more of said outlets), the pump system, under the
control of the control apparatus, is arranged to cause fluid to be pumped through
the plumbing system to deliver fluid to the or each respective outlet. When the tap(s)
are closed (i.e. when there is no demand for fluid to be delivered via an outlet),
the pump system, under the control of the control apparatus, ceases to cause fluid
to be pumped through the plumbing system. Typically, the plumbing system includes,
or is connected to, a fluid reservoir, e.g. a water tank, from which said fluid is
pumped to the plumbing system. The pump system may be located in the fluid reservoir,
in which case it may comprise a submersible pump.
[0010] Advantageously, the control apparatus is configured to deactivate the pump in response
to determining that there is no demand for fluid, e.g. by determining that the or
each (and typically all where there is more than one) of said taps, or other outlet
control devices, is closed. This corresponds with a decrease in the output fluid flow,
especially fluid flow rate, from the pump, which in turn corresponds with a decrease
in pump operating current. Hence, a first current threshold value may be set that
is deemed to correspond to a cessation of demand for fluid, e.g. the or each tap or
other outlet control device being closed, and the control apparatus monitors the pump
operating current and when the current reaches or is below the first threshold value,
the control apparatus causes the pump to be deactivated.
[0011] According to the invention, the control apparatus comprises, or is co-operable with,
a pressure sensor that is responsive to the pressure of fluid in the plumbing system,
the control apparatus being arranged to activate the pump when pressure sensor indicates
that said fluid pressure has decreased to the extent that it may be deemed to correspond
to a demand for fluid at one or more outlets. Conveniently, the control apparatus
is arranged to activate the pump when pressure sensor indicates that said fluid pressure
meets or drops below a first pressure threshold value.
[0012] Preferably, said at least one current threshold includes a second current threshold
value corresponding to said pump running dry.
[0013] According to the invention, said controller is arranged to adjust said first current
threshold value depending on the voltage level provided to the pump by said power
supply. Advantageously, the controller is arranged to adjust said first current threshold
value depending on said voltage level to maintain said first threshold value at a
level that corresponds to substantially the same fluid flow rate from the pump. The
controller may therefore include or be co-operable with means for measuring the voltage
level of the power supply. This advantageous aspect of the invention is particularly
applicable in cases where the power supply comprises one or more batteries.
[0014] Preferably, the control apparatus includes, or is co-operable with a pulse width
modulation (PWM) system for supplying said pump with a pulse width modulated voltage
supply.
[0015] A second aspect of the invention provides a plumbing system, especially for a caravan,
mobile home or RV, incorporating the pump system of the first aspect of the invention.
[0016] A third aspect of the invention provides a method of controlling a pump system, the
method being according to claim 10.
[0017] It will be understood that current monitoring can be performed indirectly by monitoring
one or more corresponding voltages and so references herein to current monitors and
the like are intended to embrace corresponding voltage monitoring arrangements.
[0018] Further advantageous aspects of the invention will be apparent to those ordinarily
skilled in the art upon review of the following description of a specific embodiment
and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0019] An embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example and with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a plumbing system suitable for use with the present
invention; and
Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a pump control system including a pump control
apparatus embodying one aspect of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the pump system of Figure 2.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
[0020] Referring now to figure 1 of the drawings there is shown generally indicated as 10,
a plumbing system which, in the present example, is intended for the delivery of water,
although the invention is not limited to water delivery systems. The system 10 comprises
at least one, but typically a plurality of, outlets (e.g. the tap(s) of a sink or
bath, or a shower head, or a domestic appliance) through which the water, or other
liquid, can be dispensed during use. In Figure 1, only one outlet is shown, namely
a tap 12. The outlets are connectable to a source of water which, in the present example,
comprises a water tank 14, via at least one, but typically a network of, conduits.
In
[0021] Figure 1, the water outlet(s) 12 are located internally of a structure 16 which,
in the present example, is assumed to be a caravan, mobile home, recreational vehicle
(RV) or similar structure, but which in alternative embodiments could comprise any
other structure, e.g. building or vehicle. The water tank 14 is located externally
of the caravan 16 and so may be referred to as an external water source. Alternatively,
the water source may be located internally or under floor of the caravan 16 or other
structure/vehicle. The plumbing system 10 comprises at least one, but typically a
network of, pipes for delivering the water to the outlets 12. In Figure 1, only one
pipe 18 is shown.
[0022] The plumbing system 10 further includes a connector 20 for connecting the pipe(s)
18 to the external water supply 14 via an external conduit, typically a hose or pipe
22. The connector 20 may take any suitable form, typically comprising a plug 24 and
a socket 26, the arrangement being such that when the plug 24 is connected to the
socket 26, liquid is able to flow from the tank 14 to the outlet(s) 12 via the conduits
18, 22. The connector 20 is typically also configured to facilitate any necessary
electrical connections, e.g. for the pump motor described below.
[0023] A pump 30 is connected to the conduit 22 and is arranged to draw liquid, in this
case water, from the water source, in this case the tank 14, and pump it through the
conduit 22. The pump 30 is a submersible pump and, in typical embodiments, is an electrically
operable submersible pump. The pump 30 is therefore operable by an electric motor
32.
[0024] A control apparatus 34 is provided for controlling the operation of the pump 30.
The control apparatus 34 is conveniently located in the connector 20. In Figure 1
it is shown incorporated into the plug 24, although it may alternatively be incorporated
into the socket 26, or distributed between the plug and socket, or located elsewhere
in the system 10.
[0025] In particular, the control apparatus 34 is arranged to control the operation of pump
30 by controlling the electrical power supply to the motor 32. To this end, the control
apparatus 34 is connected to a power supply, typically comprising one or more batteries
36. Usually, the battery 36 is located in the caravan 16 (or other structure).
[0026] In use, when a user operates the tap 12 or other outlet to demand water, the pump
control apparatus 34 activates the pump 30 so that water is drawn from the tank 14
and delivered to the tap 12. When the user closes the outlet, e.g. turns off the tap,
the control apparatus 34 deactivates the pump 30.
[0027] Referring now to Figure 2 of the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the control
apparatus 34 is described in more detail. The control apparatus 34 includes a pressure
sensor conveniently comprising a pressure switch 36 that is exposed (directly or indirectly)
during use to the fluid in the plumbing system, i.e. in the conduits 18 and/or 22,
such that it is operable in response to changes in fluid pressure. The pressure switch
36 may be provided at any convenient location in the plumbing system, e.g. in the
hose 22 or pipe 18, or more conveniently, incorporated into the connector 20.
[0028] Typically, the pressure switch 36 is provided separately from the remainder of the
control apparatus, which itself may be provided on a circuit board 38. The pressure
switch 36 may be connected to the remainder of the control apparatus by any convenient
means, typically a wired connection. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure switch
36 facilitates the detection of at least a decrease in fluid pressure, and in particular
a decrease to below a first pressure threshold value. Typically, the first pressure
threshold value corresponds to an absolute pressure value in the plumbing system,
and more particularly to an absolute pressure value that is deemed to correspond to
one or more outlets being opened. Hence, the pressure switch 36 may be configured
to generate a signal to indicate when the fluid pressure drops to or below the threshold
value. Alternatively, the pressure switch 36 is configured to detect a relative decrease
in fluid pressure that can be deemed to correspond to one or more outlets being opened.
In either case, the decrease in fluid pressure corresponds to an outlet, e.g. tap
12, being opened at hence may be interpreted as a call for the pump 30 to be activated.
[0029] The control apparatus 34 includes a controller 40 for controlling the activation
and deactivation of the pump 30. In the preferred embodiment, the controller 40 is
arranged to receive an input signal from the pressure switch, indicating that a drop
in fluid pressure below the relevant threshold value has been detected (or a requisite
relative drop in pressure has been detected). Alternatively, the pressure sensor 36
may provide a measure of fluid pressure and the controller 40 determines whether or
not the measured value drops to or below the threshold value. In either case, in response
to determining that a requisite decrease in pressure has occurred, the controller
40 causes the pump 30 to be activated. More particularly, the controller 40 switches
on the motor 32 to activate the pump 30.
[0030] The controller 40 also includes current monitoring means (not shown) for monitoring
the current drawn by the motor during use. The current monitoring means may take any
suitable form, for example it may comprise a current detector circuit (not shown)
connected to the motor's electrical supply to measure the current drawn by the motor.
Typically, a current sensing resistor is incorporated in series with the motor and
associated circuitry produces an output signal depending on the voltage developed
across the current sensing resistor. In preferred embodiments, the current monitoring
means is arranged to produce an output signal that is indicative of whether or not
the motor current reaches or drops below one or more current thresholds.
[0031] In this connection, it is observed that as the rate of output fluid flow caused by
the pump 30 reduces, for example as a result of tap 12 being closed, the operating
current drawn by the motor 32 reduces correspondingly. The controller 40 is arranged
to deactivate the pump 30 in response to detecting that the operating current drawn
by the motor 32 has dropped below a first current threshold since this may be taken
as an indirect indication that the demand for water has stopped. As indicated above,
the current monitoring means may produce an output signal in response to determining
that the pump current has reached or dropped below said threshold, or the controller
may monitor the output of the current monitoring means to determine when its level
reaches or drops below said threshold.
[0032] By deactivating the pump 30 in response to changes, and in particular a reduction,
in motor current the above-identified problem concerning a pulsing and uneven water
flow is obviated. This is because the pump 30 is not deactivated by the pressure switch
36.
[0033] Conveniently, the controller 40 comprises a programmable processor, for example microcontroller
or microprocessor programmed with suitable computer program(s). In the illustrated
embodiment, the controller 40 has a analogue digital converter 42 that receives an
analogue signal indicative of motor current and converts the signal to a corresponding
digital signal for analysis by the controller. The microcontroller typically also
includes I/O ports 44 for receiving input signals from peripheral components, such
as the pressure switch 36. An input buffer 46 may be provided as required. Conveniently,
communications port 48 and associated programming connector 50 are provided to allow
the controller 40 to be programmed by, for example, an external PC.
[0034] Preferably, an input device is provided for adjusting the flow rate level at which
the pump 30 is turned off. In the illustrated embodiment, the input device takes the
form of a switch 52, e.g. a rotary trim switch or a push button switch, that is operable
by user and provides an input signal to the microcontroller 40 depending on its setting.
The controller 40 determines the current threshold for turning the pump 30 off depending
on the setting of the input device 52. This enables the flow rate at which the pump
30 is turned off to be adjusted for individual system configuration, and/or to compensate
for pump variations.
[0035] The controller apparatus 38 receives an electrical power supply from an external
source, typically one or more batteries (as shown in Figure 2). By way of example,
the power supply may be between 10 and 14½ volts DC. A voltage regulator 54 is provided
for supplying electrical power to the controller 40. The motor 32 is a DC motor but
in alternatively embodiments could be an AC or brushless motor.
[0036] In preferred embodiments, a pulse width modulating (PWM) system is provided for controlling
the speed of the motor 32. The PWM system comprises a PWM driver 56 that controls
the voltage supplied to the motor 32, and a PWM generator 58 incorporated into, or
otherwise associated with, controller 40 for controlling the operation of the PWM
driver 56. The PWM driver 56 modulates the electrical supply voltage such that the
voltage supply signal to the motor 32 takes the form of a square wave. This controls
the effective voltage that is supplied to the motor 32. For example, for a 12V DC
supply voltage modulation may be applied at a frequency of 8 kHz. With an exemplary
PWM duty cycle of 66.6%, the effective applied voltage, to the pump is 8 volts. The
use of PWM on the voltage supply to the motor 32 reduces the risk of water pulsating
due to rapid changes in pressure and provides a relatively smooth transition between
the state where the pump is off and the state where the pump creates maximum flow
rate. PWM also limits the pump in rush current thereby reducing electrical interference
and prolonging pump motor life.
[0037] Another advantage in turning the pump 30 off depending on the measured motor current
is that it addresses the above-identified problem whereby, at lower battery voltages,
the pump is unable to produce sufficient pressure to cause the pressure switch to
activate to turn the pump off. This may be achieved by compensating the first current
threshold value depending on changes in the battery voltage (DC voltage in this example).
The controller 40 may therefore include means for monitoring the supply voltage provided
by the battery or other source, e.g. a voltage comparator (not shown) or other voltage
monitoring circuit. As a result, the pump 30 is turned off by the controller 40 when
a respective current threshold value is reached that corresponds to a given flow rate
across the range of operating voltages.
[0038] Advantageously, the control apparatus 38 may be arranged to switch off the pump 30
after it has been operated for a continuous period of a pre-determined length, e.g.
10 minutes.
[0039] A still further advantage of switching off the pump 30 in response to measured motor
current is that it addresses the above-identified problem that occurs when the water
supply runs dry and the pump 30 would normally continue to run which may cause overheating
and permanent damage. Because the pump 30 (or more particularly the motor 32) draws
less current when the pump is running dry, the current monitoring means provided in
the controller is arranged to detect when the motor current drops below a second current
threshold that is deemed to correspond to "dry running" of the pump. When the controller
40 determines that the motor current has dropped below the dry running threshold,
the controller turns off the motor 32.
[0040] Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a flow chart illustrating how the controller
40 may be programmed in order to implement preferred embodiments of the invention.
At 300, the pump 30 is in its off state. At 302 a demand event occurs, namely the
opening of an outlet (e.g. tap 12) of the plumbing system 10. At 304 the corresponding
reduction in fluid pressure is detected by the pressure switch 36 which sends a corresponding
signal to the controller 40. At 306, in response to receiving the signal from the
pressure switch 36, the controller causes the pump 30 to activate. At 308, the controller
40 monitors the load current of the motor 32. At 310, the controller determines whether
or not the measured motor current is less than the dry running threshold. If so, then
the controller 40 causes the pump to stop and may also recycle power to reset the
pump (312). If the controller 40 determines that the motor current exceeds (which
in the present sense means drops below) the dry running threshold, then at 314 the
controller determines whether or not the motor current is below the first current
threshold for switching the pump off. If so, the controller 40 causes the pump to
be switched off, returning to state 300. If the motor current exceeds the stop threshold,
then the controller 40 allows the pump to continue running (316).
[0041] While the invention is described herein in the context of water systems, it will
be understood that the invention is not limited to use with such.
[0042] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described herein which may be modified
or varied without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the
appended claims.
1. A pump system comprising an electric pump, an electric power supply, a control apparatus,
at least one fluid dispensing outlet, and a pressure sensor that is responsive to
the pressure of said fluid, wherein said pump is configured to pump fluid to at least
one fluid dispensing outlet and the control apparatus is arranged to activate the
pump when the pressure sensor indicates that said fluid pressure has decreased to
the extent that it is deemed to correspond to a demand for fluid at said at least
one fluid outlet, and wherein the control apparatus comprises a current monitor for
monitoring the current drawn by said pump from said electrical power supply, wherein
said current drawn by said pump from said electrical power supply reduces correspondingly
with reduction of output fluid flow caused by said pump,
characterised in that
said control apparatus is arranged to deactivate said pump when said current monitor
indicates that said current decreases to or below one or more current threshold values,
wherein said one or more current threshold values includes a first current threshold
value that corresponds to the current drawn by said pump when pumping fluid at a rate
corresponding to said at least one dispensing outlet being closed, in that said control apparatus is arranged to adjust said first current threshold value depending
on the voltage level provided to the pump by said power supply, and in that the pump system further includes a user operable input device for adjusting at least
one of said one or more threshold values.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one current threshold includes
a second current threshold value corresponding to the current drawn by said pump when
running dry.
3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control apparatus is arranged to activate
the pump when said pressure sensor indicates that said fluid pressure meets or drops
below a first pressure threshold value.
4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control apparatus is arranged
to adjust said first current threshold value depending on said voltage level to maintain
said first current threshold value at a level that corresponds to substantially the
same fluid flow rate from the pump.
5. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said power supply comprises one
or more batteries.
6. A system as claimed in preceding claim, further including means for monitoring said
voltage level to which said control apparatus is responsive to adjust said first threshold
value.
7. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, further including a pulse width modulation
(PWM) system for supplying said pump with a pulse width modulated voltage supply.
8. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said pump is a submersible pump.
9. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, incorporated into a water delivery system,
preferably the water delivery system of a vehicle, caravan or mobile home.
10. A method of controlling a pump system comprising an electric pump, an electric power
supply, a control apparatus, at least one fluid dispensing outlet, and a pressure
sensor that is responsive to the pressure of said fluid, wherein said pump is configured
to pump fluid to at least one fluid dispensing outlet, said method comprising: activating
the pump when said pressure sensor indicates that said fluid pressure has decreased
to the extent that it is deemed to correspond to a demand for fluid at said at least
one fluid outlet; and monitoring the current drawn by said pump from said electrical
power supply, wherein said current drawn by said pump from said electrical power supply
reduces correspondingly with reduction of output fluid flow caused by said pump,
characterised by
deactivating the pump in response to determining that the pump operating current decreases
to or below said one or more current threshold values, wherein said one or more current
threshold values includes a first current threshold value that corresponds to the
current drawn by said pump when pumping fluid at a rate corresponding to said at least
one dispensing outlet being closed, by adjusting said first current threshold value
depending on the voltage level provided to the pump by said power supply,
wherein the pump system further includes a user operable input device for adjusting
at least one of said one or more threshold values.
1. Pumpsystem, das eine elektrische Pumpe, eine elektrische Leistungsversorgung, eine
Steuerungsvorrichtung, mindestens einen Fluidabgabeauslass und einen Drucksensor umfasst,
der auf den Druck des Fluids reagiert, wobei die Pumpe dazu konfiguriert ist, ein
Fluid zu mindestens einem Fluidabgabeauslass zu pumpen und die Steuerungsvorrichtung
angeordnet ist, um die Pumpe zu aktivieren, wenn der Drucksensor anzeigt, dass der
Fluiddruck soweit abgenommen hat, dass angenommen wird, dass er einem Fluidbedarf
an dem mindestens einen Fluidauslass entspricht, und wobei die Steuerungsvorrichtung
einen Strommonitor umfasst, um den Strom zu überwachen, den die Pumpe von der elektrischen
Leistungsversorgung zieht, wobei der Strom, den die Pumpe von der elektrischen Leistungsversorgung
zieht, sich entsprechend einer von der Pumpe verursachten Verringerung der Ausgangsfluidströmung
verringert,dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerungsvorrichtung angeordnet ist, um die Pumpe zu deaktivieren, wenn der
Strommonitor anzeigt, dass der Strom sich auf einen oder mehrere Stromschwellenwerte
verringert oder unter diese fällt, wobei der eine oder die mehreren Stromschwellenwerte
einen ersten Stromschwellenwert beinhalten, der dem Strom entspricht, der von der
Pumpe gezogen wird, wenn sie ein Fluid mit einer Rate pumpt, die einem Schließen von
dem mindestens einen Abgabeauslass entspricht, dass die Steuerungsvorrichtung angeordnet
ist, um den ersten Stromschwellenwert abhängig von dem Spannungsniveau anzupassen,
das der Pumpe von der Leistungsversorgung bereitgestellt wird, und dass das Pumpsystem
ferner eine benutzerbetreibbare Eingabevorrichtung beinhaltet, um mindestens einen
von dem einen oder den mehreren Schwellenwerten anzupassen.
2. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei der mindestens eine Stromschwellenwert einen zweiten
Stromschwellenwert beinhaltet, der dem Strom entspricht, der von der Pumpe gezogen
wird, wenn diese trocken läuft.
3. System nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuerungsvorrichtung angeordnet ist, um die Pumpe
zu aktivieren, wenn der Drucksensor anzeigt, dass der Fluiddruck einen ersten Druckschwellenwert
erreicht oder unter diesen fällt.
4. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Steuerungsvorrichtung angeordnet
ist, um den ersten Stromschwellenwert abhängig von dem Spannungsniveau anzupassen,
um den ersten Stromschwellenwert auf einem Niveau zu halten, das im Wesentlichen der
gleichen Fluidströmungsrate von der Pumpe entspricht.
5. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Leistungsversorgung eine
oder mehrere Batterien umfasst.
6. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner Mittel beinhaltend, um das
Spannungsniveau zu überwachen, auf das die Steuerungsvorrichtung reagiert, um den
ersten Schwellenwert anzupassen.
7. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner ein Pulsweitenmodulationssystem
(PWM-System) beinhaltend, um die Pumpe mit einer pulsweitenmodulierten Spannungsversorgung
zu versorgen.
8. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Pumpe eine Tauchpumpe ist.
9. System nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, eingebaut in ein Wasserverteilungssystem,
vorzugsweise das Wasserverteilungssystem eines Fahrzeugs, eines Wohnwagens oder eines
Wohnmobils.
10. Verfahren zum Steuern eines Pumpsystems, das eine elektrische Pumpe, eine elektrische
Leistungsversorgung, eine Steuerungsvorrichtung, mindestens einen Fluidabgabeauslass
und einen Drucksensor umfasst, der auf den Druck des Fluids reagiert, wobei die Pumpe
dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Fluid zu mindestens einem Fluidabgabeauslass zu pumpen,
wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst: Aktivieren der Pumpe, wenn der Drucksensor
anzeigt, dass der Fluiddruck soweit abgenommen hat, dass angenommen wird, dass er
einem Fluidbedarf an dem mindestens einen Fluidabgabeauslass entspricht; und Überwachen
des Stroms, den die Pumpe von der elektrischen Leistungsversorgung zieht, wobei der
Strom, den die Pumpe von der elektrischen Leistungsversorgung zieht, sich entsprechend
einer von der Pumpe verursachten Verringerung der Ausgangsfluidströmung verringert,gekennzeichnet durch Deaktivieren der Pumpe als Reaktion darauf , dass bestimmt wird, dass der Betriebsstrom
der Pumpe sich auf den einen oder die mehreren Stromschwellenwerte verringert oder
unter diese fällt, wobei der eine oder die mehreren Stromschwellenwerte einen ersten
Stromschwellenwert beinhalten, der dem Strom entspricht, der von der Pumpe gezogen
wird, wenn sie ein Fluid mit einer Rate pumpt, die einem Schließen von dem mindestens
einen Abgabeauslass entspricht, und durch Anpassen des ersten Stromschwellenwertes
in Abhängigkeit von dem Spannungsniveau, das der Pumpe von der Leistungsversorgung
bereitgestellt wird, wobei das Pumpsystem ferner eine benutzerbetreibbare Eingabevorrichtung
beinhaltet, um mindestens einen von dem einen oder den mehreren Schwellenwerten anzupassen.
1. Système de pompe comprenant une pompe électrique, une alimentation en courant électrique,
un appareil de contrôle, au moins une sortie de distribution de fluide, et un capteur
de pression qui est sensible à la pression dudit fluide, dans lequel ladite pompe
est conçue pour pomper le fluide vers au moins une sortie de distribution de fluide
et l'appareil de contrôle est agencé pour activer la pompe lorsque le capteur de pression
indique que ladite pression de fluide a diminué à tel point qu'elle est jugée correspondre
à une demande pour le fluide au niveau de ladite au moins une sortie de fluide, et
dans lequel l'appareil de contrôle comprend un dispositif de surveillance de courant
destiné à surveiller le courant prélevé par ladite pompe de ladite alimentation en
courant électrique, dans lequel ledit courant prélevé par ladite pompe de ladite alimentation
en courant électrique diminue proportionnellement à la réduction du débit de fluide
en sortie provoquée par ladite pompe, caractérisé en ce que ledit appareil de contrôle est agencé pour désactiver ladite pompe lorsque ledit
dispositif de surveillance de courant indique que ledit courant diminue jusqu'à atteindre
une valeur inférieure ou égale à une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil de courant, dans
lequel ladite une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil de courant comprend une première valeur
de seuil de courant qui correspond au courant prélevé par ladite pompe lorsque le
pompage du fluide à un débit correspondant à ladite au moins une sortie de distribution
est arrêté, en ce que ledit appareil de contrôle est agencé pour ajuster ladite première valeur de seuil
de courant en fonction du niveau de tension fourni à la pompe par ladite alimentation
électrique, et en ce que le système de pompe comprend en outre un dispositif d'entrée pouvant être actionné
par un utilisateur pour ajuster au moins l'une desdites une ou plusieurs valeurs de
seuil.
2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit au moins un seuil de courant comprend
une seconde valeur de seuil de courant correspondant au courant prélevé par ladite
pompe lorsque celle-ci tourne à sec.
3. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'appareil de contrôle est agencé pour
activer la pompe lorsque ledit capteur de pression indique que ladite pression de
fluide atteint ou chute jusqu'à une valeur inférieure à une première valeur de seuil
de pression.
4. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel l'appareil de contrôle
est agencé pour ajuster ladite première valeur de seuil de courant en fonction dudit
niveau de tension pour maintenir ladite première valeur de seuil de courant à un niveau
qui correspond sensiblement au même débit de fluide en provenance de la pompe.
5. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel ladite alimentation
électrique comprend une ou plusieurs batteries.
6. Système selon la revendication précédente, comprenant en outre un moyen pour surveiller
ledit niveau de tension auquel ledit appareil de contrôle est sensible pour ajuster
ladite première valeur de seuil.
7. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente, comprenant en outre un système
de modulation d'impulsions en largeur (MIL) pour alimenter ladite pompe avec une alimentation
en tension à modulation d'impulsions en largeur.
8. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans lequel ladite pompe est
une pompe submersible.
9. Système selon une quelconque revendication précédente, incorporé dans un système de
distribution d'eau, de préférence le système de distribution d'eau d'un véhicule,
d'une caravane ou d'une maison mobile.
10. Procédé de contrôle d'un système de pompe comprenant une pompe électrique, une alimentation
en courant électrique, un appareil de contrôle, au moins une sortie de distribution
de fluide, et un capteur de pression qui est sensible à la pression dudit fluide,
dans lequel ladite pompe est conçue pour pomper le fluide vers au moins une sortie
de distribution de fluide, ledit procédé comprenant : l'activation de la pompe lorsque
ledit capteur de pression indique que ladite pression de fluide a diminué à tel point
qu'elle est jugée correspondre à une demande pour le fluide au niveau de ladite au
moins une sortie de fluide ; et la surveillance du courant prélevé par ladite pompe
de ladite alimentation en courant électrique, dans lequel ledit courant prélevé par
ladite pompe de ladite alimentation en courant électrique diminue proportionnellement
à la réduction du débit de fluide en sortie provoquée par ladite pompe, caractérisé par la désactivation de la pompe en réponse à la détermination selon laquelle le courant
faisant actionner la pompe diminue jusqu'à atteindre une valeur inférieure ou égale
à ladite une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil de courant, dans lequel ladite une ou plusieurs
valeurs de seuil de courant comprend une première valeur de seuil de courant qui correspond
au courant prélevé par ladite pompe lorsque le pompage du fluide à un débit correspondant
à ladite au moins une sortie de distribution est arrêté, par l'ajustement de ladite
première valeur de seuil de courant en fonction du niveau de tension fourni à la pompe
par ladite alimentation électrique, dans lequel le système de pompe comprend en outre
un dispositif d'entrée pouvant être actionné par un utilisateur pour ajuster au moins
l'une desdites une ou plusieurs valeurs de seuil.