Anti-entrapment and anti-dead head function

A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:

• a water pump for moving water, wherein the water pump is adapted to consume power;
• means for determining a change in power consumption of the water pump;
• means for determining a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system, wherein the determination of a blockage is based at least in part upon the change in power consumption;
• and
• means for controlling operation of the pump to perform an operation upon the water, wherein the means for controlling is configured to alter operation of the pump in response to a determination of a blockage.

A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:

• a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;
• a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
• means for determining a threshold value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
• means for monitoring a performance value of the pumping system;
• and
• means for controlling the motor, wherein the means for controlling is configured to alter operation of the motor when the performance value exceeds the threshold value.

A pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including:

• a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;
• a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
• means for determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
• means for determining a performance value of the pumping system during a first time period and a second time period;
• means for determining a difference value based upon the difference between the performance valves of the first and second time periods;
• means for comparing the difference value and the value indicative of a blockage;
• and
• means for controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the difference value and the value indicative of a blockage.

A pumping system for moving water of a pool or spa used by a pool or spa user, the pumping system including:

• a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the pool or spa water;
• an inlet for movement of water from the pool or spa to the pump;
• a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;
• means for determining a value that is indicative of a blockage caused by an entrapment of the user at the inlet that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
• means for determining a performance value of the pumping system;
• means for comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage;
• and
• means for controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the performance value and the value indicative of a blockage to cause cessation of motor operation.

A method of controlling a pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the pumping system including a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water and a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump, the method comprising the steps of:

• determining a value indicative of a blockage that inhibits the movement of water through the pumping system;
• determining a performance value of the pumping system;
• comparing the performance value to the value indicative of a blockage;
• and
• controlling the motor in response to the comparison between the performance value and the value indicative of a blockage.