Self-test methods and systems for submersible pump systems
AssigneeStancor, L.P.
InventorMark Grzeika
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and systems for implementing a self-test for sump system components using two-way communications between a main controller and each of the system components to check system operation and status. The self-test system is designed to remotely or locally test the installation of field wiring, system functionality and performance of equipment located in an elevator pit, a transformer vault, a transformer moat, a confined space or any other pit/ditch/sump. The benefits of this technology are: 1) ensure proper installation, 2) exercise the system that might otherwise be dormant for years, 3) avoid the costs and risks associated with entering a confined space, and 4) create an easy to implement preventative maintenance program.
Claims25
A self-test method for remote testing of a sump pump system, comprising:
- remotely activating a first pump a first time to ensure the first pump is operational;
- remotely activating start and stop probes to determine continuity between an internal relay board and a main controller;
- remotely activating a high-level probe to determine continuity between the internal relay board and the main controller;
- remotely checking circuitry of a primary float to determine continuity between the primary float and the main controller;
- remotely checking circuitry of a redundant float positioned above the primary float to determine continuity between the redundant float and the main controller;
- remotely activating the first pump a second time to ensure it is safe to activate a second pump;
- and
- remotely activating the second pump to assure the second pump is operational.
A system for remote self-testing of a sump pump system, comprising:
- a main controller for the pump system;
- a remote monitor in or adjacent to the sump in communication with the main controller, the remote monitor comprising an internal relay board and circuitry for pump system components;
- a user interface for the main controller for operating the pump system and initiating execution of software for carrying out a self-test of the pump system, the self-test comprising;
- remotely activating a first pump a first time to ensure the first pump is operational;
- remotely activating start and stop probes to determine continuity between the internal relay board and the main controller;
- remotely activating a high-level probe to determine continuity between the internal relay board and the main controller;
- remotely checking circuitry of a primary float to determine continuity between the primary float and the main controller;
- remotely checking circuitry of a redundant float positioned above the primary float to determine continuity between the redundant float and the main controller;
- remotely activating the first pump a second time to ensure it is safe to activate a second pump;
- and
- remotely activating the second pump to assure the second pump is operational.
A self-test method for remote testing of a sump pump system, comprising:
- remotely activating a pump a first time to ensure operation;
- remotely activating start and stop probes to determine continuity between an internal relay board and a main controller;
- remotely activating a high-level probe to determine continuity between the internal relay board and the main controller;
- remotely checking circuitry of a primary float to determine continuity between the primary float and the main controller;
- and
- remotely checking circuitry of a redundant float positioned above the primary float to determine continuity between the redundant float and the main controller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.