Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment

• US 10,363,197 B2
• Filed: 01/23/2017
• Issued: 07/30/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
• Inventors: Potucek, Kevin, Murdock, James, Carter, James, Fournier, Gregory, Johnson, III, Arthur W., Blaine, David, DeBruin, Jason, Aubrey, Bruce, Petty, Scott, Parcell, Jason, Horrocks, Craig
• Primary Examiner(s): Kasenge, Charles R
• Application Number:
  US15/413,117
• Publication Number:
  US 20170209340A1
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2033/0008 Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2033/0083 Illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5007 computer controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/501 connected to external computer devices or networks
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5012 using the internet
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5048 Audio interfaces, e.g. voice or music controlled
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5058 Sensors or detectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5061 Force sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5071 Pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5079 Velocity sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5082 Temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5087 Flow rate sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/5097 wireless
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/005 Electrical circuits therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/0087 Therapeutic baths with agitated or circulated water
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/0095 Arrangements for varying the temperature of the liquid
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 17/08 Fountains drinking fountains E03B9/20; wash fountains E03C1/16
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/161 Hardware, e.g. neural networks, fuzzy logic, interfaces, processor
• CPC Class Codes: B25J 9/1694 characterised by use of sensors other than normal servo-feedback from position, speed or acceleration sensors, perception control, multi-sensor controlled systems, sensor fusion
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/10 Coverings of flexible material
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/12 : Devices or arrangements for circulating water , i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1245 : Recirculating pumps for swimming pool water
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1272 : Skimmers integrated in the pool wall
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1281 : Devices for distributing chemical products in the water of swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/129 : Systems for heating the water content of swimming pools solar collectors using pools F24S10/17, F24S10/10; by solar radiation F24S20/02
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/148 : Lighting means
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/16 : specially adapted for cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1654 : Self-propelled cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0066 : by changing the speed, e.g. of the driving engine
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0077 : Safety measures F04D15/02 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0088 : Testing machines
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0218 : the condition being a liquid level or a lack of liquid supply
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0281 : responsive to a condition not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 29/708 : specially for liquid pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0041 : for measuring valve parameters F16K37/0033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/005 : for measuring fluid parameters F16K37/0033 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 : electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 : using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0423 : Input/output
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 21/02 : electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/13 : Plc programming
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25022 : LAN local area network for controllers
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25032 : CAN, canbus, controller area network bus
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25268 : PLD programmable logic device
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2642 : Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2223/06 : Remote monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 21/02 : characterised by the use of electric means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0629 : characterised by the type of regulator means
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0635 : by action on throttling means G05D7/0688, G05D7/0694 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/182 : Level alarms, e.g. alarms responsive to variables exceeding a threshold
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/08 : using communication transmission lines G08B13/19658, G08B21/0286, G08B25/016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 : using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 13/00007 : using the power network as support for the transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2101/69 : using geographic information, e.g. room number
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0817 : by checking functioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/5007 : Internet protocol [IP] addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/025 : for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 : specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 : in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 : specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/125 : involving control of end-device applications over a network
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/53 : using third party service providers
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/40 : using a wireless architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/84 : Measuring functions
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 : Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/105 : in response to determined parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 : by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/19 : via wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 : Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 40/18 : Network protocols supporting networked applications, e.g. including control of end-device applications over a network

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for remotely monitoring and controlling a pump for a pool or a spa, comprising the steps of:

assigning by a processor of the pump an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the pump;

establishing a network connection between the processor of the pump and a remote device;

providing for remote monitoring of operational parameters associated with the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

providing for remote control of the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

receiving at the processor data on forecasted weather conditions based on the location of the pump; and

determining by the processor if periods of forecasted temperatures above a temperature setpoint and load conditions above a load setpoint coincide based on the forecasted weather conditions and a pump schedule received at the processor from a memory; and

controlling, by the processor, the pump based on the determination.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising modifying the schedule by the processor to run the load conditions above the load setpoint at periods of forecasted low temperatures below the temperature setpoint and saving the modified schedule to the memory if periods of forecasted temperatures above the temperature setpoint and load conditions above the load setpoint coincide.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump and the remote device.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising establishing a second network connection between the processor of the pump and a second remote device.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing for control of the second remote device from the pump over the second network connection based on data received by the processor.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pump includes a housing enclosing (i) the processor and (ii) a network communication subsystem for providing direct communication between the processor and the Internet.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the network connection between the processor and the remote device is established over the Internet.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving at the processor web data from the Internet, the web data being specific to the physical location of the pump.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising controlling operation of the pump in response to the web data.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device comprises one of a server, a cloud platform, a personal computer, a smartphone, a lighting system, a pool cleaning system, a pool or spa control system, a valve actuator, a water feature, a sanitization system, a heating system, and a cooling system.

11. A method for remotely monitoring and controlling a pump for a pool or a spa, comprising the steps of:

assigning by a processor of the pump an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the pump;

establishing a network connection between the processor of the pump and a remote device;

providing for remote monitoring of operational parameters associated with the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

providing for remote control of the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

receiving at the processor data on current weather conditions based on the location of the pump; and

determining by the processor if current precipitation is over a maximum precipitation setpoint retrieved by the processor from a memory based on the current weather conditions and controlling the pump to suspend operation if the current precipitation is over the maximum precipitation setpoint.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising determining by the processor if operation of the pump is suspended and controlling the pump to resume operation if the current precipitation is not over the maximum precipitation setpoint.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising disconnecting power to high voltage circuits if the current precipitation is over the maximum precipitation setpoint.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising actuating a smart valve if the current precipitation is over the maximum precipitation setpoint.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump and the remote device.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising establishing a second network connection between the processor of the pump and a second remote device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing for control of the second remote device from the pump over the second network connection based on data received by the processor.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the pump includes a housing enclosing (i) the processor and (ii) a network communication subsystem for providing direct communication between the processor and the Internet.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the network connection between the processor and the remote device is established over the Internet.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising receiving at the processor web data from the Internet, the web data being specific to the physical location of the pump.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising controlling operation of the pump in response to the web data.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein the remote device comprises one of a server, a cloud platform, a personal computer, a smartphone, a lighting system, a pool cleaning system, a pool or spa control system, a valve actuator, a water feature, a sanitization system, a heating system, and a cooling system.

23. A method for remotely monitoring and controlling a pump for a pool or a spa, comprising the steps of:

assigning by a processor of the pump an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the pump;

establishing a network connection between the processor of the pump and a remote device;

providing for remote monitoring of operational parameters associated with the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

providing for remote control of the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

receiving at the processor data on current weather conditions based on the location of the pump; and

determining by the processor if current wind speed is over a maximum wind speed setpoint retrieved by the processor from a memory based on the current weather conditions and controlling the pump to suspend operation if the current wind speed is over the maximum wind speed setpoint.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising determining by the processor if operation of the pump is suspended and controlling the pump to resume operation if the current wind speed is not over the maximum wind speed setpoint.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising determining by the processor if debris has accumulated and transmitting an alert to a user if debris has accumulated.

26. The method of claim 23, further comprising determining by the processor a most downwind skimmer based on skimmer location data retrieved by the processor from a memory and increasing water flow to the most downwind skimmer if the current wind speed is over the maximum wind speed setpoint.

27. The method of claim 23, further comprising reducing operation of water features if the current wind speed is over the maximum wind speed setpoint.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump and the remote device.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising establishing a second network connection between the processor of the pump and a second remote device.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising providing for control of the second remote device from the pump over the second network connection based on data received by the processor.

31. The method of claim 23, wherein the pump includes a housing enclosing (i) the processor and (ii) a network communication subsystem for providing direct communication between the processor and the Internet.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the network connection between the processor and the remote device is established over the Internet.

33. The method of claim 23, further comprising receiving at the processor web data from the Internet, the web data being specific to the physical location of the pump.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising controlling operation of the pump in response to the web data.

35. The method of claim 23, wherein the remote device comprises one of a server, a cloud platform, a personal computer, a smartphone, a lighting system, a pool cleaning system, a pool or spa control system, a valve actuator, a water feature, a sanitization system, a heating system, and a cooling system.

36. A method for remotely monitoring and controlling a pump for a pool or a spa, comprising the steps of:

assigning by a processor of the pump an Internet Protocol (IP) address to the pump;

establishing a network connection between the processor of the pump and a remote device;

providing for remote monitoring of operational parameters associated with the pump from the remote device over the network connection;

providing for remote control of the pump from the remote device over the network connection; and

determining by the processor if an increase in pump speed is required based on operational data received at the processor from the remote device and controlling the pump to increase speed if an increase in pump speed is required;

wherein the remote device is a heater.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the processor is configured to control the pump and the remote device.

38. The method of claim 36, further comprising establishing a second network connection between the processor of the pump and a second remote device.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising providing for control of the second remote device from the pump over the second network connection based on data received by the processor.

40. The method of claim 36, wherein the pump includes a housing enclosing (i) the processor and (ii) a network communication subsystem for providing direct communication between the processor and the Internet.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the network connection between the processor and the remote device is established over the Internet.

42. The method of claim 36, further comprising receiving at the processor web data from the Internet, the web data being specific to the physical location of the pump.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising controlling operation of the pump in response to the web data.