Variable speed pumping system and method

• US 20060045750A1
• Filed: 08/26/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pentair Water Pool And Spa Incorporated (Pentair Plc (Ireland))
• Original Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc. (Pentair Plc (Ireland))
• Inventors: Stiles, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 7,874,808 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/42
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1245 Recirculating pumps for swimming pool water
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/20 by changing the driving speed
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/00 Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or systems
• 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 15/0209 responsive to a condition of the working fluid F04D15/029 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 15/0245 responsive to a condition of the pump
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 27/004 by varying driving speed

Abstract

A variable speed pumping system and an associated method for moving water of an aquatic application. The variable speed pumping system includes a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water. A variable speed motor is operatively connected to drive the pump. A sensor senses a parameter of the operation performed upon the water. A controller controls speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

Claims

1. A variable speed pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the variable speed 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;

a sensor for sensing a parameter of the operation performed upon the water; and

a controller for controlling speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

2. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the variable speed motor is an infinitely variable speed motor.

3. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the variable speed motor is a permanent magnet motor.

4. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 3, wherein the variable speed motor is an infinitely variable speed motor.

5. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the controller includes means for repeatedly adjusting the speed of the motor to a minimum level responsive to the sensed parameter to maintain the sensed parameter of operation at a level.

6. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the operation performed upon the water includes a filter operation, and the sensor includes means for sensing a parameter associated with the filter operation.

7. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, further including a user interface for inputting a desired operation of the variable speed pumping system.

8. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sensor includes means for sensing a parameter of the operation indicative of obstruction, and the controller includes means for controlling the motor to stop operation in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

9. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sensor includes means for sensing a parameter of abnormal operation, and the controller includes means for controlling the motor to stop operation in response to the sensed parameter of abnormal operation.

10. A variable speed pumping system as set forth in claim 1, wherein the variable speed pumping system is autonomous.

11. A method of operating a variable speed pumping system for moving water of an aquatic application, the method including:

driving a water pump for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water;

operating a variable speed motor operatively connected to drive the pump;

sensing a parameter of the operation performed upon the water; and

controlling speed of the motor in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

12. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the variable speed motor is an infinitely variable speed motor, and the step of operating the variable speed motor includes operating the infinitely variable speed motor.

13. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the variable speed motor is a permanent magnet motor and the step of operating the variable speed motor includes operating the permanent magnet motor.

14. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the step of controlling includes repeatedly adjusting the speed of the motor to a minimum level responsive to the sensed parameter to maintain the sensed parameter of operation at a level.

15. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the operation performed upon the water includes a filter operation, and the step of sensing includes sensing a parameter associated with the filter operation.

16. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the step of sensing includes sensing a parameter of the operation indicative of obstruction, and the step of controlling the speed of the motor includes means controlling the motor to stop operation in response to the sensed parameter of operation.

17. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the step of sensing includes sensing a parameter of the operation of abnormal operation, and the step of controlling the speed of the motor includes means controlling the motor to stop operation in response to the sensed parameter of abnormal operation.

18. A method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the method of operating a variable speed pumping system is autonomous.