Advanced Frequency Variable Pump Speed Controller and Method of Operating

• US 20120308402A1
• Filed: 06/05/2011
• Published: 12/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/05/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Luraco, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Luraco, Inc.
• Inventors: Le, Kevin D., Parameswaran, Sivakumar, Le, Thanh D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,734,119 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 417/18
• CPC Class Codes: F04B 49/06 Control using electricity regulating by means of floats actuating electric switches F04B49/04

Abstract

The invention is an apparatus and method of varying power output and decrease noise generation of spa pumps by powering them with a variable frequency power device, digital signals capable of controlling cascaded pumps using ganged controls, and to decrease safety concerns of spas using an integrated water level and motion detectors.

Claims

1. An apparatus for controlling spa pump motors, comprising:

power electronics circuitry which converts an alternating current voltage supply from one frequency to another;

a first sensor for sensing the presence of fluid in the tub;

a second sensor for sensing the operating temperature of the apparatus;

an electronics control portion for receiving inputs from an operator to set a desired speed of said pump motor;

an outlet for motor interface;

an interface for cascading configuration;

a microprocessor with embedded firmware operatively coupled to the first and second sensors, power electronics circuitry, and user interface electronics control portion, which receives level sensor data from the first sensor and temperature data from the second sensor and executes instructions.

2. An apparatus as in claim 1, where multiple pump motors can be controlled by setting one apparatus at a particular pump motor speed, and configuring other similar units to mirror the same settings in a master-slave arrangement.

3. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the electronics control portion includes a means of accepting an input signal providing the presence of water in the spa, and prevents motor operation without sufficient water present.

4. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the electronics control portion includes an operator interface signal and a control scheme that can cause the pump motor to either pulse or maintain a constant speed.

5. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the electronics control portion includes a motion sensor interface signal and a control scheme that senses a lack of movement in the area of the spa and ceases operation.

6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the electronics control portion includes an operator interface signal and a scheme to deliver an AC power to an outlet in the housing of the apparatus.

7. A method for controlling a spa pump motor that creates water pressure through the jets of a spa tub, having an internal variable frequency power supply, an electronics control portion, and operator inputs, the method comprising:

an operator indicating a desire for a change in water pressure in the spa by pressing a control button, receiving of the control signal by the electronics control portion, changing the frequency of the variable frequency power supply by the electronics control portion which leads to a commensurate change in water pressure through the jets in the spa as desired by the operator.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the electronics control portion continuously monitors a water level sensor and prevents motor operation until a preset amount of water is detected.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the electronics control portion sends the spa pump control signals to other similar apparatus, controlling the electronics control portions of those other units so they operate at the same pump speed.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the electronics control portion accepts input from a motion detection sensor and ceases operation after failing to detect motion after a preset amount of time, and then continues operation normally when motion is detected or when a user provides a signal to restart.

11. The method of claim 7 where in the electronics control portion accepts input from a user which indicates a desire to energize a light, sound system, or other electronic hardware, and the electronics control panel then allows power to a nominal AC power outlet in the chassis of the apparatus which provides power to whatever device the operator has plugged into that outlet.

12. A method for operating, comprising:

acquiring data from a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor for sensing the presence of water in the spa and the second sensor for sensing an operating temperature;

receiving instructions from the electronics control portion, and

terminating pump motor operation if the first sensor data does not exceed a threshold, or if the second sensor data exceeds a threshold.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first sensor threshold corresponds to the presence of water in a spa;

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first sensor continuously to monitor the presence of water in a spa;

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the second sensor threshold corresponds to the operating temperature of the apparatus;

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the second sensor threshold corresponds to the operating temperature of the apparatus;

17. The method of claim 12, wherein pressing a button on electronics control portion will provide instruction for turn on or turn off an outlet port;

18. The method of claim 12, wherein pressing a button on electronics control portion will vary the power frequency of an the outlet port;