Solar powered environmental remediation devices

• US 6,428,694 B1
• Filed: 11/17/1999
• Issued: 08/06/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Komex H2O Science, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Komex H2O Science, Inc.
• Inventors: Brown, Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Simmons, David A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): PRINCE JR, FREDDIE GARY
• Application Number:
  US09/441,570
• Time in Patent Office: 993 Days
• Field of Search: 210/96.1, 210/143, 210/170, 210/205, 210/209, 210/220, 210/221.1, 210/416.1, 210/739, 210/743, 210/747, 405/128, 606/418, 166/246
• US Class Current: 210/170.07
• CPC Class Codes: B09C 1/00 Reclamation of contaminated soil
• CPC Class Codes: B09C 1/002 involving in-situ ground water treatment
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/20 by degassing, i.e. liberation of dissolved gases degasification of liquids in general B01D19/00; arrangement of degassing apparatus in boiler feed supply F22D
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2101/322 Volatile compounds, e.g. benzene
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/06 Contaminated groundwater or leachate
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/38 Gas flow rate
• CPC Class Codes: F03G 6/001 having photovoltaic cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/46 Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines

Abstract

Devices and methods of use of a non-traditionally powered environmental remediation device and, more particularly, to devices utilizing programmable logic controllers for remote operation, monitoring and data collection.

Claims

1. An environmental remediation device for use in methods of remediation of contaminated ground water and/or soil which employ pumps at a redemption site, said device comprising:

solar powered means for producing electricity;

a voltage regulator means for regulating electrical power flow to a battery;

a battery and means for electrically connecting said solar powered means to charge said battery through said voltage regulator means;

a programmable logic controller;

an air compressor pump means driven by said solar powered means and battery;

an air receiver tank means for receiving and storing compressed air supplied from said air compressor pump means; and

pump means for use in effectuating the remediation of said groundwater and/or soil operated by compressed air supplied from said air receiver tank means under the control of said programmable logic controller.

3. The environmental remediation device of claim 1 further comprising a sensor means for detecting contaminates in said groundwater and/or soil.

2. An environmental remediation device for use in methods of remediation of contaminated ground water and/or soil which employ pumps at a redemption site, said device comprising:

means for regulating electrical power flow to a battery producing electricity;

a voltage regulator means for regulating electrical power flow to a battery;

a battery and means for electrically connecting said energy source means to charge said battery through said voltage regulator means;

a programmable logic controller;

an electric motor operated by said solar powered means and said battery; and

pump means for effectuating the remediation of said groundwater and/or soil operated by said electric motor under the control of said programmable logic controller.

4. The bioremediation device of claim 2 further comprising a sensor means for detecting contaminates in said groundwater and/or soil.

5. A device for use in methods of remediation of contaminated ground water and/or soil which employ pumps at a redemption site, said device comprising:

solar powered means for producing a minimum of 16 to 20 amp-hours per day at 75 percent sunlight for a minimum of four hours;

battery means, electrically connected to said solar powered means, for providing 12-volt DC power when said power source means is not providing power;

pump means for use in effectuating the remediation of said groundwater;

means operated by electrical power from said solar powered means and battery for operating said pump means; and

a programmable logic controller means powered by said solar powered means and battery for controlling the operation of said pump means.

6. The bioremediation device of claim 5 wherein said means for effectuating the remediation of said groundwater comprises one of the following;

a pneumatic pump, a vacuum pump, a blower, or a peristalic pump.

7. The environmental remediation device of claim 5 wherein said means operated by electrical power comprises an air compressor and air receiver tank providing compressed air to said pump means.

8. The environmental remediation device of claim 5 further comprising sensor means for detecting contamination in said groundwater and/or soil.