System and method for reducing swimming pool energy consumption
First Claim
1. A system for reducing swimming pool energy consumption comprising:
- (a) a filter system for cleaning a pool, the pool having walls and water contained within the walls, said filter system being of the type wherein a water circulation path is provided, the path including an inlet from the pool, an outlet for discharging water into the pool, a centrifugal pump, and a filter between the inlet and outlet;
(b) the inlet having a first source and a second source, the first source comprising a skimmer for receiving water and debris skimmed from the surface of the water and the second source comprising a suction vacuum for receiving water and debris from the walls of the pool;
(c) valve means for switching the inlet from the first source to the second source and from the second source to the first source;
(d) actuating means coupled to said valve means, the actuating means having a first and second position, the first position manipulating the valve means to receive water from the first source and the second position manipulating the valve means to receive water from the second source;
(e) programmable input means for controlling the actuating means;
(f) a motor coupled to the centrifugal pump, the motor having a speed of less than 3450 revolutions per minute; and
(g) bypass means for allowing the inlet to receive water from the first source when said actuating means is in the second position.
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Abstract
A system and method for reducing the energy consumption of a swimming pool cleaning system is disclosed. The system operates the skimmer for a first predetermined time period inputted into a programmable controller. At the conclusion of this time period, the programmable controller activates an actuator which causes a diverter valve or in-line valve to isolate and selectively operate a suction vacuum for a second predetermined time period. Isolating and selectively operating the suction vacuum from the skimmer allows the centrifugal pump to be driven by a motor in low speed mode to be used all of the time for skimming and cleaning operations, thereby greatly reducing energy consumption.
68 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system for reducing swimming pool energy consumption comprising:
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(a) a filter system for cleaning a pool, the pool having walls and water contained within the walls, said filter system being of the type wherein a water circulation path is provided, the path including an inlet from the pool, an outlet for discharging water into the pool, a centrifugal pump, and a filter between the inlet and outlet;
(b) the inlet having a first source and a second source, the first source comprising a skimmer for receiving water and debris skimmed from the surface of the water and the second source comprising a suction vacuum for receiving water and debris from the walls of the pool;
(c) valve means for switching the inlet from the first source to the second source and from the second source to the first source;
(d) actuating means coupled to said valve means, the actuating means having a first and second position, the first position manipulating the valve means to receive water from the first source and the second position manipulating the valve means to receive water from the second source;
(e) programmable input means for controlling the actuating means;
(f) a motor coupled to the centrifugal pump, the motor having a speed of less than 3450 revolutions per minute; and
(g) bypass means for allowing the inlet to receive water from the first source when said actuating means is in the second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system for reducing swimming pool energy consumption comprising:
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(a) a filter system for cleaning a pool, the pool having walls and water contained within the walls, said filter system being of the type wherein a water circulation path is provided, the path including an inlet from the pool, an outlet for discharging water into the pool, a centrifugal pump, and a filter between the inlet and outlet;
(b) the inlet having a first source and a second source, the first source comprising a skimmer for receiving water and debris skimmed from the surface of the water and the second source comprising a suction vacuum for receiving water and debris from the walls of the pool;
(c) valve means for switching the inlet to receive water from the first source and the second source to receive water primarily from the second source;
(d) actuating means coupled to said valve means, the actuating means having a first and second position, the first position manipulating the valve means for the inlet to receive water from the first source and the second source, and the second position manipulating the valve means for the inlet to receive water primarily from the second source;
(e) programmable input means for controlling the actuating means; and
(f) a motor coupled to the centrifugal pump, the motor having a speed of less than 3450 revolutions per minute. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of reducing swimming pool energy consumption comprising the steps of:
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(a) cleaning water from a pool with a filter system, the pool having walls and water contained within the walls, said filter system being of the type wherein a water circulation path is provided, the path including an inlet from the pool, an outlet for discharging water into the pool, a centrifugal pump, and a filter between the inlet and outlet;
(b) configuring the inlet to receive water from a first source and a second source, the first source comprising a skimmer for taking water and debris skimmed from the surface of the water and the second source comprising a suction cleaner for taking water and debris from the walls of the pool;
(c) using valve means, switching the inlet from receiving water from both the first source and the second source to receiving water primarily the second source, said valve means being switched by actuating means coupled to the valve means, the actuating means having a first and second position, the first position setting the valve means to receive water from the first source and the second source and the second position setting the valve means to receive water primarily from the second source;
(d) controlling the actuating means with programmable input means, so that the actuating means is switched from the first position to the second position for a time period entered into the programmable input means and following said time period the actuating means is switched from the second position to the first position; and
(e) driving the centrifugal pump with a motor coupled to the centrifugal pump, the motor having a speed of less than 3450 revolutions per minute. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification