Pump Control Devices, Applications and Systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to the modulation of the flow rate of a body of water pumped through a conduit by a fixed speed pump. Pump control devices may comprise a drive converter to alter the operation of a pump drive driving the fixed speed pump to enable the selection of the speed of the fixed speed pump. The drive converter may be connected to a central processing unit to receive information detected by a flow rate sensor and to receive instructions for altering the operation of the pump drive from a software application. The software application may receive input values from a user and the central processing unit, perform a calculation for adjusting the input values, and display the input and output values resulting from the calculation. The drive converter may alter the operation of the pump drive according to the output values resulting from the calculation.

Claims

1. A pump control device for modulating the flow rate of a body of water pumped through a conduit by a fixed speed pump comprising; a drive converter configured to alter the operation of a pump drive driving the fixed speed pump to enable the selection of the speed of the fixed speed pump, the drive converter operably connected to a central processing unit, the central processing unit adapted to receive information detected by a flow rate sensor and to receive instructions for altering the operation of the pump drive from a software application, the software application configured to receive input from a user via a graphical user interface and input values from the central processing unit, to perform a calculation for adjusting the input values, and configured to display the input values and output values resulting from the calculation via the graphical user interface, the software application adapted to display the graphical user interface on a display, and the drive converter adapted to alter the operation of the pump drive according to the output values resulting from the calculation.

2. A pump control device according to claim 1, wherein the drive converter is configured to alter the pump drive waveform thereby altering the operation of a pump drive driving the fixed speed pump.

3. A pump control device according to claim 1, comprising a wireless communication board electrically connected to the central processing unit and configured to transmit data between the central processing unit and the software application.

4. A pump control device according to claim 1 adapted to receive a signal from one or more sensors sensing a physical or chemical characteristic of the body of water.

5. A pump control device according to claim 4, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a flow rate sensor.

6. A pump control device according to claim 5, wherein the flow rate sensor is electrically connected to the central processing unit.

7. A software application for modulating the flow rate of a body of water pumped through a conduit by a fixed speed pump comprising; a graphical user interface configured to receive an input from a user, the input being a selection of one or more variable parameters, a signal input interface configured to receive one or more signal inputs detected by a flow rate sensor configured to sense the flow rate of the body of water pumped through a conduit by the fixed speed pump, a computation module configured to process the input from a user and the signal input detected by the flow rate sensor, and configured to calculate an adjustment to the operation of a pump drive driving the fixed speed pump to enable the selection of the speed of the fixed speed pump, a communication module configured to communicate the adjustment to the pump drive of a pump control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and an output display adapted to display the selection of one or more variable parameters, the one or more signal inputs detected by the flow rate sensor and the adjustment to the operation of the pump drive.

8. A software application according to claim 7, wherein the software application is configured to receive signal inputs from more than one sensor and is configured to calculate an adjustment to the operation of a pump drive from the signal inputs from more than one sensor.

9. A software application according to claim 7, wherein the graphical user interface and the output display are comprised within an application component configured to be downloadable to a wireless device accessible to the user, and wherein the application component is in wireless communication with the computation module.

10. A software application according to claim 7 wherein; the signal input interface is linked with the computation module and is configured to receive signal inputs from the central processing unit of the pump control device, comprising a signal input from a flow rate sensor and one or more signal inputs from other sensors, the computation module is linked with the communication module and is configured to calculate an adjustment to the operation of the pump drive and one or more auxiliary components, and the communication module is configured to transmit instructions for the adjustment to the operation of the pump drive and the one or more auxiliary components to the central processing unit of the pump control device.

11. A software application according to claim 10, wherein one or more auxiliary components may be selected from a flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, an oxidation-reduction potential sensor, a total alkalinity sensor, a pressure sensor or a turbidity sensor.

12. A pump control system for modulating the flow rate of a body of water pumped through a conduit by a fixed speed pump comprising; a pump control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the central processing unit is adapted to receive information detected by a flow rate sensor and to receive instructions for altering the operation of the pump drive from a software application according to any one of claims 7 to 11.

13. A pump control system according to claim 12 comprising a flow rate sensor and a display, wherein the display is located on a smart device programmed to display the graphical user interface and the output display, which are programmed by an application component downloaded to the smart device.

14. A pump control system according to claim 13 comprising a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, and an oxidation-reduction potential sensor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0075] FIG. 1 provides an operational diagram of pump control systems according to embodiments of the invention.

[0076] FIG. 2 provides the physical components of pump control systems according to embodiments of the invention.

[0077] FIG. 3 illustrates the mode of fixing and fitting an automation controller according to embodiments of the invention.

[0078] FIG. 4 illustrates the external components of an automation controller according to embodiments of the invention, with FIG. 4A showing a front view, FIG. 4B showing a left side view, FIG. 4C showing a rear view and FIG. 4D showing a right side view.

[0079] FIG. 5 provides the auxiliary inlets and auxiliary outlets of an automation controller according to embodiments of the invention.

[0080] FIG. 6 illustrates the internal components of an automation controller according to embodiments of the invention.

[0081] FIG. 7A illustrates the internal components comprising a wired data connection and the auxiliary inlets and outlets of an automation controller according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 7B illustrates the internal components comprising a wireless data connection and the auxiliary inlets and outlets of an automation controller according to embodiments of the invention.

[0082] FIG. 8 provides a chart showing pump flow vs pump speed, and pump power vs pump speed for pumping systems according to embodiments of the invention.

[0083] FIG. 9 provides a chart showing the cost per water turnover and the cost saving per water turnover at different pump speed for pumping systems according to embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0084] Embodiments of devices, applications and systems according to the invention are described in the following examples. The embodiments described herein illustrate the operation of a pump control system involving a controller, a pump and a software application. The following embodiments are exemplary in nature only and are not intended to be limited to a reduction to practice using the exemplified hardware or components.

[0085] Typical pool sanitation systems include a suction pipe, a pool pump, two or more connecting pipes, a filter, a discharge pipe, a heater, a chlorinator and a power centre.

[0086] In normal operation, the suction pipe of a typical pumping system comprises two open ends wherein the one end of the suction pipe is connected to the pool to allow the water from the pool to pass through the suction pipe. With the other end of the suction pipe connected to the inlet of the pool pump to pull the water from the pool via the suction pipe.

[0087] A connecting pipe is typically connected between the pool pump outlet and one of the openings of the filter. Once water reaches the pool pump outlet, it is pushed through the filter via the connecting pipe. The filter also typically comprises another opening for receiving another connecting pipe that allows the filtered water from the filter to pass through the next component, which may be a heater.

[0088] Once the water reaches the heater, the temperature of water is monitored and adjusted. Water is then passed through the next component, typically a chlorinator, via the same connecting pipe for feeding chlorine into the water. Once the water is chlorinated, the clean water is returned to the pool. The pool pump and the power centre are wired for switching the pool system on and off in unison.

[0089] Typically, the temperature of the water and chlorine levels are regulated based on set pre-determined values. A pool operator, therefore, has no choice but to adhere to those values for the operation of the pumping system, which are typically not the most efficient way to operate the sanitation system in all conditions.

[0090] FIG. 1 shows the general operation of a pump control system. The operation of the pump control system is performed by various components including a single speed pump 101, a filter 103, an automation controller 110, one or more auxiliary components such as a heater 105, a chlorinator 106, a pH doser 107 and a solar pump 108.

[0091] The components of the pump control system are installed using the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The physical components of the pump control system include a suction pipe 100 for forming a connection to the pool water and the pump 101, a multiprobe 120 connected to the automation controller 110 for monitoring the pH of water circulating through the pipe, a 25 ml pH 7.0 buffer solution 180 and a 25 ml pH 10.01 buffer solution 190, connecting pipes 102 for providing a connection between each component, screwed sockets 130 for fitting the connecting pipes 102 to the openings of the component, pipe adaptors 210 that form a coupling with the screwed socket 130 adjoining the connecting pipes 102, mounting bracket 140 for installing the automation controller 110, mounting screws 150 for fitting the mounting bracket 140, locking screws 170 for maintaining the automation controller 110 on the mounting bracket 140, 10 A power leads with two ends 220a, 220b and 10 A plug adaptors with two ends 230a, 230b for forming an electrical connection between the components of the pump control system, a temperature sensor with a 5 m lead 240 to monitor the temperature of water.

[0092] The pump control system is designed to be retrofittable to existing pool pumps and water sanitation systems. For retrofitting, the connecting pipes 102 that join the automation controller 110 and another component must be removed. A new connecting pipe 102 between the component and the automation controller 110 is installed to complete the retrofitting. The automation controller 110 is typically retrofitted to a single speed pump.

[0093] With reference to FIG. 1, the single speed pump 101 is placed on a plain floor such that it is maintained in a fixed position. The single speed pump 101 operates at a maximum power setting of 2.2 KW. It controls the flow rate of water which further determines the power consumption and the cost of running the pump system. The single speed pump 101 comprises a pump inlet, a pump outlet and a port (not shown) to receive one end of the 10 A plug adaptor 230a.

[0094] The suction pipe 100 forms a connection with the single speed pool pump 101. Multiple screwed sockets 130 are provided for connecting and fixing the pipes to the components of the pump system. One end of the suction pipe 100 is connected to the pump inlet using a screwed socket 130. The suction pipe 100 is curved at a 90-degree angle such that the other end of the suction pipe 100 reaches the pool. All the pipes are joined by gluing with the PVC cement (Type P).

[0095] The suction pipe 100 is fitted to the pump inlet using the pipe adaptor 210. One end of a connecting pipe 102 is fixed to a pump outlet using a screwed socket 130 and the other end of the connecting pipe 102 is fixed to the filter inlet 321 by introducing a 90-degree angle bend in the connecting pipe 102 as shown in FIG. 1. One end of the 10 A plug adaptor 230a is connected to the port of the single speed pump 101.

[0096] Once these connections are made, the pump 101 can pull water from the pool via the suction pipe 100, and then push it through the filter 103.

[0097] The filter 103 comprises one opening to receive an actuator valve 370. The actuator value 370 comprises a pressure sensor (not shown) for monitoring the pressure of the filter 103. The actuator valve 370 further comprises three openings including a filter inlet 321 for receiving water from the pump 101, a filter outlet 322 for organic matter wherein the filter outlet 322 may be connected to a discharge pipe (not shown) for discarding the filtered organic matter, and another filter outlet 323 for allowing the filtered water to pass through and reach the automation controller 110.

[0098] An automation controller 110 forms the central component of the pump control system. It is located between the filter 103 and the next component of the pump control system. The automation controller 110 forms a box like structure wherein the electrical components are secured within the controller 110, as described in detail below. It is shaped such that the rear side of the controller 110 provides an attachment that allows the connecting pipe 102 of a known fixed diameter to be fitted and maintained therein. A flow rate sensor is located on the automation controller 110 and is positioned such that it is in direct contact with the water to monitor the flow rate of water running through the connecting pipe 102.

[0099] FIG. 3 shows the installation of the automation controller 110. A connecting pipe 102 is first attached to the rear side of the automation controller 110 to secure the pipe 102 therein. The wall bracket 140 is then installed by positioning the bracket 140 in a desired location on the wall with the hanging hooks pointing up. The wall bracket 140 is levelled and secured to the wall using the 450 mm 316 stainless steel mounting screws 150. The automation controller 110 is then obtained and the rear side of the automation controller 110 is aligned with the three hooks on the wall bracket 140. The automation controller 110 is hung on the three hooks to align the bottom two screw holes 171. The 2 supplied 15 mm 316 stainless steel locking screws 170 are passed through the holes 171 in the bottom of the bracket 140 and screwed tightly to secure the automation controller 110 to the bracket 140.

[0100] Once installed, one end of the connecting pipe 102 connected to the controller 110 functions as a water inlet 111 for receiving the connecting pipe 102 from the filter outlet 323. The other end of the automation controller 110 functions as a water outlet 112 which forms a further connection to the adjascent component of the pump control system.

[0101] The automation controller 110 requires a total of 310 A protected socket outlets 350 to plug the components of pump control system and supply power to the components.

[0102] An earth bonding connection is provided by a 6 mm bonding terminal on the back of the automation controller 110. All the exposed conductive parts of the electrical components in the defined zones must be bonded.

[0103] The automation controller 110 is connected to the heater 105 of the pump control system. The connecting pipe 102 which is connected to the water outlet 112 of the automation controller 110 is curved at a 90-degree angle for joining with one of the openings of the heater 105. When water flows from the automation controller 110 through the connecting pipe 102 to the heater 105 of the pumping system, it regulates the temperature of the water using the automation controller 110.

[0104] A chlorinator 106 is further connected to the heater 105 to regulate the chlorine levels of the water. A connecting pipe 102 forms a connection between the heater 105 and the chlorinator 106. A heater 105 has another opening for receiving one end of the connecting pipe 102. The other end of the connecting pipe 102 is passed through one of the openings of the chlorinator 106. When water flows from the heater 105 to the chlorinator 106 through the connecting pipe 102, the chlorinator 106 regulates the chlorine level of water by dispensing a desired amount of chlorine from the chlorine bottle 330.

[0105] The chlorinator 106 has a second opening for receiving a further connecting pipe 102 to return the clean water to the pool. The clean water with a controlled temperature and appropriate dose of chlorine is returned to the pool.

[0106] The pH doser 107 controls the pH level of the water. A pH doser 107 is connected to the connecting pipe 102 that returns water from the chlorinator 106 to the pool. The pH doser 107 is further connected to an acid/base bottle 109 for releasing acid or base depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the water. For example, if the pH of water is below 6.0, doser 107 releases a base to the water, or if the pH of water is above 7.0, the doser 107 releases acid to lower the pH of water. As described below, pH adjustment can be automated to ensure the optimum efficiency of water sanitation.

[0107] A solar pump 108 is placed next to the pump 101 and is connected to the pipes 102 recirculating water from the pump 101 to the solar heater (not shown). Water is allowed to pass through the solar pump 108 to heat the pool water to a desired temperature. The temperature sensor 240 located in the return pipe is connected to the auxiliary inlet, as described below, to provide feedback to optimise other sanitation variables, in particular, flow rate and chlorine dose. If the temperature sensor 240 detects a change in temperature of water out of a pre-determined range, the solar pump 108 is activated and pool water heated, as the temperature of the pool water will significantly alter the sanitation efficiency of the system.

[0108] The automation controller 110 is the central component of the pump control system. The operation of every other components of the pump control system is typically controlled by the automation controller 110.

[0109] FIG. 4 shows the front (FIG. 4A), left side (FIG. 4B), rear (FIG. 4C), and right side (FIG. 4D) views of the automation controller 110. FIG. 4A shows a local pause or resume button 250 to manually pause or resume the operation of the pump control system. FIG. 4B shows a flow rate sensor 260 comprising a turbine based pulse counter connected to the central processing unit of the automation controller 110 for monitoring the flow rate of the water pumped into the pool system, and a multiprobe 120 connected to the automation controller 110 via a lead.

[0110] The multiprobe 120 regulates the pH of water and is installed in a protective cap which contains the storage solution. The storage solution keeps the pH probe glass hydrated and ensures that the probe 120 is ready to use as soon as it is installed. FIG. 4C shows a pressure sensor 270 electrically connected to the automation controller 110, for monitoring the pressure of the filter 103 and alerts the user when the filter 103 needs to be cleaned. The pressure sensor 270 is present on the filter actuator valve and is electrically connected to the controller 110 via a lead. FIG. 4C also shows an opening for air exhaust 280 and an opening for an air intake 290 for allowing the free flow of air through the automation controller 110 to keep the components of the controller 110 cool. FIG. 4D shows a cable entry grommet 300 further comprising at least one or several 510 A auxiliary outlets for connecting at least one or more components to the automation controller 110 or one or more sensors and three auxiliary inlets wherein at least two inlets are dedicated to filter pump power supply, and a mounting bracket 310 that are used to mount the automation controller 110.

[0111] Any of the auxiliary outlets (AUX 1, 2, 3 or 4), as shown in FIG. 5, may be used to control the operation of the components connected to the automation controller 110. Components may include a pump 101, a filter 103, a solar/gas heater 105, a chlorinator 106, or a pool, spa or garden lighting system.

[0112] The three auxiliary inlets AUX 1, 2 and 3, as shown in FIG. 5, allow current requirements of the system to be shared across the three inlets, which is advantageous when the device is retrofitted to an existing pool sanitation system. If one of the inlets is in use, one end of the 10 A power lead 220 may be connected to the protected 10 A 240V outlet and the other end may be connected to the main supply. The three inlets allow the pump control system to be connected to another component via a regular 10 A power supply.

[0113] The external components, such as the flow rate sensor, multiprobe 120, pressure sensor 270 and the auxiliary components connected to the cable entry grommet 300, of the automation controller 110 are controlled by the internal components of the automation controller 110.

[0114] FIG. 6 shows the internal components of the automation controller 110 comprising a communication board 113 including a CPU and a connecting port 114 to establish a wired data connection (as shown in FIG. 7A) or a WiFi adaptor 115 to establish a wireless data connection (as shown in FIG. 7B), a motor control board including a custom speed drive (CSD) 116 to convert a single speed pump to a custom speed pump, a flow rate sensor comprising a turbine based pulse counter connected to the CPU of the automation controller 110 and one or more auxiliary sensors to gather information from at least one or more components (not shown) connected to the automation controller 110.

[0115] The automation controller 110 also comprises an aluminium cooling plate 117 beneath the electrical componentry of the controller 110. The plate 117 is used to keep the electrical componentry resting thereon cool as pool water passes beneath the aluminium cooling plate 117, through a channel formed within the interior surface of the controller cousing, ensuring that the electrical componentry does not overheat.

[0116] In the present embodiment, the communication board 113 of the automation controller 110 includes a CPU and a connecting port 114 for forming a wired connection, as shown in FIG. 7A, between the automation controller 110 and a display. However, in an alternate embodiment, as also shown in FIG. 7B, a wireless connection is formed between the communication board 113 and a smart device; either a mobile phone or a tablet via the wifi adaptor 115. The display includes an LCD screen and a keypad. FIGS. 7A and 7B further provides the flow rate sensor 241 to detect the flow rate of water and a CSD 116 to enable the operation of a single speed pump 101 as a custom speed pump. An auxiliary inlets and outlets are provided on the automation controller 110 to perform the function as described above.

[0117] The smart device is programmed with a software application for viewing the information processed by the CPU. It allows the user to set input parameters to manually or automatically regulate the operation of any component connected to the automation controller 110.

[0118] The automation controller 110 comprises a flow rate sensor 241 and other auxiliary sensors. The auxiliary sensors are either installed within the automation controller 110 box or connected to the automation controller 110 as an auxiliary component, wherein the sensor is connected to one of the auxiliary outlets of the automation controller 110 via a lead. An auxiliary sensor may be an additional flow rate sensor, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, an ORP, a water quality sensor, a pressure sensor or others or several sensors.

[0119] The single speed pump 101 controls the flow rate of water. Any fluctuation in the flow rate of water in the pool sanitation system is sensed by the flow rate sensor 241. A signal sensed by the flow rate sensor 241 is transferred to the CPU of the communication board 113. The information received by the CPU is processed and transferred to an external device to be viewed by the user. The signal can be transferred from the CPU to the external device either via the wireless connection (such as WiFi) or via a hardwired connection. The user views the information sent by the CPU using the software application described in further detail below. The user sets the desired flow rate on the external device which is then transferred back to the CPU. The information is then processed by the CPU which then transfers the information to the CSD 116. With reference to the input parameters set by the user, the CSD 116 alters the waveform of the single speed pump 101 for enabling the single speed pump 101 to operate as a custom speed pump.

[0120] Typically, a single speed pump 101 consumes between 3000-5000 KWh per year, operating at regular intervals at full speed. By enabling the single speed pump 101 to operate as a custom speed pump, adjusted on the basis of sensed sanitation requirements, energy consumption by the pump 101 is reduced on average to 1800 W.

[0121] A temperature sensor with lead 240 is connected to any one of the auxiliary outlets of the automation controller 110. It senses a change in the temperature of water and transmits the temperature reading to the CPU of the automation controller 110 where the information is processed by the CPU. The processed information is then sent to the smart device to be viewed by a user using the software application installed on the smart device. For example, if the water temperature rises to 40 C., the increase in temperature can be viewed by the user via the software interface on the device. The user views the information i.e. a change in the temperature of water and manually sets the input parameters to a desired temperature; for example, the user may change the temperature to 32 C. or as desired while the flow rate of the sanitation system is automatically adjusted by the software to operate at optimum efficiency. The new temperature parameter is then received and processed by the CPU. The CPU instructs the heater 105 to switch on or off depending on whether the sensed temperature is greater than or less than the user's input selection. The heater 105 receives the information and the temperature of water is regulated accordingly whilst the flow rate continues to be adjusted according to the actual temperature of the pool water.

[0122] A multiprobe 120 is connected to one of the auxiliary outlets of the automation controller 110 to monitor the pH of the water. When the pH of the water varies from the desired pH (6.0-7.0), multiprobe 120 detects the variation and sends a signal to the CPU. The CPU then processes the information and transmits it to the external device. The information is then viewed by the user through the software interface. The user sets the input parameters to control the pH, for example, to a pH of 7.1, and sets the dosing time to 30 seconds or an automatic dose setting. The information is then sent back to the CPU. The CPU then transfers the information to the connected dosing component 107 which is further connected to an acid/base buffer feed 109. Depending on the information set by the user, the dosing component 107 releases acid or base to the pool water to regulate the pH level of water.

[0123] An ORP sensor is connected to one of the auxiliary outlets of the automation controller 110 to monitor the chlorine levels of the water. When a fluctuation in the chlorine levels of water is sensed by the ORP sensor, a signal is sent to the CPU. The CPU then processes the information and transmits the information to a smart device. The information is then viewed by the user through the software interface. The user either manually or automatically sets the desired chlorine level of the water in the software application, for example the user may set ORP level to 600 mV and dosing time to 60 second, and the information is then sent back to the CPU. The CPU then transfers the information to the chlorinator 106 which is further connected to a chlorine bottle 330. Depending on the information set by the user, the chlorine bottle releases chlorine to water flowing through the chlorinator 106, thereby controlling the chlorine levels of water.

[0124] A pressure sensor 270 is fitted either at the actuator valve of the filter 103 or within the internal componentry of the automation controller 110 to alert the user when a backwash or a filter clean is required. A user can set a pressure value, for example at 100 kPa, for alerting the user of a rise in pressure via the pressure sensor 270. For example, if pressure levels at the filter 103 rise to 100 kPa, the pressure sensor detects the change in pressure, and sends a signal to the CPU. The CPU processes the information and sends the information to the smart device configured with the software application. The information can be viewed by the user from the software interface. The user sets the desired parameters to control the pressure in the filter 103 either automatically or manually backwash. The set information is then transferred back to the CPU which then communicates the information to the filter 103 to perform a backwash and clean the filter 103.

[0125] Similarly, other sensors can be connected to the automation controller 110 to control various other parameters of the pool water as explained above.

Automation Using Intelligent Software

[0126] A downloadable software application is downloaded and installed on a smart device. The device, thus configured, allows information received from the automation controller 110 to be viewed via the software application user interface, and it allows the user to control the operation of any component connected to the automation controller 110. It also provides the user with the option to set pre-programmed parameters for automated control.

[0127] There are two general communication modes in which information can be communicated to the user via the software application. The first mode is a Wi-Fi mode wherein information is channelled through the automation controller 110 and transmitted to a remote server using the MQTT protocol. The information is computationally processed at the server and the software application provides the user with a dashboard to view the information at the server. This mode avoids the need for frequent software application updates at the device and allow the user to integrate more complex algorithmic processing for complete automation of all parameters of the system.

[0128] The second mode is a direct mode used as a backup in instances where no internet connection is available. The user can connect to automation controller 110 via their device when it is in Wi-Fi range (e.g. when at home).

[0129] The user can control the operation of the pump system via the software application simply by setting input parameters. For example, if the user sets the frequency parameter between 20-60 Hz, the automation controller 110 alters the input waveform allowing the input frequency to be altered between 20-60 Hz thereby enabling the single speed pump 101 to operate at custom speeds.

[0130] The software application can be also used to accurately monitor the pressure within the system and to alert the user when a backwash or filter clean is required. Users can set the alert pressure level to suit their individual requirements. A clean system will use less energy to maintain pool hygiene.

[0131] Real-time monitoring of the filter 103 is enabled by a built-in pressure sensor within the automation controller 110. Whether the user uses a sand filter or a cartridge filter, once connected, the software application alerts the user when the filter 103 needs to be cleaned or when a backwash needs to be performed, as described above.

[0132] The software application together with the automation controller 110 enhances the efficiency of sanitation of the pool sanitation system.

[0133] The software application in either mode, operates the pump system more efficiently by optimising parameters such as flow rate and energy usage, which determine pump efficiency. Depending on the capacity of the pool, the software application may have set pre-programmed parameters such as pool volume (for example 50,000 litres), cost per KWh (for example $0.36 per KWh), pump power (for example 2000 W) and pump flow rate (for example 400 LPM). Based on these set pre-programmed parameters, the user can determine the speed of pump 101 and manage efficiency of operation.

[0134] FIG. 8 provides a graphical representation of pump flow rate and pump energy usage with respect to the pump speed. The output values are shown in Table 1.

[0135] When a user sets the pump speed to 25%, the power generated by the pump 101 will be 31 W to circulate water with a flow rate of up to 100 LPM. If a pump speed is set to 50% via the software application, more power, up to 250 W, will be generated for circulating water with a flow rate of up to 200 LPM. If a user sets the pump speed to 75% using the software application, up to 844 W of power will be generated to circulate water with a flow rate of up to 300 LPM. Similarly, if pump speed is set to 100%, up to 2000 W will be generated to circulate water with a flow rate of up to 400 LPM.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Speed (%) Flow Rate (LPM) Power (W) 25 100 31 50 200 250 75 300 844 100 400 2,000

[0136] The software application can also receive electricity tariffs and thereby monitor cost-savings in real-time. For example, a user may set the temperature to 25 C., the speed of the filter 103 to 48% and the pH to 7.1 and then enter the status on the software application to filter and view the total cost savings from setting these parameters. The user may change the parameters as desired, or to reduce the cost of running the pool sanitation system.

[0137] A user may also set values for speed, power and flow rate to view costs and savings per water turnover. Table 2 shows the cost per water turnover and savings per water turnover with respect to various values for the speed, power and flow rate of a pump 101. For example, if a user sets the pump 101 to run at a speed of 25%, a power setting of 31 W and a flow rate of 100 LPM, the cost per water turnover will be $0.09 and savings per water turnover will be $1.41. Similarly, if the pump 101 is set to run at a speed of 50%, a power setting of 250 W and a flow rate of 200 LPM, the cost per water turnover will be $0.38 and the cost saving will be $1.13, if the pump 101 is set to run at a speed of 75%, a power setting of 844 W and a flow rate of 300 LPM, the cost per turnover will be $0.84 and cost saving will be $0.66, and if a pump 101 is set to run at a speed of 100%, a power of 2000 W and a flow rate of 400 LPM, the cost per water turnover will be $1.50 with zero cost saving.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Speed Flow Rate Power Cost per Saving per (%) (LPM) (W) turnover ($) turnover ($) 25 100 31 0.09 1.41 50 200 250 0.38 1.13 75 300 844 0.84 0.66 100 400 2,000 1.50

[0138] FIG. 9 provides a graphical representation of a change in the cost per water turnover and savings per water turnover with respect to the speed of the pool pump 101. FIG. 9 shows the use of the software application to determine the costs and savings per turnover. For example, if a user sets the pump 101 to run at a speed of 25%, the costs per turnover will be $0.09 and savings per turnover will be $1.41, and the costs and savings per turnover for running the pump 101 at a speed of 50% will be $0.38 and $1.13, respectively. Similarly, if a pump 101 is set to run at a speed of 75%, the cost per turnover will be $0.84 and the cost saving will be $0.66, and if a pump 101 is set to run at a speed of 100%, a user will not save any money but will incur a cost per turnover of $1.50.

[0139] The software application can also be used to manage the most common scenarios for the pump control system to maintain pump efficiency year-round without compromising water sanitation and aesthetic qualities of the pool water.

[0140] For example, a Boost (high use) mode can be provided in a software application which is perfect for visual appeal (e.g. prior to entertainment) or when the water needs to be turned over more frequently than usual. Similarly, a Summer (regular use) mode can be programmed to the most efficient setting for general swimming during warmer weather conditions, and Winter (minimal/no use) mode can be used when the pool or spa isn't in use either over winter or even if the user is away on holidays.

[0141] The software application holds a number of scheduling options under each pre-programmed mode to set the operating start and finish time of the connected component which could be modified or adjusted remotely.

[0142] If the output of the automation controller 110 is connected to the garden lights, the software application can allow the lighting to come on at dusk, pool cleaning may activate overnight (when energy tariffs are off-peak), and water features may switch on during the day.

[0143] If the user owns both a pool and a spa, an additional pre-programmed in-built spa mode is present within the software application to allow the user to easily switch between pool or spa use.

[0144] If the automation controller output 112 is connected to an automated sanitising doser, the software application can be used to set the ORP level or measure the chemical mix (chlorine and pH) in real-time and monitor as well as control its dosing to the water.

[0145] If the automation controller output 112 is connected to a solar heater, gas heater or electric heater pump, the software application can be user to set, monitor and/or regulate the water temperature.

[0146] If connected to the in-floor, robotic or suction cleaning component, the software application allows the component to run or turn on/off automatically.

[0147] The software application can be controlled by multiple users for one system. It is also possible for one user to control multiple automation controllers 110 (e.g. when monitored or controlled by a third party service provider) via one software application. The installer will also have a login to remotely manage, monitor and analyse whether any maintenance is required or to remotely modify or adjust the parameters in case of any changes in weather conditions.

[0148] Throughout this specification the word comprise, or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0149] All publications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of each claim of this application.

[0150] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims.

[0151] It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those skilled in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.

LIST OF CITATIONS

[0152] 1. US Department of Energy, Measure Guideline: Replacing Single-Speed Pool Pumps with Variable Speed Pumps for Energy Savings <https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/54242.pdf>.