CA1137195A - Swimming pool filtering system - Google Patents
Swimming pool filtering systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1137195A CA1137195A CA000263984A CA263984A CA1137195A CA 1137195 A CA1137195 A CA 1137195A CA 000263984 A CA000263984 A CA 000263984A CA 263984 A CA263984 A CA 263984A CA 1137195 A CA1137195 A CA 1137195A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pool
- water
- motor
- circulation
- pump
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
- E04H4/1209—Treatment of water for swimming pools
- E04H4/1245—Recirculating pumps for swimming pool water
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Treatment Of Water By Oxidation Or Reduction (AREA)
- Control Of Non-Positive-Displacement Pumps (AREA)
- Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A swimming pool filtering system of the type having a series con-nected strainer, pump and filter is provided with a pump drive motor having two sets of stator windings for allowing the selection of one of two water circulation rates to achieve more efficient pool water maintenance. A spec-ific circulation rate may be manually selected or periods of selected circul-ation rates nay be automatically programmed using a motor stator that is en-ergized through a timer.
A swimming pool filtering system of the type having a series con-nected strainer, pump and filter is provided with a pump drive motor having two sets of stator windings for allowing the selection of one of two water circulation rates to achieve more efficient pool water maintenance. A spec-ific circulation rate may be manually selected or periods of selected circul-ation rates nay be automatically programmed using a motor stator that is en-ergized through a timer.
Description
~13~195 Background of the Invention Field of the Invention . _ The present invention relates to swimming pool filtering systems and more particularly to a system having selectable water circulation rates.
Description of the Prior Art Residential swimming pools have become popular and common place in today's society; however, pool owners are experiencing a substantial increase in pool maintenance costs due to the increased cost of both energy and pool chemicals. It has also been discovered that pools tend to be a nuisance especially during evening hours when the filtering system generates anoise level that is quite obnoxious in a quiet residential area.
The low level hum of a filtering system enters open bedroom windows and often keeps restless sleepers awake.
Pool owners have taken several approaches in an attempt to over-come these problems. The most common procedure is to turn off the filter-ing system during certain periods of the day and in particular during the night time hours. While this procedure eliminates the night time noise and reduces the overall energy consumption, it provides only a false econ-omy and cannot be considered a satisfactory solution since it subjects the pool owner to certain risks. Turning off the filtering system could re-sult in a substantial health hazard since it allows the development of dangerous levels of pollutants.
~ When the circulating pump is turned off for extended periods of time, there is a substantial risk that algae formations may rapidly over-run the pool.
' ~ - 2 -The elimination of this algae requires heavy doses of algae killing chemicals, the cost of which greatly exceeds the savings in energy costs and the pool camlot be used for a period of time. ~ormally, an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine, kills the algae and maintains it under control in the pool; however, the algae consumes a certain amount of the oxidizing agent. Once the oxidizing agent is consumed in a par-ticular portion of the POO1J uncontrolled algae growth is initiated which rapidly spreads throughout the pool. Thus, it is essential that the oxidizing agent be continuously circulated to replenish that which may have been consumed in a particular portion of the pool. It is clear that the pool owner by turning off the circulating pump assumes the risk of rapid algae growth and the accumulation of other contaminants in the pool which may require the use of chemicals for repurifying the water, the cost of which would greatly exceed any energy savings.
Certain pool owners have attempted to avoid the algae formation problem by cycling the filter system on and off at 30 minute intervals;
however, this starting and stopping of the pump motor is extremely detrimental to the motor and will severely reduce the life of the motor.
For the pool owner that uses diatomaceous earth filter, turning off the circulating pump causes the filter to lose its cake and necessi-tates the replacement of the diatomaceous earth at a considerable incon-venience.
In an attempt to increase pump efficiency and thereby reduce the energy consumption, attempts were made to redesign the pump. A smaller diameter impeller reduced the energy consumption but simultaneously re-duced the pumping capacity to an extent that the circulation rate was not ~7;
113~5 sufficient for vacuuming the pool and the pool could not be quickly cleaned after a storm or during heavy use. In addition, the lower circulating rate could not meet certain governmental codes which require that a filtering system be capable of cir-culating the entire pool capacity during periods of time varying from eight to twelve hours depending upon the particular code involved.
Another energy saving expedient was to provide a slower operating motor; however, this resulted in the same problems experienced with the smaller diameter pump impeller and was not a satisfactory solution.
Summary of the Invention The present invention contemplates the use of a two speed pump motor that provides a high circulation rate for vacuuming operations, periods of heavy pool use or for clean up after a storm while providing a lower circulation rate dur-ing other periods of time. The low circulation rate is suffi-cient to prevent the pool from becoming stagnant with the result-ing growth of algae while providing a considerable savings in energy costs. The lower circulation rate also results in an unexpected benefit, that being a substantial reduction in noise levels.
More specifically, the invention provides a pool water maintenance system, comprising:
a liquid pump having an inlet for receiving pool water and an outlet for discharging pool water;
a filter connected to said pump for filtering pool water;
means for connecting said filter and pump into a closed circulation system and for receiving pool water and dis-charging pool water, said circulation system having flow characteristics defining a system head curve;
~i-` -4-~ .~
11371~5 a two-speed motor closely coupled to said pump the higher speed being sufficient for vacuuming operations; and means for changing from one to the other of said two motor speeds to thereby operate at one of two points on the system head curve so that the pump circulates the water through said closed circulation system at one of two circulation rates in accordance with the system head curve, whereby the pump is capable of being continuously operated at the most efficient and quietest available circulation rate required to maintain a desired degree of pool water clarity and improved system efficiency and noise reduction.
From another aspect, the invention provides a method of continuously operating a pool filter system, having a closed water circulation system defining a system head curve, compris-ing the steps of:
energizing a pump drive motor to operate at a first point on the system head curve to achieve a first circulation flow rate through said circulation system; and selectively energizing the pump drive motor to operate at a second point on the system head curve to achieve a second circulation flow rate through said circulation system, the higher flow rate being sufficient for vacuuming operations whereby the most economical circulation flow rate may be selected that maintains a desired degree of pool water clarity.
Two speed and variable speed motors are rather common and the method of achieving the variable speed is usually dependent upon the use to which the motor is applied. Variable speed may be obtained through the use of a variac while dual speed may be achieved through the use of a rectifier device.
Both of these means of providing speed changes consume energy and are thus inefficient methods of providing speed control and could not be considered for use in an efficient filtering system.
1~371~S
The present invention uses a motor wherein the two speed capability is achieved by the efficient use of two separate stator windings for two pole or four pole operation to achieve nominal motor speeds of 3500 RPM and 1750 RPM. The motor is provided with a manual selector switch by which the motor may be operated at high or low speed. Optionally, a timer may be provided to automatically control the motor to operate at a selected speed during selected periods of time. A timer con-trolled motor may be manually switched to a different speed by merely turning the timer dial to a period requiring the desired speed. Such a manual selection may be used for turning the motor to high speed for cleaning up after a storm or for vacuuming the pool. It is also contemplated that the system could be provided with a sensor such as an optical device for sensing the clarity of the water and for energizing the high speed winding when the water clarity is reduced to a predetermined level.
The present invention satisfies governmental code requirements by having the capability of circulating all of the pool water within the designated time periods and in addition provides for low speed operation to substantially reduce the energy consumed. An unexpected beneficial result was also realized by elimination of the noise pollution caused by the circulating pump during quiet evening hours. These beneficial results are uniquely achieved without subjecting the pool owner to the risk of water contamination that may result when the filter system is turned off and which may require the use of substantial amounts of chemicals for re-purifying the water.
Normally, efficiency ratings only take into account energy consumption; however, when considering total pool maintenance efficiency, one must weigh the desired result, that being a degree of water clarity and purity, against the total monetary cost of energy and chemicals and a number of intangible 1137~5 items such as noise pollution, pool down time and time required for maintenance. All of these Eactors must be taken into con-sideration in the proper design of a pool filtering system.
The present invention through its unique use of a two speed motor in a pool filtering system can achieve the desired degree of water clarity at a considerably reduced total cost.
Other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein three embodiments of the invention are described.
~ ~, ~ -6a-Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a complete pool filtering system.
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of a portion of the pres-ent invention.
Figure 5 is a graph showing the operational characteristics of a typical system using the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a pool 10 having an outlet 12 for connection to a filter system 14. Outlet 12 is connected to an inlet of a strainer 16 which has an outlet connected to a jet pump 18 which is coupled to a motor 20. Preferably, pump 18 and motor 20 are closely coupled as an integral unit on a single shaft. The strainer, pump and motor are normally provided as integral units by swimming pool pump manufacturers. The strainer and pump may be similar to that used on Mar Dur Model 1 1/2 HP21EC-A3 sold by ITT Marlow. The pump outlet is connected to the inlet of a filter 22 which provides filtered water to an optional heater 24 for heating the circulated water which is thereafter deposited back into the pool 10. There are many forms of commercially available filters and heaters that may be used in the system and the selection of any particular type is not important to the pres-ent invention.
The motor 20 of the present invention is a two speed motor having nominal speeds of 1750 RPM and 3500 RPM. The two speed feature of the motor is preferably achieved through the use of a dual stator winding wound to se-lectively provide two pole and four pole operation. By using the dual stator windings, a more favorable energy efficiency is provided by the motor as com-pared with other speed varying means such as rectifiers or variacs. The motor for residential use will usually be in the size range of 1/3 to 2 horse power which is generally considered sufficient to handle the requirements of resi-dential pools. Of course the invention could be used with larger size motors 11371~5 and pools. The motor may be designed for either 115 or 230 volt AC opera-tiOIl. In thc least complex embodiment as shown in Figure 2, the motor will be equipped with a manually operated switch 26 which may be a single pole double throw toggle switch. When the switch is moved to one side the high speed winding is energized while in the other position the low speed winding is energized.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown the preferred circuit arrange-ment for a 230 volt AC motor which requires that both power lines be con-trolled by the switch. Thus, a double pole, double throw switch 28 may be used to control both power lines of the 230 volt energy source.
In Figure 4, there is shown a more sophisticated embodiment of the invention wherein a timer 30 is provided for automatically controlling the speed of the motor during periods selected by the home owner. The timer may be similar to GE control CR121BA02 which may be used with a 1/2 horsepower motor. Depending upon motor size, relay control switches may be required for use with the timer to overcome the detrimental effects of high current on the switching contacts; however, this is a matter of design choice and does not form a part of this invention. In the event it is desirable to operate the motor at a speed other than the speed called for by the timer, the timer dial may be rotated till the speed changes. After the alternate speed is no longer desiredS the timer is merely reset by turning the dial to the actual time. 0f course, separate override and power off switches could be provided if desired. The timer is energized from a standard AC source and provides two outputs for energizing either the high or low speed winding.
In an alternate and more sophisticated embodiment timer 30 may be replaced with a sensor for sensing water clarity and for energizing the high speed winding when the clarity is reduced to a certain predetermined level.
The sensor could be an optical device that senses the amount of light transmitted through a specified amount of the pool water. The sensor could be mounted in a translucent portion of the filter piping system or in .;~ _, 1137~195 the actual pool itself.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a graph of the operating characteristics of a typical motor pump combination constructed in accordance with the present invention. The particular pump motor used was a nominal NSF
rated one horsepower motor. The graph shows the flow curves (H.Q.) for 3500 RPM and for 1750 RPM operation by plotting flow rate in gallons per minute against the total head in feet. The power curves for the same speeds show energy consumed at each operating speed in watts against flow rate in gallons per minute. Superimposed on the curves is a total circulation system head curve representing possible operating points for a particular pool installa-tion. From a review of Figure 5, it will be noted that the nominal motor speed of 3500 RPM produces a flow rate of 45 gallons per minute in the par-ticular system with an energy consumption of 1080 watts. At the 1750 RPM
- speed, a flow rate of 21 gallons per minute was achieved with an energy con-sumption of 200 watts. It is apparent from this system curve that by divid-- ing the flow rate approximately in half, the energy consumption is reduced to ~~ one fifth. Comparable results can be achieved with similar systems and other motor sizes.
The one horsepower rated motor used to obtain the data shown in 20 Figure 5 has sufficient pumping capacity for use with a 32,000 gallon pool so that the entire pool capacity may be filtered during a twelve hour period to conform with governmental codes. If the high speed operation is continued for twenty-four hours a day using existing prior art motors, 777.6 kilowatt hours of electricity would be consumed during a thirty-day month at a cost of $38.88 if the price for electricity is .05 dollars per kilowatt hour. If the motor is operated at high speed only during the high usage time which may be approximately eight hours a day, the energy consumption is reduced to 355.2 kilowatt hours for a monthly cost of $17.75 and a monthly savings of $21.12.
Considering that the cost of energy is increasing, this savings will in all likelihood increase.
1137~95 Another important unexpected advantage realized by the present in-vention is the substantial reduction in noise that is achieved by operating at the lower speed. The noise level in a quiet residential area increased by 14.5 db at the standard testing distance of 1 meter from the motor when the high speed winding was energized. At the low speed, there was only a 0.5 db increase in noise level at the 1 meter distance and no discernable increase at 5 feet.
Further tests indicated that the low speed operation resulted in a 68% reduction in noise level. These tests were run under ideal conditions with no noise reflective surfaces, so that the motor noise was dissipated about a full 360 degrees without the production of any echo.
In actual installations, the motor may be installed adjacent a building, wall or fence where reflected sound greatly increases the problem of noise pollution. Noise level increases are measured in db, or sound pres-sure, and may not appear to be substantial on paper; however, they can become extremely obnoxious in the still of the night. Thus, the present invention provides a substantial reduction in noise pollution when operating at the lower speed.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that the present invention pro-vides a truly more efficient pool water maintenance system which requiresless energy and chemicals to achieve a desired degree of water clarity.
- While providing this improved efficiency, the system of the present invention also eliminates the risX of rapid algae growth, high contamination levels, reduced-motor life caused by motor cycling and the detrimen~al effects of turning off the pump on a diatamaceous filter all of which were experienced with prior art methods of reducing energy consumption. In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial results, the present invention also provides the unexpected result of significantly reduced levels of noise pollution and fewer complaints from the neighbors.
, ~.
Description of the Prior Art Residential swimming pools have become popular and common place in today's society; however, pool owners are experiencing a substantial increase in pool maintenance costs due to the increased cost of both energy and pool chemicals. It has also been discovered that pools tend to be a nuisance especially during evening hours when the filtering system generates anoise level that is quite obnoxious in a quiet residential area.
The low level hum of a filtering system enters open bedroom windows and often keeps restless sleepers awake.
Pool owners have taken several approaches in an attempt to over-come these problems. The most common procedure is to turn off the filter-ing system during certain periods of the day and in particular during the night time hours. While this procedure eliminates the night time noise and reduces the overall energy consumption, it provides only a false econ-omy and cannot be considered a satisfactory solution since it subjects the pool owner to certain risks. Turning off the filtering system could re-sult in a substantial health hazard since it allows the development of dangerous levels of pollutants.
~ When the circulating pump is turned off for extended periods of time, there is a substantial risk that algae formations may rapidly over-run the pool.
' ~ - 2 -The elimination of this algae requires heavy doses of algae killing chemicals, the cost of which greatly exceeds the savings in energy costs and the pool camlot be used for a period of time. ~ormally, an oxidizing agent, such as chlorine, kills the algae and maintains it under control in the pool; however, the algae consumes a certain amount of the oxidizing agent. Once the oxidizing agent is consumed in a par-ticular portion of the POO1J uncontrolled algae growth is initiated which rapidly spreads throughout the pool. Thus, it is essential that the oxidizing agent be continuously circulated to replenish that which may have been consumed in a particular portion of the pool. It is clear that the pool owner by turning off the circulating pump assumes the risk of rapid algae growth and the accumulation of other contaminants in the pool which may require the use of chemicals for repurifying the water, the cost of which would greatly exceed any energy savings.
Certain pool owners have attempted to avoid the algae formation problem by cycling the filter system on and off at 30 minute intervals;
however, this starting and stopping of the pump motor is extremely detrimental to the motor and will severely reduce the life of the motor.
For the pool owner that uses diatomaceous earth filter, turning off the circulating pump causes the filter to lose its cake and necessi-tates the replacement of the diatomaceous earth at a considerable incon-venience.
In an attempt to increase pump efficiency and thereby reduce the energy consumption, attempts were made to redesign the pump. A smaller diameter impeller reduced the energy consumption but simultaneously re-duced the pumping capacity to an extent that the circulation rate was not ~7;
113~5 sufficient for vacuuming the pool and the pool could not be quickly cleaned after a storm or during heavy use. In addition, the lower circulating rate could not meet certain governmental codes which require that a filtering system be capable of cir-culating the entire pool capacity during periods of time varying from eight to twelve hours depending upon the particular code involved.
Another energy saving expedient was to provide a slower operating motor; however, this resulted in the same problems experienced with the smaller diameter pump impeller and was not a satisfactory solution.
Summary of the Invention The present invention contemplates the use of a two speed pump motor that provides a high circulation rate for vacuuming operations, periods of heavy pool use or for clean up after a storm while providing a lower circulation rate dur-ing other periods of time. The low circulation rate is suffi-cient to prevent the pool from becoming stagnant with the result-ing growth of algae while providing a considerable savings in energy costs. The lower circulation rate also results in an unexpected benefit, that being a substantial reduction in noise levels.
More specifically, the invention provides a pool water maintenance system, comprising:
a liquid pump having an inlet for receiving pool water and an outlet for discharging pool water;
a filter connected to said pump for filtering pool water;
means for connecting said filter and pump into a closed circulation system and for receiving pool water and dis-charging pool water, said circulation system having flow characteristics defining a system head curve;
~i-` -4-~ .~
11371~5 a two-speed motor closely coupled to said pump the higher speed being sufficient for vacuuming operations; and means for changing from one to the other of said two motor speeds to thereby operate at one of two points on the system head curve so that the pump circulates the water through said closed circulation system at one of two circulation rates in accordance with the system head curve, whereby the pump is capable of being continuously operated at the most efficient and quietest available circulation rate required to maintain a desired degree of pool water clarity and improved system efficiency and noise reduction.
From another aspect, the invention provides a method of continuously operating a pool filter system, having a closed water circulation system defining a system head curve, compris-ing the steps of:
energizing a pump drive motor to operate at a first point on the system head curve to achieve a first circulation flow rate through said circulation system; and selectively energizing the pump drive motor to operate at a second point on the system head curve to achieve a second circulation flow rate through said circulation system, the higher flow rate being sufficient for vacuuming operations whereby the most economical circulation flow rate may be selected that maintains a desired degree of pool water clarity.
Two speed and variable speed motors are rather common and the method of achieving the variable speed is usually dependent upon the use to which the motor is applied. Variable speed may be obtained through the use of a variac while dual speed may be achieved through the use of a rectifier device.
Both of these means of providing speed changes consume energy and are thus inefficient methods of providing speed control and could not be considered for use in an efficient filtering system.
1~371~S
The present invention uses a motor wherein the two speed capability is achieved by the efficient use of two separate stator windings for two pole or four pole operation to achieve nominal motor speeds of 3500 RPM and 1750 RPM. The motor is provided with a manual selector switch by which the motor may be operated at high or low speed. Optionally, a timer may be provided to automatically control the motor to operate at a selected speed during selected periods of time. A timer con-trolled motor may be manually switched to a different speed by merely turning the timer dial to a period requiring the desired speed. Such a manual selection may be used for turning the motor to high speed for cleaning up after a storm or for vacuuming the pool. It is also contemplated that the system could be provided with a sensor such as an optical device for sensing the clarity of the water and for energizing the high speed winding when the water clarity is reduced to a predetermined level.
The present invention satisfies governmental code requirements by having the capability of circulating all of the pool water within the designated time periods and in addition provides for low speed operation to substantially reduce the energy consumed. An unexpected beneficial result was also realized by elimination of the noise pollution caused by the circulating pump during quiet evening hours. These beneficial results are uniquely achieved without subjecting the pool owner to the risk of water contamination that may result when the filter system is turned off and which may require the use of substantial amounts of chemicals for re-purifying the water.
Normally, efficiency ratings only take into account energy consumption; however, when considering total pool maintenance efficiency, one must weigh the desired result, that being a degree of water clarity and purity, against the total monetary cost of energy and chemicals and a number of intangible 1137~5 items such as noise pollution, pool down time and time required for maintenance. All of these Eactors must be taken into con-sideration in the proper design of a pool filtering system.
The present invention through its unique use of a two speed motor in a pool filtering system can achieve the desired degree of water clarity at a considerably reduced total cost.
Other advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein three embodiments of the invention are described.
~ ~, ~ -6a-Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a complete pool filtering system.
Figures 2, 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of a portion of the pres-ent invention.
Figure 5 is a graph showing the operational characteristics of a typical system using the present invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a pool 10 having an outlet 12 for connection to a filter system 14. Outlet 12 is connected to an inlet of a strainer 16 which has an outlet connected to a jet pump 18 which is coupled to a motor 20. Preferably, pump 18 and motor 20 are closely coupled as an integral unit on a single shaft. The strainer, pump and motor are normally provided as integral units by swimming pool pump manufacturers. The strainer and pump may be similar to that used on Mar Dur Model 1 1/2 HP21EC-A3 sold by ITT Marlow. The pump outlet is connected to the inlet of a filter 22 which provides filtered water to an optional heater 24 for heating the circulated water which is thereafter deposited back into the pool 10. There are many forms of commercially available filters and heaters that may be used in the system and the selection of any particular type is not important to the pres-ent invention.
The motor 20 of the present invention is a two speed motor having nominal speeds of 1750 RPM and 3500 RPM. The two speed feature of the motor is preferably achieved through the use of a dual stator winding wound to se-lectively provide two pole and four pole operation. By using the dual stator windings, a more favorable energy efficiency is provided by the motor as com-pared with other speed varying means such as rectifiers or variacs. The motor for residential use will usually be in the size range of 1/3 to 2 horse power which is generally considered sufficient to handle the requirements of resi-dential pools. Of course the invention could be used with larger size motors 11371~5 and pools. The motor may be designed for either 115 or 230 volt AC opera-tiOIl. In thc least complex embodiment as shown in Figure 2, the motor will be equipped with a manually operated switch 26 which may be a single pole double throw toggle switch. When the switch is moved to one side the high speed winding is energized while in the other position the low speed winding is energized.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown the preferred circuit arrange-ment for a 230 volt AC motor which requires that both power lines be con-trolled by the switch. Thus, a double pole, double throw switch 28 may be used to control both power lines of the 230 volt energy source.
In Figure 4, there is shown a more sophisticated embodiment of the invention wherein a timer 30 is provided for automatically controlling the speed of the motor during periods selected by the home owner. The timer may be similar to GE control CR121BA02 which may be used with a 1/2 horsepower motor. Depending upon motor size, relay control switches may be required for use with the timer to overcome the detrimental effects of high current on the switching contacts; however, this is a matter of design choice and does not form a part of this invention. In the event it is desirable to operate the motor at a speed other than the speed called for by the timer, the timer dial may be rotated till the speed changes. After the alternate speed is no longer desiredS the timer is merely reset by turning the dial to the actual time. 0f course, separate override and power off switches could be provided if desired. The timer is energized from a standard AC source and provides two outputs for energizing either the high or low speed winding.
In an alternate and more sophisticated embodiment timer 30 may be replaced with a sensor for sensing water clarity and for energizing the high speed winding when the clarity is reduced to a certain predetermined level.
The sensor could be an optical device that senses the amount of light transmitted through a specified amount of the pool water. The sensor could be mounted in a translucent portion of the filter piping system or in .;~ _, 1137~195 the actual pool itself.
Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a graph of the operating characteristics of a typical motor pump combination constructed in accordance with the present invention. The particular pump motor used was a nominal NSF
rated one horsepower motor. The graph shows the flow curves (H.Q.) for 3500 RPM and for 1750 RPM operation by plotting flow rate in gallons per minute against the total head in feet. The power curves for the same speeds show energy consumed at each operating speed in watts against flow rate in gallons per minute. Superimposed on the curves is a total circulation system head curve representing possible operating points for a particular pool installa-tion. From a review of Figure 5, it will be noted that the nominal motor speed of 3500 RPM produces a flow rate of 45 gallons per minute in the par-ticular system with an energy consumption of 1080 watts. At the 1750 RPM
- speed, a flow rate of 21 gallons per minute was achieved with an energy con-sumption of 200 watts. It is apparent from this system curve that by divid-- ing the flow rate approximately in half, the energy consumption is reduced to ~~ one fifth. Comparable results can be achieved with similar systems and other motor sizes.
The one horsepower rated motor used to obtain the data shown in 20 Figure 5 has sufficient pumping capacity for use with a 32,000 gallon pool so that the entire pool capacity may be filtered during a twelve hour period to conform with governmental codes. If the high speed operation is continued for twenty-four hours a day using existing prior art motors, 777.6 kilowatt hours of electricity would be consumed during a thirty-day month at a cost of $38.88 if the price for electricity is .05 dollars per kilowatt hour. If the motor is operated at high speed only during the high usage time which may be approximately eight hours a day, the energy consumption is reduced to 355.2 kilowatt hours for a monthly cost of $17.75 and a monthly savings of $21.12.
Considering that the cost of energy is increasing, this savings will in all likelihood increase.
1137~95 Another important unexpected advantage realized by the present in-vention is the substantial reduction in noise that is achieved by operating at the lower speed. The noise level in a quiet residential area increased by 14.5 db at the standard testing distance of 1 meter from the motor when the high speed winding was energized. At the low speed, there was only a 0.5 db increase in noise level at the 1 meter distance and no discernable increase at 5 feet.
Further tests indicated that the low speed operation resulted in a 68% reduction in noise level. These tests were run under ideal conditions with no noise reflective surfaces, so that the motor noise was dissipated about a full 360 degrees without the production of any echo.
In actual installations, the motor may be installed adjacent a building, wall or fence where reflected sound greatly increases the problem of noise pollution. Noise level increases are measured in db, or sound pres-sure, and may not appear to be substantial on paper; however, they can become extremely obnoxious in the still of the night. Thus, the present invention provides a substantial reduction in noise pollution when operating at the lower speed.
From the foregoing, it is apparent that the present invention pro-vides a truly more efficient pool water maintenance system which requiresless energy and chemicals to achieve a desired degree of water clarity.
- While providing this improved efficiency, the system of the present invention also eliminates the risX of rapid algae growth, high contamination levels, reduced-motor life caused by motor cycling and the detrimen~al effects of turning off the pump on a diatamaceous filter all of which were experienced with prior art methods of reducing energy consumption. In addition to the above-mentioned beneficial results, the present invention also provides the unexpected result of significantly reduced levels of noise pollution and fewer complaints from the neighbors.
, ~.
Claims (7)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A pool water maintenance system, comprising:
a liquid pump having an inlet for receiving pool water and an outlet for discharging pool water;
a filter connected to said pump for filtering pool water;
means for connecting said filter and pump into a closed circulation system and for receiving pool water and discharging pool water, said circula-tion system having flow characteristics defining a system head curve;
a two-speed motor closely coupled to said pump the higher speed being sufficient for vacuuming operations; and means for changing from one to the other of said two motor speeds to thereby operate at one of two points on the system head curve so that the pump circulates the water through said closed circulation system at one of two circulation rates in accordance with the system head curve, whereby the pump is capable of being continuously operated at the most efficient and quietest available circulation rate required to maintain a desired degree of pool water clarity and improved system efficiency and noise reduction.
a liquid pump having an inlet for receiving pool water and an outlet for discharging pool water;
a filter connected to said pump for filtering pool water;
means for connecting said filter and pump into a closed circulation system and for receiving pool water and discharging pool water, said circula-tion system having flow characteristics defining a system head curve;
a two-speed motor closely coupled to said pump the higher speed being sufficient for vacuuming operations; and means for changing from one to the other of said two motor speeds to thereby operate at one of two points on the system head curve so that the pump circulates the water through said closed circulation system at one of two circulation rates in accordance with the system head curve, whereby the pump is capable of being continuously operated at the most efficient and quietest available circulation rate required to maintain a desired degree of pool water clarity and improved system efficiency and noise reduction.
2. A pool water maintenance system as described in claim 1, additional-ly comprising a water heater means disposed in said circulation system.
3. A pool water maintenance system as described in claim 1, wherein said motor includes a dual stator winding which may be selectively energized by said motor speed selecting means to provide two different operating speeds.
4. A pool maintenance system as described in claim 1, wherein the means for selecting a motor speed includes a timer means for automatically selecting preset motor speeds during selected periods of time.
5. A method of continuously operating a pool filter system, having a closed water circulation system defining a system head curve, comprising the steps of:
energizing a pump drive motor to operate at a first point on the system head curve to achieve a first circulation flow rate through said circulation system; and selectively energizing the pump drive motor to operate at a second point on the system head curve to achieve a second circulation flow rate through said circulation system, the higher flow rate being sufficient for vacuuming operations whereby the most economical circulation flow rate may be selected that maintains a desired degree of pool water clarity.
energizing a pump drive motor to operate at a first point on the system head curve to achieve a first circulation flow rate through said circulation system; and selectively energizing the pump drive motor to operate at a second point on the system head curve to achieve a second circulation flow rate through said circulation system, the higher flow rate being sufficient for vacuuming operations whereby the most economical circulation flow rate may be selected that maintains a desired degree of pool water clarity.
6. A pool filter system, comrpising:
a closed water circulating system having an inlet for receiving water from said pool and an outler for discharging water into said pool;
a filter connected in said closed water circulating system for filtering pool water, said filter and closed water circulating system defining a variable system head curve dependent upon the particular condition of said filter;
a liquid pump connected in said closed water circulating system;
a motor closely coupled to said pump, said motor being capable of operating at at least two speeds for driving said pump to produce at least two different pool water circulation rates through said water circulating system in accordance with the system head curve, the higher speed being sufficient for vacuuming operations; and switch means for changing motor speeds to thereby achieve a water circulation rate in accordance with the system head curve so that the water may be continuously circulated and the most efficient circulation rate required to maintain a desired degree of pool water clarity may be selected thereby providing a more efficient filter system.
a closed water circulating system having an inlet for receiving water from said pool and an outler for discharging water into said pool;
a filter connected in said closed water circulating system for filtering pool water, said filter and closed water circulating system defining a variable system head curve dependent upon the particular condition of said filter;
a liquid pump connected in said closed water circulating system;
a motor closely coupled to said pump, said motor being capable of operating at at least two speeds for driving said pump to produce at least two different pool water circulation rates through said water circulating system in accordance with the system head curve, the higher speed being sufficient for vacuuming operations; and switch means for changing motor speeds to thereby achieve a water circulation rate in accordance with the system head curve so that the water may be continuously circulated and the most efficient circulation rate required to maintain a desired degree of pool water clarity may be selected thereby providing a more efficient filter system.
7. A pool filter system as described in claim 6, wherein the motor comprises a dual stator winding which may be selectively energized to provide a first speed and a second speed approximately twice that of said first speed.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US62717975A | 1975-10-30 | 1975-10-30 | |
| US627,179 | 1975-10-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1137195A true CA1137195A (en) | 1982-12-07 |
Family
ID=24513549
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000263984A Expired CA1137195A (en) | 1975-10-30 | 1976-10-22 | Swimming pool filtering system |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AT (1) | AT355764B (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1880576A (en) |
| BE (1) | BE847712A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1137195A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2645183A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2329828A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1523185A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1068765B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE436776B (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA766066B (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT362723B (en) * | 1979-06-26 | 1981-06-10 | Vogel Pumpen | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AMBIENT PUMPS FOR FILTER SYSTEMS |
| GB2131009A (en) * | 1982-11-26 | 1984-06-13 | Lu Kou Hsu | Water treatment |
| DE3730220C1 (en) * | 1987-09-09 | 1989-03-23 | Fritz Dipl-Ing Bergmann | Process for the treatment of water in a swimming pool |
| DE4437708A1 (en) * | 1994-10-21 | 1996-05-09 | Bodo Dipl Ing Klingenberger | Process and device to operate a swimming pool filter unit |
| DE19823842C2 (en) * | 1998-05-29 | 2003-04-24 | Wassertechnik Wertheim Gmbh | Energy-optimized swimming pool system |
| AU2012292964B2 (en) * | 2011-08-10 | 2017-07-13 | Poolrite Ip Pty Ltd | A swimming pool pump |
| NZ710952A (en) * | 2013-08-30 | 2015-09-25 | Astral Pool Australia Pty Ltd | Swimming pool operation |
| DE102015011487A1 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2017-03-09 | Magnussen EMSR-Technik GmbH | Method for reducing the energy consumption of a feed pump, which promotes water from a well into a pipeline network, as well as system for conveying water from at least one well into a pipeline network |
| EP4378897A1 (en) * | 2022-11-30 | 2024-06-05 | Pangenius S.r.l. | Method and plant for pool water treatment |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2019691A1 (en) * | 1970-04-23 | 1972-01-20 | Cillichemie | Filter and backwash device for swimming pools |
| US3867290A (en) * | 1973-06-04 | 1975-02-18 | Charles A Mackey | Apparatus for chemical treatment of swimming pools |
-
1976
- 1976-10-07 DE DE19762645183 patent/DE2645183A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1976-10-12 ZA ZA766066A patent/ZA766066B/en unknown
- 1976-10-19 AU AU18805/76A patent/AU1880576A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-10-21 IT IT28544/76A patent/IT1068765B/en active
- 1976-10-22 CA CA000263984A patent/CA1137195A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-10-22 FR FR7631846A patent/FR2329828A1/en active Granted
- 1976-10-26 GB GB44413/76A patent/GB1523185A/en not_active Expired
- 1976-10-28 BE BE2055406A patent/BE847712A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1976-10-29 SE SE7612016A patent/SE436776B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1976-10-29 AT AT806076A patent/AT355764B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE7612016L (en) | 1977-05-01 |
| ZA766066B (en) | 1977-09-28 |
| ATA806076A (en) | 1979-08-15 |
| SE436776B (en) | 1985-01-21 |
| AT355764B (en) | 1980-03-25 |
| GB1523185A (en) | 1978-08-31 |
| FR2329828A1 (en) | 1977-05-27 |
| DE2645183A1 (en) | 1977-05-12 |
| AU1880576A (en) | 1978-04-27 |
| FR2329828B1 (en) | 1982-07-09 |
| BE847712A (en) | 1977-04-28 |
| IT1068765B (en) | 1985-03-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |