GB2521805A

GB2521805A - Fluid pump assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2521805A
Application number: GB1317455.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jess Rugeris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-02
Filing date: 2013-10-02
Publication date: 2015-07-08
Also published as: GB201317455D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluid pump assembly 10 comprising a tank 12 for holding a fluid 14 therein. The tank comprises an inlet 16 and an outlet 18. The fluid pump assembly further comprises a pipe 20 in fluid communication with the inlet and a fluid source 22, wherein said pipe is adapted to convey fluid from the fluid source into the tank via the fluid inlet, wherein the conveyance of fluid from the fluid source into the tank is actuated by a decrease in a first pressure value within the tank towards a second pressure value. Preferably solar radiation is used to increase the temperature and pressure within the tank during the day, while at night the pressure decreases to the second pressure value. A lens or a parabolic reflector may be used to concentrate the sunlight on to a heater component located on the tank.

Description

FLUID PUMP ASSMEBLY

The present invention relates to a fluid pump assembly, in particular) a water pump assembly.

The present invention also relates to a method of pumping fluid) for example water, from a source ocation to a second location.

Background to the Invention

In most western countries, water is fairly easy to come by with sophisticated water supply networks in existence to provide water to whole communities, generally directly to their homes.

In water supply systems provided by such networks, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from a tap, shower etc. This generally involves the use of a water pump or pumping station somewhere along the water supply line.

In certain and/or remote locations, where an adequate water supply network does not exist, water needs to be obtained directly by a user from an external water source in order to meet his/her personal needs or the needs of a community for example a town or village.

The external water source may be in the form of a well in the town or village which is easily accessible by members of the town/village.

Where a well is not available, habitants need to travel to a natural water source such as a stream, river or lake to obtain water for their needs. The natural water source can be one or more kilometres away from the town/village meaning that access to the natural supply of water can be laborious and/or time consuming.

The subsequent installation of a well or adequate supply network in a remote location may not be feasible and/or very expensive. This is because of the need to provide for a power supply to run the water pump powering the supply network.

In addition) the requirement to maintain the water at significant pressure in the supply system requires the use of mechanical or electrical pumps which may be difficult to maintain) especially in remote locations, due to the difficulty in obtaining a qualified service engineer to service the pump and/or fix any problems with the pump.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect) there is provided a fluid pump assembly comprising: a tank for holding a fluid therein, said tank comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a pipe in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and in fluid communication with a fluid source, wherein said pipe is adapted to convey fluid from the fluid source into the tank via the fluid inlet; wherein the conveyance of fluid from the fluid source into the tank via the fluid inlet is actuated by a decrease in a first pressure value within the tank towards a second pressure value.

The present invention provides a fluid pump assembly which can be installed in locations where an adequate water supply network is not present In addition, the present invention provides a fluid pump assembly that can convey fluid, such as water, from a fluid source to a second distant location without the need of mechanical or electrical means to convey the fluid.

Preferably, the tank is adapted to be heated to increase the temperature of the tank and the internal pressure within the tank to the first pressure value.

Conveniently, the tank is adapted to be heated by conduction and/or radiation.

In exemplary embodiments, wherein the tank is adapted to be heated by radiation) the tank is adapted to be heated via solar radiation.

In this way) heating of the tank can be achieved by means of the sun.

In exemplary embodiments, the fluid pump assembly further comprises heating means for increasing the temperature of the tank.

In this way, the normal heating of the tank can be controlled, increased and/or accelerated in order to ensure that the internal temperature in the tank increases as quickly as possible in order to get the pressure within the tank to the first pressure value.

In addition, the heating means allows the tank to be heated to achieve an internal temperature significantly higher than would otherwise be achieved without the eating means.

The heating means may be of any suitable form. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the heating means comprises a lens adapted to concentrate and/or focus solar radiation from the sun onto the tank.

The heating means may further or alternatively comprise one or more reflectors adapted to reflect solar radiation from the sun onto the tank.

The reflector(s) may be any suitable reflector which can reflect solar radiation from the sun onto the tank. Preferably, the one or more reflector comprises a parabolic reflector.

Conveniently, in embodiments wherein the heating means comprises a lens and/or a parabolic reflector, the fluid pump assembly further comprises a heater component onto which the lens and/or parabolic reflector focuses solar radiation from the sun.

Preferably, the heater component is located on the tank. In exemplary embodiments, the heater component is located on the tank in communication with the interior of the tank.

Preferably, the heater component comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity. For example, the heater component may comprise a copper material.

In exemplary embodiments, the fluid pump assembly further comprises conductive tracks running along the internal surface of the tank, the conductive tracks being in communication with the heater component The conductive tracks facilitate heat transfer from the heater component to the tank, and increase the rate in which the internal temperature in the tank increases compared to embodiments without the conductive tracks.

In exemplary embodiments, the fluid pump assembly further comprises cooling means for decreasing the temperature of the tank and the internal pressure within the tank towards the second pressure value.

The cooling means may be any suitable means capable of reducing the temperature of the tank. For example, the cooling means may comprise ambient air or may comprise water.

Optionally the tank is formed from a high thermal conductive material.

S

Alternatively or in addition, the tank may be formed from a high heat capacity material.

For example, the material from which the tank is formed may comprise a ceramic) carbon fibre, carbon fibre composite, glass and/or metallic material.

Preferably, the tank comprises a thermally absorbent outer layer. The outer layer of the tank may be of the same material as the rest of the tank or may be composed of a different material. For example, the outer layer of the tank may comprise carbon granite or polyvinyl material.

The outer layer of the tank is preferably non reflective, ideally having a matt finish and/or substantially black in colour.

In exemplary embodiments, it is preferred that the second pressure value is equal to or approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.

Preferably the fluid is a liquid, more preferably water.

Conveniently, the fluid source is a stream, lake, river, or water reservoir.

In accordance with a second aspect, there is provided a method of transferring a fluid from a first location to a second location comprising the steps of: providing a tank for holding a fluid therein, said tank comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; connecting an end of a pipe to the tank so as to be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet; arranging the pipe in fluid communication with a fluid source, creating a pressure difference within the tank by decreasing the pressure within the tank from a first pressure value within the tank towards a second pressure value; conveying the fluid from the fluid source into the tank by means of the pressure difference within the tank.

In preferred exemplary embodiments, the method according to the second aspect of the invention involves the utilization of a fluid pump assembly in accordance with a first aspect of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example, with reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a fluid pump assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a fluid pump assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a fluid pump assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of a fluid pump assembly in accordance with an aspect of the invention) and Figure 5 is a schematic view of the embodiment of figure 4 with the cover for the water receptacle activated.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words) for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "induding but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exdude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plura' unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemphting plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers or characteristics, compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Referring to figure 1, a first embodiment of a fluid pump assembly lOin accordance with an aspect of the invention is shown.

The fluid pump assembly 10 comprises a tank 12 for holding a fluid 14 therein. The tank 12 comprises a fluid inlet 16 and a fluid outlet 18.

The fluid pump assembly 10 further comprises a pipe 20 in fluid communication with the fluid ifflet 16 and in fluid communication with a fluid source 22. The pipe is adapted to convey fluid from the fluid source 22 into the tank 12 via the fluid inlet 16. The pipe 20 may be a rigid, semi-rigid or flexible pipe.

The conveyance of fluid from the fluid source 22 into the tank 12 via the fluid inlet 16 is actuated by a decrease in a first pressure value within the tank 12 towards a second pressure value.

B

The fluid pump assembly 10 in accordance with the invention is adapted to convey fluid 14 in the form of water from a fluid source 22 such as a stream, lake, river, or water reservoir.

The present invention provides a fluid pump assembly 10 which can be installed in locations where an adequate water supply network is not present or where there is not a suitable or reliable power supply to power a water pump.

In addition, the fluid pump assembly 10 in accordance with the invention does not need to be ocated proximate the fluid source 22 and can convey water, from the fluid source 22 to a second distant location without the need of mechanica' or &ectrica means to convey the fluid 14.

The tank 12 may be any suitable shape capable of containing a volume of water 12.

In the embodiment shown, the tank 12 is rhombohedron in shape, although it would be understood that the tank 12 may be cylindrical, cuboid, pyramid, polyhedronal etc in shape.

The tank 12 is adapted to be heated to increase the internal temperature of the tank 12 and, hence, the internal pressure within the tank 12 to the first pressure value.

The tank 12 is adapted to be heated by conduction and/or radiation.

In the embodiment shown, the tank 12 is adapted to be predominately heated via solar radiation from the sun 26.

The tank 12 is formed from a suitable high thermal conductive material, which may a'so be a high heat capacity material. For exampk, the material from which the tank 12 is formed may comprise a ceramic, glass and/or metallic material.

The tank 12 comprises a thermally absorbent outer layer having a matt finish and is substantially black in colour (not indicated for clarity].

The tank 12 further comprises a thermally reflective inner layer.

The fluid pump assembly 10 further comprises a pressure relief valve 24 in fluid communication with the inside of the tank 12. The pressure relief valve 24 is designed and set to open at the first pressure value in order to maintain the pressure within the tank 12 at or proximate the first pressure value.

The fluid pump assembly 10 comprises a backflow preventer (not shown] between the fluid inlet 16 and the pipe 20 adapted to prevent water from being drawn backwards form the tank 12 into the pipe 20. The back flow preventer may be in the form of a one way valve or other suitable means.

The pipe 20 may comprise one or more one way valves therein to prevent the back flow of water down the pipe 20 after it has been conveyed up the pipe 20 due to the decrease in pressure in the tank 12.

It would be understood that the diameter of the pipe 20 will be chosen to provide optimal conveyance of water from the fluid source 22. As such, the diameter of the pipe 20 will be influenced by the volume of the tank and the difference in pressure between the first pressure value and the second pressure value.

In exemplary embodiments) it is preferred that first pressure value is above atmospheric pressure and that the second pressure value is equal to or approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.

The operation of the fluid pump assembly 10 in accordance with the invention will now be described.

The fluid pump assembly 10 is first installed in the required location and the pipe 20 connected to the fluid source 22 so that it is in fluid communication therewith.

During the day, the sun 26 will heat the tank 12 via solar radiation. As the tank 12 is heated) the internal temperature within the tank 12 increases. The increase in internal temperature within the tank 12 results in an increase in internal pressure within the tank 12.

Once the pressure within the tank 12 reaches the first pressure value, any significant increase above the first pressure value is prevented by the pressure relief valve 24 which will open on the increase of pressure above the first pressure value.

The pressure relief valve 24 thus maintains the pressure within the tank 12 at or proximate the first pressure value.

As the sun 26 sets, the surrounding air temperature will decrease and the heating of the tank 12 will cease due to the absence of solar radiation from the sun 26.

The surrounding ambient air will subsequently cool the tank 12, resulting in a decrease in the internal temperature of the tank 12. This will in turn result in a decrease in the pressure within the tank 12 towards the second pressure value. The second pressure value is ideally proximate the ambient pressure.

Due to the decrease in pressure within the tank 12, a pressure difference compared to the pressure value outside the tank 12 or within the pipe 20 will be created.

Since hot air was allowed to escape from the tank 12 via the pressure relief valve 24, a vacuum will be created within the tank 12 as it is cooled and the internal temperature decreases. The term "vacuum" is used to describe an enclosed space from which matter) especially air) has been partially removed so that the matter or gas remaining in the space exerts less pressure than the atmosphere. 1l

Due to the fact that liquids move from high pressure to low pressure, water 14 from the fluid source 22 will be conveyed from the fluid source 22 into the tank 12 by means of the pressure difference within the tank 12.

When the temperature within the tank 12 reaches ambient temperature i.e. the same temperature as the surrounding air) the conveying of water into the tank 12 from the pipe 20 will stop due to the pressure within the tank 12 being the same as the surrounding pressure (i.e. a pressure difference no longer exists) but the pipe 20 will be primed with water.

The water in the tank 12 can then be released via the fluid oulJet 18.

The fluid outlet 18 may be connected to faucet or tap (not shown] for the drawing/release of water 14 from the tank 12 in order to empty the tank 12.

In an alternative arrangement, the fluid outlet 18 may be in fluid communication with a conduit such as a hose or tube, through which the water can be conveyed to a location at a distance from the fluid pump assembly 10.

Once the tank 12 is emptied, the following day it can be refilled by the same process.

Referring to figure 2, a second embodiment of a fluid pump assembly 110 in accordance with the invention is shown.

The fluid pump assembly 110 in accordance with the second embodiment is very similar to that of the first embodiment described above with the differences between the two embodiments now being described.

The same reference numera's have been used to identify the same features. The reference numerals for similar features have been increase by a factor of 100 for convenience. For example, the tank with was indicated by the reference numeral 12 in the first embodiment is now indicated by the reference numeral 112.

The fluid pump assembly 110 differs from the first embodiment, in that the fluid pump assembly 110 further comprises heating means 130 for increasing the temperature of the tank 112.

In this way, the normal heating of the tank 112 can be controlled, increased and/or acc&erated in order to ensure that the internal temperature in the tank 112 increases as quickly as possible in order to reach the first pressure value. In addition, the tank 112 can be heated to achieve a far higher internal temperature than is possible in the first embodiment In the embodiment shown, the heating means comprises a tens 132 adapted to concentrate and/or focus sohr radiation from the sun 26 onto the tank 112 and a plurality of reflectors 134 adapted to reflect solar radiation from the sun 26 onto the tank 112.

It would be understood that it not necessary to have both the lens 132 and a plurality of reflectors 134. Alternative arrangements are envisage for examp'e, with a lens only, one or more reflectors only, or a lens and single reflector.

The fluid pump assembly 110 further comprises a heater component 136 onto which the lens 132 focuses solar radiation from the sun 26.

The heater component 136 is located on the tank 112 and comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity. The heater component 136 should ideally be of a material having a higher therma' conductivity than the outer layer of the tank 112 but may be composed of the same material as the outer layer of the tank 112.

In the embodiment shown, the heater component 136 comprises a copper material.

The heater component 136 is adapted to transfer heat to the tank 112 in order to increase the speed in which the temperature within the tank 112 rises so as to attain the first pressure value within the tank 112.

In a variation of the second embodiment of the invention (not shown], the fluid pump assembly 110 further comprises conductive tracks running along the internal surface of the tank 112 which are in communication with the heater component 136.

The conductive tracks further facilitate heat transfer from the heater component 136 to the tank 112, and increase the rate in which the internal temperature in the tank 112 increases compared to variations without the conductive tracks.

The conductive tracks are ideally made from the same material as the heater component 136 and maybe integrally formed therewith.

Referring to figure 3, a third embodiment of a fluid pump assembly 210 in accordance with the invention is shown.

The fluid pump assembly 210 in accordance with the third embodiment is very similar to that of the second embodiment described above with the differences between the two embodiments now being described.

The same reference numerals have been used to identify the same features. The reference numerals for similar features have been increase by a factor of 100 for convenience. For example, the tank with was indicated by the reference numeral 112 in the second embodiment is now indicated by the reference numeral 212.

The fluid pump assembly 210 differs from the second embodiment, in that the heating means 230 for increasing the temperature of the tank 212 comprises one or more parabolic reflectors 234 adapted to reflect solar radiation from the sun 26 onto the tank 212.

The fluid pump assembly 210 further comprises a heater component 236 associated with each parabolic reflector 234.

Conductive tracks as described above may be provided along the internal surface of the tank 212.

Referring to figures 4 and 5, a fourth embodiment of a fluid pump assembly 310 in accordance with the invention is shown.

Differences between the fluid pump assembly 310 in accordance with the fourth embodiment and that of the third embodiment will now be described.

The same reference numerths have been used to identify the same features. The reference numerals for similar features have been increase by a factor of 100 for convenience. For example, the tank with was indicated by the reference numeral 212 in the third embodiment is now indicated by the reference numerth 312.

As in the third embodiment, the fluid pump assembly in accordance with the fourth embodiment comprises a heating means 330 in the form of parabolic reflectors 334 and a heater component 336 associated with each parabohc reflector 334.

Conductive tracks as described above may be provided along the internal surface of the tank 312.

The fluid pump assembly 310 further comprising cooling means 340 for decreasing the temperature of the tank 312 and thus the internal pressure within the tank 312 towards the second pressure va'ue.

In the embodiment shown, the cooling means 340 is adapted to shower the tank 312 with water 350 in order to cool the tank 312.

The cooling means 340 comprises a water receptacle 342 having a pressure relief valve 346 thereon, a fluid conduit 354 having a first end in fluid communication with the water source 22 and a second end connected to and in fluid communication with the water receptacle 342, heating means in the form of a parabolic reflector 348, and a heater component 344 associated with the parabolic reflector 348.

Water 350 is conveyed into the water receptacle 342 in a similar manner to the way in which water is conveyed into the tank 312. The time it takes to fill the water receptacle 342 is designed to be faster than the time it takes to fill the tank 312.

The heating means is adapted to increase the temperature within the water receptacle 342 such that the water receptacle 342 is pressurised in order to raise the internal pressure to the required or desired level.

Unlike the tank 312, when installed, the water receptacle 342 may contain some cooling water 350 therein. Having water already contained in the water receptacle 342 means that the cooling means 340 is primed to cool the tank 312.

The cooling means 340 further comprises a cover 356 (see figure 5] for the water receptacle 342. The cover 356 is adapted to cover a portion of the water receptacle 342 and provide a shade for said portion of the water receptacle 342. The cover 356 blocks out or reduces the effect of solar radiation from the sun on the water receptacle 342 directly or via the parabolic reflector 348 in order create a pressure difference within the water receptacle 342 in order to actuate the conveyance of water from the source 22 into the water receptacle 342 via the fluid conduit 354, and also to prevent the temperature of the water 350 within the water receptacle 342 when filled from increasing significantly. The cover 356 may comprise a heat reflective outer layer in order to improve the shading of the water receptacle 342.

This provides the benefit in that the water stays cool and would be released in only small amounts as required.

The cooling means 340 comprises a simple mechanism, such as a float or other suitable means, that is adapted to engage with a lever connected to the cover 356.

As the water 350 is filled within the water receptacle 342, the float will rise with the increasing water level and engage with the lever when the water receptacle 342 is full or water 350 therein reaches an acceptable level.

Once the water receptacle 342 is empty, the float will drop and the downward movement of the float will actuate the lever to activate the cover 356 to retract such that the water receptacle 342 will be exposed to solar radiation from the sun 26 both directly and via the parabolic reflector 348.

Solar radiation from the sun 26 will heat the water receptacle 342 and raise the internal pressure within the water receptacle 342. Once the pressure within the water receptacle 342 reaches the required or desired level, the pressure relief valve 346 will be activated.

The fluid pump assembly 310 further comprises a cooling water controller 352 in connection with the water receptacle 342 and the tank 312. The cooling water controller 352 may be in the form of a heat/temperature sensor or a pressure sensor, and is in communication with the interior of the tank 312. The cooling water controller 352 is adapted to activate the cooling means 340 to release the water 350 within the water receptacle 342 to cool the tank 312. In the embodiment shown, the cooling water controller 352 is also be adapted to actuate the cover 356 to block out/reduce the effect of solar radiation when the internal pressure within the tank 312 reaches the second pressure value.

In this way, the cooling means 340 will operate with the tank 312 to ensure that the pumping process is as efficient as possible.

In other arrangements, a separate controller is provided to activate the cover 356 to block out/reduce the effect of solar radiation when the internal pressure within the tank 312 reaches the second pressure value.

The operation of the fluid pump assembly 310 in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the invention will now be described.

The fluid pump assembly 310 is first installed in the require location and the pipe 20 connect to the fluid source 22 so that it is in fluid communication therewith. As mentioned above, the water receptacle 342 already contains water therein.

The cover 356 will already be activated in order to prevent or reduce the unwanted heating of the water 350 within the water receptacle 342.

During the day, the sun 26 will heat the tank 312 via solar radiation. As the tank 312 is heated, the internal temperature within the tank 312 increases. The increase in internal temperature within the tank 312 results in an increase in internal pressure within the tank 312.

Once the pressure within the tank 312 reaches the first pressure value, any significant increase above the first pressure value is prevented by the pressure relief valve 24 which will open on the increase of pressure above the first pressure value.

Once the internal pressure reaches the first pressure value, the cooling means 340 is activated by the cooling water controller 352 to release the water contained within the water receptacle 342.

The release of the water 350 within the water receptacle 342 will have two effects.

The first effect is that the water 350 released will shower down on the tank 312 and as a resuk cooI the tank) resulting in the decrease in the internal temperature of the tank 312, and hence the decrease in the pressure within the tank 312 towards the second pressure value.

The second effect is that the loss of water from within the water receptacle 342, will cause the float to drop and hence actuate the retraction of the cover 356 allowing solar radiation to heat the water receptacle 342.

The sun 26 and the cooling means reflector 348 will heat the water receptacle 342 to increase the pressure therein and the pressure relief valve 346 will control the internal pressure of the water receptacle 342 so that it is slightly pressurised.

Due to the decrease in pressure within the tank 312, a pressure difference compared to the pressure value outside the tank 312 or within the pipe 20 will be created. Since hot air was allowed to escape from the tank 312 via the pressure relief valve 24, a vacuum will be created within the tank 312 as it is cooled and the internal temperature decreases.

Due to the fact that liquids move from high pressure to low pressure, water 14 from the fluid source 22 will be conveyed from the fluid source 22 into the tank 312 by means of the pressure difference within the tank 312.

When the temperature within the tank 312 reaches ambient temperature i.e. the same temperature as the surrounding air and the conveying of water into the tank 312 from the pipe will 20 stop. The internal pressure within the tank 312 will reach the second pressure value and the cooling water controller 356 will activate the cover 356 to block out/reduce the effect of solar radiation on the water receptacle 342.

The activation of the cover 356 to shade a portion of the water receptacle 342 will result in the cooling of the water receptacle 342, creating a pressure difference therein. The created pressure difference will cause the conveyance of water from the fluid source 22 into the water receptacle 342.

An outflow controller (not shown] will subsequently be activated to open the fluid outlet 18 to release the water 14 contained in the tank 312. The outflow controller comprises a valve (not shown] located at the outlet 18 which is adapted to open when the force due to the weight of the water acting on the valve reaches a predetermined value. The force will be determined by volume of water to be collected in the tank before it is desired to be emptied.

The valve is designed to close slowly once opened at a speed which is significantly slower tan the speed it takes for the tank 312 to be emptied.

During the release of the water 14 from the tank 312) the pressure relief valve 24 or an air valve is actuated to allow the space occupied by the water 14 in the tank 312 to be replaced by air from outside the tank 312.

Once the tank 312 is empty) the valve at the fluid outlet 18 is dosed and the air valve is closed. With both fluid outlet 18 and the air valve dosed, the internal temperature within the tank 312 will once again increase towards the first pressure valve, which once reached will again actuate the cooling means 340 to shower the tank 312 with water..

Accordingly, the fluid pump assembly 310 in accordance with fourth embodiment will be substantially automated when conveying water from the source during day light hours during high periods of solar radiation from the sun 26.

While the fourth embodiment has been described with a heating means arrangement similar to that of the third embodiment, it would be understood that the heating means may be similar to that described with reference to the second embodiment or combinations/variations thereof.

While the activation of the cooling means 340 and the cover 356 have been described as being mechanically operated, it would be understood that they may be wirelessly actuated by suitably means.

In addition, one or more baffles may be provided within the tank and/or water receptacle of the above describe embodiments in order to help regulate the pressure within the tank and/or water receptacle.

The present invention provides a fluid pump assembly having a number of advantages, in particular that it can be installed in locations where an adequate In addition, the present invention provides a fluid pump assembly that can convey fluid, such as water, from a fluid source to a second distant location without the need of mechanical or electrical means to convey the fluid.

Claims

Claims 1. A fluid pump assembly comprising: a tank for holding a fluid therein, said tank comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a pipe in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and in fluid communication with a fluid source, wherein said pipe is adapted to convey fluid from the fluid source into the tank via the fluid inlet; wherein the conveyance of fluid from the fluid source into the tank via the fluid inlet is actuated by a decrease in a first pressure value within the tank towards a second pressure value.
2. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tank is adapted to be heated to increase the temperature of the tank and the internal pressure within the tank to the first pressure value.
3. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 2, wherein the tank is adapted to be heated by conduction and/or radiation.
4. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 3, wherein the tank is adapted to be heated via solar radiation.
5. A fluid pump assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising heating means for increasing the temperature of the tank.
6. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 5, wherein the heating means comprises a lens.
7. A fluid pump assembly according to claim S or 6, wherein the heating means comprises a reflector.
8. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 7, wherein the reflector comprises a parabolic reflector.
9. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the fluid pump assembly further comprises a heater component onto which the lens and/or parabolic reflector focuses solar radiation from the sun.
10. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 9, wherein the heater component is located on the tank.
11. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the heater component comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity.
12. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 12, wherein the heater component comprises copper material.
13. A fluid pump assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising cooling means for decreasing the temperature of the tank and the internal pressure within the tank towards the second pressure value.
14. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 13, wherein the cooling means comprises ambient air.
15. A fluid pump assembly according to claim to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cooling means comprises water.
16. A fluid pump assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank is formed from a high thermal conductive material.
17. A fluid pump assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tank is formed from a high heat capacity material.
18. A fluid pump assembly according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the tank comprises a ceramic, glass and/or metallic material.
19. A fluid pump assembly according to any one of the preceding claims) wherein the second pressure value is equa' to or approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.
20. A fluid pump assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fluid is water.
21. A fluid pump assemNy according to claim 20, wherein the fluid source is a stream, take, river, or water reservoir.
22. A method of transferring a fluid from a first location to a second location comprising the steps of: providing a tank for holding a fluid therein, said tank comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; connecting an end of a pipe to the tank so as to be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet; arranging the pipe in fluid communication with a fluid source, creating a pressure difference within the tank by decreasing the pressure within the tank from a first pressure value within the tank towards a second pressure value; conveying the fluid from the fluid source into the tank by means of the pressure difference within the tank.
23. A fluid pump assembly generally as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
24. A method of transferring a fluid from a first location to a second location generally as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings.