JPWO2020023836A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic block diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of controller 110 is shown. As shown in FIG. 2, controller 110 includes one or more processors 200 configured to execute computer-executable instructions 204, such as instructions that configure well system management and communication processes. Such computer-executable instructions may be stored in one or more computer-readable media, including non-transitory computer-readable storage media such as memory 202 . For example, memory 202 may store instructions 204, settings 206 (eg, configuration settings, parameter settings, pressure settings, etc.), and/or data 208 (eg, operational data, historical data, water usage data, system health data, non-volatile storage for persistent storage of pressure data, current data, voltage data , resistance data, user stored data, etc.). Memory 202 may also include non-volatile storage for storing instructions 204 , other data (working data or variables), or portions thereof during execution by processor 200 .

Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of backend system 150 is shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the back-end system 150 includes one or more processors 300 configured to execute computer-executable instructions 304, such as those comprising server processing, and client devices associated with users. Integrate well control and management between and between well system controllers. Such computer-executable instructions may be stored in one or more computer-readable media, including non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as memory 302 or storage 306 . For example, storage unit 306 stores instructions 304 and/or well management information 308 (eg, operating data, historical data, water usage data, system health data, pressure data, current data, voltage data, etc.) received from controller 110 . data, resistance data, user stored data, etc.). Memory 302 may also include non-volatile storage for storing instructions 304 , other data (working data or variables), or portions thereof during execution by processor 300 . Well management information 308 may be stored in association with a user (eg, homeowner, service contractor, manufacturer, etc.) and/or serial number or other identifier of controller 110 . In addition, access permission information overlays well management information 306 and determines which users or devices can access information and/or controls of the connected well system.

Referring now to Figure 4, a schematic block diagram of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of a client device is shown. Client device 160 includes one or more processors 400 configured to execute computer-executable instructions, such as those that make up management application 412 . Such computer-executable instructions may be stored in one or more computer-readable media, including non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as memory 402 or storage 408 . For example, storage 408 may store management applications 412 and/or data 414 (e.g., operational data, historical data, water usage data, system health data, pressure data, current data, voltage data, etc.) received from controller 110 . data, resistance data, user stored data, etc.). Memory 402 may also include non-volatile storage for storing instructions, other data (working data or variables), or portions thereof during execution of management application 412 by processor 400 .

After initial operation of the well system is completed, the controller software may be placed in setup mode. The setup mode serves to connect the controller 110 to the local WiFi network and program the initial settings into the memory 202 of the controller 110 . These settings are retained and utilized for subsequent power ups of the well system. Once the WiFi connection is established, the user can, via the client device 160, enter home address, home email, contractor phone number, contractor email, well pump horsepower, well pressure tank model number, controller software password, etc. Enter the setup information for The automatic cut-in and cut-out pressure settings established from boot mode may be manually overridden to different pressure values by direct user input from client device 160 . The controller software operates the well pump system using automatically configured settings unless changes to the controller settings are made through the client device 160 . If the controller settings are adjusted via the client device 160, the controller software will operate using the manually adjusted settings. The controller software performs a verification check for improper controller settings. These setup mode checks are performed and alerted using stored values and measurements such as precharge pressure, cut-in pressure, cut-out pressure, flow rate, well pump horsepower, well pressure tank volume, etc. or to suggest corrections for improper settings. For example, when information is entered during setup mode, the controller can alert on improper cut-in pressure, improper well pressure tank size, etc. and suggest correction cut-in pressure, well tank size, etc. can be done. If desired, a hard reset can be issued via controller 110 to clear the setup mode configuration settings and re-enter boot mode.

In storm mode, the controller software fills the well pressure tank to maximum capacity to ensure that the maximum volume of available water is stored in the well tank in the event of a power outage or construction. The controller software uses the tank model number and pressure setting obtained during the well system setup mode to calculate the maximum tank volume . Storm mode can be entered manually via the client device 160 or automatically utilizing local weather data received via the local WiFi network. The controller software will maintain storm mode for up to 48 hours or until a new mode is selected via client device 160, whichever comes first. After a maximum time of 48 hours, the controller software reverts to standard mode.

Also, there are multiple ways to implement the same or similar functionality. For example, applications and services that can take advantage of the technology provided herein: suitable APIs, toolkits, driver code, operating systems, controls, standalone or downloadable software objects, and the like. Accordingly, embodiments herein are contemplated in terms of APIs (or other software objects) as well as software or hardware objects that implement one or more of the embodiments described herein. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein have aspects that are entirely in hardware, partially in hardware, partially in software, and entirely in software. can be done.

Claims (20)

A well system controller comprising:
a processor;
a component interface for operably connecting the processor with one or more components of the well system including at least a well pump;
a communication interface for enabling communication with at least one of a management system or a client device over a communication network;
a computer-readable storage medium for storing operational configurations, operational data, and computer-executable instructions;
The instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
collecting the operational data associated with the one or more components of the well system via the component interface;
controlling operation of the well pump according to the operational data and the operational configuration;
transmitting the operational data to at least one of the management system or the client device via the communication interface;
A controller configured to receive configuration updates from at least one of the management system or the client device via the communication interface and update the operational configuration based on the configuration updates. 2. The controller of claim 1, further comprising a housing containing said processor, said communication interface, said computer readable storage medium, and said component interface. 3. The controller of claim 2, wherein the housing further includes a pressure sensor. 3. The controller of claim 2 , wherein the housing is configured to be attached to a well pressure tank. further comprising a pressure sensor configured to provide a pressure measurement of fluid pressure within the well system;
the operating configuration includes pressure parameters specifying a cut-in pressure and a cut-out pressure;
2. The processor is further configured to activate the well pump when the pressure sensor indicates the cut-in pressure and deactivate the well pump when the pressure sensor indicates the cut-out pressure. The control device according to . the operational configuration includes an alarm condition;
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to send an alert message to at least one of the management system or the client device when the operational data satisfies the alarm condition. . 4. The control of claim 3 , wherein said operational data includes electrical characteristics of said well pump during operation, conditions of electrical supply to said well pump, cycle time of said well pump, and pressure data from said pressure sensor. Device. the processor analyzes the operational data to identify problems with the well system;
8. The controller of claim 7, further configured to deviate from the operating configuration in response to identifying the problem. said one or more components connected via said component interface includes a sensor configured to detect water level in a well pressure tank;
2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to include the water quantity in the operational data sent to at least one of the management system or the client device. 2. The controller of claim 1, wherein the operating configuration corresponds to one of a plurality of operating modes. the plurality of operating modes including an initial activation mode;
During the initial start-up mode, the processor starts the well pump to fill a well pressure tank, determines a precharge of the well pressure tank based on pressure measurements from the well pressure tank, and precharges the well pressure tank based on pressure measurements from the well pressure tank. 11. The controller of claim 10, configured to establish cut-in and cut-off pressure values based on the charge. the plurality of operating modes includes a setup mode;
11. The control of claim 10, wherein during said setup mode said processor is configured to configure said communication interface for communicating with at least one of said client device or said management system over said communication network. Device. the plurality of operating modes includes a vacation mode;
11. The controller of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to prevent operation of the well pump during the vacation mode. the plurality of operating modes includes a storm mode;
11. The controller of claim 10, wherein during the storm mode, the processor is configured to adjust cut-in and cut-off pressures of the well pump to maintain maximum volume within the well pressure tank. . the plurality of operating modes including a maintenance mode;
11. The controller of claim 10, wherein during the maintenance mode, the processor is configured to prevent operation of the well pump and determine well pressure tank precharge. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions for a well system control application, said computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor, causing said processor to:
receiving, from at least one of the management system or controller, well system information associated with the well system having the controller;
outputting a user interface enabling display of said well system information and navigation through a portion of said well system information;
receiving user input via the user interface indicating a request to change a portion of the well system information;
sending a message to at least one of the management system or the controller to implement the change request;
A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to update the user interface to reflect the change to the portion of the well system information. further configuring the processor to receive an alert notification from at least one of the management system or the controller and display the alert notification to notify a user of an alert status with the well system;
17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, storing computer-executable instructions. 18. The non-temporary system of claim 17, wherein said user is a service professional selected to maintain said well system and to provide access to said well system according to system access levels set by homeowners. computer-readable medium. 17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the request to change a portion of the well system information represents a change to an operational mode of the controller. a tank configured to store a fluid and deliver said fluid under pressure to a distribution system;
a controller configured to control operation of a pump to supply the fluid to one of the tank or the distribution system;
a management system communicatively connected to the control device via a communication network;
a client device communicatively connected to the management system and storing computer-executable instructions for a control application, the system comprising:
The controller is operatively connected to the pump and a pressure sensor that provides pressure measurements of the system and controls operation of the pump according to an active mode of operation based on the pressure measurements and pump operating data. is configured to
the management system is configured to receive system information from the controller and store the system information in association with an identifier corresponding to the controller;
A controller, wherein the control application configures the client device to receive system information from the management system, display the system information to a user, and send control commands to the controller via the management system. .