US20150064022A1

US20150064022A1 - Autonomous water extraction system and method of use

Info

Publication number: US20150064022A1
Application number: US14/475,044
Authority: US
Inventors: Miguel Angel Cobo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-30
Filing date: 2014-09-02
Publication date: 2015-03-05

Abstract

An autonomous water extraction system is disclosed that includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power for a sump pump to extract water from a building having no live connection to a municipal power supply. A battery is electrically coupled to at least one of the solar-panel and a power module. The battery is operable to receive and store solar energy from the at least one of the solar-panel and the power module. An inverter is electrically coupled to the battery that is operable to convert a direct current from the battery into an alternating current for powering the sump pump. The sump pump extracts water when a water level sensor detects that the water level within the building exceeds a predetermined threshold. The sump pump is placed within a sump pit. The water discharges from the building through a discharge pipe.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/872,146 filed on Aug. 30, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for extracting water from a building and, more particularly, relates to an autonomous system and method for extracting water from a basement of a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that houses, especially basements, flood during heavy rainstorms, rapid snowmelts in the spring, and even during dry weather. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow of liquid through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup. Flooding can cause extensive damage to houses and personal property that is expensive to repair and replace. Likewise, flooding is inconvenient, as personal rehabilitation efforts must be exerted to repair or replace flooded houses and personal property.
Ideally, to combat flooding, every house with a basement should have an electric pump, i.e., a sump pump, that removes standing water. Electric pumps, though helpful, add to the utility expenses for the homeowner or occupant. Unfortunately, in houses where the electricity has been disconnected, the electric pumps are inoperable and therefore unable to remove standing water to prevent a flood. This problem is especially prevalent in the large number of houses in foreclosure that do not have a live connection to an electricity generating source, such as an electric grid. According to national statistics, since the month of September 2008, approximately 4.8 million foreclosures have been completed, with over 100,000 foreclosures occurring in the month of July 2014 alone.
Insurance companies often refuse to cover damage caused by flooding in foreclosed houses, when the electricity has been disconnected by banking institutions, credit unions, or the like. The electricity is disconnected for various liability reasons, e.g., the risk of an intruder entering the premises and becoming electrocuted. Accordingly, the banking institutions or newly purchasing homeowners are forced to bear the burden of paying for water extraction, repair and replacement expenses, etc., following a flood. For obvious reasons, newly purchasing homeowners are reluctant to purchase a house when faced with the expense and inconvenience of cleaning up the house after a flood. In one example, the cost of water extraction in the basement of a 3,500 square foot house with approximately 9.0 feet of standing water, is approximately $17,000. Obviously, this is an expensive burden for a banking institution or homeowner. In addition, the potential homeowner will never know if permanent damage to the foundation has occurred.
The flooding problems associated with the foreclosed houses also cause delays in the sales of the houses, which negatively impacts the economy as a whole. An additional problem presented by the flooding of foreclosed houses where the electricity has been disconnected, is that the foreclosed houses often sit for an extended time period, causing unsanitary conditions and health hazards. Likewise, since many foreclosed houses are abandoned, the gutters are not well-maintained. This lack of maintenance allows water to drain freely in a variety of places, further complicating the flooding problems. The aforementioned problems are not limited to residential properties, but rather exist with commercial properties as well.
Electricity running to houses or commercial properties may also cease to exist because of power outages during inclement weather, or because an electric grid simply does not provide electricity to the particular geographic location of the house or commercial property. Accordingly, a known alternative for obtaining electricity is through the use of gasoline or propane powered generators. Unfortunately, generators are typically noisy, require constant monitoring, and can become dangerous for users. Furthermore, users must purchase gasoline or propane to keep the generator running, which is inconvenient and costly.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an autonomous system, kit, and method for water extraction that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is designed to operate using electricity produced by solar-panels.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a kit for autonomous water extraction from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The kit includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power and a mounting kit operable to mount the solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The kit also includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar-panel. The battery is operable to store an amount of solar energy from the solar-panel. The kit further includes a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery and operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building, and at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when a water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the kit includes a power module positioned a distance above a floor of the enclosed area of the building. The power module is removably coupled to the solar-panel and the battery. The power module is operable to transfer the amount of solar energy from the solar-panel to the battery, receive communication from the water level sensor, interpret the communication from the water level sensor, and activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area of the building throughout at least one predetermined length of time.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the predetermined length of time varies in accordance with information provided by the water level sensor.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the water level sensor is operable to deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the kit includes a lighting member operable to discharge light onto an outside surface of the building.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the kit includes a compact case that is operable to transport the kit.
In accordance with a further feature, the sump pump is operable for placement within a sump pit.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the kit includes a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end is removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defines an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the building.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the enclosed area is a basement and the building is a house.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of extracting water from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply, is provided. The method includes providing a kit for autonomous water extraction. The kit includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power and a mounting kit for mounting the solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The kit also includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar-panel. The battery is operable to store solar energy from the solar-panel. The kit further includes a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery that is operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building, and at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold. The method also includes activating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets the predetermined threshold, extracting a quantity of water from the enclosed area through a discharge pipe to an outside area of the building, and deactivating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area is below the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes joining a plurality of solar-panels together in an electrical system.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the method includes connecting the solar-panel and the battery to a power module. The power module is operable to transfer an amount of solar energy from the solar-panel to the battery.
In accordance with yet another feature, the method includes providing the power module that is operable to receive communication from the water level sensor, interpret the communication from the water level sensor, activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area, and deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the power module is preprogrammed to activate the sump pump to operate for predetermined lengths of time.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes constructing a sump pit within a floor of the building and installing the sump pump within the sump pit.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the discharge pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end is removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defines an aperture for discharging the quantity of water to the outside area of the building.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes transporting the kit in a compact case.
In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an autonomous water extraction system for use within a basement of a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The autonomous water extraction system includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power and a mounting kit for mounting the solar-panel on a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The autonomous water extraction system also includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar-panel and operable to receive and store solar energy from the solar-panel. An inverter is electrically coupled to the battery and operable to convert a direct current from the battery into an alternating current. A sump pump is electrically coupled to the inverter and operable to extract a quantity of water from the basement of the house. A sump pit is removably coupled to the sump pump. The sump pit defines an aperture for receiving the quantity of water. At least one water level sensor is operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the sump pit meets a predetermined threshold. The autonomous water extraction system further includes a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end is removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defines an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the house.
In accordance with one more feature, the autonomous water extraction system includes a power module positioned a distance from a floor of the basement. The power module is electrically coupled to the solar-panel. The power module is operable to receive solar energy from the solar-panel. The power module is also operable to receive communication from the water level sensor, interpret the communication from the water level sensor, activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the sump pit during a series of predetermined time periods, and deactivate the sump pump when the quantity of water is below the predetermined threshold.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an autonomous kit, system, and method for water extraction, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of a solar-panel. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an elevational side view of an exemplary implementation of an autonomous water extraction system having at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to power that may be used by a sump pump in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of the solar-panel of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of a mounting kit for mounting the solar-panel of FIG. 1 on a building;

FIG. 4 is an elevational side view of the solar panel of FIG. 1 at various angles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational side view of an alternative embodiment of the mounting kit of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective right rear view of the solar-panel of FIG. 1 showing a connected power module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational side view of a sump pump installed within a sump pit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an elevational front view of a kit for autonomous water extraction contained within a compact case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram for illustrating a process of extracting water using the kit for autonomous water extraction in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lighting member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides a novel and efficient autonomous water extraction system and method for extracting water within an enclosed area of a building having no live connection to a municipal power supply. More specifically, the present invention is designed for use in basements of foreclosed houses that cease to have a municipal power supply, e.g., electricity from an electric grid. Embodiments of the present invention provide a solar powered sump pump for extracting the water from the enclosed area, e.g., the basement. Advantageously, the sump pump can be preprogrammed to operate when a water level sensor indicates that the water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold, i.e., autonomously. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a kit for autonomous water extraction that can be easily transported in a compact case to different buildings in various geographical locations. The present invention eliminates the expenses associated with repairing flooded houses and replacing damaged personal items, e.g., cleaning expenses, replacement expenses for doors, base trim, windows, flooring, and the like, electrical and plumbing repair expenses, etc. The present invention also eliminates the many inconveniences involved in cleaning up a house after a flood. Generally speaking, the present invention benefits the economy as a whole, because houses in foreclosure are likely to sell faster when flood related repair expenses and inconveniences are eliminated. In addition, the present invention eliminates the risk of unsanitary conditions that otherwise exist in houses, e.g., foreclosed houses, exposed to water for a time period following a flood.
Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary implementation of an autonomous water extraction system 100 is depicted. FIG. 1 shows several advantageous features of the present invention, but, as will be described below, the invention can be provided in several shapes, sizes, combinations of features and components, and varying numbers and functions of the components. In one embodiment, the autonomous water extraction system 100 may be used to extract water within an enclosed area 102 of a building 104 with no live connection to a municipal power supply, i.e., electricity from a municipality does not supply power to the building 104. The term “autonomous” is defined herein as existing or capable of existing independently. As used herein, the term “enclosed area,” is defined as an area that is at least partially below ground level and surrounded by walls or other material, e.g., dirt, on all sides. The enclosed area may be a basement, a cellar, a vault, or another similar area below ground level. The term “building,” is defined herein as a structure with a roof and walls. The building 104 may be a house, a store, a business, a factory or another similar structure.
In one embodiment, the autonomous water extraction system 100 is designed to extract water from the building 104 to prevent the building 104 from flooding. The term “flood” or “flooding” is defined herein as including a quantity of water that is above a standard level for the particular location. Flooding may occur through anyone one of a number of events, e.g., natural disasters, heavy rain, seepage from a water source such as a hose, etc.
The first example of an autonomous water extraction system 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes at least one solar-panel 106 that is mounted to the building 104 by a mounting kit 108. In a preferred embodiment, the autonomous water extraction system 100 includes a plurality of solar-panels 106 joined together in an electrical system 208 (FIG. 2). The solar-panels 106 may be joined together in at least one of series, parallel, and a combination of series and parallel, as appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The number of solar-panels 106 mounted to the building 104 depends on factors such as the mounting location with respect to the building 104, the efficiency rate of the solar-panels 106, the desired power wattage, etc. For example, buildings 104 located in geographical regions more susceptible to flooding, may choose to utilize a greater number of solar-panels 106 to power sump pumps, than buildings 104 located in geographical regions less susceptible to flooding.
With reference to FIG. 1, primarily in conjunction with FIG. 2, the solar-panel 106 is shown having a length 200 of approximately 20.0-22.0 inches, a width 202 of approximately 25.0-27.0 inches, and a height 204 of approximately 1.0-2.0 inches. The solar-panel 106 is a collection of solar cells 206, i.e., photovoltaic cells, joined together in an electrical system 208 and packaged into a frame 210. The solar cells 206 are semiconductor electric-junction devices that convert the solar energy of sunlight into usable power, i.e., electricity. The solar cells 206 may be made of monocrystalline silicon, multicrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, or a similar type of semiconductor material, but are preferably made from polycrystalline silicon. Advantageously, in one embodiment, the solar-panels 106 may also convert the solar energy of moon rays into usable power. The power is used to operate a sump pump 110 that ultimately extracts the water from the enclosed area 102, as will be explained further herein. In another embodiment, the power may be used to power a lighting member 802 (FIGS. 8 and 10) secured to an outside surface 124 of the building 104. The lighting member 802 discharges light on the outside surface 124 and acts a theft deterrent. In other embodiments, the lighting member 802 may discharge light within the inside of the building 104. In other embodiments, the power may be used to operate small appliances, electronic devices, electrical components in proximate buildings, and the like.
In one embodiment, the solar-panel 106 is manufactured by Unlimited Solar Inc R. In one embodiment, the solar-panel 106 provides approximately 25.0 to 50.0 watts of usable power. In other embodiments, the solar-panel 106 may supply a quantity of power outside of this range. The amount of power generated by the solar-panel 106 will vary, depending on factors such as the number of solar cells 206 within the solar-panel 106, the overall surface area of the solar cells 206 exposed to the sunlight, the orientation and tilt angle of the solar cells 206 within the solar-panel 106, the duration of exposure to the sunlight, the intensity of the sunlight, and the efficiency rate of the solar-panel 106. The “efficiency rate” is defined herein as the rate at which the solar cells convert the solar energy into usable power. In one embodiment, the efficiency rate of the solar-panel 106 is approximately 15% to 20%. In other embodiments, the efficiency rate may be outside of this range. As an added advantage, the solar-panels 106 eliminate the need for gaining electricity through gasoline or propane powered generators, which are costly due to the need for purchasing gasoline or propane, noisy, inconvenient, and dangerous.
Referring now to FIG. 3 depicting a perspective rear view of the solar-panel 106 and the mounting kit 108. In one embodiment, the mounting kit 108 is a Solarland SLB-0112 mounting kit offered by Solarland® that is designed predominately for use with solar-panels 106 between approximately 10.0 watts to 40.0 watts. In other embodiments, the mounting kit 108 is designed to mount solar-panels 106 having a wattage outside of this range. In one embodiment, the mounting kit 108 is used to mount the solar-panel 106 in a horizontal position. More specifically, the mounting kit 108 may be used to mount the solar-panel 106 in a horizontal position on a roof of the building 104. In this embodiment, the mounting kit 108 includes a tilt arm 302 operable to tilt the solar-panel 106 at an angle range 310 of approximately 0° to 90°. With brief reference to FIG. 3 in conjunction with FIG. 4, advantageously, the mounting kit 108 offers a user the ability to adjust the angle of the solar-panel 106 to achieve the maximum amount of sunlight according to the season. For example, FIG. 4 depicts a preferred embodiment of the angle of the solar-panel 106 in the winter 400, the spring 402, the summer 404, and the fall 406.
The angle range 310 of the tilt arm 302 may be adjusted using a plurality of adjusting fasteners 304. The adjusting fasteners 304 may be bolts, screws, a combination of bolts, lock washers, and nuts, or another similar fastening mechanism. The mounting kit 108 also includes a foot-mount 306 having a plurality of mounting fasteners 308 operable to secure the solar-panel 106 in a fixed position. The mounting fasteners 308 may be bolts, U-bolts, molly bolts, steel clamps, screws, tapcon screws, a combination of bolts, lock washers, and nuts, or another similar fastening mechanism. In another embodiment, the mounting kit 108 may be used to mount the solar-panel 106 in the horizontal position on another part or structure of the building. In yet another embodiment, the mounting kit 108 may be operable to mount the solar-panel 106 to another location proximal to the building 104 in at least one of the horizontal and a vertical position. The location may be a detached garage, a pole, a sidewalk, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a mounting kit 500 is used to mount the solar-panel 106 in the vertical position. In one embodiment, the mounting kit 500 may be used to secure the solar-panel 106 on a sidewall of the building 104. For example, the kit 500 may be used to secure the solar-panel 106 on a sidewall of a house at approximately a 15° angle. In other embodiments, the solar-panel 106 may secured to the building 104 at various angles outside of this range. The mounting kit 500 includes a pair of legs 502 that are operable to removably coupled to a bracket 504. The bracket 504 is removably couple to the rear of the solar-panel 106 to secure the solar-panel 106 in the vertical position. Advantageously, the mounting kits 108, 500, offer numerous locations for mounting the solar-panels 106 so that the solar-panels 106 can supply increasing amounts of electricity to the sump pump 110 to extract the water from the enclosed area 102 of the building 104.
Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the solar-panel 106 is electrically coupled to a power module 112 that is positioned a distance 114 above a floor 116 within the building 104. As such, the power module 112 is not exposed to water during flooding if the enclosed area 102 were to flood. In one embodiment, the distance 114 is at least 3.0 to 4.0 feet. In another embodiment, the distance 114 may be outside of this range.
The power module 112 is operable to receive solar energy from the solar-panel 106, to transfer the solar energy to a battery 118. With brief reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the power module 112 may be electrically coupled to the solar-panel 106 through a wire 600 having a first end 602 and a second end 606. FIG. 6 depicts the first end 602 extending from a rear portion 604 of the solar-panel 106. The second end 606 connects to the power module 112. In one embodiment, the wire 600 may extend along a path 126 that travels from the side of the building 104 and into the enclosed area 102 through a window located adjacent the enclosed area 102, while still allowing the window to close. In another embodiment, the wire 600 may extend from the solar-panel 106 to the power module 112 through an alternative path.
Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the solar-panel 106 may be electrically coupled to the power module 112, wherein the power module 112 is also electrically coupled to the battery 118. In an alternative embodiment, the solar-panel 106 may be electrically coupled directly to the battery 118. Accordingly, the battery 116 is operable to receive and store an amount of solar energy from at least one of the power module 112 and the solar-panel 106. In one embodiment, the voltage of the battery 118 is at least 12.0 to 12.5 volts. In other embodiments, the voltage may be outside of this range.
The battery 118 is electrically coupled to an inverter 120. The inverter 120 is a device that converts a direct current generated by the solar-panel 106 into an alternating current for use by the sump pump 110. Accordingly, this allows the sump pump 110 to operate solely from the electricity generated from the solar energy, without the use of electricity from the municipal power supply. This is especially advantageous for houses in foreclosure that do not have live power running to the house for extending time periods. This is also advantageous to buildings in rural areas that often experience flooding and power outages or buildings that do not have a connection to the municipal power supply at any point in time.
Although the sump pump 110 is described herein as being a sump pump, those skilled in the art may appreciate that the sump pump may be an alternative type of pump. In one embodiment, the sump pump 110 is a ⅓ HP Thermoplastic Submersible Sump Pump manufactured by Flotec R. Advantageously, the sump pump 110 is made of non-corrosive thermoplastic that allows the sump pump 110 to be submersed in water for an extended time period without corroding. The sump pump 110 may pump approximately 2,150-2,170 gallons per hour at approximately 10.0 feet of lift, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. At zero feet of lift, the sump pump 110 may pump approximately 3,140-3,160 gallons of water per hour. In other embodiments, the sump pump 110 may pump a number of gallons per hour outside of this range, depending on factors such as the feet of lift.
In one embodiment, the inverter 120 is a 1200 watt power inverter, such as the Pro 1200-Watt Power Inverter manufactured by Whistler R. In this embodiment, the inverter 120 may include a built in battery volt/watt meter and may supply full output power capacity. The inverter 120 may be approximately 8.5-9.0 inches in length, 7.2-7.6 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in height. In other embodiments, the inverter 120 may supply a power wattage outside of 1200 watts. Likewise, the inverter 120 may include dimensions outside of this range. The sump pump 110 is electrically coupled to the inverter 120 by a connection mechanism 122. The connection mechanism 122 may be a wire, a cable, a cord, or another connection mechanism that may be used for establishing electrical connections between devices.
FIG. 7 depicts the sump pump 110 removably coupled to a sump pit 700, as would be commonly understood to those of ordinary skill in the art. More specifically, the sump pump 110 is securely placed within the sump pit 700 at an upright and level position. The sump pit 700 is a reservoir that serves as drain for receiving a quantity of water 702. More specifically, the sump pit 700 defines an aperture 704 for receiving the quantity of water 702. The sump pit 700 may also receive debris, or other liquids that typically enter the building 104 during a flood. The sump pit 700 may be drilled into the floor 116 and lined with at least one of brick, concrete, or another similar hardscape. The sump pit 700 may be placed proximal to a foundation wall of the building 104. The term “proximal” is defined herein as at least 8.0 inches away from the foundation wall of the building 104. The sump pit 700 includes a grill, grating, or other similar enclosure placed over the aperture 704 to allow the water 702 to flow into the sump pit 700, while still allowing users, homeowners, maintenance personnel, etc., to walk over the sump pit 700.
In one embodiment, the power module 112 (FIG. 1) can be an electronic device having a processor. The processor can be operably configured to execute an executable instruction set for monitoring a water level 706 within the enclosed area 102. More specifically, in one embodiment, the processor can be operably configured to execute an executable instruction set for monitoring the water level 706 within the sump pit 700. In other embodiments, the autonomous water extraction system 100 may include a processor that is separate from the power module 112 which is operable to execute the executable instruction set for monitoring the water level 706 within at least one of the enclosed area 102 and the sump pit 700. In one embodiment, at least one of the power module 112 and the separate processor can determine the water level 706 from at least one water level sensor 708. The autonomous water extraction system 100 may include a plurality of water level sensors 708. Any reference to the power module 112, includes reference to the separate processor, as both are intended to operate in the same manner. The water level sensor 708 is coupled to the power module 112 through a communication link (not shown), e.g., wiring. The communication link can be a wired or wireless communication link, communicatively coupling the water level sensor 708 and the power module 112. In one embodiment, the communication link is a wired communication link operable to transmit a power signal to the power module 112, which activates the sump pump 110 to pump the water 702 from the sump pit 700. More specifically, the power module 112 is operable to activate the sump pump 110 when the water level 706 within the enclosed area 102 meets a predetermined threshold.
In one embodiment, the executable instruction set includes instructions for receiving communication from the water level sensor 708; interpreting the communication from the water level sensor 708; and activating the sump pump 110 to extract a quantity of water from the enclosed area 102 of the building 104 throughout at least one predetermined length of time. The power module 112 is also operable to deactivate the sump pump 110 when the water level 706 falls below the predetermined threshold. Advantageously, the water level sensor 708 is designed to communicate with the power module 112 and to operate based on the power provided by the solar-panel 106. In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold is at least ¼ the overall depth of the sump pit 700. In another embodiment, the predetermined threshold may be at least one inch. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be outside of this range. In yet further embodiments, such as enclosed areas 102 not having a sump pit 700, the water level sensor 708 is operable to activate the sump pump 110 when the water level 706 within the enclosed area 102 is at least one inch.
The power module 112 is preprogrammed to activate the sump pump 110 to operate at predetermined time periods, i.e., lengths of time. The number and duration of predetermined time periods varies according to a number of factors, such as the capacity of the sump pump 110, the depth of the sump pit 700, and the rate at which the water 702 enters the sump pit 700. These factors may be detected by the water level sensor 708, which communicates the information to the power module 112 and ultimately the sump pump 110. In one embodiment, the time periods may be approximately 60.0 seconds. In another embodiment, the time periods may be approximately 120.0 seconds. In other embodiments, the time periods may be outside of these ranges. The sump pump 110 is operable to provide continuous operation for at least 6.0 hours at a time.
The sump pump 110 removes the water from the sump pit 700 through a discharge pipe 710 having a first end 712 and a second end 714. The first end 712 is removably coupled to the sump pump 110. The second end 714 defines an aperture 716 for water 702 to drain through the aperture 716 to an outside area 718 of the building 104. In one embodiment, the discharge pipe 710 is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe having a diameter of 1.0 to 2.0 inches. In another embodiment, the discharge pipe 710 may include a diameter outside of this range. In other embodiments, the discharge pipe 710 may be made of another material. In yet further embodiments, the discharge pipe 710 may be made of another material that is of a diameter outside of this range. In order to efficiently dispense the water 702 outside of the building 104, the second end 714 may include an increaser operable to spread out the water flow. To efficiently dispense the water even further, a corrugated pipe may be attached to the discharge pipe 710.
Now referring to FIG. 8, primarily in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 7, the autonomous water extraction system 100 may be provided in a kit 800. In one embodiment, the kit 800 includes the solar-panel 106, the mounting kit 108, the battery 118, the sump pump 110, and the at least one water level sensor 708. In another embodiment, the kit 800 includes the aforementioned items, the power module 112, the connection mechanism 122, the discharge pipe 710 and the lighting member 802. In yet another embodiment, the kit 800 may also include the inverter 120. With brief reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, as previously mentioned, the lighting member 802 is provided as a theft deterrent for the building 104 having no electrical connection to the municipal power grid. Advantageously, the lighting member 802 provides the owner of the building, e.g., the financial institution when the building 104 is a foreclosed house, with a source of lighting to act as a method of deterring thieves from coming into close proximity with the building 104. The lighting member 802 may be connected to a timer to turn the lighting on and off during predetermined time periods.
Referring again to FIG. 8, the kit 800 is easily transported in a convenient compact case 804. The term “compact” is defined herein as closely or firmly packed together. FIG. 8 depicts the compact case 804 as a metal case. In other embodiments, the compact case 804 may be a case made of another material, e.g., steel, rubber, plastic, or another similar durable, yet lightweight material that can easily be transported. In other embodiments, the compact case 804 may be a briefcase, a piece of luggage, or another convenient case for traveling.
Advantageously, the compact case 804 offers users the ability to transport and install the kit 800 within various buildings 104. In the event there is no electrical connection to the municipal power grid, the kit 800 extracts water when the water level 706 rises above the predetermined threshold for the particular building 104. In one example, the kit 800 may be purchased by financial institutions owning foreclosed houses. Advantageously, the kit 800 can be transported and installed in foreclosed houses in any number of geographical locations, thereby preventing the foreclosed houses from flooding. This would eliminate the costly expenses associated with the financial institutions or desiring purchasers having to repair the house after flooding. As an added advantage, this would improve the sanitary conditions of the foreclosed houses. Generally speaking, as previously mentioned, the aforementioned advantages would help foreclosed houses sell at a faster rate, thereby producing an economical advantage for the economy as a whole. In another example, a user can transport the kit 800 to the user's home for installation during a rainy season, or another desired time period. Subsequently, the user can uninstall the autonomous water extraction system 100 and transport the kit 800 to the user's business. In another example, the kit 800 may be transported to various buildings 104 in rural areas that have no electrical connection to the municipal power grid.
Referring primarily to FIG. 9, in conjunction with FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, there is provided a method of extracting water from an enclosed area of a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply, such as the enclosed area 102 and building 104 from FIG. 1. It is envisioned that the method of extracting water is usable in the basements of houses having sump pits, more specifically, houses in foreclosure or that have been otherwise condemned.
The process of FIG. 9 begins at step 900 and moves directly to step 902, where a kit for autonomous water extraction, such as the kit 800 of FIG. 8, is provided. In one embodiment, the kit 800 is used to extract water from the basement of a house when a water level within the house reaches a certain predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is detected by at least one water level sensor, such as the water level sensor 708 (FIG. 7) provided in the kit 800. The process of FIG. 9 includes installing the solar-panel 106 provided in the kit 800 on the outside surface 124 of the building 104. In a preferred embodiment, the process of FIG. 9 includes installing a plurality of solar-panels 106 on the outside surface of the building 104. The lighting member 802 may also be secured to the outside surface 124 of the building 104.
In one embodiment, the kit 800 includes the solar-panel 106, the battery 118, and the power module 112. In this embodiment, the battery 118 is electrically coupled to the power module 112 by electrically connecting and tightening a negative wire connected to the power module 112 to a negative battery terminal on the battery 118. Subsequently, a positive wire connected to the power module 112 is electrically connected to a positive battery terminal on the battery 118. The solar-panel 106 is then connected to the power module 112. Next, the inverter 120 provided in the kit 800 is turned to the on position. In another embodiment, the solar-panel 106 is electrically coupled directly to the battery 118.
The process of FIG. 9 includes installing the sump pump 110 within the sump pit 700 constructed within the floor 116 of the enclosed area 102. In one embodiment, the sump pump 110 is electrically connected to the power module 112. In another embodiment, the sump pump 110 is electrically connected to the battery 118 and the inverter 120. In order to ensure that the sump pump 110 is working properly, the sump pump 110 may be tested by activating an activator, e.g., a switch, located on the sump pump 110.
In step 904, the sump pump 110 is activated when the water level 706 within the enclosed area 102 meets the predetermined threshold, as described previously herein. The sump pump 110 is preprogrammed to operate during a plurality of time periods. In one embodiment, the time periods may be 60.0 seconds. In another embodiment, the time periods may be 120.0 seconds. In other embodiments, the time periods may be outside of this range. The number of time periods depends on factors such as the rate of water flow and the overall depth of the sump pit 700.
In step 906, the sump pump 110 extracts the water from the enclosed area through the discharge pipe 710 to the outside area 718 of the building 104. The speed and duration of water extraction, depend on various factors, such as the quantity and rate of water flow into the sump pit 700, the capacity of the sump pump 110, the duration of the preprogrammed time periods, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the discharge pipe 710 is a maximum distance from the foundation of the building 104 to as to prevent water damage to the building 104. The discharge pipe 710 may include a hose removably connected thereto that is operable to extend a distance between the building 104 and the discharge point of the water. In step 908, the sump pump 110 is deactivated when the water level 706 as detected by the water level sensor 708 within the sump pit 700 falls below the predetermined threshold. The process ends at step 910.
An autonomous water extraction kit, system, and method of performing water extraction from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply have been disclosed that feature at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power. The usable power is operable to supply power to a self-sufficient sump pump that extracts a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building when at least one water level sensor detects that the water level within the building meets a predetermined threshold. It is envisioned that the enclosed area of the building is a basement of a house. Other features of the invention have been disclosed that include a power module for providing communication between the solar-panel and the sump pump, but are not intended to be limited to the particular details disclosed herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A kit for autonomous water extraction from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply comprising:

at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power;

a mounting kit operable to mount the at least one solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply;

a battery electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to store an amount of solar energy from the at least one solar-panel;

a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery and operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building; and

at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when a water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold.

2. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a power module positioned a distance above a floor of the enclosed area of the building, and removably coupled to the at least one solar-panel and the battery, the power module operable to:

transfer the amount of solar energy from the at least one solar-panel to the battery;

receive communication from the at least one water level sensor;

interpret the communication from the at least one water level sensor; and

activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area of the building throughout at least one predetermined length of time.

3. The kit according to claim 2, wherein:

the predetermined length of time varies in accordance with information provided by the at least one water level sensor.

4. The kit according to claim 1, wherein:

the at least one water level sensor is operable to deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.

5. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a lighting member operable to discharge light onto an outside surface of the building.

6. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising:

a compact case operable to transport the kit.

7. The kit according to claim 1, wherein:

the sump pump is operable for placement within a sump pit.

8. The kit according to claim 7, further comprising:

a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defining an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the building.

9. The kit according to claim 1, wherein:

the enclosed area is a basement and the building is a house.

10. A method of extracting water from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply, the method comprising:

providing a kit for autonomous water extraction, the kit including:

at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power;

a mounting kit for mounting the at least one solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply;

a battery electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to store solar energy from the at least one solar-panel;

at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold;

activating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets the predetermined threshold;

extracting a quantity of water from the enclosed area through a discharge pipe to an outside area of the building; and

deactivating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area is below the predetermined threshold.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

joining a plurality of solar-panels together in an electrical system.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

connecting the at least one solar-panel and the battery to a power module, the power module operable to transfer an amount of solar energy from the at least one solar-panel to the battery.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

providing the power module operable to:

receive communication from the at least one water level sensor;

interpret the communication from the at least one water level sensor;

activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area; and

deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein:

the power module is preprogrammed to activate the sump pump to operate for predetermined lengths of time.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein:

the enclosed area is a basement and the building is a house.

16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

constructing a sump pit within a floor of the building; and

installing the sump pump within the sump pit.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein:

the discharge pipe has a first end and a second end, the first end removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defining an aperture for discharging the quantity of water to the outside area of the building.

18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:

transporting the kit in a compact case.

19. An autonomous water extraction system for use within a basement of a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply comprising:

at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power;

a mounting kit for mounting the at least one solar-panel on a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply;

a battery electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to receive and store solar energy from the at least one solar-panel;

an inverter electrically coupled to the battery and operable to convert a direct current from the battery into an alternating current;

a sump pump electrically coupled to the inverter and operable to extract a quantity of water from a basement of the house; and

a sump pit:

removably coupled to the sump pump; and

defining an aperture for receiving the quantity of water;

at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the sump pit meets a predetermined threshold; and

a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defining an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the house.

20. The autonomous water extraction system of claim 19, further comprising:

a power module positioned a distance from a floor of the basement, the power module electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to:

receive solar energy from the at least one solar-panel;

receive communication from the at least one water level sensor;

interpret the communication from the at least one water level sensor;

activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the sump pit during a series of predetermined time periods; and

deactivate the sump pump when the quantity of water is below the predetermined threshold.