T.E.(Terry) Manning
Schoener 50
1771 ED Wieringerwerf
The Netherlands
Tel/fax 0031-227-604128
Homepage: http://www.flowman.nl
E-mail:pumps@flowman.nl
FLOWMAN
ADVANCED PUMP TECHNOLOGIES
Edition 06 : 22 December, 2002
SOLAR SPRING SOLAR SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SOLAR SPRING PUMPS
APPLICATIONS
COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION
SUN-CATCHING PUMP TECHNOLOGY
The patented horizontal axis piston technology used for the Solar Spring pumps needs less than 300 Watts of solar-electric or wind power in the world’s most rugged operating conditions to pump water as high as 200m (600 vertical feet) with a flow of up to 27 liters/minute (7 gallons/minute). It can be used with or without batteries. It is the cheapest solution to small-scale pumping problems in off-grid applications including water for livestock, alternative living, nurseries, micro-horticultural and industrial projects, high pressure washing, water for missions, schools, hospitals, refugee camps, nomadic groups, DRINKING WATER SUPPLY IN RURAL LOCATIONS, mobile units with batteries, fountains, week-end and holiday houses and camps, and isolated locations generally. It positively enjoys service in the world’s roughest operating conditions where competing technologies cannot be used and thrives effectively on low power.i
The pump is made from stainless steel, with highly resistant parts, but it is not specifically designed for use with salt water or waters containing particularly aggressive elements, which may shorten the duration of some parts. If in doubt, consult your supplier.
FEATURES
Uses power of one light-bulb |
Positive displacement |
Pumps from 200m (600 ft) |
Capacity up to 11m3 per day |
Submergence to 50m (150ft) |
Air-cooled motor can run dry |
Made from stainless steel |
Up to 60% subsystem efficiency |
Easy to install |
Fits in a 4 inch well casing |
Tolerates sand and aggressive water |
No trackers or batteries needed |
HIGHLY COST EFFECTIVE |
Solar pumping systems
Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity directly from the sun’s light, with no moving parts. They may be mounted on a fixed structure or on a solar tracker which follows the sun to extend daily operation. The solar array may be mounted some distance away from the water source. Most systems are designed to pump only during the daytime to fill a storage tank or pond. This is usally more economical and reliable than using batteries. Solar Spring systems use an electronics device to connect the photovoltaic (PV) panels directly with the pump motor, eliminating the need for inverters and/or battery storage, but they also work with batteries and with wind generators.
How is the Solar Spring pump technology possible?
THE PUMP
Inside the patented Solar Spring pump there is an oval camshaft which drives two large horizontally opposed pistons which operate over a very short single action stroke. The pump mechanisms are bathed in non-toxic oil and are separated from the water in the system by means of stress-free gaskets. The pulsating flow of the single action system is made smooth by an internal damper and by the use of flexible drop pipe. All parts of the pump work within their normal materials stress levels to a depth of 150m (450 ft).
THE MOTOR
The specially developed 4 inch permanent magnet DC motor works efficiently at variable speeds. A brush type motor was chosen for reasons of efficiency, reliability and economy (brushless motors need complex electronics). Motor brushes, with normal solar daytime use, usually last 4 to 7 years. They can be replaced within a few minutes in the field without disturbing the wiring. The motor can turn at from 0-3000 rpm and is optimised to work best at 2000rpm.
THE CONTROLLER
The patented Sunprimer controller provides a surge to start the motor and boosts the current in low sun conditions to prevent stalling. Its simple and robust circuitry is placed in a water tight enclosure which is usually fitted behind the photovoltaic panels. The controller is fitted with wires enabling float switches to be connected.
THE INERTIA AMPLIFIER
The Hyboost inertia amplifier is fitted to the shallow well model of the Solar Spring which is used for installations where the water level is not greater than 60m (180 ft). The Hyboost is advanced but simple technology enabling missmatch in the hydraulic system to be absorbed and returned to system at the appropriate moment of the pumping cycle. Available power from the photovoltaic panels can be fully used and motor absorption and pump capacity in some cases more than doubled.
THE SOLAR ARRAY
Any combination of photovoltaic panels with a nominal power of up to 400Wp placed in series or in parallel can be used with the Solar Spring pump. Voltage can be anywhere between 24V and 80V. Direct current is fed directly from the photovoltaic panels ( or through batteries) to the pump motor. Neither inverters nor batteries are necessary.
THE REST OF THE SYSTEM
The system is completed by a flexible polyethylene drop-pipe supplied in one continuous length to enable installation by hand within a few minutes; by good quality submersible resin packed leak-proof electric cable; and by an appropriate length of good quality safety cord. Tracking systems for the photovoltaic panels are optional. Supports for photovoltaic panels can be ground, pole, or lattice type according to requirements imposed by prevailing climatic conditions.
FOR A MORE DETAILED PRESENTATION OF THE SOLAR SPRING PUMPS PLEASE GO TO:
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SOLAR SPRING PUMPS
APPLICATIONS
COMPONENTS DESCRIPTION
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SOLAR SPRING PUMPS PLEASE GO TO:
GENERAL COVER PAGE
PHOTOGRAPH AND DRAWING OF THE SOLAR SPRING PUMPS
LAYOUT OF A TYPICAL INSTALLATION
PERFORMANCE TABLES OF SOLAR SPRING PUMPS
INSTALLATION OF SOLAR SPRING PUMPS
MAINTENANCEOF SOLAR SPRING PUMPS
RETURN TO:
PRODUCTS OFFERED
If you cannot find the information you require on these pages, please contact Terry Manning
by e-mail on : pumps@flowman.nl or
telephone or fax him at 0031-227-604128.
E-mail Terry Manning