Abstract:
A stray voltage detection and reduction system. The stray voltage detection portion of the system includes a vessel configured to hold a liquid, such as water. An electrode is suspended in the water, and another electrode is positioned below the vessel in contact with the earth. A meter is coupled to the electrodes in such a manner that when an animal drinks from the vessel the presence or absence of stray voltage is detected by the meter. The stray voltage reduction portion of the system electrically isolates a water distribution system. A water source is connected to non-electrically-activated valves. The valves feed a plurality of storage tanks. The storage tanks connect to non-electrically-activated valves which are coupled to a booster pump. A control system ensures that the water source remains electrically-isolated from the booster pump.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     Stray voltage is a difference in electrical potential or a voltage that exists outside of an electrical delivery system. One form of stray voltage is neutral-to-earth (“NE”) voltage. NE voltage is an electrical potential or voltage between the neutral of an electrical delivery system and an earth ground. NE voltages may be created as a consequence of the architecture of an electric power distribution system. In general, electric power is distributed from a generation site to a number of substations. In one relatively common distribution path, high voltage electricity from a substation is delivered to a line transformer located at a facility that consumes electricity, such as a home, business, or farm. As the distance from the line transformer to the substation increases, an electrical potential between the primary neutral of the line transformer and earth ground increases. The National Electrical Safety Code (“NESC”) specifies that utilities connect the neutral on the primary side of a facility&#39;s step down transformer to the neutral on the secondary side of the transformer. The purpose of this is to prevent excessively dangerous voltage levels in the event of an open circuit on the primary neutral. However, this recommended connection can cause a situation where the difference in potential of the primary neutral to earth ground is passed to the secondary neutral. The difference in potential can reach a relatively significant level, such as twenty volts.  
         [0002]     Another form of stray voltage is an electrical potential that exists between two points susceptible to contact simultaneously by an animal. For example, some electrical distribution systems are designed to utilize the earth as a return path for current to the substation. More specifically, the earth is used as a current return in parallel to the primary neutral. Differences in the impedance of soils may result in differences in electrical potential between two points of earth ground or the earth ground and the electrical system neutral. Thus, it is possible that an animal may simultaneously contact points that have different potentials resulting in current traveling through the animal&#39;s body.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]     Stray voltages can have numerous effects including, as noted, causing current to travel through an animal. Although relatively high voltages can cause shocks, stray voltages generally do not reach the level of an electrical shock. Nonetheless, such currents can cause discomfort. For example, it is possible for a stray current to travel through a floor of a livestock barn through the body of an animal to reach the metal structure of the barn, and its grounding connection network.  
         [0004]     Although stray currents may travel through the structure of a building, the inventor has also learned that stray voltage may cause electricity to flow through the plumbing of a water delivery system. The National Electrical Code (“NEC”) requires that, when wiring a farm, the secondary neutral of the line transformer mentioned above be hard wired to the buildings, the water system, and an electrical ground rod. In addition, NEC and NESC require that all wells be grounded and that secondary neutrals be connected to a building&#39;s water system. However, in many areas a certain amount of current will flow to water wells from the primary neutral. Areas that are susceptible to this kind of current include areas where maintenance of power lines is poor, the distance from the utility substation is large, or the conductivity of the soil is poor. In addition, areas that have experienced growth in electrical load and development of wells are also susceptible.  
         [0005]     Therefore, a water delivery system, that is not electrically isolated from points in the system connected to the secondary neutral, has the ability to cause current to flow through animals that contact earth ground and the water system.  
         [0006]     Stray current can cause a variety of effects in animals. For example, the discomfort experienced by an animal may cause it to avoid the area of a building where the current is experienced. If a stray current is caused when drinking from a water delivery system, an animal may avoid drinking or drink less. The effects can vary with the particular species of animal experiencing the stray current. For example, cows are sensitive to very low voltage levels, as low as 0.5 volt. In the presence of stray current, various observations have been made. Some cows refuse to be milked, refuse to enter a barn, or kick a milker. In some situations, it may be possible for a cow to experience mastitis, reproductive problems, and problems associated with somatic cell count.  
         [0007]     Similar problems have also been encountered in pigs. In addition, it is believed that stray currents have caused diarrhea, constipation, and an increase in piglet mortality.  
         [0008]     Therefore, there exists a need to reduce the presence of stray voltage on a farm or other facility in which animals are confined, such as a feedlot. Embodiments of the invention isolate a water delivery system from a secondary neutral reducing the possibility of the water delivery system introducing stray voltage into the farm.  
         [0009]     One embodiment provides a system to detect stray voltage. The system includes a non-conductive vessel having a rim and an interior. The vessel may hold a liquid such as water. A first electrode is suspended in the interior of the vessel below the rim. A second electrode is configured to be placed in contact with a ground potential. The system also includes one or more meters that are configured to sense one or more electrical characteristics, such as a voltage or a current. The first electrode, second electrode, and meter are connected in a manner such that if an animal contacts the ground potential and drinks a liquid from the vessel, a closed electrical circuit including the first electrode, second electrode, and the meter is formed  
         [0010]     Another embodiment provides a method of detecting stray voltage at a facility. The method includes positioning a non-conductive vessel having a rim and an interior and configured to hold a liquid on a surface; positioning a first electrode in the interior below the rim; positioning a second electrode below the non-conductive vessel in contact with a ground potential; providing a meter configured to sense an electrical characteristic; and connecting the first electrode, second electrode, and meter such that if an animal contacts the ground potential and drinks a liquid from the vessel, an electrical circuit including the first electrode, second electrode, and meter exists.  
         [0011]     Another embodiment provides an electrically isolating liquid (e.g., water) distribution system. The system includes a first valve and a first tank that is fed by the first valve. A second valve which is made from non-conductive materials is also connected to the first tank. A second tank is fed by the second valve. A third valve constructed of non-conductive materials and non-electrically-actuated is also connected to the second tank. A controller communicates with the valves and controls them to prevent the second valve and the third non-electrically-actuated valve from opening simultaneously. The system also includes a connection, port, or output that may be coupled to a liquid container such as a water trough.  
         [0012]     Another embodiment provides a method for reducing stray voltage in a liquid delivery system. The method includes providing a first storage tank; providing a second storage tank; monitoring the first storage tank; monitoring the second storage tank; filling the first storage tank when a liquid reaches a low level; filling the second storage tank when a liquid reaches a low level; delivering the liquid from the first or second storage tank to a liquid delivery device; controlling filling of the first storage tank and delivery from the first storage tank such that only one of the processes can occur at a single time; and controlling filling of the second storage tank and delivery from the second storage tank such that only one of the processes can occur at a single time.  
         [0013]     While the embodiments of the invention described herein relate to animal containment facilities, embodiments could be used in other locations or facilities where there is a desire to electrically isolate a liquid delivery system from its source. Such applications may include hospital water delivery systems, paint spraying systems, swimming pools, water parks, machining systems, semiconductor manufacturing, fiberglass manufacturing, and others.  
         [0014]     Additional details and additional features and aspects of embodiments of the invention are described below. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     In the drawings:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary illustration of a detection device to determine if stray voltage is present in a facility.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates a circuit that may be formed by the detection device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 3A  illustrates another circuit that may be formed by the detection device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 3B  illustrates another circuit that may be formed by the detection device of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is an exemplary illustration of a detection device to determine if a time varying stray voltage is present in a facility.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5A  is an exemplary illustration of a first embodiment of a water delivery system to reduce stray voltage.  
         [0022]      FIG. 5B  is an exemplary illustration of a second embodiment of a water delivery system to reduce stray voltage.  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary illustration of a control system for the water delivery system of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 7A  is an exemplary illustration of a third embodiment of a water delivery system to reduce stray voltage.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7B  is an exemplary illustration of a fourth embodiment of a water delivery system to reduce stray voltage.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a process to supply water using the water delivery system of  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a process for filling the storage tanks of  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is an illustration of a process to supply water using the water delivery system of  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of a process for filling a storage tank of  FIGS. 7A and 7B .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]     Before embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the examples set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of applications and in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.  
         [0031]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a detection device  20  to determine if stray voltage is present in a facility. In the embodiment shown, a 25 gallon non-conductive vessel or bucket  22 , having a rim  23 , sits on a nongalvanic conductive plate  24  (e.g., a one foot square copper plate). The conductive plate  24  has a 14 American wire gauge (“awg”) conductive lead  26  attached to it. The bucket is filled with water  28  and a second plate  30  (such as a copper plate or electrode) is suspended below the top surface of the water  28 . The second plate  30  may be fixed to a float or other mechanism to maintain the plate  30  a predetermined distance below the surface of the water  28 , such as 6′. A 14 awg conductive lead  32  is attached to the plate  30 . An electrical measuring device or meter  34 , such as a direct current (“DC”) milliameter, a voltmeter, or an alternating current (“AC”) meter, is attached between the two leads  26  and  32  to measure an electrical characteristic, such as current. When an animal  36  drinks from bucket  22 , meter  34  measures a chosen electrical characteristic (e.g., current or voltage).  
         [0032]     A camera  38  captures an image or images in a field of view (“FOV”) that may encompass the bucket  22  and animal  36  and transmits that image via cable  40  to a recording device  42  (e.g., a video cassette recorder). The recording device  42  records the images transmitted by the camera  38 . The recording device  42  may deliver the images received from camera  38  via a cable  44  to a display device  46  (e.g., a television) or play back an image previously saved, transmitting a signal of the saved images to the display device  46 .  
         [0033]     Information from the meter  34  and the camera  38  can be used to determine the presence of stray voltage and the stray current or currents such voltage causes. For example, if a stray voltage is present, animals may avoid drinking from the bucket  22 . In addition, the animals may exhibit other signs of discomfort, such as retracting their heads, when first contacting the water in bucket  22 . This behavior is captured by the camera  38 . Meter  34  may also be placed in the FOV and an image from the meter can be captured by the camera  38 . When the meter indicates the presence of a stray voltage or current and discomfort or other behavior is observed in the images recorded by the camera and these phenomena happen at the same time, it can be assumed that an undesirable stray voltage situation exists. Of course, the presence of just one of these phenomena may be sufficient to determine that a stray voltage situation exists.  
         [0034]     Other embodiments allow for meter  34  to be coupled directly to recording device  42 . Readings from meter  34  could be indicated on, and correlated to, images of the animal&#39;s reactions captured by the camera  38 .  
         [0035]     In still other embodiments, multiple cameras  38  can be configured such that the FOV of each camera  38  captures images of different components of the system (e.g., the meter  34  and the cow  36 ). The signals from the cameras  38  can then be multiplexed together and simultaneously recorded and/or viewed.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  illustrates a circuit  51  created by an animal  36  drinking from bucket  22 . Resistors  1 - 4  represent legs of the animal  36 . Each leg presents some impedance to electrical current and is represented as a resistor. The animal  36  stands on the ground with all four feet or hooves contacting the ground. Therefore, each resistor, R 1 -R 4 , is connected to earth ground. R 5  represents the impedance to electrical current supplied by the body of the animal  36 . R 1 -R 4 , R 5 , and meter  34  are part of a circuit  51 . A switch (SW 1 ) represents the break in the circuit  51  that exists when the animal  36  is not drinking from the bucket  22 . When the animal  36  drinks from bucket  22 , the circuit  51  is completed, which is represented by closure of the switch (SW 1 ). In the absence of stray voltage, the electrical potential of grounds  52 - 56  are all the same and no electrical current flows through the circuit  51 .  
         [0037]     However, in the presence of stray voltage, an electrical potential between two or more of the earth grounds  52 - 56  may exist.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  represent two possible embodiments of stray voltage. In  FIG. 3A , animal  36  is in contact with grounds  52 - 55  that are at a higher electrical potential than ground  56  under bucket  22 . When the animal  36  drinks from bucket  22  (which in the model is represented as closing switch SW 1 ), the electrical potential enables electrical current to flow from grounds  52 - 55  through the animal  36  to ground  55 .  
         [0038]     In  FIG. 3B , animal  36  is in contact with grounds  52 - 55  that are at a lower electrical potential than ground  56  under bucket  22 . When animal  36  drinks from bucket  22 , the electrical potential enables electrical current to flow from ground  56  through the animal  36  to grounds  52 - 55 .  
         [0039]     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , detection device  20  determines the presence of stray AC electricity. An optional resistor (R 6 ) may be connected between lead  26  and lead  32 . An oscilloscope  60  monitors the voltage across leads  26  and  32 . When animal  36  is not drinking from the bucket, an open circuit condition exists. When animal  36  drinks from bucket  22 , a closed circuit condition exists. If an electrical potential exists between earth ground  56  and one or more of the four grounds  52 - 55  under the hooves of animal  36 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the oscilloscope displays a waveform that represents a portion of the potential. If the electrical potential has an AC or time-varying component, the oscilloscope displays a sine wave of a magnitude indicative of the magnitude of the AC component of the electrical potential. A cow is generally accepted to have a total impedance of approximately 200Ω. Therefore, if animal  36  is a cow, the magnitude of the signal displayed on the oscilloscope will be approximately 70% of the actual electrical potential.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5A  illustrates a water system  61  that is configured to reduce stray voltage affects on animals that drink from it. The system  61  could be implemented, for example, after testing a farm or other facility with the system  20  for the presence of stray voltage or current. The system  61  is configured such that a well  100  is electrically isolated from a portion of water delivery system that animals can contact such as a water trough  102 . Of course, the water could be delivered to a number of troughs or different delivery devices, such as sinks, tubs, and other plumbing fixtures. All electrical conductors (which include any conductive pipes, tanks, etc., that are included in the water delivery system  61 ) between the grounded well  100 , and a secondary neutral of the electrical distribution system (not shown), are electrically isolated from the water trough  102 .  
         [0041]     The delivery containment devices and the water being supplied from a well  100  are electrically isolated in the system  61 . The system  61  includes one or more wells (referred to as well  100 ) and its associated devices, such as a pump and power supply for the pump (not shown). Well  100  delivers water through pipe  105  which is connected to a pressure switch  110 . When pressure above a predetermined threshold is detected by pressure switch  110 , the pressure switch  110  opens an internal switch removing power to the pump of well  100 .  
         [0042]     Water exits the pressure switch  110  through pipe  115  and enters filter  120 . The filter removes certain contaminants such as sediment contained in the water. Water then flows through pipe  125  into a Y-fitting or similar device  130  that divides the water into two paths. The first path flows through pipe  135  and into a first valve  140 . The second path can flow through pipe  145 . An optional Y-fitting or similar device  150  may connected to the pipe  145  to again divide the water into two paths. The first path flows into a pipe  155  which feeds a second valve  160 . The second path flows into an optional, manual bypass system  162 . If desired, the bypass system  162  provides a mechanism to ensure the flow of water to the trough  102  in the event of a failure in other parts of the system  61 .  
         [0043]     When the first valve  140  is opened, water flows into a first storage tank  165 . When the second valve  160  is opened, water flows into a second storage tank  170 . When the first valve  140  is closed, an air gap exists between the water from the well  100  and water in the first storage tank  165 . This air gap acts as an electrical isolator isolating the water in the first storage tank  165  from the well  100 . When the second valve  160  is closed, an air gap exists between the water from the well  100  and water in the second storage tank  170 . This air gap also acts as an electrical isolator isolating the water in the second storage tank  170  from the well  100 .  
         [0044]     A first sensor  175  detects when the water has reached a high level in the first storage tank  165 . A second sensor  180  detects when the water has reached a low level in the first storage tank  165 . A third sensor  185  detects when the water has reached a high level in the second storage tank  170 . A fourth sensor  190  detects when the water has reached a low level in the second storage tank  170 . Water flows out of the first storage tank  165  via pipe  195  and into a third valve  200 . The third valve  200  is constructed from non-conductive materials and is actuated non-electrically (e.g., air). Water flows out of the second storage tank  170  via pipe  205  and into a fourth valve  210 . The valve  210  is constructed from non-conductive materials and is actuated non-electrically (e.g., air). A booster pump  215  is fed from the third valve  200  via pipe  220  or from the fourth valve  210  via pipe  225 .  
         [0045]     The third valve  200 , because of its construction, provides an electrical open, when it is closed, that electrically isolates water in the booster pump  215  from water in the first storage tank  165 . This provides electrical isolation between the booster pump  215  and the well  100  when the first storage tank  165  is filling and no air gap exists to isolate the first storage tank  165  from the well  100 . Similarly, the fourth valve  210 , because of its construction, provides an electrical open, when it is closed, that electrically isolates water in the booster pump  215  from water in the second storage tank  170 . This provides electrical isolation between the booster pump  215  and the well  100  when the second storage tank  170  is filling and no air gap exists to isolate the second storage tank  170  from the well  100 .  
         [0046]     Water flows from the booster pump  215  though pipe  230 . Pipe  230  is connected to a Y-fitting or similar device  235  which feeds pipe  240 . Pipe  240  is connected to a pressure tank  245  which couples to a pipe  246 . Pipe  246  feeds a low voltage pressure switch  247 . When pressure above a predetermined threshold is detected by pressure switch  247 , the pressure switch  247  opens an internal switch removing power to the booster pump  215 . Water exits the pressure switch  247  through pipe  248  and enters filter  249  which filters the water and delivers it to pipe  250 . Water flows through pipe  250  to trough  102 . A float switch  255  resides in trough  102  to indicate when the water level in trough  102  exceeds a predetermined depth.  
         [0047]     An alternative embodiment of the water delivery system  61  is illustrated in  FIG. 5B . The system is the same as that shown in  FIG. 5A  except water flows from pipe  250  into a pressurized delivery system  270 . The low voltage pressure switch  247  detects when the water pressure in the pressurized delivery system  270  drops below a pre-determined threshold.  
         [0048]     The manual bypass system  162  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ) can be configured to supply water to the trough  102  or the pressurized delivery system  270  in the event the water system  61  is unable to do so. A pipe  275  receives water from Y-fitting  150  and is connected to a manually operated valve  280  which is constructed from non-conductive materials. Valve  280  is connected to pipe  285  which delivers water to Y-fitting  235  and the rest of the system. The use of non-conductive materials in valve  280  maintains the electrical isolation of the water system  61  when the valve  280  is closed.  
         [0049]     A section of pipe  125  can be constructed of electrically conductive material (e.g., copper). In the presence of stray voltage on the well  100  system, measuring an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage) between this conductive section of pipe  125  and ground reflects the level of stray voltage present. Additionally, a section of pipe  240  can be constructed of electrically conductive material (e.g., copper). If the system is operating correctly and electrical isolation between well  100  and the output of water system  61  is achieved, measuring an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage) between this conductive section of pipe  240  and ground will indicate that stray voltage does not exist at this point in the water delivery system  61 , even if such a characteristic exists between the conductive section of pipe  125  and ground.  
         [0050]     Certain valves used throughout the water distribution system  61  may be non-electrically-actuated to further isolate the water delivery system  61  from the electrical distribution system. For example, pneumatic or air-actuated valves may be used.  
         [0051]     In addition, pipes used throughout the water delivery system  61  may be made of non-conductive materials. Materials suitable for use in the pipes include plastics such as polyvinylchloride (“PVC”), ceramics, and other materials.  
         [0052]     Operation of the water delivery system  61  can be controlled by a programmable logic controller (“PLC”)  300  ( FIG. 6 ) such as an Allen-Bradley Micrologix 1200. The PLC  300  receives input signals from the high level indicator  175  for the first storage tank  165 . The PLC  300  also receives signals from the low level indicator  180  for first storage tank  165 , the high level indicator  185  for second storage tank  170 , the low level indicator  190  for second storage tank  170 , and float switch  255  (or the low voltage pressure switch  247  in the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 5B ). Based on the states of the inputs it receives, the PLC  300  determines which devices in the water delivery system  61  to energize and which to de-energize.  
         [0053]     Devices controlled by the PLC  300  include the booster pump  215 , and a set of valves  305 - 330  (which in one embodiment are pneumatic valves). The valves  305 - 330  open and close the valves  140 ,  160 ,  200 , and  210  (which in one embodiment are also pneumatic valves) of the water delivery system  61 . Valves  305 - 330  are connected to compressor  340  which maintains pressure, such as 40 pounds per square inch (“psi”), in air line  345 . The valve  305  is energized by a signal from the PLC  300  delivered from an output  350 . When the PLC  300  generates an appropriate signal, the valve  305  opens. This causes air pressure in air line  355  to rise to 40 psi or some other pressure sufficient to activate the valves. The rise in pressure causes valve  140  to open. When valve  305  is de-energized, it closes. When the valve  305  closes, air pressure in air line  355  returns to zero, causing valve  140  to close. When valve  315  is energized, it opens. This causes air pressure in air line  365  to rise (e.g., to 40 psi). The rise in pressure causes valve  160  to open. When pneumatic valve  320  is de-energized it closes, and air pressure in air line  365  returns to zero. Valve  160  then closes. Valve  320  operates in a similar manner. When valve  320  is energized by the PLC  300 , air pressure in air line  375  rises (e.g., to 40 psi). This causes valve  200  to open. When the valve  320  is de-energized, it closes. This causes air pressure in air line  375  to return to zero, causing air-actuated valve  200  to close. Valve  210  operates in a similar manner, opening and closing in accordance with commands received from the PLC and causing changes in air pressure that affect valve  210 . Since operation of valves  200  and  210  are similar to the other valves discussed above, additional details are not provided.  
         [0054]     The PLC  300  controls various components to create electrical isolation between water being delivered from the booster pump  215  and the well  100 . The PLC  300  ensures that an electrical open exists in the water path through the first storage tank  165  by ensuring that valve  140  is closed (creating an air gap) or that valve  200  is closed (isolation created by non-conductive materials). The PLC  300  also ensures that an electrical open exists in the water path through the second storage tank  170  by ensuring that valve  160  is closed (creating an air gap) or that valve  210  is closed (isolation created by non-conductive materials).  
         [0055]      FIG. 7A  shows another embodiment of a water delivery system  395  that electrically isolates both the delivery containment devices and the water being supplied from one or more wells (referred to as well  100 ). The system includes well  100  and its associated devices, such as a pump and power supply for the pump (not shown). Well  100  delivers water through pipe  105  which is connected to a pressure switch  110 . When pressure above a predetermined threshold is detected by pressure switch  110 , the switch  110  opens an internal switch removing power to the pump of well  100 .  
         [0056]     Water exits pressure switch  110  through pipe  115  and enters filter  120 . The filter removes certain contaminants such as sediment contained in the water. Water then flows through pipe  400  and into a Y-fitting or similar device  405  that divides the water into two paths. The first path flows into a pipe  410  which feeds a first valve  415 . The second path flows into a manual bypass system  417 .  
         [0057]     When the first valve  415  is opened, water flows through pipe  420  into a first storage tank  425 . A first sensor  430  detects when the water has reached a high level in the first storage tank  425 . A second sensor  435  detects when water has reached a low level in the first storage tank  425 . Water flows out of the first storage tank  425  via gravity through pipe  440  and into a second valve  445 . When the second valve  445  is opened, water flows through pipe  450  into a second storage tank  455 . A third sensor  460  detects when the water has reached a high level in the second storage tank  455 . A fourth sensor  465  detects when water has reached a low level in the second storage tank  455 . Water flows out of the second storage tank  455  via gravity through pipe  470  and into a third valve  475 . In certain embodiments, the third valve  475  is air-actuated and constructed from non-conductive materials.  
         [0058]     The booster pump  215  is fed from the third valve  475  via pipe  480 . Water flows from the booster pump  215  though pipe  230 . Pipe  230  connects to a Y-fitting or similar device  235  which feeds pipe  240 . Pipe  240  is connected to pressure tank  245  which couples to a pipe  246 . Pipe  246  feeds a low voltage pressure switch  247 . When pressure above a predetermined threshold is detected by pressure switch  247 , the pressure switch  247  opens an internal switch removing power to the booster pump  215 . Water exits the pressure switch  247  through pipe  248  and enters filter  249 . Filtered water leaves filter  249  via pipe  250  and flows into trough  102 . As noted, the float switch  255  resides in trough  102  to indicate when the water level in trough  102  exceeds a predetermined depth. Like the system  61 , pipes in the water delivery system  395  are made of non-conductive materials and certain valves are non-electrically-actuated (e.g., air-actuated).  
         [0059]     An alternative embodiment of the water delivery system  395  is illustrated in  FIG. 7B . The system is the same as that shown in  FIG. 7A  except that water flows from pipe  250  into a pressurized delivery system  270 . The low-voltage pressure switch  247  detects when the water pressure in the pressurized delivery system  270  drops below a pre-determined threshold.  
         [0060]     The manual bypass system  417  ( FIGS. 7A and 7B ) can be configured to supply water to the trough  102  or the pressurized delivery system  270  in the event the water system  395  is unable to do so. A pipe  275  receives water from Y-fitting  405  and is connected to a manually operated valve  280  which is constructed from non-conductive materials. Valve  280  is connected to pipe  285  which delivers water to Y-fitting  235  and the rest of the system. The use of non-conductive materials in valve  280  maintains the electrical isolation of the water system  61  when the valve  280  is closed.  
         [0061]     A section of pipe  400  can be constructed of electrically conductive material (e.g., copper). In the presence of stray voltage on the well  100  system, measuring an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage) between this conductive section of pipe  400  and ground reflects the level of stray voltage present. Additionally, a section of pipe  240  can be constructed of electrically conductive material (e.g., copper). If the system is operating correctly and electrical isolation between well  100  and the output of water system  395  is achieved, measuring an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage) between this conductive section of pipe  240  and ground will indicate that stray voltage does not exist at this point in the water delivery system  395 , even if such a characteristic exists between the conductive section of pipe  400  and ground.  
         [0062]     Like certain other embodiments, certain valves used in the water distribution system  395  are non-electrically-actuated to further isolate the water delivery system  395  from the electrical distribution system. In addition, pipes used throughout the water delivery system  395  are made of non-conductive materials, such as plastics, ceramics, or other materials.  
         [0000]     Operation of the System  
         [0063]     In the embodiment shown if  FIGS. 5A and 5B , electrical isolation of delivery system  61  is achieved, in part, by the use of non-conductive pipes. This creates an open circuit condition between well  100  and water trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). In addition, utilization of air-actuated, relay-driven, low-voltage devices within the system reduces the possibility of introducing stray voltage from other sources. Electrical isolation of the water is achieved by preventing completion of an electrical circuit in water traveling from well  100  to water trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). This is accomplished by ensuring that an open circuit condition (e.g., an air gap) exists in the water path between well  100  and the storage tank  165  or  170  that is supplying the water trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). In addition, non-conductive air-actuated valves  200  and  210  act as electrical opens in the water circuit when they are closed, ensuring an electrical open exists in the circuit when the storage tanks are filling and an air gap does not otherwise exist in the water flowing through the system.  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  illustrates the process of sourcing water to trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) in the water delivery system  61  shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . The water level in trough  102  (or pressure in pressure delivery system  270 ) is checked at step  801  by PLC  300  by determining if float switch  255  (or pressure switch  247 ) is engaged. If float switch  255  (or pressure switch  247 ) is not engaged, the trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has sufficient water and the process loops back to step  801  to continue checking if the trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) requires additional water. If, at step  801 , float switch  255  (or pressure switch  247 ) is engaged, which indicates that the water level in trough  102  (or pressure in the pressurized delivery system  270 ) is low, the process of providing water to trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) continues.  
         [0065]     At step  803  a determination is made if the first storage tank  165  filled trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) the previous time water was required. If the first storage tank  165  was used to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) the previous time water was required, an attempt to utilize the second storage tank  170  is made. At step  805  second storage tank  170  is checked to determine if it is being filled from well  100 . If the second storage tank  170  is not filled being by well  100 , the second storage tank  170  is chosen to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). Non-conductive air-actuated valve  210  is opened at step  807 . To ensure that an open exists in the water path from well  100  through second storage tank  170 , it is necessary to ensure that valve  160  is not open and residual water flow has ceased. A delay, at step  809 , accomplishes this. Following the delay at step  809 , booster pump  215  is energized at step  811 . A predetermined delay to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) is executed at step  813 . Once trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has been filled, booster pump  215  is de-energized at step  815  and valve  210  is closed. Processing continues at step  801  to wait for water in trough  102  (or pressure in pressurized delivery system  270 ) to reach a low level.  
         [0066]     If it is determined that the second storage tank  170  was used to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) the previous time water was required or if the second storage tank  170  is being filled from well  100 , it is determined whether the first storage tank  165  is being filled from well  100  at step  819 . If the first storage tank  165  is being filled from well  100 , processing continues at step  805 . If both the first storage tank  165  and the second storage tank  170  are filling from well  100 , the first one to finish filling is utilized to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ).  
         [0067]     If it is determined that the first storage tank  165  is not filling (step  819 ), the first storage tank  165  is used to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). Valve  200  is opened at step  821 . To ensure that an open circuit condition exists in the water path from well  100  through the first storage tank  165 , air-actuated valve  140  should be closed and any residual water flow should end. A delay (step  823 ) is used to ensure that sufficient time has passed to allow valve  140  to close and water flow to stop. Following the delay, booster pump  215  is energized at step  825 . A predetermined delay to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) is executed at step  827 . Once trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has been filled, booster pump  215  is de-energized at step  829  and valve  200  is closed. Processing continues at step  801  waiting for water in trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) to reach a low level.  
         [0068]      FIG. 9  illustrates the process for filling storage tanks  165  and  170  when their water level reaches a low point. Sensor  180  is checked at step  841  to determine if the water level in the first storage tank  165  has reached a low level. If the water level in the first storage tank  165  is not low, the process loops back to step  841  to continue monitoring the water level.  
         [0069]     If the sensor  180  indicates that the water level has reached a low level (step  841 ), it is determined at step  843  whether first storage tank  165  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). If first storage tank  165  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ), it cannot be filled from well  100  without closing the electrical open in the water loop. Therefore, the process loops at step  843  until trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has finished filling.  
         [0070]     Once the first storage tank  165  is finished filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ), processing continues at step  845  with a delay. This delay ensures an open circuit condition exists in the water loop by providing sufficient time for residual water flow to end. Once the delay is complete, air-actuated valve  140  is opened at step  847 . Water flows into first storage tank  165  from well  100 . Sensor  175  is monitored at step  849 . Once water reaches a level sufficient for the sensor  175  to detect (step  849 ), valve  140  is closed (step  851 ). Processing continues at step  841  by monitoring sensor  180 .  
         [0071]     For the second storage tank  170 , sensor  190  is checked at step  841  to determine if the water level in the second storage tank  170  has reached a low level. If the water level in the second storage tank  170  is not low, the process loops back to step  841  to continue monitoring the water level.  
         [0072]     If the sensor  190  indicates that the water level has reached a low level (step  841 ), it is determined at step  843  whether second storage tank  170  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). To maintain electrical isolation, storage tank  170  is not filled from the well  100  while the tank  170  is filling through  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). Therefore, the process loops at step  843  until the trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has finished filling.  
         [0073]     Once the second storage tank  170  is finished filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ), processing continues at step  845  with a delay. This delay ensures an electrical open exists in the water loop by allowing any residual water flow to end. Once the delay is complete, air-actuated valve  160  is opened at step  847 . Water flows into second storage tank  170  from well  100 . Sensor  185  is monitored at step  849 . Once water reaches a level sufficient for the sensor  185  to detect (step  849 ), valve  160  is closed (step  851 ). Processing continues at step  841  by monitoring the sensor  190 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a process of sourcing water to trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) in the water delivery system  395  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . The water level in trough  102  (or pressure in pressurized delivery system  270 ) is checked at step  861  by PLC  300  determining if float switch  255  (or pressure switch  247 ) is engaged. In alternative embodiments, the float switch  255  may be non-electrical. If float switch  255  (or pressure switch  247 ) is not engaged, trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has sufficient water and the process loops back to step  861  to continue checking if trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) requires additional water. If, at step  861 , the float switch  255  (or pressure switch  247 ) is engaged, which indicates that the water level in trough  102  (or pressure in pressurized delivery system  270 ) is low, the process of providing water to trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) continues at step  863 .  
         [0075]     Second storage tank  455  is checked to determine if it is being filled from the first storage tank  425 . If the first storage tank  425  is not filling second storage tank  455 , the second storage tank  455  fills trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). Valve  475  is opened at step  865 . To ensure that an open circuit condition exists in the water path from well  100  through second storage tank  455 , it is necessary to ensure that valve  445  is not open and residual water flow has ceased. A delay, at step  867 , accomplishes this. Following the delay at step  867 , booster pump  215  is energized at step  869 . A predetermined delay to fill trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) is executed at step  871 . Once the trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has been filled, booster pump  215  is de-energized at step  873  and valve  475  is closed. Processing continues at step  861  to wait for water in trough  102  (or pressure in pressurized delivery system  270 ) to reach a low level.  
         [0076]      FIG. 11  illustrates the process for filling first storage tank  425  in the water delivery system  395  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Sensor  435  is checked at step  881  to determine if the water level in first storage tank  425  has reached a low level. If the water level in first storage tank  425  is not low, the process loops back to step  881  to continue monitoring the water level.  
         [0077]     If the sensor  435  indicates that the water level has reached a low level, it is determined at step  883  whether first storage tank  425  is filling the second storage tank  455 . If first storage tank  425  is filling the second storage tank  455 , it is determined at step  885  whether second storage tank  455  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). If the first storage tank  425  is filling the second storage tank  455  and the second storage tank  455  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ), the first storage tank  425  cannot be filled from well  100  without closing the electrical open in the water loop. Therefore, the process loops back to step  883  until either the second storage tank  455  or the trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has finished filling.  
         [0078]     Once the second storage tank  455  is not filling or trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) is filled, processing continues at step  887  with a delay. This delay ensures an electrical open exists in the water loop by allowing any residual water flow to end. Once the delay is complete, air-actuated valve  415  is opened at step  889 . Water then flows into first storage tank  425  from well  100 . Sensor  430  is monitored at step  891 . Once water reaches the high level, sensor  430  detects the water at step  891  and valve  415  is closed at step  893 . Processing continues at step  881  by monitoring the sensor  435 .  
         [0079]      FIG. 9  illustrates the process for filling second storage tank  455  in the water delivery system  395  shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . Sensor  465  is checked at step  841  to determine if the water level in second storage tank  455  has reached a low level. If the water level in second storage tank  455  is not low, the process loops back to step  841  to continue monitoring the water level.  
         [0080]     If the sensor  465  indicates that the water level has reached a low level (step  841 ), it is determined at step  843  whether the second storage tank  455  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ). If the second storage tank  455  is filling trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) it cannot be filled from well  100  without the possibility of closing the electrical open in the water loop. Therefore, the process loops at step  843  until the trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) has finished filling.  
         [0081]     Once trough  102  (or pressurized delivery system  270 ) is filled from the second storage tank  455 , processing continues at step  845  with a delay. This delay ensures an electrical open exists in the water loop by allowing any residual water flow to end. Once the delay is complete, valve  445  is opened at step  847 . Water then flows into second storage tank  455  from the first storage tank  425  via gravity. Sensor  460  is monitored at step  849 . Once water reaches a high level, sensor  460  detects the water at step  849  and valve  445  is closed at step  851 . Processing continues at step  841 , monitoring the sensor  465 .  
         [0082]     The embodiments described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present invention. As such, it will be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that various changes in the elements and their configuration and arrangement are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. As should also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, some systems and components shown in the figures are models of actual systems and components. Some control components described are capable of being implemented in software executed by a microprocessor or a similar device or of being implemented in hardware using a variety of components including, for example, timers and relays. In addition, terms like “processor” or “controller” may include or refer to both hardware and/or software.  
         [0083]     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.