Patent Publication Number: US-2021164477-A1

Title: Pumping system with two way communication

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/247,755, filed Dec. 22, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/973,732, filed Dec. 20, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/608,860, filed Dec. 11, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/286,888, filed Nov. 23, 2005 and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/926,513, filed Aug. 26, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to control of a pump, and more particularly to control of a variable speed pumping system for a pool. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Conventionally, a pump to be used in a pool is operable at a finite number of predetermined speed settings (e.g., typically high and low settings). Typically these speed settings correspond to the range of pumping demands of the pool at the time of installation. Factors such as the volumetric flow rate of water to be pumped, the total head pressure required to adequately pump the volume of water, and other operational parameters determine the size of the pump and the proper speed settings for pump operation. Once the pump is installed, the speed settings typically are not readily changed to accommodate changes in the pool conditions and/or pumping demands. 
     Conventionally, it is also typical to equip a pumping system for use in a pool with auxiliary devices, such as a heating device, a chemical dispersion device (e.g., a chlorinator or the like), a filter arrangement, and/or an automation device. Often, operation of a particular auxiliary device can require different pump performance characteristics. For example, operation of a heating device may require a specific water flow rate or flow pressure for correct heating of the pool water. It is possible that a conventional pump can be manually adjusted to operate at one of a finite number of speed settings in response to a water demand from an auxiliary device. However, adjusting the pump to one of the settings may cause the pump to operate at a rate that exceeds a needed rate, while adjusting the pump to another setting may cause the pump to operate at a rate that provides an insufficient amount of flow and/or pressure. In such a case, the pump will either operate inefficiently or operate at a level below that which is desired. 
     Thus, operation of the pump at particular performance characteristics could optimize energy consumption. For example, two-way communication between the pool pump and various auxiliary devices could to permit the pump to alter operation in response to the various performance characteristics required by the various auxiliary devices. Therefore, by allowing the pool pump to communication with the various auxiliary devices, the pump could satisfy the demand for water while optimizing the overall system energy consumption. 
     Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide a pump that could be readily and easily adapted to communicate with various auxiliary devices to provide a suitably supply of water at a desired pressure to pools having a variety of sizes and features. Further, the pump should be responsive to a change of conditions (i.e., a clogged filter or the like), user input instructions, and/or communication with the auxiliary devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a pumping system including a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, an automation system, and a pump controller located remotely from the automation system. The pump controller is coupled to at least one pump and the motor, and the pump controller is in digital communication with the motor, the automation system, and at least one auxiliary device. The pump controller transmits data to, and receives data from, the automation system and at least one auxiliary device over at least one communication link and operates the motor based on information entered into the automation system and received from the automation system. The pump controller selectively alters an operation of the motor based on the information received from one of the automation system or parameters received from the at least one auxiliary device. During a lockout state, the pump controller selects one of ignoring, delaying, or rescheduling a water operation requested from one of the automation system or the at least one auxiliary device. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a pumping system including a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a control system including a remote keypad and display, and a pump controller located remotely from the control system. The pump controller is coupled to at least one pump and the motor, and the pump controller is in digital communication with the motor and the control system. The pump controller transmits data to, and receives data from, the control system over at least one communication link, and the pump controller operates the motor based on information entered into the remote keypad and received from the control system. The pumping system performs a number of turnovers of at least one pool and a spa over a specified time period, and an amount of water movement is associated with operation of at least one auxiliary device. The pumping system considers the amount of water movement in determining whether the number of turnovers over the specified time period is achieved. 
     In accordance with another aspect, the present invention provides a pumping system including a pump, a motor coupled to the pump, a control system, the control system including a remote keypad and display, and a pump controller located remotely from the control system. The pump controller is coupled to at least one pump and the motor, the pump controller is in digital communication with the motor and the control system, and the pump controller transmits data to and receives data from the control system over at least one communication link. The pump controller operates the motor based on information entered into the remote keypad and received from the control system, and the information received from the control system includes an operational state including at least one of a filtration mode, a vacuum mode, and a heating mode. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example of a variable speed pumping system in accordance with the present invention with a pool environment; 
         FIG. 2  is another block diagram of another example of a variable speed pumping system in accordance with the present invention with a pool environment; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of example auxiliary devices that can be operably connected to an example means for controlling the motor; 
         FIG. 4  is similar to  FIG. 3 , but shows various other example auxiliary devices; 
         FIG. 5  is a perceptive view of an example pump unit that incorporates the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, partially exploded view of a pump of the unit shown in 
         FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an example means for controlling the pump unit shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements throughout the figures, and in order to clearly and concisely illustrate the present invention, certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. 
     An example variable-speed pumping system  10  in accordance with one aspect of the present invention is schematically shown in  FIG. 1 . The pumping system  10  includes a pump unit  12  that is shown as being used with a pool  14 . It is to be appreciated that the pump unit  12  includes a pump  16  for moving water through inlet and outlet lines  18  and  20 . 
     The swimming pool  14  is one example of a pool. The definition of “swimming pool” includes, but is not limited to, swimming pools, spas, and whirlpool baths, and further includes features and accessories associated therewith, such as water jets, waterfalls, fountains, pool filtration equipment, chemical treatment equipment, pool vacuums, spillways and the like. 
     A water operation  22  is performed upon the water moved by the pump  16 . Within the shown example, water operation  22  is a filter arrangement that is associated with the pumping system  10  and the pool  14  for providing a cleaning operation (i.e., filtering) on the water within the pool. The filter arrangement  22  is operatively connected between the pool  14  and the pump  16  at/along an inlet line  18  for the pump. Thus, the pump  16 , the pool  14 , the filter arrangement  22 , and the interconnecting lines  18  and  20  form a fluid circuit or pathway for the movement of water. 
     It is to be appreciated that the function of filtering is but one example of an operation that can be performed upon the water. Other operations that can be performed upon the water may be simplistic, complex or diverse. For example, the operation performed on the water may merely be just movement of the water by the pumping system (e.g., re-circulation of the water in a waterfall or spa environment). 
     Turning to the filter arrangement  22 , any suitable construction and configuration of the filter arrangement is possible. For example, the filter arrangement  22  can include a sand filter, a cartridge filter, and/or a diatomaceous earth filter, or the like. In another example, the filter arrangement  22  may include a skimmer assembly for collecting coarse debris from water being withdrawn from the pool, and one or more filter components for straining finer material from the water. In still yet another example, the filter arrangement  22  can be in fluid communication with a pool cleaner, such as a vacuum pool cleaner adapted to vacuum debris from the various submerged surfaces of the pool. The pool cleaner can include various types, such as various manual and/or automatic types. 
     The pump  16  may have any suitable construction and/or configuration for providing the desired force to the water and move the water. In one example, the pump  16  is a common centrifugal pump of the type known to have impellers extending radially from a central axis. Vanes defined by the impellers create interior passages through which the water passes as the impellers are rotated. Rotating the impellers about the central axis imparts a centrifugal force on water therein, and thus imparts the force flow to the water. Although centrifugal pumps are well suited to pump a large volume of water at a continuous rate, other motor-operated pumps may also be used within the scope of the present invention. 
     Drive force is provided to the pump  16  via a pump motor  24 . In the one example, the drive force is in the form of rotational force provided to rotate the impeller of the pump  16 . In one specific embodiment, the pump motor  24  is a permanent magnet motor. In another specific embodiment, the pump motor  24  is an induction motor. In yet another embodiment, the pump motor  24  can be a synchronous or asynchronous motor. The pump motor  24  operation is infinitely variable within a range of operation (i.e., zero to maximum operation). In one specific example, the operation is indicated by the RPM of the rotational force provided to rotate the impeller of the pump  16 . In the case of a synchronous motor  24 , the steady state speed (RPM) of the motor  24  can be referred to as the synchronous speed. Further, in the case of a synchronous motor  24 , the steady state speed of the motor  24  can also be determined based upon the operating frequency in hertz (Hz). 
     A means for controlling  30  provides for the control of the pump motor  24  and thus the control of the pump  16 . Within the shown example, the means for controlling  30  can include a variable speed drive  32  that provides for the infinitely variable control of the pump motor  24  (i.e., varies the speed of the pump motor). By way of example, within the operation of the variable speed drive  32 , a single phase AC current from a source power supply is converted (e.g., broken) into a three-phase AC current. Any suitable technique and associated construction/configuration may be used to provide the three-phase AC current. The variable speed drive supplies the AC electric power at a changeable frequency to the pump motor to drive the pump motor. The construction and/or configuration of the pump  16 , the pump motor  24 , the means for controlling  30  as a whole, and the variable speed drive  32  as a portion of the means for controlling  30 ,  130  are not limitations on the present invention. In one possibility, the pump  16  and the pump motor  24  are disposed within a single housing to form a single unit, and the means for controlling  30  with the variable speed drive  32  are disposed within another single housing to form another single unit. In another possibility, these components are disposed within a single housing to form a single unit. 
     Further still, the means for controlling  30  can receive input from a user interface  31  that can be operatively connected to the means for controlling  30  in various manners. For example, the user interface  31  can include a keypad  40 , buttons, switches, or the like such that a user could input various parameters into the means for controlling  30 . In addition or alternatively, the user interface  31  can be adapted to provide visual and/or audible information to a user. For example, the user interface  31  can include one or more visual displays  42 , such as an alphanumeric LCD display, LED lights, or the like. Additionally, the user interface  31  can also include a buzzer, loudspeaker, or the like. Further still, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the user interface  31  can include a removable (e.g., pivotable, slidable, detachable, etc.) protective cover  44  adapted to provide protection against damage when the user interface  31  is not in use. The protective cover  44  can include various rigid or semi-rigid materials, such as plastic, and can have various degrees of light permeability, such as opaque, translucent, and/or transparent. 
     The pumping system  10  can have additional means used for control of the operation of the pump. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the pumping system  10  includes means for sensing, determining, or the like one or more parameters indicative of the operation performed upon the water. Within one specific example, the system includes means for sensing, determining or the like one or more parameters indicative of the movement of water within the fluid circuit. 
     The ability to sense, determine or the like one or more parameters may take a variety of forms. For example, one or more sensors  34  may be utilized. Such one or more sensors  34  can be referred to as a sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement  34  of the pumping system  10  would sense one or more parameters indicative of the operation performed upon the water. Within one specific example, the sensor arrangement  34  senses parameters indicative of the movement of water within the fluid circuit. The movement along the fluid circuit includes movement of water through the filter arrangement  22 . As such, the sensor arrangement  34  includes at least one sensor used to determine flow rate of the water moving within the fluid circuit and/or includes at least one sensor used to determine flow pressure of the water moving within the fluid circuit. In one example, the sensor arrangement  34  is operatively connected with the water circuit at/adjacent to the location of the filter arrangement  22 . It should be appreciated that the sensors of the sensor arrangement  34  may be at different locations than the locations presented for the example. Also, the sensors of the sensor arrangement  34  may be at different locations from each other. Still further, the sensors may be configured such that different sensor portions are at different locations within the fluid circuit. Such a sensor arrangement  34  would be operatively connected  36  to the means for controlling  30  to provide the sensory information thereto. 
     It is to be noted that the sensor arrangement  34  may accomplish the sensing task via various methodologies, and/or different and/or additional sensors may be provided within the system  10  and information provided therefrom may be utilized within the system. For example, the sensor arrangement  34  may be provided that is associated with the filter arrangement and that senses an operation characteristic associated with the filter arrangement. For example, such a sensor may monitor filter performance. Such monitoring may be as basic as monitoring filter flow rate, filter pressure, or some other parameter that indicates performance of the filter arrangement. Of course, it is to be appreciated that the sensed parameter of operation may be otherwise associated with the operation performed upon the water. As such, the sensed parameter of operation can be as simplistic as a flow indicative parameter such as rate, pressure, etc. 
     Such indication information can be used by the means for controlling  30  via performance of a program, algorithm or the like, to perform various functions, and examples of such are set forth below. Also, it is to be appreciated that additional functions and features may be separate or combined, and that sensor information may be obtained by one or more sensors. With regard to the specific example of monitoring flow rate and flow pressure, the information from the sensor arrangement  34  can be used as an indication of impediment or hindrance via obstruction or condition, whether physical, chemical, or mechanical in nature, that interferes with the flow of water from the pool to the pump such as debris accumulation or the lack of accumulation, within the filter arrangement  34 . 
     The example of  FIG. 1  shows an example additional operation  38  and the example of  FIG. 2  shows an example additional operation  138 . Such an additional operation (e.g.,  38  or  138 ) may be a cleaner device, either manual or autonomous. As can be appreciated, an additional operation involves additional water movement. Also, within the presented examples of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the water movement is through the filter arrangement (e.g.,  22  or  122 ). Such, additional water movement may be used to supplant the need for other water movement, as will be discussed further herein. 
     Within another example ( FIG. 2 ) of a pumping system  110  that includes means for sensing, determining, or the like one or more parameters indicative of the operation performed upon the water, and the means for controlling  130  can determine the one or more parameters via sensing, determining or the like parameters associated with the operation of a pump  116  of a pump unit  112 . Such an approach is based upon an understanding that the pump operation itself has one or more relationships to the operation performed upon the water. 
     It should be appreciated that the pump unit  112 , which includes the pump  116  and a pump motor  124 , a pool  114 , a filter arrangement  122 , and interconnecting lines  118  and  120 , may be identical or different from the corresponding items within the example of  FIG. 1 . In addition, as stated above, the means for controlling  130  can receive input from a user interface  131  that can be operatively connected to the controller in various manners. 
     Keeping with the example of  FIG. 2 , some examples of the pumping system  110 , and specifically the means for controlling  30 ,  130  and associated portions, that utilize at least one relationship between the pump operation and the operation performed upon the water attention are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,805, to Moller, entitled “Method For Regulating A Delivery Variable Of A Pump” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,042, to Moller, entitled “Method For Regulating A Delivery Variable Of A Pump.” The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. In short summary, direct sensing of the pressure and/or flow rate of the water is not performed, but instead one or more sensed or determined parameters associated with pump operation are utilized as an indication of pump performance. One example of such a pump parameter is input power. Pressure and/or flow rate can be calculated/determined from such pump parameter(s). 
     Although the system  110  and the means for controlling  30 ,  130  there may be of varied construction, configuration and operation, the function block diagram of  FIG. 2  is generally representative. Within the shown example, an adjusting element  140  is operatively connected to the pump motor and is also operatively connected to a control element  142  within the controller  130 . The control element  142  can operate in response to a comparative function  144 , which receives input from a power calculation  146 . 
     The power calculation  146  is performed utilizing information from the operation of the pump motor  124  and controlled by the adjusting element  140 . As such, a feedback iteration is performed to control the pump motor  124 . Also, it is the operation of the pump motor and the pump that provides the information used to control the pump motor/pump. As mentioned, it is an understanding that operation of the pump motor/pump has a relationship to the flow rate and/or pressure of the water flow that is utilized to control flow rate and/or flow pressure via control of the pump. 
     As mentioned, the sensed, determined (e.g., calculated, provided via a look-up table, graph or curve, such as a constant flow curve or the like, etc.) information can be utilized to determine the various performance characteristics of the pumping system  110 , such as input power consumed, motor speed, flow rate and/or the flow pressure. In one example, the operation can be configured to prevent damage to a user or to the pumping system  10 ,  110  caused by an obstruction. Thus, the means for controlling (e.g.,  30  or  130 ) provides the control to operate the pump motor/pump accordingly. In other words, the means for controlling (e.g.,  30  or  130 ) can repeatedly monitor one or more performance value(s)  146  of the pumping system  10 , 110 , such as the input power consumed by, or the speed of, the pump motor (e.g.,  24  or  124 ) to sense or determine a parameter indicative of an obstruction or the like. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3-4 , in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the pumping system  10 ,  110  can include one or more auxiliary devices  50  operably connected to the means for controlling  30 ,  130 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the auxiliary devices  50  can include various devices, including mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical devices, that can be connected to the means for controlling  30 ,  130  in various mechanical and/or electrical manners. In one example, the auxiliary devices  50  can include devices configured to perform an operation upon the water moved by the water pump  12 ,  112 . Various examples can include a water heating device  52 , a chemical dispersion device  54  for dispersing chemicals into the water, such as chlorine, bromine, ozone, etc., and/or a water dispersion device  56 , such as a water fountain or water jet. Further examples can include a filter arrangement  58  for performing a filtering operation upon the water, a second water pump  60  with a second pump motor  62  for moving the water, and/or a vacuum  64  device, such as a manual or automatic vacuum device for cleaning the swimming pool. 
     In another example, the auxiliary devices  50  can include a user interface device capable of receiving information input by a user, such as a parameter related to operation of the pumping system  10 ,  110 . Various examples can include a remote keypad  66 , such as a remote keypad similar to the keypad  40  and display  42  of the means for controlling  30 , a personal computer  68 , such as a desktop computer, a laptop, a personal digital assistant, or the like, and/or an automation control system  70 , such as various analog or digital control systems that can include programmable logic controllers (PLC), computer programs, or the like. The various user interface devices  66 ,  68 ,  70 , as illustrated by the remote keypad  66 , can include a keypad  72 , buttons, switches, or the like such that a user could input various parameters and information. In addition or alternatively, the user interface devices  66 ,  68 ,  70  can be adapted to provide visual and/or audible information to a user, and can include one or more visual displays  74 , such as an alphanumeric LCD display, LED lights, or the like, and/or a buzzer, loudspeaker, or the like (not shown). Thus, for example, a user could use a remote keypad  66  or automation system  70  to monitor the operational status of the pumping system  10 ,  110 . 
     In still yet another example, the auxiliary devices  50  can include various miscellaneous devices for interaction with the swimming pool. Various examples can include a valve  76 , such as a mechanically or electrically operated water valve, an electrical switch  78 , a lighting device  80  for providing illumination to the swimming pool and/or associated devices, an electrical or mechanical relay  82 , a sensor  84 , including but not limited to those sensors  34  discussed previously herein, and/or a mechanical or electrical timing device  86 . In addition or alternatively, the auxiliary device  50  can include a communication panel  88 , such as a junction box, switchboard, or the like, configured to facilitate communication between the means for controlling  30 ,  130  and various other auxiliary devices  50 . The various miscellaneous devices can have direct or indirect interaction with the water of the swimming pool and/or any of the various other devices discussed herein. It is to be appreciated that the various examples discussed herein and shown in the figures are not intended to provide a limitation upon the present invention, and that various other auxiliary devices  50  can be used. 
     The pumping system  10 ,  110  can also include means for providing two-way communication between the means for controlling  30 ,  130  and the one or more auxiliary devices  50 . The means for providing two-way communication can include various communication methods configured to permit information, data, commands, or the like to be input, output, processed, transmitted, received, stored, and/or displayed in a two-way exchange between the means for controlling  30 ,  130  and the auxiliary devices  50 . It is to be appreciated that the means for providing two-way communication can provide for control of the pumping system  10 ,  110 , or can also be used to provide information for monitoring the operational status of the pumping system  10 ,  110 . 
     The various communication methods can include half-duplex communication to provide communication in both directions, but only in one direction at a time (e.g., not simultaneously), or conversely, can include full duplex communication to provide simultaneous two-way communication. Further, the means for providing two-way communication can be configured to provide analog communication, such as through a continuous spectrum of information, or it can also be configured to provide digital communication, such as through discrete units of data, such as discrete signals, numbers, binary numbers, non-numeric symbols, letters, icons, or the like. 
     In various digital communication schemes, the means for providing two-way communication can be configured to provide communication through various digital communication methods. In one example, the means for providing two-way communication can be configured to provide digital serial communication. As such, the serial communication method can be configured to send and receive data one unit at a time in a sequential manner. Various digital serial communication specifications can be used, such as RS-232 and/or RS-485, both of which are known in the art. The RS-485 specification, for example, can include a two-wire, half-duplex, multipoint serial communication protocol that employs a specified differential form of signaling to transmit information. In addition or alternatively, the digital serial communication can be used in a master/slave configuration, as is known in the art. Various other digital communication methods can also be used, such as parallel communications (e.g., all the data units are sent together), or the like. It is to be appreciated that, despite the particular method used, the means for providing two-way communication can be configured to permit any of the various connected devices to transmit and/or receive information. 
     The various communication methods can be implemented in various manners, including customized cabling or conventional cabling, including serial or parallel cabling. In addition or alternatively, the communication methods can be implemented through more sophisticated cabling and/or wireless schemes, such as over phone lines, universal serial bus (USB), firewire (IEEE 1394), ethernet (IEEE 802.03), wireless ethernet (IEEE 802.11), bluetooth (IEEE 802.15), WiMax (IEEE 802.16), or the like. The means for providing two-way communication can also include various hardware and/or software converters, translators, or the like configured to provide compatibility between any of the various communication methods. 
     Further still, the various digital communication methods can employ various protocols including various rules for data representation, signaling, authentication, and error detection to facilitate the transmission and reception of information over the communications method. The communication protocols for digital communication can include various features intended to provide a reliable exchange of data or information over an imperfect communication method. In the example of RS-485 digital serial communication, an example communication protocol can include data separated into categories, such as device address data, preamble data, header data, a data field, and checksum data. 
     The means for providing two-way communication can be configured to provide either, or both, of wired or wireless communication. In the example of RS-485 digital serial communication having a two-wire differential signaling scheme, a data cable  90  can include merely two wires, one carrying an electrically positive data signal and the other carrying an electrically negative data signal, though various other wires can also be included to carry various other digital signals. As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 7 , the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can include a data port  92  for connection to a data cable connector  94  of the data cable  90 . The data cable  90  can include a conventional metal wire cable, though it could also include various other materials, such as a fiber optic cable. The data cable  90  can be shielded to protect from external electrical interferences, and the data cable connector  94  can include various elements to protect against water and corrosion, such as a water resistant, twist lock connector. The data port  92  can even include a protective cover  95  or the like for use when the data cable  90  is disconnected. Further still, the various auxiliary devices  50  can be operably connected to the means for controlling  30 ,  130  directly or indirectly through various data cables  91 . 
     In addition or alternatively, the means for providing two-way communication can be configured to provide analog and/or digital wireless communication between the means for controlling  30  and the auxiliary devices  50 . For example, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  and/or the auxiliary devices can include a wireless device  98 , such as a wireless transmitter, receiver, or transceiver operating on various frequencies, such as radio waves (including cellular phone frequencies), microwaves, or the like. In addition or alternatively, the wireless device  98  can operate on various visible and invisible light frequencies, such as infrared light. As shown in FIG.  4 , the wireless device  98  can be built in, or provided as a separate unit connected by way of a data cable  93  or the like. 
     In yet another example, at least a portion of the means for providing two-way communication can include a computer network  96 . The computer network  96  can include various types, such as a local area network (e.g., a network generally covering to a relatively small geographical location, such as a house, business, or collection of buildings), a wide area network (e.g., a network generally covering a relatively wide geographical area and often involving a relatively large array of computers), or even the internet (e.g., a worldwide, public and/or private network of interconnected computer networks, including the world wide web). The computer network  96  can be wired or wireless, as previously discussed herein. The computer network  96  can act as an intermediary between one or more auxiliary devices  50 , such as a personal computer  68  or the like, and the means for controlling  30 ,  130 . Thus, a user using a personal computer  68  could exchange data and information with the means for controlling  30 ,  130  in a remote fashion as per the boundaries of the network  96 . In one example, a user using a personal computer  68  connected to the internet could exchange data and information (e.g., for control and/or monitoring) with the means for controlling  30 ,  130 , from home, work, or even another country. In addition or alternatively, a user could exchange data and information for control and/or monitoring over a cellular phone or other personal communication device. 
     In addition or alternatively, where at least a portion of the means for providing two-way communication includes a computer-network  96 , various components of the pumping system  10 ,  110  can be serviced and/or repaired from a remote location. For example, if the pump  12 ,  112  or means for controlling  30 ,  130  develops a problem, an end user can contact a service provider (e.g., product manufacturer or authorized service center, etc.) that can remotely access the problematic component through the means for providing two-way communication and the computer network  96  (e.g., the internet). Alternatively, the pumping system  10 ,  110  can be configured to automatically call out to the service provider when a problem is detected. The service provider can exchange data and information with the problematic component, and can service, repair, update, etc. the component without having a dedicated service person physically present in front of the swimming pool. Thus, the service provider can be located at a central location, and can provide service to any connected pumping system  10 ,  110 , even from around the world. In another example, the service provider can constantly monitor the status (e.g., performance, settings, health, etc.) of the pumping system  10 ,  110 , and can provide various services, as required. 
     As stated previously herein, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be adapted to control operation of the pump  12 ,  112  and/or the variable speed motor  24 ,  124 . The means for controlling  30 ,  130  can alter operation of the variable speed motor  24 ,  124  based upon various parameters of the pumping system  10 ,  110 , such as water flow rate, water pressure, motor speed, power consumption, filter loading, chemical levels, water temperature, alarms, operational states, or some other parameter that indicates performance of the pumping system  10 ,  110 . It is to be appreciated that the sensed parameter of operation may be otherwise associated with the operation performed upon the water, and/or can even be independent of an operation performed upon the water. As such, the sensed parameter of operation can be as simplistic as a flow indicative parameter such as rate, pressure, etc., or it can involve independent parameters such as time, energy cost, turnovers per day, relay or switch positions, etc. The parameters can be received by the means for controlling  30 ,  130  in various manners, such as through the previously discussed sensor arrangements  34 , user interfaces  31 ,  131  and/or the means for providing two-way communication. 
     Regardless of the methodology used, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be capable of receiving a parameter from one or more of the auxiliary devices  50  through the various means for providing two-way communication discussed herein. In one example, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be operable to alter operation of the motor  24 ,  124  based upon the parameter(s) received from the auxiliary device(s)  50 . For example, where a water heater  52  requires a particular water flow rate for proper operation, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could receive a desired water flow rate parameter from the water heater  52  through the means for providing two-way communication. In response, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could alter operation of the motor  24 ,  124  to provide the requested water performance characteristics. 
     However, it is to be appreciated that the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can also be capable of independently controlling the variable speed motor  24 ,  124  without receipt of a parameter from the auxiliary device(s)  50 . That is, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could operate in a completely autonomous fashion based upon a predetermined computer program or the like, and/or can receive parameters from operably connected sensor arrangements  34  or the like. In addition or alternatively, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can receive parameters from the onboard user interface  31 ,  131  and can selectively alter operation of the motor  24 ,  124  based upon the parameters received. 
     Additionally, where the means for controlling  30 ,  130  is capable of independent operation, it can also be operable to selectively alter operation of the motor  24 ,  124  based upon the parameters received from the auxiliary device(s)  50 . Thus, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can choose whether or not to alter operation of the motor  24 ,  124  when it receives a parameter from an auxiliary device  50 , such as a desired water flow rate from a water heater  52  or a user input parameter from a remote user interface device  66 . For example, where the pumping system  10 ,  110  is performing a particular function, such as a backwash cycle, or is in a lockout state, such as may occur when the system  10 ,  110  cannot be primed, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can choose to ignore a water flow rate request from the heater  52 . In addition or alternatively, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could choose to delay and/or reschedule altering operation of the motor  24 ,  124  until a later time (e.g., after the backwash cycle finishes). 
     Thus, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be configured to control operation of the variable speed motor  24 ,  124  independently, or in response to parameters received. However, it is to be appreciated that the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can also be configured to act as a slave device that is controlled by an automation system  70 , such as a PLC or the like. In one example, the automation system  70  can receive various parameters from various auxiliary devices  50 , and based upon those parameters, can directly control means for controlling  30 ,  130  to alter operation of the motor  24 ,  124 . It is to be appreciated that the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be configured to switch between independent control and slave control. For example, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be configured to switch between the control schemes based upon whether the data cable  90  is connected (e.g., switching to independent control when the data cable  90  is disconnected). 
     Turning to the issue of operation of the pumping system  10 , 110  over a course of a long period of time, it is typical that a predetermined volume of water flow is desired. For example, it may be desirable to move a volume of water equal to multiple turnovers within a specified time period (e.g., a day). Within an example in which the water operation includes a filter operation, the desired water movement (e.g., specific number of turnovers within one day) may be related to the necessity to maintain a desired water clarity. 
     Thus, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can be configured to optimize a power consumption of the motor  24 ,  124  based upon the parameter(s) received from the auxiliary device(s)  50 . Focusing on the aspect of minimal energy usage (e.g., optimization of energy consumed over a time period), within some known pool filtering applications, it is common to operate a known pump/filter arrangement for some portion (e.g., eight hours) of a day at effectively a very high speed to accomplish a desired level of pool cleaning. However, with the present invention, the system  10 , 110  with an associated filter arrangement  22 , 122  can be operated continuously (e.g., 24 hours a day, or some other time amount(s)) at an ever-changing minimum level to accomplish the desired level of pool cleaning. It is possible to achieve a very significant savings in energy usage with such a use of the present invention as compared to the known pump operation at the high speed. In one example, the cost savings would be in the range of 90% as compared to a known pump/filter arrangement. 
     Associated with operation of various functions and auxiliary devices  50  is a certain amount of water movement. Energy conservation in the present invention is based upon an appreciation that such other water movement may be considered as part of the overall desired water movement, cycles, turnover, filtering, etc. As such, water movement associated with such other functions and devices can be utilized as part of the overall water movement to achieve desired values within a specified time frame (e.g., turnovers per day). Thus, control of a first operation (e.g., filtering) in response to performance of a second operation (e.g., running a pool cleaner) can allow for minimization of a purely filtering aspect. This permits increased energy efficiency by avoiding unnecessary pump operation. 
     Accordingly, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can determine an optimal energy consumption for the motor  24 ,  124  over time based upon the parameter(s) received from the auxiliary device(s)  50  and associated first, second, etc. operations. In one example, the motor  24 ,  124  can be operated at a minimum water flow rate required to maintain adequate water filtration until a higher flow rate is required by a different water operation. In another example, based upon the various water performance characteristics required by each auxiliary device  50 , the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can determine in which order to perform the first, second, etc. operations, or for how long to perform the operations. In addition or alternatively, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  can optimize operation of the motor  24 ,  124  based upon actual performance data received from the auxiliary device(s)  50 . For example, where a filter arrangement  22 ,  122  has become clogged over time and requires an ever-increasing water flow or pressure, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could choose to simultaneously operate various other auxiliary devices  50  that require high water flow rates (e.g., a heater  52  or the like). Similarly, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could choose to delay various operations based upon receipt of actual performance data. For example, where a filter arrangement  22 ,  122  has become clogged over time and requires an ever-increasing water flow or pressure, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  could choose to delay operation of an automatic pool cleaner  64  until after the filter arrangement  22 ,  122  has been cleaned. 
     It is to be appreciated that the means for controlling (e.g.,  30  or  130 ) may have various forms to accomplish the desired functions. In one example, the means for controlling  30 ,  130  includes a computer processor that operates a program. In the alternative, the program may be considered to be an algorithm. The program may be in the form of macros. Further, the program may be changeable, and the means for controlling  30 ,  130  is thus programmable. It is to be appreciated that the programming for the means for controlling  30 ,  130  may be modified, updated, etc. through the means for providing two-way communication. 
     Also, it is to be appreciated that the physical appearance of the components of the system (e.g.,  10  or  110 ) may vary. As some examples of the components, attention is directed to  FIGS. 5-7 .  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the pump unit  12  and the means for controlling  30  for the system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of some of the components of the pump unit  12 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the means for controlling  30 . 
     In addition to the foregoing, a method of controlling the pumping system  10 ,  110  for moving water of a swimming pool is provided. The pumping system  10 ,  110  includes the water pump  12 ,  112  for moving water in connection with performance of an operation upon the water and the variable speed motor  24 ,  124  operatively connected to drive the pump  12 ,  112 . The method comprises the steps of providing means for controlling  30 ,  130  the variable speed motor  24 ,  124 , providing an auxiliary device  50  operably connected to the means for controlling  30 ,  130 , and providing two-way communication between the means for controlling  30 ,  130  and the auxiliary device  50 . The method also includes the steps of receiving a parameter to the means for controlling  30 ,  130  from the auxiliary device  50  through the two-way communication, and selectively altering operation of the motor  24 ,  124  based upon the parameter. In addition or alternatively, the method can include any of the various elements and/or operations discussed previously herein, and/or even additional elements and/or operations. 
     It should be evident that this disclosure is by way of example and that various changes may be made by adding, modifying or eliminating details without departing from the scope of the teaching contained in this disclosure. As such it is to be appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art will perceive changes, modifications, and improvements to the example disclosed herein. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.