engine control electronics - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: darinsquared
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2020, 11:17:25 am
content: I have a remote water well that I use to fill a water tank. It is off grid so I use a gas engine pump. I want to start the pump and be able to let is fill the tank and shutoff automatically when full. I know how to make a sensor to determine the tank water level. Is there a way to control the power switch on the pump motor?Also I would put a sensor in the well so in the event the water level gets below the intake the motor will shut off. As well I want to retain the manual shut off switch.

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2020, 11:48:04 am
content: You are not very clear.Do you mean a gas engine generator on the ground and an electric submersible pump in the well?What are the start electrics on the generator? Do you have to hold a button to start it or does a short press start it?There is a battery involved here?

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 03, 2020, 04:36:14 pm
content: .

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 03, 2020, 05:26:38 pm
content: This seems like something that is easily accomplished with just about any microcontroller and suitable sensors. The Arduino platform is the usual go-to for novices who just want to get something up and running quickly. I doubt you'll find a turnkey project, you'll have to break down the project into sections and tackle each one. I would start by coming up with a list of all the inputs and outputs, ie things that need to be monitored and things that need to be controlled and start finding suitable sensors.

author: darinsquared
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2020, 08:53:32 am
content: a gasoline motor centrifugal pump.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2020, 10:27:26 am
content: Quote from: darinsquared on October 03, 2020, 11:17:25 amUse a relay?The whole thing could be built with a few float switches and relays, but I'd put in some microcontroller.With a microcontroller you can make the circuit much more complicated and this in itself is a disadvantage.But this extra complexity can also increase reliability.For example, adding a timer in the uC to limit the run time of the motor can be a good idea.You can also use multiple level sensors, and generate some kind of alarm if those sensors disagree with each other.If there is coverage from a cellular network, you can even make it send text messages.Getting the microcontroller to work reliably in a rough environment is a big extra complication though.Have you already something to get electrical power for the circuit?This is yet another complication for electrical or electronical circuits in remote locations.But I assume the motor is started by some electrical switch, and it has a battery of it's own.If the motor has a pulling cord to start it, you may have to add some kind of starter motor.With a microcontroller and careful design, you can get the average current consumption down into the micro amps range, and it can run for multiple years from a set of 3 AA batteries, but that is yet another complication. But you'll have to do some kind of calculation on any the existing batteries and current consumption anyway.

author: Alti
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2020, 10:51:42 am
content: Get a 24VDC PLC.Once the water level gets too low, power up the PLC and trigger the whole sequence. It might be enough to charge up the battery while pumping but if not then maybe include some small PV.The goal here is not to fill up the water but to do it in a safe and reliable way, without damaging components.You do understand that the hose can get clogged, there can be a hole in the tank, a connector can get rusty, etc? Just make sure 20% of the code is for pumping and 80% for protection.If you do this in a proper way, without skimping on sealed cabinet, proper sensors and wiring with protection, it should work flawlessly for years without serious attendance.

author: Renate
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 04, 2020, 12:31:51 pm
content: You've given us practically no information, no photos, no models, no schematics.The biggest question is how much engine control supervision exists already.Will we have to do starter cutout ourselves?Will we have to do overcranking control ourselves?Is there a mechanical governor or will we have to do overspeed control too?Is the fuel pump mechanical or electric and will you want to prime it before cranking?Is there an alternator on this too? What is the battery voltage?The logic of whether we need water or not is the simplest part.