Re: [GBlist] deep well submersibles - AC or DC?

[Ron Byrd <byrdelc@directcon.net>]

Maybe you should consider a generator for the well pump. Not the most environmentally correct method. However, it may prove to be the most economical solution for your situation. Consider sizing the pump and generator to maximum efficiency that way your not just running extra generator capacity for nothing. Use a holding tank that is large enough to store several weeks of water this way you can reduce the amount of times you will need the generator. If you are really creative you can use a diesel generator then you could make your own bio diesel fuel.

The only way to pump water from that deep with PV is to use a VFD and a 3 phase motor. You have to wire your PV array for 300+ volts to get this to work. Look for Aero Viroment pump controllers. 

Harry wrote:

Hi Richard Be sure to look into the less common three wire AC pumps as they require significantly less amperage than the more common two wire pumps.  Even the best well drillers are not aware of this; talk to the pump manufacturer.  Also, to reduce loss, go a size or two heavier on the wire.  It may not be necessary, but you may want to consider two inverters to give you true 240v.  Be sure to consider emergency fire suppression in your calculations. Harry Schneider -----Original Message-----
From: Richard Averett [mailto:averettr@norwich.net]
Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 8:53 PM
To: Harry
Subject: Re: [GBlist] deep well submersibles - AC or DC?
 

Hi Harry, Yes, a bit far down to have to go...I was hoping to get by with a pump down about 250-300ft. and a 1/2HP pump (AC or DC) accompanied by 2 large pressurized storage tanks.  The AC pump is less expensive, but being off-grid I'll be needing all the watts I can generate. Richard

----- Original Message -----

From: Harry

To: 'Richard Averett' ; 'Greenbuilding group'

Sent: Sunday, January 20, 2002 6:51 PM

Subject: RE: [GBlist] deep well submersibles - AC or DC?

 500' plus, too much loss with DC, you need to go AC and create a holding tank - below ground tank if you are in a freeze area.  Discuss this withHarry Schneider 

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Averett [mailto:averettr@norwich.net]
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2002 12:58 PM
To: Greenbuilding group
Subject: [GBlist] deep well submersibles - AC or DC?
 

Group: We drilled a well on a hill top, and had to go down 500ft to get 3-5gpm.  The static level is about 100ft. below the ground. The PV system is 3Kw, but there is only one inverter (no 240 Volt). A DC deep submersible pump runs about $1500.  A 1/2 HP Gould (for example) will cost a few hundred dollars and run on 110V - BUT the system will still require a large holding tank and a 1/4 or 1/2HP DC pump (??) to pressurize the house. OR, I can use a 3/4 to 1 HP Gould pump with a step-up transformer (to produce 230volt) and a BIG storage tank (should I  have a concern about the load on the inverter??). What is the BEST way to handle this? Richard

--
Ron Byrd
Vice President
Sunstar Precision Energy Corporation
http://www.specbyrd.com
" We turn sunlight into SPEC energy "