Control cabinet for drainage pumps shun. Water pump control cabinet

If you are the owner country house or dachas with autonomous water supply, then you have probably at least once wondered how to make sure that pump equipment worked more efficiently and longer, and also had several convenient operating modes. In addition, sometimes two pumps are used at once to provide the house with water and water the garden, so it is necessary to coordinate and automate their operation. You will get the answer to all your questions when you find out what a pump control cabinet is and why it is needed.

The main purpose of distribution cabinets is to control the electric motor of one or several pumping units at once. In this case, the type of pump does not matter. This can be submersible equipment or a well or drainage pump.

Moreover, the purpose of pumping equipment may be different. For example, a submersible type unit is needed for efficient operation heating system, arranging the water supply of a country house or creating a fire extinguishing system. But the drainage pump, together with the control cabinet, is useful for pumping liquid.

Worth knowing: the scope of use of control cabinets is quite extensive. They are successfully used at housing and communal services facilities, as well as industrial enterprises. In addition, cabinets are actively used by private individuals for arranging autonomous water supply.

If you install a control cabinet to coordinate the operation of the well pump, you will finally find long-awaited peace and relaxation, since from now on you do not need to monitor the operation of the equipment, all this will be done by the automation located in the cabinet. In this case, this device will be able to perform the following functions:

• the equipment will ensure safe and smooth starting of the pump unit engine;
• automation will be able to regulate the operation of the frequency converter;
• in addition, the device will monitor the pressure in the system, the water level, as well as its temperature, which is very important for the timely switching on and off of pumping equipment.

The functions of control cabinets for two or more pumps are even more extensive:

• if the unit notices that one of the pumps is operating in emergency mode, it will immediately connect the second pump to operation;
• since the automation of the control cabinet will regulate the alternating operation of each pump, the overall wear and tear of the pumping units will occur later;
• if one of the pumps long time will be without work, the equipment will be able to protect it from silting;
• Thanks to this device, you can manually block the operation of one of the pumps;
• cabinet automation has different programs for controlling several pumps;
• if necessary, you can obtain complete data on the operation of each unit separately.

What's included?

The control cabinet for pumping equipment may have different contents depending on the number of pumps being serviced. We will look at the cabinet configuration using the example of a device that will serve a submersible pump with asynchronous electric motors alternating current. The package includes the following components:

1. External panel for control and configuration.
2. Various switches and buttons for performing actions to control pumping equipment.
3. A frequency converter.
4. A device for measuring water pressure, which will allow you to automatically regulate the operation of pumping equipment.
5. A dry operation protection relay is necessary to ensure that the unit cannot operate after the water level drops, which can lead to its failure.
6. To notify about different situations and enabled functions, the cabinet is equipped with various light indicators (light bulbs).
7. Special switches that allow you to turn off the engine and frequency converters.
8. Thermal sensor.
9. Equipment for manual and automatic control load.

It’s worth knowing: in principle, the cabinet’s operation is designed to automatically control the operation of pumping equipment. But if necessary, you can switch to manual control mode.

Operating principle

Operating principle in automatic mode looks like that:

1. When automatic mode is activated, the frequency converter smoothly starts the submersible pump motor.
2. It keeps it on until the water pressure in the system reaches the set maximum.
3. After this, the equipment turns off the pump.
4. The same thing happens during active water extraction - the pump operates until peak water consumption stops and the pressure rises. As a result, the frequency decreases and the unit turns off.

The equipment body is made of metal. There are cabinets designed for wall mounting, while other units are designed for floor mounting only. The main purpose of any product is to control system parameters and select the most suitable operating mode of the electric motor. Thanks to their use, it is possible to reduce energy consumption and prevent damage to the electric motor.

Cabinet Operation

Pump control cabinets are sold with detailed instructions and diagrams that are worth studying before you start using the product. The diagram shows the exact location electronic filling, structure, pump connection points, as well as the location of devices to protect the engine.

Cabinet maintenance (cleaning, repair or inspection) must be carried out with the power supply turned off. In this case, the light labeled “network” should not be lit. The cabinets use replaceable filters for ventilation grilles. They need to be changed when they become dirty.

Besides regular cleaning The fan and radiator of the frequency converter are subject to. The fastening screws at the connection points must be tightened periodically. This will ensure uninterrupted operation of the equipment.

The operation of control cabinets is designed for positive temperature conditions, so these units should be installed only in heated rooms.

How to choose a cabinet?

Majority famous manufacturers pumping equipment produces ready-to-use cabinets. However, if necessary, you can order its production with the operating parameters you need. To do this, it is necessary to take into account the following characteristics:

1. Options and total number engines. In this case, the rotation speed, power of the device and operating voltage are important.
2. Type of control (remote, manual or automatic).
3. In what mode should the engine start (using a frequency converter, direct mode, smooth or combined).
4. You also need to take into account the conditions in which the equipment will operate (temperature, humidity).

Regarding the purchase finished product control, then when choosing it you need to pay attention to the load performance and build quality, as well as the compatibility of the system with the equipment being serviced.

Tip: when choosing a cabinet, pay attention to the year it was manufactured. It’s good if it coincides with the production date of the pumping equipment. This way you can choose compatible models.

Popular models

1. Range of Grundfos cabinets quite extensive. It contains products with different configurations and technical characteristics. Some models have protection against dry running, low voltage and phase failure. However, they all can:
   • manage pumping equipment;
   • automatically start the unit after a long period of inactivity;
   • control the water level and display data on the display panel;
   • regulate the operation of equipment;
   • such products can be used in the temperature range from -20 to +40°C;
   • All equipment of this brand comes with a two-year warranty.

1. Alpha Control cabinets reliably protect pumping equipment from negative factors that cause units to fail. They can work with any pump models. These products are designed for connection to a 220 and 380 V network. The “D” marking in the designation will indicate that the model can be used to control two pumps.

There are several types of pumping units, each of which solves specific tasks. There are installations for hot and cold water supply systems, for heating and air conditioning, for fire extinguishing systems, sewage systems and other areas of application. After installing and filling out a test report for pumping equipment, it can operate around the clock, 365 days a year. Service life varies from 7 to 25 years, depending on the application. To extend the service life of pumping equipment, control cabinets are used. They control the electric drives of pumping units.

Control cabinets are designed in such a way that it is possible to coordinate the operation of the equipment both automatically and manually. They help monitor changes in the operation of pump systems, allowing you to use it as efficiently as possible. If operating modes are selected optimally, the risks of malfunctions are reduced, energy consumption is reduced, and the overall service life is increased.

The most common are 2 types of cabinets: with relay and frequency control. The first type of automation is used in heat supply systems, hot and cold water supply. This equipment can be used to control several types of pumps at once: booster, well, make-up and circulation. If we are talking about ventilation systems, then relay automation is used to coordinate the operation of asynchronous fan motors.

Relay controlled cabinets

The controls of this equipment control the correct phase rotation so that they do not disappear. The process of voltage change is also monitored. Connecting a pressure switch makes it possible to avoid accidental operation of the pumping station in the absence of water. Thanks to stopping the electric motors and smooth starting, the absence of water hammer is guaranteed.

SDS - Russian manufacturer industrial pumping equipment. It is engaged in the production and supply of its products throughout the Russian Federation. We are developing optimal projects for each client according to his needs.

All these advantages of operating a control cabinet with a frequency converter not only significantly save resources, but also reduce the cost of operating and repairing pumping equipment. In addition, it allows you to reduce energy costs by 30%.

The SDS company produces pumping units for hot and cold water supply systems, for heating and air conditioning, for fire extinguishing systems and for sewerage. Another activity of the company is the production of automatic cabinets. From us you can purchase high-quality cabinets with branded components from leading global manufacturers. We guarantee high performance, functionality and reliability of our equipment. In addition, upon agreement, our company modernizes pumping equipment, which also extends its service life.

The pump control cabinet is a mandatory element of an autonomous water supply system built on the basis of a submersible unit. After all, the pump buried in the well will have to be controlled remotely. And not only to control - any unit needs control units and safety blocks. Without these elements, the pump will simply burn out.

Moreover, all the above components need to be mounted somewhere. As a result, there is a need to integrate into the structure of the water supply system a special control cabinet for the well pump - a place where all control, control and safety units are collected. And in this article we will look at the purpose, configuration and typical types of control cabinets.

Using a control cabinet you can solve several problems at once:

• Firstly, it controls the operation of the pump motor. Moreover, both manual and automatic control modes are possible.
• Secondly, it monitors such operational parameters autonomous system water supply, such as: pressure in pipes, water temperature, liquid level in the well. Moreover, all of the above parameters directly affect the operating modes of the pump.
• Thirdly, it equalizes the characteristics of the current supplied to the pump motor terminals and regulates the speed of rotation of the unit shaft (both at start and in case of stop).

In addition, the control cabinet can serve both one pump and several units.

Moreover, control of two (or more) pumps involves expanding the functionality of the cabinet (or rather its contents) due to the following options:

• Monitoring the frequency of operation of units. That is, the control units alternate between the first or second pump, ensuring uniform wear of the machine part of these units. As a result, the service life of pressure equipment is doubled.
• Monitoring the continuity of operation of units. That is, if the first pump fails, but the well will continue to operate on the backup (second) line.
• Monitoring the functionality of units. That is, different pumps can be connected to such a device. As a result, the user no longer needs a separate control cabinet for fire pumps and a control cabinet for drainage units - all functions are combined in one housing, equipped with appropriate control units and synchronization of the operation of pressure equipment.

In a word, such a cabinet is the concentration of controls for all engineering communications buildings associated with the supply, removal or drainage of water.

Standard configuration

Control cabinet submersible pump any type - drainage, fire, water supply - consists of the following elements:

• Housing – standard metal box, designed for installation of electrical equipment.
• Front panel - it is created on the basis of the cover (door) of the case, into which the “Start” and “Stop” buttons are built. In addition, on the front side there are operation indicators (pumps and sensors) and a relay for switching between manual and automatic operating modes.
• Phase control unit - it is connected at the “entrance” to the cabinet hardware. It consists of three sensors that monitor the load on the phases.
• Contactor - a switch that supplies energy to the pump terminals and disconnects the unit from the power supply.
• A fuse is a special relay with a fusible element that neutralizes the consequences of a short circuit. In the event of a short circuit or “breakdown”, the fuse element will burn out, and not the contents of the cabinet and the motor winding.
• Control unit - it controls the operating modes of the pump. Moreover, the obligatory elements of this block are: a pump switch-off sensor, a pump switch-on sensor, and an overflow sensor. Moreover, the outputs (terminals) of the sensors are inserted both into the well and into the hydraulic tank. After all, it is the control unit that controls the operation of the contactor that turns the pump on and off. Moreover, when the tank overflows or the water level in the well decreases, the pump turns off, and when the water level in the tank decreases, it turns on. However, in the end, these blocks automate the operation of the entire autonomous water supply system. And according to this automation scheme, both the drainage pump control cabinet and the water supply unit control cabinet operate. After all, the role of the tank is drainage system the same septic tank or drain well plays.
• Frequency converter - it controls the shaft speed asynchronous electric motor, increasing or decreasing the rotation speed at the moment of starting or stopping the unit.
• Temperature and pressure sensors - they are connected to the contactor and prevent an attempt to start the unit in cases unacceptable under operating conditions (when high blood pressure or pipe icing)

A similar configuration scheme for control cabinets is adopted as the basis by most manufacturers of such equipment. However, every company strives to implement standard diagram its design solution, which increases the competitiveness of the product.

Yes, control cabinet Grundfos pumps equipped with shaft speed control sensors - a kind of gearbox that allows you to select one of the operating modes, including a low-noise “night” one. In addition, Grundfos cabinets have special blocks - thermal relays, with the help of which they control the temperature of the flow inside the pipe, which is very popular in heating systems. And some models of Grundfos cabinets are controlled remotely, including via the Internet.

In turn, the Wilo pump control cabinet is also equipped with modern blocks remote control. However, in addition to this option, Wilo cabinets also have completely special control relays, with which you can “program” the operation of the entire system with a 24-hour cycle. In addition, products from Wilo are famous for their frequency controllers, which reduce the energy consumption of pressure equipment.

The domestic pump control cabinet Grantor is equipped with special circuits that control the operation of fire extinguishing systems. This scheme is promoted by the manufacturer itself, which participates in the federal target program for increasing the level of fire safety.

There are no such blocks agreed upon and approved by all regulatory authorities at the federal level in any pump control device.

Maintenance and repair

Maintenance of control cabinets does not differ from similar procedures carried out with other electrical devices. That is, all manipulations come down to timely replacement of faulty units, cleaning filters, tightening contacts, and so on.

Repair of control cabinets is carried out by replacing a failed unit with a new, functional device. Moreover, after each installation of a new element, the operation of the cabinet should be adjusted.

That's why renovation work should only be carried out in service centers, equipped with special test benches, on which the operation of all units of the device is checked.

The pump control cabinet is used to service sewage and drainage pumps equipped with AC electric motors. The main task of the cabinet is to monitor fluctuations in system parameters and determine the best operating modes for electric motors. This reduces energy consumption and protects pump motors from unwanted and unacceptable operating conditions.

Applications and functions of pump control cabinets

The pump control unit performs several functions at once important functions. These include:

• Starting and stopping the pump in automatic mode;
• Manual start of pumping equipment for its maintenance;
• Automatic start of an additional pump in the event of a breakdown of the main unit;
• Automatic alternation of operation of several pumps for uniform operation time;
• Protection of the pump motor from short circuit and overload;
• Automatic protection of pumping equipment against dry running.

Thanks to the large list of tasks that the control cabinet solves, it is used in many areas of human activity. Most often it is used in production to control drainage pumps. Cabinets are also actively used to control lifting stations in production and construction. The shields are used by many utility companies and rescue services.

Standard set of blocks

Most models of switchboards used to control the pump have almost the same configuration. It consists of the following elements:

• Metal case rectangular shape. On the front side of the housing there is a pump control panel. The dimensions and design of the case may vary, but it always contains the “Start” and “Stop” buttons;
• A manual switch that allows you to turn pumping equipment on and off;
• Protective fuse;
• Block with frequency converters allowing to control the operation of asynchronous motors;
• Automatic pump control systems that turn the unit on and off in scheduled and emergency modes;
• A set of sensors that control pumps by pressure and water level;
• Thermal relay;
• Light signaling in the form of a set of light bulbs.

Each of the listed elements from the cabinet set plays important role in system. The functions of the control unit depend on the number of pumps. If there are more than two, then the device is responsible for alternately switching the units.

The temperature sensor protects the equipment from overheating - this is often required when working with a submersible pump in wells with low flow rates. The electronic pump control unit turns off the unit and turns it back on when certain operating conditions occur.

As a rule, the assembly of the pump control cabinet is carried out in special conditions if there is necessary tools and materials. At the same time, it is quite possible to assemble the components into a single system with your own hands. To do this, you will need to study examples of electronic technical circuits, which will make it possible to understand the correctness and procedure for assembly. To consider examples, we will use the cabinet model 0.18-15 from Rubezh. This system is used for automatic and manual control of the pumping station. The control diagram for such a cabinet is shown in the image below.

The manufacturer of this model managed to implement 19 modifications, differing in the power of electric motors - from 0.18 to 110 kW. The following parts are located inside the cabinet body:

• Automatic type switch;
• Protective relay;
• Contactor;
• Controller;
• Auxiliary power supply.

To connect the model to the electrical network, you will need to use a cable with a cross section of 0.3–0.4 mm 2. An example of a connection diagram is shown in the image below.

Installation of monitoring stations – what should you know?

All pump control cabinets have complex design and operate on electrical power. They must be installed, operated and maintained strictly in accordance with the instructions specified by the manufacturer. There are a number of rules that must be followed, regardless of the model and configuration of the cabinet. These rules include:

• The system must be installed in a room that is protected from explosions;
• Humidity and air temperature in the room must correspond to the parameters specified by the manufacturer;
• The characteristics of the cabinet must correspond to the parameters of all elements of the equipment;
• For connection, you should use a cable whose cross-section will comply with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Control stations that are used in everyday life are subject to the same requirements as industrial systems. Their installation should be carried out in a dry room, which will be convenient for servicing the units.

It is necessary to connect the equipment only after final installation water supply systems, cable wiring and contact insulation.

Equipment maintenance and technical support

Many manufacturing companies claim that the pump control cabinets they produce do not require any maintenance. At the same time, cabinets need regular checks of key elements.

Before checking or replacing elements, the system should be disconnected from electrical power and eliminate the possibility restart. You will also need to check the reliability of all fasteners and connections. To avoid mistakes during repairs, you need to carefully study the operating instructions for the equipment. It contains a list possible malfunctions and ways to eliminate them. For example, one of the typical breakdowns is the failure of the light to indicate that the cabinet is connected to electrical network. There may be several reasons for this malfunction - lack of voltage and breakage of the circuit breaker. According to the instructions, the repair requires replacing the switch or adjusting the electrical supply.

If a malfunction occurs that cannot be solved on your own, you will have to contact a service center for help.

They know well how difficult it is to provide quality work pumping equipment and extend its service life without automatic system management. This compact and extremely useful technical unit has an improved version known as a control cabinet.

The main purpose of the cabinet is optimization of electric motor operation and, of course, energy saving.

Any equipment of this type is designed, first of all, for careful energy consumption due to balanced control of the pump motor. The cabinet can be used to display automation from several pumps at once. And the variety of models of this unit allows it to be used to work with the most different types pumping equipment - drainage, water supply (submersible and borehole), and even heating.

How does it work

The cabinet is a square or rectangular design made of metal. On the cabinet door there is a front panel equipped with indicators and start buttons. The following components are located inside the housing:

• a unit for monitoring electrical voltage on phases, equipped with sensors;
• a safety device in the form of a relay in case of a short circuit (protects the electric motor winding and all cabinet components);
• block for controlling pump operating modes;
• contacts with terminals for connecting power supply (temperature and pressure sensors are also connected to them);
• relay for automatic control of pump operation (programmable unit) - not all models have it.