Tweet
Relay question for Dankoff slowpump
Hi folks,
This is my first post, so hello and thanks for being here. I am happy to have found this forum. I live in Panama and have a relatively large off-grid system mostly running on PV, with some microhydro and wind generation.
I am installing a Dankoff 1408 24VDC slow-pump. Unfortunately Dankoff has dropped the ball on their pump controllers (their Linear Current Booster). Their newly designed DSP200 Pump Controller can't handle high sufficient amps for their pumps when dealing with a high head (which increases total amps being pulled).
So I have to come up with another solution.
We're looking at 280ft head, which according to the Dankoff 1408-24 info will require around 8 to 9 amps, at 24 VDC. So I want everything to handle at least 15 amps at a minimum (for safety and spikes, etc).
The float switches Dankoff have are low amps. Not suitable. In fact most float switches I see are low amps. So I started to look at other options. I need something that will turn the pump OFF when the source tank is empty.
One option is to buy a high amp bilge pump switch.
One issue I see with this is that it means I have to run cable suitable for 24VDC at aprox 10 amps from the panel, to the switch (in the bottom of a tank) and out to the pump. Seems like heavy cable overkill to me.
The switch I was considering getting for this application is this one: http://www.spx.com/en/johnson-pump-m...ultima-switch/
My concern is the wiring issue pointed out above, and also that in the manual it says not to run it on an AC/DC inverter. We were playing to have an AC/DC inverter in place for backup power and for potential emergency operation at night (if and when required). I've not been able to speak to anyone at SPX Johnson as of yet, to find out why running on an inverter would be an issue.
The other option I see is that I could use a relay. But I don't really know enough about this to move forward. Aside from my interest in people's thoughts on the above points, this is what brought me here asking for help.
So far I understand that if I use a relay I will need to also include a battery into the system. Which means I'll also need a charger that can keep the battery charged from the 300 watt panel we have for this pump.
I understand the relay needs to be able to handle at least 24VDC/15 amps in the coil. And that it will use a lesser current for the switch.
But that's as far as I got, at which point I am feeling a bit stuck.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. If I've missed out any pertinent details, please ask.
With my regards,
John
This is my first post, so hello and thanks for being here. I am happy to have found this forum. I live in Panama and have a relatively large off-grid system mostly running on PV, with some microhydro and wind generation.
I am installing a Dankoff 1408 24VDC slow-pump. Unfortunately Dankoff has dropped the ball on their pump controllers (their Linear Current Booster). Their newly designed DSP200 Pump Controller can't handle high sufficient amps for their pumps when dealing with a high head (which increases total amps being pulled).
So I have to come up with another solution.
We're looking at 280ft head, which according to the Dankoff 1408-24 info will require around 8 to 9 amps, at 24 VDC. So I want everything to handle at least 15 amps at a minimum (for safety and spikes, etc).
The float switches Dankoff have are low amps. Not suitable. In fact most float switches I see are low amps. So I started to look at other options. I need something that will turn the pump OFF when the source tank is empty.
One option is to buy a high amp bilge pump switch.
One issue I see with this is that it means I have to run cable suitable for 24VDC at aprox 10 amps from the panel, to the switch (in the bottom of a tank) and out to the pump. Seems like heavy cable overkill to me.
The switch I was considering getting for this application is this one: http://www.spx.com/en/johnson-pump-m...ultima-switch/
My concern is the wiring issue pointed out above, and also that in the manual it says not to run it on an AC/DC inverter. We were playing to have an AC/DC inverter in place for backup power and for potential emergency operation at night (if and when required). I've not been able to speak to anyone at SPX Johnson as of yet, to find out why running on an inverter would be an issue.
The other option I see is that I could use a relay. But I don't really know enough about this to move forward. Aside from my interest in people's thoughts on the above points, this is what brought me here asking for help.
So far I understand that if I use a relay I will need to also include a battery into the system. Which means I'll also need a charger that can keep the battery charged from the 300 watt panel we have for this pump.
I understand the relay needs to be able to handle at least 24VDC/15 amps in the coil. And that it will use a lesser current for the switch.
But that's as far as I got, at which point I am feeling a bit stuck.
Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. If I've missed out any pertinent details, please ask.
With my regards,
John
Comment