Water pumping system for rooftop applications and the like

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a water pumping system. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a solar electric powered, siphon-capable water pumping systems specifically configured for use in rooftop and other applications having similar need and conditions. Advantageously, a water pumping system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is configured to prevent pooling of water in low-lying areas of a roof and thereby limits the potential for damage to the roof and underlying structure that could otherwise result from such pooling of the water.

主权项

1. A water pumping system, comprising:
a housing having at least one internal chamber, wherein at least one water inlet passage and at least one water outlet passage extends between an exterior surface of the housing and an interior space of the at least one internal chamber; a power control module located in the at least one internal chamber, wherein the power control module includes a water pump power output interface, a pump actuation signal interface and a power input interface, wherein the power control module intermittently outputs electrical power to the water pump power output interface for each instance of a prescribed time period during which a water level signal is provided at the water presence signal interface, wherein the power control intermittently outputting electrical power to the water pump power output interface includes the power control module outputting a plurality of pump priming electrical power pulses followed by at least one siphon-maintaining electrical power pulse; a water level sensing device located within the at least one internal chamber, wherein the water level sensing device is electrically connected to the pump actuation signal interface of the power control module for enabling the water presence signal to be provided therefrom to the pump actuation signal interface when the water level sensing device detects a pump actuation condition exists; a water pump located within the at least one internal chamber and having a water outlet thereof connected to the at least one water outlet passage of the housing, wherein the water pump is electrically connected to the water pump power output interface of the power control module for enabling the intermittently outputted electrical power to be provided thereto and wherein the water pump is operable in a non-powered state for causing water to flow through a passage extending between a water inlet of the water pump and the water outlet of the water pump by a siphon effect initiated by priming the passage extending between the water inlet of the water pump and the water outlet of the water pump with water as a result of at least one period of electrical power provided to the water pump during the instance of the intermittent output of electrical power to the water pump power output interface; and at least one solar electric panel mounted on the housing, wherein the at least one solar electric panel is electrically connected to the power input interface of the power control module.