DPCP Well Pump/ Solar Pump Controller
The DCPC is a DC Pump Controller for solar pumps and well pumps supplied with battery. It can also be used with DC pumps running from a power supply.
The main functionalities are:
- Monitors battery level.
- Stops the pump when battery is low. Starts the pump once the battery is charged.
- Suitable for lead-acid & lithium batteries.
- Monitors fluid level and stops the pump accordingly.
- Stop the pump when tank is full (or empty).
- Starts the pump when the tank reaches below a level (or above).
- 2 fluid level sensor ports.
- 2 contact ports for detecting relay closure (water pressure switches / contact switches).
- 1" display screen for user interaction.
- 3 buttons for user input.
- Serial port for programming or debug.
- Arduino based (program like an Arduino UNO).
- Open source firmware.
- 30A rated pump output.
- Suitable for 12V/24V batteries and pumps.
- Optional RF capability for remote control and monitoring.
Typical Installation
A typical installation is presented below.
Note the following
- The level sensor can either be set in a container for emtying or filling.
- There are two level sensor ports if both emptying and filling control are required together.
- The DCPC can be connected directly to the battery or on the solar charger output port.
This is an example of a DCPC fitted inside an enclosure for a solar pump installation.
See more information here. DCPC Enclosure
Compatible Pumps
Any 12V or 24V DC Pumps can be controlled with the DCPC. This would commonly be a submerssible pump.
This controller is not compatible with 3 wire DC motors (also known as BLDC).
LCD Oled Display
The pump controller has a 128x64 Oled display for user interactions. There are also 3 buttons for user input. These are marked UP DOWN and OK.
Level Sensor
Level sensor ports are 4/20mA inputs. They can accomodate any sensor using this output.
They can either be water level sensors or pressure sensors.
Water level sensors
These will be used to monitor the level of a tank either for filling or emptying.
We recommend the TL-136. There are options from 1m to 5m max depth.
Pressure sensor
Monitoring the pressure inside the water line might be required for some cases.
The sensor below is a good candidate offering pressure ranges from 2 to 120bars (30 to 1700psi).
Contact Ports
The controller features two dedicated ports for detecting contact closures.
These ports support a variety of actuator types, including:
- Pressure switches
- Operator switches (manual ON/OFF)
- Level float switches
- Reed float switches
Pump activation can be configured to trigger on either the opening or closing of the switch.
Examples
RF Control and Monitoring
An optional RFM69 RF module can be added to the DCPC to enable remote monitoring and control.
Hardware Sourcing
The module can be purchased from:
- Adafruit: Comes with the RFM69 module pre-mounted.
- LeChacal.com: Requires manual soldering of the RFM69 chip.
Interfacing Options
Once the RF module is installed, the DCPC can communicate with:
- Raspberry Pi using our RPIRFM69 Hat
- Arduino using our RFM69 Remote Control
- Any third-party device equipped with a compatible RFM69 module
Firmware
Factory Firmware
The factory firmware usage is explained in this guide.
Programming & Debug Port
The DCPC has a FTDI connector to connect to a computer for either programming or firmware debugging and data output.
A FTDI to USB converter is required. This can be found in our shop here.
Programming
The DCPC unit is sold with the firmware flashed ready to operate. This step is only necessary to upload a new version of the firmware.
It is programmed using the Arduino IDE which can be downloaded for free here.
When programming select board type "Arduino UNO".