DPCP Well Pump/ Solar Pump Controller
The DCPC is a DC Pump Controller. It is particularily intended 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 and stop the pump when battery is low.
- Starts the pump once the battery is charged.
- Battery levels are user adjusted.
- Suitable for lead-acid & lithium batteries / Super Capacitors
- Monitor fluid level and stop 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.
- Level triggers can be set for either filling or emptying tanks.
- 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 relay.
- Suitable for 12V and 24V batteries and pumps.
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.
Compatible Pumps
Any 12V or 24V DC Pumps can be controlled with the DCPC. This would commonly be a submerssible pump.
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
The required level sensor is a 4/20mA type of level sensor.
We recommend the TL-136. There are options from 1m to 5m max depth.
Contact Port
There are two ports for detecting contact closure.
This would commonly be a water pressure switch to stop the pump when pressure is too high.
It can also be used to connect a manual switch to let the pump ON or OFF.
The activation of the pump can be configured on closure or opening of the switch.
This is a picture of a water pressure switch below.
An example of a switch to operate the pump is shown below.
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".