AUTONOMOUS WATER EXTRACTION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE
An autonomous water extraction system is disclosed that includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power for a sump pump to extract water from a building having no live connection to a municipal power supply. A battery is electrically coupled to at least one of the solar-panel and a power module. The battery is operable to receive and store solar energy from the at least one of the solar-panel and the power module. An inverter is electrically coupled to the battery that is operable to convert a direct current from the battery into an alternating current for powering the sump pump. The sump pump extracts water when a water level sensor detects that the water level within the building exceeds a predetermined threshold. The sump pump is placed within a sump pit. The water discharges from the building through a discharge pipe.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/872,146 filed on Aug. 30, 2013, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to a system and method for extracting water from a building and, more particularly, relates to an autonomous system and method for extracting water from a basement of a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is well known that houses, especially basements, flood during heavy rainstorms, rapid snowmelts in the spring, and even during dry weather. Flooding can occur by seepage or flow of liquid through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup. Flooding can cause extensive damage to houses and personal property that is expensive to repair and replace. Likewise, flooding is inconvenient, as personal rehabilitation efforts must be exerted to repair or replace flooded houses and personal property.
Ideally, to combat flooding, every house with a basement should have an electric pump, i.e., a sump pump, that removes standing water. Electric pumps, though helpful, add to the utility expenses for the homeowner or occupant. Unfortunately, in houses where the electricity has been disconnected, the electric pumps are inoperable and therefore unable to remove standing water to prevent a flood. This problem is especially prevalent in the large number of houses in foreclosure that do not have a live connection to an electricity generating source, such as an electric grid. According to national statistics, since the month of September 2008, approximately 4.8 million foreclosures have been completed, with over 100,000 foreclosures occurring in the month of July 2014 alone.
Insurance companies often refuse to cover damage caused by flooding in foreclosed houses, when the electricity has been disconnected by banking institutions, credit unions, or the like. The electricity is disconnected for various liability reasons, e.g., the risk of an intruder entering the premises and becoming electrocuted. Accordingly, the banking institutions or newly purchasing homeowners are forced to bear the burden of paying for water extraction, repair and replacement expenses, etc., following a flood. For obvious reasons, newly purchasing homeowners are reluctant to purchase a house when faced with the expense and inconvenience of cleaning up the house after a flood. In one example, the cost of water extraction in the basement of a 3,500 square foot house with approximately 9.0 feet of standing water, is approximately $17,000. Obviously, this is an expensive burden for a banking institution or homeowner. In addition, the potential homeowner will never know if permanent damage to the foundation has occurred.
The flooding problems associated with the foreclosed houses also cause delays in the sales of the houses, which negatively impacts the economy as a whole. An additional problem presented by the flooding of foreclosed houses where the electricity has been disconnected, is that the foreclosed houses often sit for an extended time period, causing unsanitary conditions and health hazards. Likewise, since many foreclosed houses are abandoned, the gutters are not well-maintained. This lack of maintenance allows water to drain freely in a variety of places, further complicating the flooding problems. The aforementioned problems are not limited to residential properties, but rather exist with commercial properties as well.
Electricity running to houses or commercial properties may also cease to exist because of power outages during inclement weather, or because an electric grid simply does not provide electricity to the particular geographic location of the house or commercial property. Accordingly, a known alternative for obtaining electricity is through the use of gasoline or propane powered generators. Unfortunately, generators are typically noisy, require constant monitoring, and can become dangerous for users. Furthermore, users must purchase gasoline or propane to keep the generator running, which is inconvenient and costly.
Therefore, a need exists to overcome the problems with the prior art as discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe invention provides an autonomous system, kit, and method for water extraction that overcomes the hereinafore-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and that is designed to operate using electricity produced by solar-panels.
With the foregoing and other objects in view, there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a kit for autonomous water extraction from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The kit includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power and a mounting kit operable to mount the solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The kit also includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar-panel. The battery is operable to store an amount of solar energy from the solar-panel. The kit further includes a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery and operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building, and at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when a water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the kit includes a power module positioned a distance above a floor of the enclosed area of the building. The power module is removably coupled to the solar-panel and the battery. The power module is operable to transfer the amount of solar energy from the solar-panel to the battery, receive communication from the water level sensor, interpret the communication from the water level sensor, and activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area of the building throughout at least one predetermined length of time.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the predetermined length of time varies in accordance with information provided by the water level sensor.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the water level sensor is operable to deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the kit includes a lighting member operable to discharge light onto an outside surface of the building.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the kit includes a compact case that is operable to transport the kit.
In accordance with a further feature, the sump pump is operable for placement within a sump pit.
In accordance with an additional feature of the present invention, the kit includes a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end is removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defines an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the building.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the enclosed area is a basement and the building is a house.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of extracting water from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply, is provided. The method includes providing a kit for autonomous water extraction. The kit includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power and a mounting kit for mounting the solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The kit also includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar-panel. The battery is operable to store solar energy from the solar-panel. The kit further includes a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery that is operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building, and at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold. The method also includes activating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets the predetermined threshold, extracting a quantity of water from the enclosed area through a discharge pipe to an outside area of the building, and deactivating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area is below the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes joining a plurality of solar-panels together in an electrical system.
In accordance with a further feature of the present invention, the method includes connecting the solar-panel and the battery to a power module. The power module is operable to transfer an amount of solar energy from the solar-panel to the battery.
In accordance with yet another feature, the method includes providing the power module that is operable to receive communication from the water level sensor, interpret the communication from the water level sensor, activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area, and deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the power module is preprogrammed to activate the sump pump to operate for predetermined lengths of time.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes constructing a sump pit within a floor of the building and installing the sump pump within the sump pit.
In accordance with yet another feature of the present invention, the discharge pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end is removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defines an aperture for discharging the quantity of water to the outside area of the building.
In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the method includes transporting the kit in a compact case.
In accordance with a further feature, an embodiment of the present invention includes an autonomous water extraction system for use within a basement of a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The autonomous water extraction system includes at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power and a mounting kit for mounting the solar-panel on a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply. The autonomous water extraction system also includes a battery electrically coupled to the solar-panel and operable to receive and store solar energy from the solar-panel. An inverter is electrically coupled to the battery and operable to convert a direct current from the battery into an alternating current. A sump pump is electrically coupled to the inverter and operable to extract a quantity of water from the basement of the house. A sump pit is removably coupled to the sump pump. The sump pit defines an aperture for receiving the quantity of water. At least one water level sensor is operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the sump pit meets a predetermined threshold. The autonomous water extraction system further includes a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end. The first end is removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defines an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the house.
In accordance with one more feature, the autonomous water extraction system includes a power module positioned a distance from a floor of the basement. The power module is electrically coupled to the solar-panel. The power module is operable to receive solar energy from the solar-panel. The power module is also operable to receive communication from the water level sensor, interpret the communication from the water level sensor, activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the sump pit during a series of predetermined time periods, and deactivate the sump pump when the quantity of water is below the predetermined threshold.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an autonomous kit, system, and method for water extraction, it is, nevertheless, not intended to be limited to the details shown because various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of the invention.
Other features that are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. The figures of the drawings are not drawn to scale.
Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “providing” is defined herein in its broadest sense, e.g., bringing/coming into physical existence, making available, and/or supplying to someone or something, in whole or in multiple parts at once or over a period of time.
As used herein, the terms “about” or “approximately” apply to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. In this document, the term “longitudinal” should be understood to mean in a direction corresponding to an elongated direction of a solar-panel. The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as used herein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “software application” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computer system.
The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.
While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms.
The present invention provides a novel and efficient autonomous water extraction system and method for extracting water within an enclosed area of a building having no live connection to a municipal power supply. More specifically, the present invention is designed for use in basements of foreclosed houses that cease to have a municipal power supply, e.g., electricity from an electric grid. Embodiments of the present invention provide a solar powered sump pump for extracting the water from the enclosed area, e.g., the basement. Advantageously, the sump pump can be preprogrammed to operate when a water level sensor indicates that the water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold, i.e., autonomously. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a kit for autonomous water extraction that can be easily transported in a compact case to different buildings in various geographical locations. The present invention eliminates the expenses associated with repairing flooded houses and replacing damaged personal items, e.g., cleaning expenses, replacement expenses for doors, base trim, windows, flooring, and the like, electrical and plumbing repair expenses, etc. The present invention also eliminates the many inconveniences involved in cleaning up a house after a flood. Generally speaking, the present invention benefits the economy as a whole, because houses in foreclosure are likely to sell faster when flood related repair expenses and inconveniences are eliminated. In addition, the present invention eliminates the risk of unsanitary conditions that otherwise exist in houses, e.g., foreclosed houses, exposed to water for a time period following a flood.
Referring now to
In one embodiment, the autonomous water extraction system 100 is designed to extract water from the building 104 to prevent the building 104 from flooding. The term “flood” or “flooding” is defined herein as including a quantity of water that is above a standard level for the particular location. Flooding may occur through anyone one of a number of events, e.g., natural disasters, heavy rain, seepage from a water source such as a hose, etc.
The first example of an autonomous water extraction system 100, as shown in
With reference to
In one embodiment, the solar-panel 106 is manufactured by Unlimited Solar Inc R. In one embodiment, the solar-panel 106 provides approximately 25.0 to 50.0 watts of usable power. In other embodiments, the solar-panel 106 may supply a quantity of power outside of this range. The amount of power generated by the solar-panel 106 will vary, depending on factors such as the number of solar cells 206 within the solar-panel 106, the overall surface area of the solar cells 206 exposed to the sunlight, the orientation and tilt angle of the solar cells 206 within the solar-panel 106, the duration of exposure to the sunlight, the intensity of the sunlight, and the efficiency rate of the solar-panel 106. The “efficiency rate” is defined herein as the rate at which the solar cells convert the solar energy into usable power. In one embodiment, the efficiency rate of the solar-panel 106 is approximately 15% to 20%. In other embodiments, the efficiency rate may be outside of this range. As an added advantage, the solar-panels 106 eliminate the need for gaining electricity through gasoline or propane powered generators, which are costly due to the need for purchasing gasoline or propane, noisy, inconvenient, and dangerous.
Referring now to
The angle range 310 of the tilt arm 302 may be adjusted using a plurality of adjusting fasteners 304. The adjusting fasteners 304 may be bolts, screws, a combination of bolts, lock washers, and nuts, or another similar fastening mechanism. The mounting kit 108 also includes a foot-mount 306 having a plurality of mounting fasteners 308 operable to secure the solar-panel 106 in a fixed position. The mounting fasteners 308 may be bolts, U-bolts, molly bolts, steel clamps, screws, tapcon screws, a combination of bolts, lock washers, and nuts, or another similar fastening mechanism. In another embodiment, the mounting kit 108 may be used to mount the solar-panel 106 in the horizontal position on another part or structure of the building. In yet another embodiment, the mounting kit 108 may be operable to mount the solar-panel 106 to another location proximal to the building 104 in at least one of the horizontal and a vertical position. The location may be a detached garage, a pole, a sidewalk, etc.
Referring now to
Referring again to
The power module 112 is operable to receive solar energy from the solar-panel 106, to transfer the solar energy to a battery 118. With brief reference to
Referring again to
The battery 118 is electrically coupled to an inverter 120. The inverter 120 is a device that converts a direct current generated by the solar-panel 106 into an alternating current for use by the sump pump 110. Accordingly, this allows the sump pump 110 to operate solely from the electricity generated from the solar energy, without the use of electricity from the municipal power supply. This is especially advantageous for houses in foreclosure that do not have live power running to the house for extending time periods. This is also advantageous to buildings in rural areas that often experience flooding and power outages or buildings that do not have a connection to the municipal power supply at any point in time.
Although the sump pump 110 is described herein as being a sump pump, those skilled in the art may appreciate that the sump pump may be an alternative type of pump. In one embodiment, the sump pump 110 is a ⅓ HP Thermoplastic Submersible Sump Pump manufactured by Flotec R. Advantageously, the sump pump 110 is made of non-corrosive thermoplastic that allows the sump pump 110 to be submersed in water for an extended time period without corroding. The sump pump 110 may pump approximately 2,150-2,170 gallons per hour at approximately 10.0 feet of lift, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. At zero feet of lift, the sump pump 110 may pump approximately 3,140-3,160 gallons of water per hour. In other embodiments, the sump pump 110 may pump a number of gallons per hour outside of this range, depending on factors such as the feet of lift.
In one embodiment, the inverter 120 is a 1200 watt power inverter, such as the Pro 1200-Watt Power Inverter manufactured by Whistler R. In this embodiment, the inverter 120 may include a built in battery volt/watt meter and may supply full output power capacity. The inverter 120 may be approximately 8.5-9.0 inches in length, 7.2-7.6 inches in width, and 3.5 inches in height. In other embodiments, the inverter 120 may supply a power wattage outside of 1200 watts. Likewise, the inverter 120 may include dimensions outside of this range. The sump pump 110 is electrically coupled to the inverter 120 by a connection mechanism 122. The connection mechanism 122 may be a wire, a cable, a cord, or another connection mechanism that may be used for establishing electrical connections between devices.
In one embodiment, the power module 112 (
In one embodiment, the executable instruction set includes instructions for receiving communication from the water level sensor 708; interpreting the communication from the water level sensor 708; and activating the sump pump 110 to extract a quantity of water from the enclosed area 102 of the building 104 throughout at least one predetermined length of time. The power module 112 is also operable to deactivate the sump pump 110 when the water level 706 falls below the predetermined threshold. Advantageously, the water level sensor 708 is designed to communicate with the power module 112 and to operate based on the power provided by the solar-panel 106. In one embodiment, the predetermined threshold is at least ¼ the overall depth of the sump pit 700. In another embodiment, the predetermined threshold may be at least one inch. In other embodiments, the predetermined threshold may be outside of this range. In yet further embodiments, such as enclosed areas 102 not having a sump pit 700, the water level sensor 708 is operable to activate the sump pump 110 when the water level 706 within the enclosed area 102 is at least one inch.
The power module 112 is preprogrammed to activate the sump pump 110 to operate at predetermined time periods, i.e., lengths of time. The number and duration of predetermined time periods varies according to a number of factors, such as the capacity of the sump pump 110, the depth of the sump pit 700, and the rate at which the water 702 enters the sump pit 700. These factors may be detected by the water level sensor 708, which communicates the information to the power module 112 and ultimately the sump pump 110. In one embodiment, the time periods may be approximately 60.0 seconds. In another embodiment, the time periods may be approximately 120.0 seconds. In other embodiments, the time periods may be outside of these ranges. The sump pump 110 is operable to provide continuous operation for at least 6.0 hours at a time.
The sump pump 110 removes the water from the sump pit 700 through a discharge pipe 710 having a first end 712 and a second end 714. The first end 712 is removably coupled to the sump pump 110. The second end 714 defines an aperture 716 for water 702 to drain through the aperture 716 to an outside area 718 of the building 104. In one embodiment, the discharge pipe 710 is Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe having a diameter of 1.0 to 2.0 inches. In another embodiment, the discharge pipe 710 may include a diameter outside of this range. In other embodiments, the discharge pipe 710 may be made of another material. In yet further embodiments, the discharge pipe 710 may be made of another material that is of a diameter outside of this range. In order to efficiently dispense the water 702 outside of the building 104, the second end 714 may include an increaser operable to spread out the water flow. To efficiently dispense the water even further, a corrugated pipe may be attached to the discharge pipe 710.
Now referring to
Referring again to
Advantageously, the compact case 804 offers users the ability to transport and install the kit 800 within various buildings 104. In the event there is no electrical connection to the municipal power grid, the kit 800 extracts water when the water level 706 rises above the predetermined threshold for the particular building 104. In one example, the kit 800 may be purchased by financial institutions owning foreclosed houses. Advantageously, the kit 800 can be transported and installed in foreclosed houses in any number of geographical locations, thereby preventing the foreclosed houses from flooding. This would eliminate the costly expenses associated with the financial institutions or desiring purchasers having to repair the house after flooding. As an added advantage, this would improve the sanitary conditions of the foreclosed houses. Generally speaking, as previously mentioned, the aforementioned advantages would help foreclosed houses sell at a faster rate, thereby producing an economical advantage for the economy as a whole. In another example, a user can transport the kit 800 to the user's home for installation during a rainy season, or another desired time period. Subsequently, the user can uninstall the autonomous water extraction system 100 and transport the kit 800 to the user's business. In another example, the kit 800 may be transported to various buildings 104 in rural areas that have no electrical connection to the municipal power grid.
Referring primarily to
The process of
In one embodiment, the kit 800 includes the solar-panel 106, the battery 118, and the power module 112. In this embodiment, the battery 118 is electrically coupled to the power module 112 by electrically connecting and tightening a negative wire connected to the power module 112 to a negative battery terminal on the battery 118. Subsequently, a positive wire connected to the power module 112 is electrically connected to a positive battery terminal on the battery 118. The solar-panel 106 is then connected to the power module 112. Next, the inverter 120 provided in the kit 800 is turned to the on position. In another embodiment, the solar-panel 106 is electrically coupled directly to the battery 118.
The process of
In step 904, the sump pump 110 is activated when the water level 706 within the enclosed area 102 meets the predetermined threshold, as described previously herein. The sump pump 110 is preprogrammed to operate during a plurality of time periods. In one embodiment, the time periods may be 60.0 seconds. In another embodiment, the time periods may be 120.0 seconds. In other embodiments, the time periods may be outside of this range. The number of time periods depends on factors such as the rate of water flow and the overall depth of the sump pit 700.
In step 906, the sump pump 110 extracts the water from the enclosed area through the discharge pipe 710 to the outside area 718 of the building 104. The speed and duration of water extraction, depend on various factors, such as the quantity and rate of water flow into the sump pit 700, the capacity of the sump pump 110, the duration of the preprogrammed time periods, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the discharge pipe 710 is a maximum distance from the foundation of the building 104 to as to prevent water damage to the building 104. The discharge pipe 710 may include a hose removably connected thereto that is operable to extend a distance between the building 104 and the discharge point of the water. In step 908, the sump pump 110 is deactivated when the water level 706 as detected by the water level sensor 708 within the sump pit 700 falls below the predetermined threshold. The process ends at step 910.
An autonomous water extraction kit, system, and method of performing water extraction from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply have been disclosed that feature at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power. The usable power is operable to supply power to a self-sufficient sump pump that extracts a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building when at least one water level sensor detects that the water level within the building meets a predetermined threshold. It is envisioned that the enclosed area of the building is a basement of a house. Other features of the invention have been disclosed that include a power module for providing communication between the solar-panel and the sump pump, but are not intended to be limited to the particular details disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A kit for autonomous water extraction from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply comprising:
- at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power;
- a mounting kit operable to mount the at least one solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply;
- a battery electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to store an amount of solar energy from the at least one solar-panel;
- a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery and operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building; and
- at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when a water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold.
2. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a power module positioned a distance above a floor of the enclosed area of the building, and removably coupled to the at least one solar-panel and the battery, the power module operable to: transfer the amount of solar energy from the at least one solar-panel to the battery; receive communication from the at least one water level sensor; interpret the communication from the at least one water level sensor; and activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area of the building throughout at least one predetermined length of time.
3. The kit according to claim 2, wherein:
- the predetermined length of time varies in accordance with information provided by the at least one water level sensor.
4. The kit according to claim 1, wherein:
- the at least one water level sensor is operable to deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.
5. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a lighting member operable to discharge light onto an outside surface of the building.
6. The kit according to claim 1, further comprising:
- a compact case operable to transport the kit.
7. The kit according to claim 1, wherein:
- the sump pump is operable for placement within a sump pit.
8. The kit according to claim 7, further comprising:
- a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defining an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the building.
9. The kit according to claim 1, wherein:
- the enclosed area is a basement and the building is a house.
10. A method of extracting water from a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply, the method comprising:
- providing a kit for autonomous water extraction, the kit including: at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power; a mounting kit for mounting the at least one solar-panel on a building with no live connection to a municipal power supply; a battery electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to store solar energy from the at least one solar-panel; a sump pump electrically coupled to the battery and operable to extract a quantity of water from an enclosed area of the building; and at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets a predetermined threshold;
- activating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area meets the predetermined threshold;
- extracting a quantity of water from the enclosed area through a discharge pipe to an outside area of the building; and
- deactivating the sump pump when the water level within the enclosed area is below the predetermined threshold.
11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:
- joining a plurality of solar-panels together in an electrical system.
12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:
- connecting the at least one solar-panel and the battery to a power module, the power module operable to transfer an amount of solar energy from the at least one solar-panel to the battery.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:
- providing the power module operable to: receive communication from the at least one water level sensor; interpret the communication from the at least one water level sensor; activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the enclosed area; and deactivate the sump pump when the water level is below the predetermined threshold.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein:
- the power module is preprogrammed to activate the sump pump to operate for predetermined lengths of time.
15. The method according to claim 10, wherein:
- the enclosed area is a basement and the building is a house.
16. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:
- constructing a sump pit within a floor of the building; and
- installing the sump pump within the sump pit.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein:
- the discharge pipe has a first end and a second end, the first end removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defining an aperture for discharging the quantity of water to the outside area of the building.
18. The method according to claim 10, further comprising:
- transporting the kit in a compact case.
19. An autonomous water extraction system for use within a basement of a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply comprising:
- at least one solar-panel operable to convert solar energy to usable power;
- a mounting kit for mounting the at least one solar-panel on a house with no live connection to a municipal power supply;
- a battery electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to receive and store solar energy from the at least one solar-panel;
- an inverter electrically coupled to the battery and operable to convert a direct current from the battery into an alternating current;
- a sump pump electrically coupled to the inverter and operable to extract a quantity of water from a basement of the house; and
- a sump pit: removably coupled to the sump pump; and defining an aperture for receiving the quantity of water;
- at least one water level sensor operable to activate the sump pump when the water level within the sump pit meets a predetermined threshold; and
- a discharge pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end removably coupled to the sump pit and the second end defining an aperture for water to drain through the aperture to an outside area of the house.
20. The autonomous water extraction system of claim 19, further comprising:
- a power module positioned a distance from a floor of the basement, the power module electrically coupled to the at least one solar-panel and operable to: receive solar energy from the at least one solar-panel; receive communication from the at least one water level sensor; interpret the communication from the at least one water level sensor; activate the sump pump to extract the quantity of water from the sump pit during a series of predetermined time periods; and deactivate the sump pump when the quantity of water is below the predetermined threshold.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 2, 2014
Publication Date: Mar 5, 2015
Inventor: Miguel Angel Cobo (Miami, FL)
Application Number: 14/475,044
International Classification: F04B 49/06 (20060101);