SW2512 and pump problems [RE-wrenches]

[David Palumbo, Independent Power & Light]

Windy et all,

"I could suggest a DC submersible pump, but with a 12V system,
pressurizing, your choices are severely limited."  Windy

	We still do a few systems a year that choose not to use a large inverter
(or just can't afford the $ bucks for the big Trace). Typically these
systems use a 1100 Watt Exeltech inverter (either 12 or 24 volt depending on
the usual considerations.
	These systems normally do not use a lot of water (50 to 200 gallons per
day).  With a large pressure tank, 85 gallon is typical (31 gallon draw down
at 20-40 psi range), the DC sub pumps work very well for many people.
	Windy sold a few different diaphragm type DC subs over the years and I have
some people who still have a Cimarron quad 5000 in the well and working (on
it's last legs I suspect) after seven years!
	I know the diaphragms must be going so I recently was in touch with the
homeowners about doing a swap now so we won't have to do it in the middle of
winter. So I gave them two options.
	A) Sun Rise Solar Sub 48 volt Model 5226, 3.1 gpm (system has 120 feet of
head including the 92' in the pressure tank  166 watts power consumption
(plus what % tacked on for converter/controller inefficiency Windy?). At 100
gallons per day this pump should run for 35 minutes therefore it will use,
about, 100 watt hours per day. Compare this with a 1/3 hp ac sub pump at 4.5
gpm and 800 watts for 325 watt hours (with inverter factor of 10%). Any time
we can save 225 Watt hours per day it is worth looking into.
	The Sun Rise (Dankoff Solar) is a piston type pump and it sells for $ 1,850
and needs a DC converter for this 12 volt battery system $ 340. So this deal
is pricey but efficient. How long might this pump last down in the hole
Windy?
 	Option B) Shurflo 9300 plastic , diaphragm type 24vdc sub pump. Pumps slow
at 1.68 gpm with 12 to 24v converter. But it has rebuild kits for the
inevitable diaphragm replacement. I have customers going too long (4years+)
between rebuilds with these even though the manufacturer tells us to check
the diaphragms yearly. What do others see for longevity with these pumps?
This pump will use, about, 80 watt hours for the 100 gallons per day. Cost
is $695 plus converter at $ 325.
	I would also consider the Solarjack small DC subs from Kyocera. Was
recently told that they are being redesigned and will be field rebuild able
also.

David Palumbo, IP&L

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