Low cost submersible DC pumps

jonr · April 2015

There is a fairly new pump being sold widely that is approximately a $150 version of a Shurflo 9300. Search for "submersible solar well pump". It will run on anything from 12-24V at < 2.5 amps (contrary to 4A specs). Given that it's ~1/4 the cost, is it a good value for low usage?

I also see a number of made in China submersible 24-48V brushless centrifugal pumps. Price depends greatly on pressure needed, but say $700, ready to connect to solar panels. Any experience for higher duty cycles?

BB. · April 2015

You are welcome to post a like to the pump in question...

-Bill

Dave Angelini · April 2015

Quality is basically conformance to your requirements. Since water coming deep out of the ground can be more than a pain when it stops, I would want a name brand. Maybe your application does not have difficult or time/money consuming issues when replacing a pump. It is still the wild west over there (china/India...) I would want a name that I know supervising anything from there especially if i drink water from it.

solarix · April 2015

That looks very comparable to the Shurflo, looks well made, and is great value at that price. The main thing to be aware of with these diaphragm type pumps is when the diaphragm fails, water gets into the motor section and the whole thing is ruined. Been there, done that, twice. Only thing you can do is be proactive and have rebuild kits on hand and replace the diaphragm before it goes bad. Like every 18 months if it runs whenever the sun is up. At hte price of this thing though, you could just have a spare pump on hand and wait till the old one gives up.

jonr · April 2015

My guess is that if it makes it through the first week (testing in a bucket might be a good idea), then it might be OK for 2000 hours and then you want to replace it, saving the old one as a spare. For all day use over several years, you probably don't want brushes or a diaphragm.

I'm going to try driving one with solar panels and only a simple DC->DC converter.

westbranch · April 2015

jonr wrote: »

There is a fairly new pump being sold widely that is approximately a $150 version of a Shurflo 9300. Search for "submersible solar well pump". It will run on anything from 12-24V at < 2.5 amps (contrary to 4A specs). Given that it's ~1/4 the cost, is it a good value for low usage?

Did a search but , here in Canada, we don't seem to have any hits that match your search parameters... Link please.

Blackcherry04 · April 2015

westbranch wrote: »

Did a search but , here in Canada, we don't seem to have any hits that match your search parameters... Link please.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/solar-well-pump

jonr · April 2015

I put the DC-DC converter on it and it seems to work well (on the bench). The panels should be able to produce anything from 29V to 48V and the pump will see 24V. This keeps the pump at full power output and also reduces wire losses somewhat (I have a 450' run). I would guess that 100+W of panels would drive this system and I'll get > 100 gallons/day from it (I have a big hill to pump up). 1/2" PVC pipe. That's all perfect if it is reliable.

On ebay: Waterproof-DC-DC-buck-Converter-Regulator-36V-29-48V-Step-down-to-24V-15A-360W

gpigeon · September 2015

"jonr".
Any update on the performance of the $150 pump? I also have one on hand as a spare for my 9300"s. Any update would be appreciated.
Thks.
Bill W.

softdown · September 2015

450' run....big hill.....thats a pretty big job for a cheap pump. I've installed a couple hundred pumps...of a different type. Yes....we are curious.

jonr wrote: »

I put the DC-DC converter on it and it seems to work well (on the bench). The panels should be able to produce anything from 29V to 48V and the pump will see 24V. This keeps the pump at full power output and also reduces wire losses somewhat (I have a 450' run). I would guess that 100+W of panels would drive this system and I'll get > 100 gallons/day from it (I have a big hill to pump up). 1/2" PVC pipe. That's all perfect if it is reliable.

On ebay: Waterproof-DC-DC-buck-Converter-Regulator-36V-29-48V-Step-down-to-24V-15A-360W

jonr · July 2016

I haven't been able to put it in place yet (long story involving having to purchase a different lot). I'm convinced that pumping slow is ideal for reducing the required wire and pipe size - but there aren't many choices for small pumps. I'm considering rearranging the solar panels to get more like 100V (less wire losses). Then a common 85V-250V AC or DC to 24VDC power supply located near the pump.

I haven't seen any reports of the number of hours people are getting. I suspect they should be considered semi-disposable.

Low cost submersible DC pumps

Comments

Categories