Control and management of pumping

1. Power Supply Systems

Objective: Ensure a stable and continuous power supply for the pumps responsible for water circulation and oxygenation in the tanks.

• Main source:

  • Electrical grid: Three-phase (400V) or single-phase (230V) depending on pump power requirements.

• Backup sources:

  • Automatic generators to prevent pump shutdowns during power outages.

  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for low-power pumps or critical devices (alarms, sensors).

• Distribution:

  • Electrical panels equipped with suitable protection (circuit breakers, RCDs).

  • Sub-distribution boards for each pumping zone.

• Safety:

  • Grounding, surge protectors, and IP-rated enclosures (resistant to moisture and dust).

2. Control Systems

Objective: Supervise and control pump operation according to aquaculture site needs.

• Local control:

  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): manage start/stop cycles, delays, and pump alternations.

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): precise flow control depending on real-time requirements (e.g., dissolved oxygen or water level).

• Centralized control:

  • SCADA systems: real-time monitoring, event history, automatic alerts via SMS or email.

• Sensors and measurements:

  • Level sensors (ultrasonic, float switches) to monitor water height.

  • Pressure sensors for hydraulic system checks.

  • Flow meters to control water circulation.

3. Servo-control Systems

Objective: Automatically adjust pump operation based on measured conditions.

• Sensor-driven control:

  • Water level: pumps start/stop based on set levels.

  • Dissolved oxygen: regulate pumping flow to maintain optimal oxygenation.

  • Water temperature: adjustments for sensitive species.

• Operating modes:

  • Automatic mode: programmed cycles or sensor-triggered.

  • Manual mode: for maintenance or troubleshooting.

  • Pump alternation: to balance wear among multiple pumps.

• Fault management:

  • Alarms for electrical failures, overconsumption, flow loss, or pump priming issues.

Summary:
The aquaculture pumping system must ensure reliability, flexibility, and responsiveness to maintain water quality and the survival of aquatic organisms. Good supervision and adapted automation are key to minimizing risks and optimizing operations.