I'd like to control the turn on/off of a NFw Series Centrifugal Water Pump 380-440V high voltage water pump using an Arduino.
I have searched for how control it, but I haven't found any ideas. Can you kindly give me a suggestion?
Electronic – arduino – Controlling the turn on/off of a 380-440V high voltage water pump
arduinowater
Related Solutions
As Brian mentioned, a simple solution would be to measure the motor current. Alternatively, assuming that you have a free pin to measure voltage (as this is what you mentioned), you could use a pressure transducer, which would give you exactly how much water is in the bucket.
Arduino have a nice explanation for such sensors: http://playground.arduino.cc/Main/Waterlevel
Edit: additional information added. A pressure transducer outputs a voltage that is proportional to the pressure. Higher the pressure, higher the output voltage and vice versa. But why measure pressure? The more water in the bucket (in height) the higher the pressure at the bottom of the tank, I suggest you look at "hydrostatics" on Wikipedia. Therefore, if you place the pressure transducer at the bottom of the bucket, the output voltage will be proportional to the height of the water inside the bucket.
Just buy a pump with integral float switch (that's the red thing): -
(source: reuk.co.uk)
I use a similar one to this to pump waste water from my koi pond 10m up a slope to a drain. It works but, if you don't value your time enough to spend (maybe) $100 then my advice is useless.
Try searching "submersible water pump with integral float switch". Of course the 10m depth means you have to possibly refine the search parameters.
Best Answer
Try using a relay. I looked at the specification of the motor but couldn't tell if it was single phase or three phase but either way a relay is the best bet. I'd also try contacting the supplier to see what they recommend - at least this way you might get a circuit from them. Relay, single phase: -
This uses a 12V relay but a 5V relay will do on a 5V supply. The output contact needs to be adequately rated for the supply and the motor i.e. correct voltage and current ratings. The brochure for the motor is inadequate - under "power" it says "electric" and I really do think it should specify what the power of the motor is on the website - maybe I missed it but, If you know what the power rating of the motor is then that's OK.
Remember this might be a three-phase motor and even if it isn't - do you have a 380V AC supply to hand - most folk don't so I'd proceed with caution before investing good money on this motor. If it is a three phase motor you need to have three isolated contacts available from the relay. You'll also need to be capable of wiring this unit in safely and correctly - also use a residual current circuit breaker to protect you and others.
Not a job for the faint hearted. You'll need to source the right relay (I can't tell from the brochure) and it's possible that the relay may need to activate the motor via a contactor that is suitable for the ac voltage and motor load current.