Cistern and Water Tank Systems: A Practical Solution for Water Supply

Cistern and water tank pumping systems are essential to ensure a constant water supply in homes, buildings, and commercial establishments. Their main purpose is to move water from a lower reservoir (cistern) to an upper reservoir (water tank), ensuring availability for consumption. These systems are especially important in areas with intermittent or irregular water supply, allowing controlled storage for daily use.

How Do Cistern and Water Tank Systems Work?

The system mainly consists of the following components:

1. Cistern: A water reservoir located at ground level or underground.
2. Water Tank: An elevated reservoir that stores water and distributes it by gravity to consumption points.
3. Water Pump: Responsible for moving water from the cistern to the water tank.
4. Sensors or Floats: Monitor water levels in both the cistern and the water tank.
5. Pump Control Panel:  A unit that manages and protects the pump operation, ensuring efficient performance and preventing damage caused by dry operation or electrical faults.

When the water level in the tank drops, the system activates the pump to refill it. Once the maximum level is reached, the sensors turn off the pump. Similarly, the system monitors the water level in the cistern to prevent the pump from operating when it is empty, as this could severely damage the equipment.

Comparison Between Cistern-Water Tank Systems and Hydropneumatic Systems

Cistern-water tank systems and hydropneumatic systems are popular options for managing water supply, but they have significant differences in functionality, advantages, and disadvantages:

1. Functionality:
   • Cistern-Water Tank: Uses gravity to distribute water from the tank, making it ideal for locations with irregular power supply.
   • Hydropneumatic Systems: Use a pressurized tank to maintain a constant water flow without requiring an elevated reservoir.
2. Advantages:
   • Cistern-Water Tank:
     • Low energy consumption.
     • Simple maintenance and operation.
     • Lower risk of failure during power outages.
   • Hydropneumatic Systems:
     • Constant water pressure at all consumption points.
     • Ideal for installations where an elevated water tank is not feasible.
3. Disadvantages:
   • Cistern-Water Tank: Water pressure depends on the height of the tank; if the tank is not high enough, the flow may be limited.
   • Hydropneumatic Systems: Higher energy consumption and specialized maintenance due to pressurized components.

The choice between these systems depends on the specific needs of the installation site, water consumption requirements, and environmental conditions.

Pump Alternation and Simultaneous Operation in Cistern-Water Tank Systems

In systems with multiple pumps, alternation and simultaneous operation are essential functions that increase efficiency and extend the system’s lifespan:

• Pump Alternation: The control panel ensures that pumps operate in alternating turns. This promotes uniform wear across all pumps, preventing a single one from handling the entire workload. It is a key practice to reduce maintenance and extend the equipment’s durability.
• Simultaneous Pump Operation: In cases of high demand or emergencies, the system activates two or more pumps simultaneously to quickly refill the water tank or maintain uninterrupted water flow. This function is crucial in installations with variable water needs or large reservoirs.

The Importance of Protecting Water Levels in the Cistern

A common issue in these systems is when the pump attempts to operate while the cistern is empty. This dry operation can burn out the motor and cause irreversible damage. Therefore, it is essential to have a system that automatically disconnects the pump when the cistern’s water level is insufficient.

Series 30 Pump Control Panels: Advanced Control and Protection

At Nassar Electronics, Series 30 pump control panels are designed to manage and protect cistern and water tank pumping systems. With the capability to operate 1 to 4 pumps, these panels include key features such as:

• Low Suction Level Protection: Automatically disconnects the pump if there is not enough water in the cistern, preventing damage from dry operation.
• Pump Alternation and Simultaneous Operation: Ensures balanced wear on the pumps and an adequate response during high-demand situations.
• Digital Indicators (Optional): Voltmeters and ammeters that monitor system operation, providing precise data.
• Soft Starters (Optional): Reduce current spikes when starting high-capacity pumps, minimizing the impact on substations and equipment wear.
• Voltage Fault Protection (Optional): Our Fasealert-3 relays automatically disconnect pumps in case of phase loss, imbalance, or low voltage, protecting the equipment from potential electrical damage.

Conclusion

Nassar Electronics’ Series 30 pump control panels offer a robust and efficient solution for cistern and water tank pumping systems. With their versatile design and advanced protection features, these panels ensure a reliable water supply and safeguard your equipment. For more information, visit our product page here.