Technology

Innovative technology and nature hand in hand

Human existence and business prosperity in remote locations depend largely on the availability of clean water to people, livestock and crops. But in many parts of the world reliable power can be in just as short supply as the water. Grundfos SQFlex lends nature a helping hand by providing both water and the power needed to fuel the pump system. Areas that would previously have been considered uninhabitable or not supportive of life suddenly become viable and attractive.

Based on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, SQFlex combines state-of-the-art pump technology with sustainable, energy efficient solutions to provide a reliable water supply to remote locations with little or no access to water and electricity. The better the quality of the water, and the more reliable the water supply, the better the quality of life for everyone.

You get it all

• Reliable water supply
• Cost-efficient pumping
• Complete plug-and-go system
• Easy installation
• Virtually no maintenance
• Numerous expansion possibilities

100% nature – just add water

Whether you are blessed with an abundance of sunshine or wind, or a bit of both, SQFlex solar panels or wind turbines adapt to the characteristic weather profile of any given area. A generator or battery backup system can take over when the natural energy sources are scarce, and accumulate energy when they are plentiful. With an SQFlex system, there is water whenever and wherever you need it. It is as simple as that!

Complete system ready to go

Tell us where you are located, your water table depth and estimated water needs. By analyzing location specific variables such as average sunshine and wind speed, we can tailor the system so it matches your application and local conditions perfectly. SQFlex is a customized product delivered as a plug-and-go solution complete with SQF submersible pump, controller, energy source and support structure. The system is remarkably easy to install and use under even the most difficult conditions.

Application areas

Designed for continuous as well as intermittent operation, the SQFlex system is especially suitable for water supply in remote locations such as:

• Villages, schools, hospitals, single-family houses, etc.
• Farms and ranches
  • Watering of livestock
  • Irrigation of crops and greenhouses
• Game parks and game farms
  • Watering applications
• Conservation areas
  • Surface water pumping
• Ponds and lakes
  • Floating pump installations

Products

SQFlex pumps

The complete SQFlex pump range consists of 10 different pump sizes: 4 helical rotor pumps for medium to high heads and low to medium flows, and 6 centrifugal pumps for shallow heads and high flows. It is available in two different stainless steel material variants: type AISI 304 as standard and type AISI 316 for slightly aggressive water. The pump is fitted with a high- efficiency motor for DC or AC voltage. This makes pump sizing and selection extremely easy.

Solar systems

The GF solar panels are designed especially for the SQFlex pump motor unit. A higher output voltage compared to standard 12V panels ensures optimum efficiency of the complete SQFlex pump system – with up to 20% flow increase per day in small systems. The solar panels incorporate eight bypass diodes, which minimise power loss in case the panels are covered by patches of shadow, dirt, leaves or bird lettings. Wiring of the GF solar panels is easily done using the MC cable connectors, and the panels are mounted to the support structures without the use of any special tools.

Wind systems

Where wind speed prevails over sunshine hours, the SQFlex Wind is just as cost-effective and sustainable. SQFlex Wind is particularly suitable for open fields, valleys and landscapes where the wind blows constantly. The small but high-quality wind turbine consists of only a few simple components, making it exceptionally easy to install and maintain compared to conventional windmills.

Combi systems

The SQFlex Combi takes maximum advantage of natural energy resources by providing a combination of solar and wind energy: solar panels for when the sun is shining; a wind turbine for when the wind is blowing. The added benefits of the SQFlex Combi are even greater reliability and water whenever it is needed.

Backup systems

Natural energy rarely runs low, but if it ever does, both the SQFlex Solar and SQFlex Wind systems can temporarily fall back on a petrol or diesel-driven generator or batteries. Intelligent control units make changing between power supplies very easy.

Control units

The SQFlex system is available with a user-friendly CU200 control unit that maintains two-way communication with the pump and monitors the operating conditions. Built-in diagnostics indicate faults and dry-running, display operating status power consumption and level switch input. Other alternatives are IO100 switch box and IO101 generator box for SQFlex Solar, and IO102 breaker box for SQFlex Wind, which are controlled by a manual on/off switch.

Level switch

Save energy as you save water. With a level switch inside the storage tank connected to the CU200 control unit, the pump knows when the tank is full and shuts itself off.

Battery backup system

Battery backup systems with a charge controller are typically used in applications where the pump is not running during most of the peak sun hours of the day, or where it is impossible or impractical to store large volumes of water. Examples include remote homes or cabins, automatic livestock waterers, and very low-yielding wells. The SQFlex battery backup system enables SQFlex Solar to operate just like any traditional closed water supply system powered by the mains supply, providing water pressure day and night.

SQFlex Solar WaterPack

A SQFlex Solar WaterPack is a complete system solution ready for installation - just add one or more solar panels. The standard package contains:

• SQF submersible pump
• IO100 SQFlex switch box
• Support structure
• Cable kit