Designing a Hybrid Control System to Operate Two Pumps Alternately Using Manual and Automatic Control Techniques

Abstract

Traditional pump control systems face challenges such as increased mechanical stress, high failure rates, and wasted energy due to the continuous operation of a single pump. To address these issues, this paper aims to design and evaluate a hybrid control system that enables alternating operation of two pumps, allowing the user to switch between manual and automatic modes. The proposed system relies on conventional electrical components like

contactors, time delay relays (timers), and protection circuit breakers, making it a low-cost, easy-to-maintain solution that does not require programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

A practical model of the circuit was built and tested under various conditions, including independent manual operation for each pump and automatic alternating operation based on a predefined time interval. The evaluation results indicate that the system demonstrates a high level of operational flexibility and reliability, effectively ensuring alternating pump operation while minimizing energy consumption and mechanical wear. The design also provides a high degree of electrical safety through the use of appropriate protection devices. The study recommends adopting this system for small- and medium-scale projects that require high operational efficiency and low costs, with the potential for future expansion toward intelligent digital solutions if needed.