Powerhouse Collection - 'Rainbank' pump controller

'Rainbank' pump controller

Object No. 2005/73/1

RainBank is an electronic pump controller for use in the collection of rainwater from domestic roofs. The RainBank connects a rainwater tank and pressure pump to the mains water supply. When rainwater is available it starts the pump, and when the tank is empty it automatically reverts to the mains water supply and turns the pump off. This reduces the running time and power consumption and extends the life of the pump. The transition from rainwater to mains supply is seamless, ensuring water supply is continuous. When connected to toilets and laundry it can help provide water savings of up to 40% . It can be incorporated in existing buildings and adapted for use with existing pumps and rainwater tanks. The patented technology provides a simple solution to achieving more efficient domestic rainwater harvesting. The device is the first of its kind and was developed to meet an increasing demand for water conservation products. State government rebate schemes have encouraged the uptake of domestic rainwater tanks. And regulations introduced in 2004, such as the NSW Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) for new homes to be 40% more water efficient, will increase the market for rainwater tanks and potential demand for the RainBank. The RainBank was designed and developed by Davey Products Pty Ltd. Davey was founded in Victoria, Australia, in 1934 and has been manufacturing water pumps for rural, domestic and industrial use since 1949. Since 1995 Davey has been owned by GUD Holdings Ltd, which also owns Sunbeam and Victa. In 2004 Davey was the largest water pump manufacturer in Australia and exported 25% of its production to over 60 countries.The RainBank represents an example of continuing innovation by this significant Australian manufacturing company. Along with the accompanying pump it represents a contemporary example of Australian domestic water transfer technology.

Summary

Object Statement

Physical Description

Pump controller, 'RainBank', for use in the collection of rainwater from domestic roofs, metal / plastic / paper, designed by Blue Sky Creative and Davey Products Pty Ltd, 2002, made by Davey Products Pty Ltd, Scoresby, Victoria, Australia, 2004 Black plastic rectangular pump controller with brass and plastic threaded protrusions, yellow manual start button, three point plug and power cord. 'RainBank household water savings' is printed on the front and back. Product information is on a label at the side.

DIMENSIONS

Height

220 mm

Width

90 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

Styling concepts for the RainBank were developed by Blue Sky Creative in partnership with Davey Products Pty Ltd in 2002. The internal workings were developed primarily by Mark Lance, engineering manager, and Hugh McDonald, R&D manager, at Davey Products in 2002. The RainBank was manufactured by Davey Products Pty Ltd at its manufacturing plant in Scoresby, Victoria, in 2004. RainBank is an electronic pump controller for use collecting rainwater from domestic roofs. It automatically switches between rainwater and mains water supply. When rainwater is available it turns off the mains supply and operates a pump connected to the rainwater tank. When there is no demand for water the RainBank turns the pump off to conserve energy. If the rainwater supply runs out or if there is an electrical interruption it automatically turns the mains supply back on.

HISTORY

Notes

This RainBank was submitted to the Australian Design Awards for judging in 2004. It was awarded an Australian DesignMark and Powerhouse Museum Selection in 2004. It was transferred from Standards Australia to the Powerhouse Museum for display in the 2004 Australian Design Awards exhibition from July 2004 to June 2005. Notes on the history of Davey from an informal company history, 2005. Davey began as an automotive electrical business founded by Frank Davey in 1934. The company supplied an electrical accessory service and produced industrial DC motors and generators from a small shop in Carlton, Victoria. By 1939 there was a staff of 25 and a thriving business. During World War II the small factory manufactured electrical equipment for the armed forces including small blower motors for radios, fuel pumps, motors for aircraft, white goods and hand operated generators. After the war the business expanded to produce lighting plants, DC welders and small electric motors. In 1949 the first water pumps were produced. Frank sold the business and the Davey name to Tecnico Ltd in 1952 but continued as General Manager until 1959, succeeded by his son Donald. Davey opened its New South Wales branch and built the Huntingdale factory in 1953. Tecnico Ltd was acquired by Pye Industries in 1965 and was merged with Dunlite Electrical Co Pty Ltd in July 1971. The new business was known as Davey Dunlite. These entities were separated in 1975 but remained under the Pye Industries banner. Davey began concentrating on pumps and Dunlite took over the Generator and DC motor business. Pye was taken over by the Philips Company in 1977 and sold to McPherson's Ltd in 1980. Throughout all these changes the Davey organisation remained autonomous. It was purchased by GUD Holdings in March 1995. In 1996 GUD also purchased Sunbeam Victa. In 2001 Davey opened a new manufacturing facility at Scoresby, Victoria, from which it manufactures 80-90% of its products. In 2004 Davey was the largest water pump manufacturer in Australia and exported 25% of its production to over 60 countries.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Gift of Davey Products Pty Ltd, a member of the GUD Holdings Ltd Group, 2005

Acquisition Date

23 February 2005

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