Irrigation system with self-propelled reel

Abstract

The present invention concerns the agricultural sector and more specifically an irrigation system (100) with self-propelled reel comprising: a movable irrigator (1); a supporting trolley (2) for said irrigator (1); a water distribution hose (3); a hose reel (4) comprising a movable frame (5) and a crown wheel (6); first generator motor means; second actuator motor means comprising a pinion (7) adapted to mesh with said crown wheel (6) of said hose reel (4) to cause the latter to rotate and wind said hose (3); an electronic control unit (8), provided on board said hose reel (4), adapted to program and monitor various irrigation parameters. Said first generator motor means comprise at least one photovoltaic panel (9), at least one battery (10) and a solar charge controller (11) interposed between said photovoltaic panel (9) and said battery (10). Said second actuator motor means comprise a DC controller (12), a brushless electric motor (13) and a parallel axis reducer (14) operatively connected to said pinion (7).

Description

[0001] IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH SELF-PROPELLED REEL

[0002] Technical field of application

[0003] The present invention concerns the agricultural sector and more specifically an irrigation system with self-propelled reel.

[0004] Prior art

[0005] An irrigation system with self-propelled reel, also known as irrigation hose reel, is composed of various key components that work together to guarantee efficient uniform irrigation.

[0006] A traditional irrigation system with self-propelled reel comprises essentially:

[0007] - a movable sprinkler, impact or turbine irrigator with a variable range;

[0008] - a long flexible polyethylene hose, with variable length and diameter, connected to said movable irrigator and through which the water is distributed on the field;

[0009] - a hose reel, namely a reel on which said flexible hose is wound during the irrigation operation;

[0010] - a supporting trolley for said irrigator, arranged at the end of the hose and adapted to move along the field while the hose is rewound on the reel uniformly distributing the water;

[0011] - a pump that supplies the water to the irrigation system, which can be operated by the power take-off of a tractor or by an autonomous motor pump; - a turbine, operated by the pressure of the water that flows through the hose, and which powers a reduction unit that allows rotation of the reel and rewinding of the hose;

[0012] - an electronic control unit which allows programming and monitoring of various irrigation parameters such as, for example, the speed of travel of the trolley and the quantity of water distributed.

[0013] Alternatively to said turbine, a fossil fuel engine can be used, comprising a hydraulic oil pump, and rotary hydraulic actuators connected to said reel and adapted to cause the latter to rotate.

[0014] The positioning and operation of the reel follow various well-defined phases to guarantee efficient irrigation:

[0015] - positioning of the reel, namely choice of the starting point in the field, orientation according to the direction to be reached with the irrigator, connection to the water source (canal, well, reservoir, water mains), anchoring of the reel to the ground to prevent movements during the irrigation operations;

[0016] - unwinding of the hose with movement of the irrigator trolley;

[0017] - irrigation with distribution of the water on the field;

[0018] - simultaneous rewinding of the hose on the reel.

[0019] In addition to pressurization of the water, the main support services of an irrigation system, important for energy consumption and of interest for the solution subject of the invention, are the positioning (with rotation of the reel, fixing and anchoring thereof to the ground with rear brackets and front piston, raising and lowering of the trolley), and rewinding of the hose on the reel.

[0020] As mentioned above, the hose can be rewound either by activation of the turbine operated by the pressure of the water pumped for the irrigation, or via a fossil fuel engine unit, hydraulic oil pump and rotary hydraulic actuators.

[0021] In the traditional applications, the energy for the positioning, which acts on specific hydraulic actuators dedicated for example to moving the ground anchoring brackets, can be generated either by means of the same engine-hydraulic pump unit or via the power take-off of a tractor.

[0022] The traditional irrigation systems have some limits and drawbacks, due mostly to the use of generator and actuator motor means which use fossil fuel and oil, resulting in:

[0023] - high emissions into the atmosphere;

[0024] - high energy consumption;

[0025] - the need for an operator, for example for connection of the oil pipes to the tractor or to switch on the fossil fuel engines;

[0026] - high operating and maintenance costs, both for purchase of the fuel and maintenance of the motor means and hydraulic equipment.

[0027] Winding of the hose is a slow process which generally takes a number of hours, depending on the quantity of hose to be recovered and the required speed, and generally varies from 10 to 80 metres per hour. It is evident that the drawbacks of pollution and energy expenditure are further emphasized.

[0028] Presentation of the invention

[0029] The object of the invention is to overcome said limits, providing an irrigation system with self-propelled reel that reduces the use of fossil fuels in favour of the use of electric energy produced from renewable sources, which saves energy, reduces emissions into the atmosphere and reduces costs for the user.

[0030] The objects are achieved by an irrigation system with self-propelled reel comprising:

[0031] - a movable irrigator;

[0032] - a supporting trolley for said irrigator;

[0033] - a water distribution hose;

[0034] - a hose reel comprising a movable frame and a crown wheel;

[0035] - first generator motor means;

[0036] - second actuator motor means comprising a pinion adapted to mesh with said crown wheel of said hose reel to cause the latter to rotate and wind said hose;

[0037] - an electronic control unit, provided on board said hose reel, adapted to program and monitor various irrigation parameters, characterized in that:

[0038] - said first generator motor means comprise at least one photovoltaic panel, at least one battery and a solar charge controller interposed between said photovoltaic panel and said battery; - said second actuator motor means comprise a DC controller, a three-phase brushless electric motor and a parallel axis reducer operatively connected to said pinion.

[0039] Further characteristics of the irrigation system according to the invention are contained in the dependent claims.

[0040] The irrigation system with self-propelled reel according to the invention has numerous advantages, all deriving from the fact that hydraulic oil is no longer used to transfer energy:

[0041] - reduction of emissions into the atmosphere: the electric energy for positioning the reel and trolley and winding the hose is totally generated by renewable energy sources;

[0042] - energy saving: the brushless electric motor with battery, DC controller and parallel axis reducer for winding the hose uses less primary energy than the traditional solutions which entail the use of a turbine, or alternatively the use of a fossil fuel engine;

[0043] - simplification of use for the user: all the components connected to the electronic control unit (charge controller and DC controller) and the electronic control unit itself can be remote controlled and commanded by means of remote electronic device (and specific application);

[0044] - reduction of costs due to considerable saving in fossil fuel throughout the working life of the system, in addition to lower maintenance costs. Brief description of the drawings

[0045] These and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the more detailed description provided below, with the help of the drawings which show a preferred embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, in which:

[0046] Fig. 1 illustrates, in a schematic view, an irrigation system with self- propelled reel according to the invention;

[0047] Fig. 2 illustrates, in a lateral view, an irrigation system with self- propelled reel according to the invention, in which the movable irrigator is not visible;

[0048] Fig. 3 illustrates, in a block diagram, the main electric components of the irrigation system according to the invention.

[0049] Detailed disclosure of a preferred embodiment of the invention

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates an irrigation system 100 with self-propelled reel.

[0051] Said irrigation system 100 comprises essentially:

[0052] - a movable impact irrigator 1 ;

[0053] - a long flexible polyethylene hose 3, connected to said movable irrigator 1 and through which the water is distributed on the field to be irrigated;

[0054] - a hose reel 4, namely a reel on which said flexible hose 3 is wound as the irrigation operation proceeds, comprising a crown wheel 6;

[0055] - a supporting trolley 2 for said irrigator 1 , arranged at the end of the hose 3 and adapted to move along the field while the hose 3 is rewound on the hose reel 4 uniformly distributing the water;

[0056] - a movable frame 5 for said hose reel 4 provided with wheels 16 for the movement thereof;

[0057] - a pump which supplies the water to the irrigation system, which can be operated by the power take-off of a tractor or by an autonomous motor pump, and is connected to said hose reel 4;

[0058] - first generator motor means;

[0059] - second actuator motor means comprising a pinion 7 adapted to mesh with said crown wheel 6 of said hose reel 4 to cause the latter to rotate and wind said hose 3;

[0060] - an electronic control unit 8 which allows programming and monitoring of various irrigation parameters such as, for example, the speed of travel of the trolley 2 and the quantity of water distributed.

[0061] With particular reference to Figure 2 and the diagram of Figure 3, said first generator motor means and said second actuator motor means are illustrated.

[0062] Said first generator motor means comprise:

[0063] - a flexible thin photovoltaic panel 9 fixed on the top of said hose reel 4, consisting of several interconnected modules;

[0064] - at least one gel, lithium or lifePO4 lithium battery 10;

[0065] - a solar charge controller 11 interposed between said photovoltaic panel 9 and said battery 10 and connected to them.

[0066] To guarantee the reliability of the irrigation system also during intensive use, the batteries 10 have been sized to store up to three complete irrigations, and the photovoltaic panels 9 have been sized to have a sufficient margin, taking account of adverse meteorological conditions.

[0067] Excellent results have been obtained using the photovoltaic panel “SOLAR PANEL SEMI-FLEXIBLE 280W 36V” and the charge controller “SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER 40A 12 / 24VDC IP32” both marketed by the company IDROMOP srl.

[0068] The flexible photovoltaic panels 9 weigh up to 20% less than the traditional ones while maintaining the same efficiency; this allows more lightweight structures to be constructed for fixing to the reel and the overall weight of the system to be limited. Their flexible structure allows curvatures up to 50° permitting optimal positioning solutions, also on curved reel profiles. The use of several interconnected modules makes it possible to increase or reduce the number of panels, also subsequently, and in the event of a failure to intervene only on the damaged module. Their ease of installation also allows reuse of the panels in other applications during the months of the year in which the irrigation system is not used.

[0069] Said solar charge controller 11 is of the MPPT - Maximum Power Point Tracking - type, namely it is able to constantly track the point of maximum power which the panels are able to deliver in a given moment, according to the solar radiation.

[0070] In a first application example, 200WP photovoltaic panels and 2kWh 24V gel batteries were used; irrigation systems with larger dimensions could use photovoltaic panels up to 1 kWP and lifePO4 24V 4kWh lithium batteries. LifeP04 lithium batteries are particularly suitable for managing a high number of charge and discharge cycles without losing excessive capacity, also taking account of the life of an irrigation system which is approximately 20 years. LifePO4 lithium batteries allow a high charge density and come in different formats and dimensions for adaptation to the available space. Compared to the traditional lithium batteries, they are safer and less subject to the risk of fire or explosion.

[0071] Excellent results have also been obtained using “LIFEPO4 BATTERY SMART BMS 24V 200AH” batteries also marketed by the company IDROMOP srl.

[0072] Said second actuator motor means comprise:

[0073] - a three-phase brushless electric motor 13;

[0074] - a DC controller 12, namely a controller for direct current motors used to control the speed, direction and torque of said three-phase brushless electric motor 13;

[0075] - a parallel axis reducer 14 connected to said pinion 7, adapted to reduce the rotation speed and to increase the torque of the brushless electric motor 13 to which it is connected, also comprising a power take-off 15 in input for a tractor.

[0076] Excellent results have also been obtained using the brushless electric motor “MOTOR BRUSHLESS 24VDC 1.5 KW” and the DC controller “BLDC CONTROLLER 24V 60A”, both also marketed by the company IDROMOP srl.

[0077] Said parallel axis reducer 14 is chosen in relation to:

[0078] - reduction ratios obtainable with 4 gears 118:1 / 244:1 / 353:1 / 766:1 ; - reduction ratio obtainable with one single gear 800:1 ;

[0079] - maximum torque in output 600 N / m;

[0080] - presence of “idle” gear used during laying of the hose for disconnecting the reducer from the electric motor.

[0081] The choice of a reducer with reduction ratio 800:1 with one single gear is aimed at providing an inexpensive component with high efficiency able to cover all conditions of use if coupled with a BLDC motor. The choice of a reducer also takes account of its design to allow direct coupling with the motor, minimizing the overall thickness of the dimensions of the connected motor and reducer.

[0082] From the tests performed, an irrigation system according to the invention with the specifications described above, comprising a hose with external diameter of 100 mm and a length of 300 metres, records an energy consumption for winding of the hose ranging from 40W to 400W.

[0083] Said solar charge controller 11 and said DC controller 12 are both connected to said electronic control unit 8 via Modbus communication protocol.

[0084] Said electronic command and control unit 8 comprises a wi-fi GPRS internet connection and said irrigation system 100 comprises a remote electronic device 17 such as, for example, a mobile phone or a tablet available to an operator, adapted to dialogue with said electronic control unit 8. On said remote electronic device a specific application can be provided via which the operator can activate various controls, in addition to monitoring the operation of the entire irrigation system.

[0085] With particular reference to the view of Figure 2, said movable frame 5 and said hose reel 4 comprise ground anchoring means to avoid movements during rewinding of the hose 3. In particular:

[0086] - said movable frame 5 comprises a front piston 18;

[0087] - said hose reel 4 comprises rear brackets 19.

[0088] Both said front piston 18 and said rear brackets 19 are moved by means of secondary linear electric actuators, powered by said battery 10.

[0089] Furthermore, said movable frame 5 comprises a vertical axis pin 20 (pivoting device) which can allow the hose reel 4 to rotate and be oriented with different angles, also to irrigate opposite fields without having to move the movable frame 5 and hose reel 4. Rotation of the pivoting device can also be managed by means of secondary rotary electric actuators, powered by said battery 10.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) An irrigation system (100) with self-propelled reel comprising:- a movable irrigator (1 );- a supporting trolley (2) for said irrigator (1 );- a water distribution hose (3);- a hose reel (4) comprising a movable frame (5) and a crown wheel (6);- first generator motor means;- second actuator motor means comprising a pinion (7) adapted to mesh with said crown wheel (6) of said hose reel (4) to cause the latter to rotate and wind said hose (3);- an electronic control unit (8), provided on board said hose reel (4), adapted to program and monitor various irrigation parameters, characterized in that:- said first generator motor means comprise at least one photovoltaic panel (9), at least one battery (10) and a solar charge controller (11) interposed between said photovoltaic panel (9) and said battery (10);- said second actuator motor means comprise a DC controller (12), a brushless electric motor (13) and a parallel axis reducer (14) operatively connected to said pinion (7).2) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said at least one photovoltaic panel (9) is a flexible photovoltaic panel.3) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said at least one photovoltaic panel (9) comprises interconnected modules.4) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said at least one battery (10) is chosen from gel battery, lithium battery and LifePO4 battery.5) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said solar charge controller (11 ) is of the MPPT - Maximum Power Point Tracking - type.6) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said parallel axis reducer (14) is alternatively of the four-gear type with reduction ratios 118:1 , 244:1 , 353:1 , 766:1 , or of the single-gear type with reduction ratio 800:1 .7) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said parallel axis reducer (14) is chosen from reducers with maximum output torque of 600 N / m.8) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said parallel axis reducer (14) comprises an idle gear and a power take-off (15) in input for a tractor.9) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said electronic command and control unit (8) comprises a wi-fi GPRS internet connection and said irrigation system comprises a remote electronic device (17) adapted to dialogue with said electronic control unit (8).0) The irrigation system (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises secondary electric linear and rotary actuators (21 ), powered by said at least one battery (10), and adapted to move accessory devices for the positioning of said movable frame (5) of said hose reel (4) and of said supporting trolley (2) for said irrigator (1 ).

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