The present invention provides methods for
water conservation with AC, DC, or ambient light powered
irrigation controllers without the use of complex ET (
evapotranspiration) data or ET related service fees.
Programming may consist of the operator entering a preliminary
irrigation schedule, and entering the local
zip code. The controller then periodically calculates a water budget by comparing current (non ET) local geo-
environmental data with stored local geo-
environmental data, and then modifies the preliminary schedule using the water budget. A number of embodiments are possible: in stand-alone controllers with a temperature sensor attached directly to the
microprocessor within that controller, or as a centrally placed CBM (Central Broadcast Module) which calculates a water budget percentage which is transmitted to one or more field controllers by wired or
wireless means. Alternately, a TBM (Temperature Budget Module) that is separate from the controller is connected between the controller outputs and the valves, or mounted at the valves themselves. The TBM calculates the water budget, monitors the controller outputs and shortens the duration times as calculated by the water budget ratio. Because of its flexible capabilities with stand alone AC, DC, solar, or ambient light powered controllers, as a centrally broadcast WBR in a wired or
wireless configuration, or as an add-on to existing controllers or valves, its
programming simplicity and close approximation to ET without its complications and cost, the present invention significantly reduces that cost, has the potential to save more water and minimize runoff than currently available ET methods.