Ancillary Span Nozzle Configuration for Uniform Corner Irrigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems with ancillary spans struggle to uniformly distribute water due to the ancillary span's independent maneuvers, leading to under-watering and over-watering in field corners, and existing solutions fail to predict these maneuvers effectively.
Innovation Solution
Determine a path for the ancillary span steering tower using position-based coordinates, define sectors and zones within the field, and calculate optimal water capacity for each section using the shoelace algorithm, adjusting sprinkler nozzle sizes and operation times based on area factors to ensure uniform water distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the ancillary span is allowed to independently maneuver to cover field corners, then the irrigation coverage area is improved, but the uniformity of water distribution deteriorates due to variable speed and orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sprinkler operations based on the ancillary span's changing position, speed, and orientation during maneuvers. The control system modifies water application rates in real-time to compensate for variable travel speeds and angular positions, maintaining uniform water distribution despite the dynamic nature of corner coverage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (water flow rate, sprinkler activation timing) based on the ancillary span's maneuvering state. By detecting position and speed variations, the system adjusts water application parameters to compensate for the non-uniform coverage that would otherwise result from independent maneuvers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ancillary span travels at variable speeds during extension and retraction, then the adaptability to field geometry is improved, but the water distribution uniformity deteriorates due to under-watering and over-watering
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the ancillary span's position, speed, and orientation, using this feedback to adjust water application rates. When the span accelerates or decelerates during maneuvers, the system detects these changes and modifies sprinkler operations accordingly, preventing both under-watering during rapid movement and over-watering during slow movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control that adapts water application in real-time based on the ancillary span's motion state. The control algorithm processes variable speed data and adjusts operational parameters dynamically, allowing the system to maintain uniform water distribution while accommodating the full range of motion and speed variations required for flexible field corner coverage.
3Productivity
If the sprinkler system operates continuously along the ancillary span, then the productivity is improved, but the water capacity optimization deteriorates due to inability to account for varying section areas
Solution Approach 1:
The control system divides the ancillary span into multiple operational zones or sections, each with its own water capacity calculations. By segmenting the span, the system can apply different water application rates and durations to different sections based on their specific area requirements, optimizing overall water usage while maintaining continuous operation and high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different water application characteristics to different sections of the ancillary span based on local area requirements. Each section receives customized water capacity optimization tailored to its specific geometric properties and coverage needs, allowing the system to maintain high productivity across the entire span while optimizing water usage locally in each section.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for determining optimal water capacity or distribution for each of a plurality of sections of a field to be irrigated by an ancillary span of an irrigation system are provided. A path is determined for a steering tower of the ancillary span that is comprised of a plurality of position-based coordinates. The position of the ancillary span steering tower (and thus the position of the ancillary span) relative to the determined path is always known and, accordingly, the optimal water capacity or distribution for the needs of its location can be readily determined based upon a calculated area factor percentage. A nozzle configuration of the ancillary span is determined, at least in part, by a maximum water capacity of an area over which a portion of the ancillary span passes.