Fertigation Flow Control Using Pivot Speed and Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems face issues with over or under fertilization due to malfunctions or user errors, leading to inefficient nutrient application and increased costs, as existing systems lack precise control over fertilization rates and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring system for irrigation systems that includes sensors to track travel speed and fluid pressure, a processor to determine optimal fertilization rates, and a valve or pump to adjust the flow rate of fertilization fluids, utilizing machine learning models for predictive maintenance and uniform application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If nutrient injection is performed as an open loop process without monitoring pivot speed, then the system is simpler to operate, but fertilization precision deteriorates leading to over or under fertilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring pivot speed through sensors and using this information to dynamically adjust the nutrient injection rate. The controller receives speed data from sensors and modifies the injection rate accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precise fertilization application even when pivot speed varies during operation.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and monitoring systems are added to track pivot speed and adjust fertilization, then fertilization precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors pivot speed through sensor inputs, calculates the appropriate injection rate based on speed data, controls the nutrient injection valve, and provides diagnostic capabilities. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single controller unit, the system achieves precise fertilization control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and adjustment of fertilization rate is implemented, then nutrient application uniformity is improved, but loss of time for data processing and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously calculates and maintains the appropriate injection rate based on real-time speed data, so that when speed changes occur, the injection rate is already prepared to adjust accordingly. This preliminary calculation and continuous readiness of control parameters minimizes the effective response time and ensures uniform nutrient application without significant time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system for an irrigation system that includes a nozzle and a product source that supports a product for mixing with water from a water source to which the irrigation system is operably coupled. The monitoring system includes: a sensor configured to generate a first electrical signal indicative of a travel speed and/or a travel direction of the irrigation system; a fluid pressure sensor configured to generate a second electrical signal indicative of a flow rate, a processor, a memory, and a variable speed pump or a valve. The memory includes instructions, which when executed by the processor cause the monitoring system to: receive the first and second generated electrical signals, determine an applied rate of the irrigation fluid over a predetermined irrigation area based on the first and second electrical signals, and adjust the flow rate of the irrigation fluid through the at least one nozzle.