Irrigation Control Circuit Board Voltage Boosting and Current Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation control systems face limitations in scheduling and monitoring irrigation zones, particularly in deficit irrigation scenarios where water sources cannot supply sufficient volume simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies in water distribution and lack of real-time monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation control circuit board with a microprocessor, voltage boosting circuit, power mitigation, and communication interfaces (RS-232/RS-485) is introduced, enabling precise actuation of irrigation valves, monitoring output current, and wireless communication with sensors, allowing for efficient water distribution and real-time data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a continuous-flow irrigation system is used to distribute water to multiple zones, then water distribution coverage is improved, but current spikes and power delivery reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging a capacitor before valve actuation. The control circuit charges the capacitor during a predetermined time period before the valve needs to open, ensuring sufficient energy is stored to drive the high-current solenoid coil when needed, thus preventing power delivery failures during zone switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by using a capacitor to absorb and smooth current spikes that occur during valve actuation. The capacitor acts as an energy buffer that cushions the electrical system against sudden current demands, preventing voltage drops and maintaining stable power delivery to other system components.
2Device complexity
If standard voltage output is used for irrigation valve actuation, then device simplicity is improved, but actuation precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the output voltage and current parameters of the control circuit. A voltage-boosting circuit increases the output voltage from standard levels to a higher actuating voltage (e.g., 24V or 30V) specifically during valve actuation, ensuring reliable solenoid coil activation while maintaining circuit simplicity during normal operation.
3Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of irrigation zones is implemented, then information accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating sensors that detect irrigation zone conditions (such as valve status, water flow, or soil moisture) and feeding this information back to the control circuit. The control circuit processes the sensor signals and adjusts valve actuation accordingly, enabling real-time monitoring and closed-loop control without requiring complex external monitoring systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the precision and efficiency of irrigation management by ensuring equal water distribution across zones, reducing energy consumption, and enabling real-time monitoring and control, thus optimizing water use in deficit irrigation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage boosting circuit that includes a DC-DC converter and an output current boost capacitor, wherein the voltage boosting circuit boosts the output current to an actuating voltage
Implementation Method 2
a voltage boosting circuit that includes a DC-DC converter and an output current boost capacitor
Implementation Method 3
a power mitigation circuit configured to limit current spikes to the voltage boosting circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation control circuit board is provided, comprising a microprocessor, a plurality of output terminals configured for providing an output current to an irrigation valve in order to actuate the irrigation valve, a voltage boosting circuit, including a DC-DC converter and an output current boost capacitor, wherein the voltage boosting circuit boosts the output current to an actuating voltage, the actuating voltage being sufficient to actuate an irrigation valve and the actuating voltage being supplied to an irrigation valve driver, a power mitigation circuit configured to limit current spikes to the voltage boosting circuit, and at least one shunt monitor configured to monitor the output current as it is transferred between the irrigation valve driver and the plurality of output terminals.