Irrigation Controller H-Bridge Waveforms for Solenoid Power Savings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional irrigation controllers face challenges in efficiently powering solenoid valves and other irrigation system components, leading to increased energy consumption and potential limitations in the number of valves that can be controlled simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The development of a power efficient irrigation controller that utilizes a high-efficiency DC power supply and H-bridge technology to generate multiple waveforms, such as square and sine waves, to power solenoids, thereby reducing energy consumption and supporting green power regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional AC transformers are used to power solenoid valves, then reliable power delivery is achieved, but energy consumption increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidpower delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the power delivery parameters by using H-bridge circuitry to generate variable frequency and variable amplitude AC waveforms from a DC power supply. This allows optimization of power delivery characteristics to match solenoid valve requirements exactly, eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional iron/copper AC transformers while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the mechanical iron/copper AC transformer with an electronic H-bridge-based power generation system. This replacement eliminates the inherent energy losses in magnetic core transformers while providing programmable control over power delivery characteristics, achieving both energy efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more solenoid valves are controlled simultaneously, then system functionality increases, but power supply capacity requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of controllable valvesVSAvoidpower supply capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic AC waveform generation through the H-bridge circuitry to efficiently drive solenoid valves. The ability to generate precise periodic waveforms allows multiple valves to be controlled with optimized power delivery, reducing the total power capacity required compared to traditional continuous power delivery methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts power delivery parameters including frequency and amplitude based on the specific requirements of each solenoid valve. This parameter optimization allows the power supply to efficiently manage multiple valves simultaneously with reduced total power capacity requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If high-power waveforms are used to activate solenoid valves, then valve actuation is reliable, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of power waveform characteristics through the H-bridge circuitry. The system adjusts frequency and amplitude in real-time based on the actuation phase versus maintenance phase, delivering high power only when necessary for valve activation and reducing power during maintenance, thereby achieving reliable actuation with minimized energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic AC waveforms with optimized duty cycles and frequencies to actuate solenoid valves. The periodic nature allows the valve to be activated reliably with brief high-power pulses followed by lower-power maintenance phases, significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous high-power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

This solution achieves significant power savings, with reductions of up to 46% when idle and 34-40% when activating solenoid valves, while also eliminating the need for expensive iron/copper AC transformers.

Implementation Method 1

H-bridge circuitry to generate multiple waveforms, such as square and sine waves, to power solenoids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectH-bridge circuit operation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250182944A1Power efficient irrigation controllers

Publication Date: 2025.06.05 RAIN BIRD CORP

AI summary

Some embodiments provide an irrigation controller comprising: a signal generator configured to receive a DC voltage and comprising sets of switching elements, wherein one set of the sets of switching elements corresponds to a common line output of the irrigation controller and remaining sets of switching elements correspond to station outputs of the irrigation controller, wherein each set of switching elements is configured to generate an output alternating waveform signal; and a control circuit configured to: output sets of control signals to the sets of switching elements, each set of control signals drives a respective set of switching elements to control characteristics of a respective output alternating waveform signal to be generated by the respective set of switching elements; and control an application of the output alternating waveform signals to a respective common line output connector and respective station output connectors.