Irrigation Controller Varying Schedules via Precipitation Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems lack dynamic adjustment based on precipitation data, leading to over-watering or under-watering due to manual scheduling and limited sensor capabilities, resulting in water waste and potential harm to vegetation.
Innovation Solution
A system that utilizes precipitation sensors to transmit continuous signals to a central controller, allowing for real-time adjustment of irrigation schedules independent of the sensor's evaporation rate, incorporating soil type translation and evapotranspiration data to estimate moisture levels and adapt watering schedules accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional rain sensors are used to cancel watering events, then water waste is reduced during sensor activation window, but watering events outside the saturation window are not skipped leading to water waste and potential harm to vegetation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by receiving and processing precipitation data before the scheduled watering event occurs. The controller proactively adjusts the irrigation schedule based on precipitation received at any time, not just during the sensor activation window, thereby preventing water waste before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring precipitation data from the rain sensor and using this information to dynamically adjust watering schedules. The controller receives precipitation signals and translates them into schedule modifications, creating a closed-loop system that responds to actual weather conditions.
2Device complexity
If manual irrigation scheduling is used at the beginning of watering season, then system complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to weather changes resulting in over-watering or under-watering
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically adjusting irrigation schedules based on precipitation data without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously processes rain sensor signals and modifies watering events, allowing the system to adapt to weather changes while maintaining simplicity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by modifying irrigation schedule parameters (watering duration, frequency, timing) based on precipitation data. The controller translates precipitation amounts into specific schedule adjustments, dynamically changing operational parameters to match actual weather conditions.
3Device complexity
If rain sensor activation window is limited, then device complexity is reduced, but scheduling changes are restricted and vegetation may receive more water than needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing precipitation data as soon as it is detected, regardless of when the watering event is scheduled. The controller proactively processes the precipitation signal and prepares schedule adjustments before the watering event occurs, ensuring accurate response to all precipitation events.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing a translation layer between the rain sensor and the irrigation controller. The precipitation signal is translated into schedule modifications through a processing algorithm that considers precipitation amount, soil type, and plant water needs, accurately bridging the gap between sensor detection and irrigation control.
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 enables precise and dynamic adjustment of irrigation schedules, reducing water waste and ensuring optimal watering based on actual precipitation and soil moisture levels, even outside the sensor's saturation window, thereby improving irrigation efficiency and vegetation health.
Implementation Method 1
when the threshold level of rain is received... when a threshold of water is absorbed (e.g., 0.5′′) by the rain sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for varying irrigation schedules for a watering system (e.g., sprinkler system) based on detected precipitation. In one example, a system includes a rain sensor for detecting rain in a location where the rain sensor outputs a continuous rain signal when saturated with a threshold level of rain. The system also includes a sprinkler controller communicatively coupled to the rain sensor. The sprinkler controller opens one or more sprinkler valves based on a watering schedule. When the threshold level of rain is received, the sprinkler controller receives the rain signal during a saturation window of the rain sensor and varies the watering schedule based on rain detected by the rain sensor, where the variation to the watering schedule occurs outside of the saturation window of the rain sensor.