Irrigation Flow Controller Calibration During Low-Demand Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing population in metropolitan areas puts a strain on municipal water supply systems, leading to increased costs and the need for improved systems to monitor resource consumption effectively.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation flow controller system that includes an irrigation valve interface, a controller for electronically managing irrigation valves, an identification module for determining minimal water consumption periods, a calibration module for adjusting valve operations, and a computational module for calculating flow rates based on actual usage data, allowing for precise measurement of irrigation and non-irrigation water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional water monitoring systems are used, then basic water usage tracking is provided, but measurement precision and ability to distinguish irrigation vs. non-irrigation consumption is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments water consumption measurement into two distinct components: irrigation water consumption and non-irrigation water consumption. By using separate flow meters (main line flow meter and lateral line flow meter) to measure each component independently, the system achieves precise measurement of total water usage while distinguishing between irrigation and non-irrigation purposes. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing high measurement precision through dedicated measurement devices for each water usage category.
2Productivity
If manual monitoring methods are used, then system complexity is low, but productivity and efficiency of resource consumption monitoring is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller receives data from both the main line flow meter and lateral line flow meter, automatically calculates irrigation water consumption by subtracting non-irrigation consumption from total consumption, and stores the results. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual monitoring requirements, significantly improving productivity and monitoring efficiency while the controller manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors and calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated calculation and recording of water consumption data. The controller automatically processes flow meter readings, computes irrigation-specific consumption without human intervention, and maintains historical records. This self-service capability enhances monitoring efficiency by eliminating manual data collection and calculation tasks.
3Measurement precision
If irrigation valves are operated frequently for calibration, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time and disruption to normal irrigation schedules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calibration action by operating irrigation valves during pre-determined low-demand periods when water consumption is minimal. The controller is programmed to perform calibration operations during these specific time windows, allowing accurate flow rate measurement without interfering with peak irrigation requirements. This preliminary scheduling of calibration activities achieves precise measurements while minimizing time loss and disruption to normal irrigation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed to obtain energy consumption data for an energy monitored property. An identification module is configured to identify, based on first actual energy usage data for the energy-monitored property, one or more daily, weekly, or monthly future time periods when energy consumption is not likely to occur or is likely minimal within the energy-monitored property. A calibration module is configured to transmit electrical signals to open and close at least one of the gas valve and an AC unit switch in accordance with the calibration schedule during a period of time within the one or more daily, weekly, or monthly future periods of time. A computational module may be utilized to calculate a first computed flow rate for the at least one of the gas valve and the AC unit switch. A method and computer program product related to the foregoing system are also disclosed.