Irrigation Flow Controller for Precise Water Usage Separation
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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 due to higher water usage, necessitating improved systems for monitoring resource consumption.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation flow controller system that collects and analyzes water consumption data by electronically communicating with irrigation valves, identifying minimal consumption periods, and calculating flow rates to optimize water usage, allowing for precise measurement of irrigation and non-irrigation water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional water metering systems are used, then water consumption can be measured, but the measurement precision is insufficient to distinguish between irrigation and non-irrigation water usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments water consumption measurement into two distinct components: irrigation water usage and non-irrigation water usage. By implementing separate flow controllers for irrigation systems and utilizing water meter pulse data, the system divides the measurement task into manageable segments that can be independently monitored and calculated, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a completely new complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that acts as a mediator between the simple water meter pulse readings and the desired detailed consumption data. The flow controller receives pulse data, correlates it with irrigation valve operation timing, and computationally separates irrigation from non-irrigation usage, achieving precise measurement through data processing rather than complex hardware
2Quantity of substance
If water usage is increased to meet growing population demands, then water supply adequacy is maintained, but water consumption costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the flow controller continuously monitors water consumption data, compares it against irrigation schedules and weather conditions, and provides actionable insights to users. This feedback loop enables users to understand their actual water usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and adjust behavior to reduce unnecessary consumption, thereby lowering water costs while maintaining adequate supply
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating optimal irrigation schedules based on forecasted weather conditions and plant water requirements. By planning irrigation in advance and executing it during periods of minimal non-irrigation water usage, the system maximizes the proportion of total water consumption that is necessary irrigation, thereby reducing overall water costs
3Reliability
If irrigation valves are kept open longer to ensure adequate plant watering, then plant water needs are met, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making irrigation valve operation times variable rather than fixed. The system adjusts valve open durations based on real-time weather data, soil moisture conditions, and plant-specific water requirements. This dynamic adjustment ensures that water is applied in precisely the right amount and duration needed for plant health, preventing both under-watering and over-watering, thereby maintaining reliability while optimizing water consumption
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller, in one embodiment, may include a gas valve interface and an AC unit switch interface, and a controller that may communicate with at least one of the gas valve and the AC unit switch. An identification module may identify one or more time periods when energy consumption is not likely to occur or is likely minimal, and a calibration module may open and close the at least one of the gas valve and the AC unit switch according to calibration schedule data. A computational module may calculate a computed flow rate for the at least one of the gas valve and the AC unit switch based on a calibration open time, a calibration close time, and the actual energy usage data for usage that occurred between the calibration open time and the calibration close time. The computed flow rate may be utilized to identify anomalies and provide notifications thereof.