Irrigation Recirculation System with Multi-Stage Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation systems face issues with debris clogging and uneven water distribution due to inadequate filtration, leading to increased maintenance and potential fire hazards in dry climates, where water recycling is essential but challenging.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation recirculation system with multiple filtering subsystems, including an initial filter element in a basin, a perforated membrane storage tank, and a control system using a low-pressure waste water pump to dislodge debris, along with a microfilter for final filtration before sprinkler head discharge, enabling efficient water recycling and fire suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is collected from external sources for irrigation, then water supply is sufficient, but water loss increases and sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers water that would otherwise be wasted (irrigation runoff, stormwater) and redirects it back into the irrigation system through storage tanks and filtration systems, creating a closed-loop water management system that reduces external water dependency
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system serves multiple functions: it provides water for plant irrigation, creates a fire suppression system, and generates electrical power through the turbine, maximizing the utility of the collected water resource
2Reliability
If multiple filtering subsystems are added to the irrigation system, then water quality and reliability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple independent stages (initial filtration, secondary filtration, microfiltration) that can be maintained separately, with each stage handling specific particle sizes to ensure comprehensive water cleaning while allowing targeted maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-cleaning mechanisms where the turbine-driven flow and pump operations automatically circulate and filter water through the multiple subsystems, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying overall system operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the irrigation system is used for fire suppression, then fire safety improves, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles water used for fire suppression by directing it back to storage tanks and filtration systems, allowing the same water to be reused for both fire suppression and irrigation purposes, thereby reducing overall water consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation infrastructure (storage tanks, pumps, distribution network) serves dual purposes: normal irrigation operations and fire suppression, eliminating the need for separate fire protection systems and reducing total water requirements
4Device complexity
If debris is not adequately filtered, then device complexity decreases, but maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is divided into multiple independent stages (initial filtration, secondary filtration, microfiltration) that can be maintained separately, with each stage handling specific particle sizes to ensure comprehensive water cleaning while allowing targeted maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates self-cleaning mechanisms where the turbine-driven flow and pump operations automatically circulate and filter water through the multiple subsystems, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying overall system operation
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 system effectively recycles and filters water, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring reliable water distribution for irrigation and fire suppression, while minimizing the need for external water supplies.
Implementation Method 1
A turbine can be utilized within the system to generate power
Implementation Method 2
A pump can convey the water from the distribution tank to the sprinkler system
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation recirculation and fire extinguishing system is provided that includes a water collection system, and a fluid conduit configured to receive water from the water collection system such that the water flows through the fluid conduit along a fluid flow path. A water distribution tank is configured to receive the water from the fluid conduit received from the water collection system, and a sprinkler head pump is configured to direct the water toward at least one sprinkler discharge nozzle. A dwelling pump is configured to direct the water toward at least one dwelling discharge nozzle that discharges water onto a dwelling.