Irrigation Controller Scheduling Using Soil Moisture and Weather Forecasts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The growing population and increasing water costs have led to a need for improved irrigation controllers that can efficiently conserve water while ensuring proper watering of plants.
Innovation Solution
The irrigation controller includes a set of components such as valve communications, catch cup measurement, average calculation, lowest quartile analysis, estimated irrigation rate calculation, in-soil water level estimation, forecast evapotranspiration and precipitation data integration, and a watering schedule formulation to optimize watering times based on soil moisture levels and weather forecasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional irrigation controllers are used, then watering schedules are simple to implement, but water conservation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating forecast evapotranspiration and forecast precipitation data before the irrigation event, and by determining the first and second estimated in-soil water levels in advance. This allows the controller to proactively optimize watering schedules based on predicted weather conditions and soil moisture dynamics, improving water conservation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through structured pre-computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring catch cup measurements to determine actual irrigation rates, comparing these with estimated rates, and using this information to refine future watering schedule calculations. The controller also feedbacks on in-soil water level estimates to adjust scheduling decisions, creating a closed-loop system that improves conservation efficiency through data-driven adaptations.
2Loss of energy
If irrigation schedules are based on fixed timing, then implementation is straightforward, but water waste occurs due to lack of soil moisture consideration
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes scheduling parameters by calculating variable irrigation rates based on zone-specific factors including soil type, plant water requirements, and measured catch cup data. Instead of fixed timing, the controller adjusts application rates and scheduling intervals based on real-time soil moisture estimates and forecast conditions, reducing water waste while managing complexity through parameterized zone configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary calculations of forecast evapotranspiration and forecast precipitation data before generating watering schedules. By pre-computing these weather-related parameters and integrating them with soil moisture models, the system proactively optimizes schedules to avoid water waste from over-irrigation, while maintaining ease of operation through automated background processing.
3Loss of energy
If uniform irrigation is applied across all zones, then system operation is simple, but water efficiency decreases due to varying plant and soil requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by determining distinct irrigation rates for different zones based on their specific characteristics. Each zone receives customized treatment with irrigation rates calculated from zone-specific soil types, plant water requirements, and local catch cup measurements. This localized approach optimizes water efficiency for each zone's unique needs while managing complexity through structured zone configuration and automated differential control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller segments the irrigation system into multiple independently controlled zones, each with its own water rate determination and scheduling. By dividing the property into discrete zones with unique water requirements, the system can optimize water efficiency locally without requiring complex centralized control, as each zone operates semi-autonomously based on its own measurements and conditions.
4Reliability
If irrigation rates are increased to ensure plant hydration, then plant health is maintained, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from catch cup measurements to determine actual irrigation rates and compare them with estimated rates. This feedback loop allows the controller to verify that sufficient water is being applied for plant health while identifying opportunities to reduce consumption. By continuously monitoring and adjusting based on actual performance data, the system maintains reliable plant hydration while optimizing water usage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically adjusts irrigation parameters including application rates and scheduling frequencies based on calculated soil moisture levels, plant water requirements, and forecast conditions. By changing these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed high rates, the system ensures plants receive adequate hydration only when and where needed, maintaining plant health reliability while reducing overall water consumption through precise parameter optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigation controller is disclosed together with associated methods and computer program products. The watering schedule may be set to elevate an estimated in-soil water level to an estimated in-soil water capacity on or before an impermissible watering.