Irrigation Tower Motor Control for Peak Power Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural irrigation systems face challenges in maintaining alignment of mobile towers while minimizing simultaneous power usage, as existing mechanical mechanisms often cause all drive motors to operate simultaneously, leading to peak power demands that exceed normal operational levels.

Innovation Solution

A control system that determines the sequence of motor operation based on the position and orientation of mobile towers, using a computing device and location-determining components to maintain alignment while limiting concurrent motor operation, thereby reducing peak power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical alignment mechanisms are used to maintain tower alignment, then alignment is maintained, but all drive motors operate simultaneously causing peak power demand

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of mobile towersVSAvoidpeak power demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motor operation sequences based on real-time tower position data from GPS receivers. The control system calculates optimal motor activation sequences that maintain alignment while distributing power demand over time, preventing simultaneous motor operation during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses GPS location data and a computing device to determine motor operation sequences. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical linkages and micro switches that trigger simultaneous motor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electrical distribution system is designed to handle simultaneous motor operation, then all motors can run at once, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor operation capabilityVSAvoidelectrical distribution system capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system implements periodic monitoring of tower positions and adjusts motor operation in sequential phases. Motors are activated and deactivated in controlled sequences based on alignment requirements, ensuring that not all motors operate simultaneously while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously receives feedback from GPS receivers about tower positions and uses this information to adjust motor operation sequences. The computing device calculates optimal activation patterns that maintain alignment while managing power demand, creating a closed-loop control system that balances reliability and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10474165B2Method and system for operating irrigation systems motors

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 LINDSAY CORP

AI summary

An irrigation system includes a central pivot and a series of mobile towers connected to the central pivot and to one another by support structure. Each mobile tower has wheels and a motor for driving at least one of the wheels. A control system operates the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers and the central pivot while preventing power usage of the system from exceeding a maximum power threshold. The control system determines in which sequence to operate the motors to maintain alignment of the mobile towers while operating no more than a selected number of the motors simultaneously.