Irrigation Valve Control via Two-Wire Network Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems require a complete retrofitting of all controllable irrigation valves to integrate new technologies, which is costly and impractical for large systems, as they need dedicated lines for each valve, making partial system upgrades economically unfeasible.
Innovation Solution
A wired controlling and monitoring system that uses a two-wire network to supplement existing multi-wire systems, allowing for selective power supply to irrigation valves via a switchboard and common return line, enabling the reuse of existing dedicated valve control lines and reducing the need for new wiring by integrating a second power and control unit with alternating DC voltage signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complete retrofit of the irrigation system is performed to integrate new technologies, then system modernization and improved control capabilities are achieved, but the investment cost and complexity of implementation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct parts: an existing multi-wire network portion and a new two-wire system portion. Each part operates independently with its own control methodology, allowing modernization to be implemented in segments rather than requiring complete system replacement. This enables phased implementation and reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the existing multi-wire irrigation control system with a new two-wire system by connecting them through a common water main and utilizing shared infrastructure. The two different control architectures coexist and can be integrated through the control unit, merging old and new technologies without requiring complete system overhaul.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all controllable irrigation valves are exchanged and retrofitted to integrate new technologies, then uniform control capabilities are achieved, but the investment cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Different control methodologies are applied to different parts of the system based on local requirements. Existing valves continue to use the traditional multi-wire control method, while new or selected valves utilize the two-wire system. This allows uniform control capabilities to be achieved where needed without requiring all valves to be upgraded, thereby reducing investment cost.
3Extent of automation
If existing irrigation systems are upgraded with new control technologies, then improved monitoring and control capabilities are achieved, but extensive rewiring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The new two-wire control system extracts and utilizes the existing common return line from the multi-wire system as a shared communication path. By taking out this existing infrastructure and repurposing it for the two-wire system, the need for extensive new wiring is reduced, as the return line serves dual purposes for both control architectures.
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
This approach allows for cost-effective partial system upgrades by maintaining existing dedicated valve control lines, reducing the number of wires needed, and enabling efficient control of multiple irrigation valves with minimal disruption to the existing infrastructure, thus lowering the investment required for system expansion.
Implementation Method 1
The controllable irrigation valves each comprise a solenoid which, when a voltage is applied, causes the valve to assume an open state
Implementation Method 2
The second power and control unit supplies power by applying a first alternating DC voltage signal having a voltage maximum with a first pulse width and a voltage minimum with a second pulse width
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling and monitoring system for irrigating localized areas includes a first power and control unit supplying power to multiple power outlets; a first plurality of controllable valves connectable to a water pipeline and positioned at first specific areas, each connected by a first control line to a power outlet; a return line interconnecting all of the first plurality of valves and the first power and control unit; a second plurality of controllable valves connectable to the pipeline and positioned at second specific areas, each controlled by a valve control unit having first and second inputs; and a second power and control unit having a first power and control output connected to the return line with the first inputs of the valve control units, and a second power and control output connected to the second input of each of the valve control units via a second control line.