Networked Irrigation Control with Flow Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems lack efficient methods to optimize water usage by integrating real-time data analysis and networked sensors, leading to suboptimal water allocation and potential over/underwatering issues.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a networked irrigation control system that utilizes sensors and flow meters to collect and analyze data, allowing for real-time adjustments to irrigation schedules based on water flow rates, non-irrigation water usage, and environmental conditions, enabling coordinated control across multiple properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional irrigation systems are used without real-time data analysis, then system complexity is low, but water usage optimization is insufficient leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where flow meters continuously monitor water consumption, sensors detect environmental conditions, and this data feeds back to the controller which automatically adjusts irrigation schedules. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of water usage based on actual consumption patterns and environmental factors, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing water waste through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation system performs self-service by automatically analyzing its own water consumption data from flow meters and sensor readings, then autonomously adjusting its irrigation schedules without external intervention. The system serves itself by identifying optimization opportunities in its own operational data and implementing corrections, thereby reducing water waste while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated self-optimization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed irrigation schedules are used, then ease of operation is high, but adaptability to changing conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed schedules to dynamic adaptive scheduling. The controller continuously adjusts irrigation timing and duration based on real-time data from flow meters and environmental sensors. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to changing conditions such as varying water consumption patterns, weather changes, and plant water needs, achieving high adaptability while the automated nature maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (irrigation schedule, duration, intensity) based on analyzed water consumption data and sensor inputs. By dynamically modifying these parameters in response to actual conditions rather than following fixed schedules, the system achieves adaptability to changing environmental and usage conditions while the automated parameter adjustment maintains operational simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If real-time water flow monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual water usage tracking with automated electronic flow meters and digital sensors that continuously monitor water consumption. This substitution of mechanical/manual monitoring with electronic measurement devices provides precise real-time data on water flow and consumption patterns, achieving high measurement precision while the integrated digital control system manages the complexity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided herein related to irrigation control. In some embodiments, a shared network of sensors gathers data, and then the data and/or analysis decisions are shared with irrigation devices at other properties. In some embodiments, non-irrigation water flow usage data at a given property can be used to optimize irrigation at the property. In some embodiments, non-irrigation water flow data is used to determine that more than one irrigation station can be run at the same time. In some embodiments, consent can be provided to a water authority for irrigation at a property to be controlled by irrigation schedules and/or schedule adjustments provided by the water authority. And in some embodiments, irrigation can be controlled or adjusted based on analysis of imagery data obtained at a site or property as irrigation is occurring.