Self-Powered Irrigation Valve Control Using Flow-Driven Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation systems require costly installation and maintenance due to the need for power lines and communication lines to connect valves to controllers, which increases complexity and reduces practicality, especially in difficult-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
Self-powered irrigation valve systems that generate power from fluid flow, eliminating the need for external power sources and communication lines, and utilizing wireless communication for control, allowing for remote operation and installation in challenging locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional irrigation systems use power lines and communication lines to connect valves to controllers, then reliable control and power supply are achieved, but installation cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system generates its own electrical power through a hydroelectric generator driven by water flow through the valve. This self-powered mechanism eliminates the need for external power lines and communication lines, reducing installation complexity while maintaining operational reliability through autonomous power generation and wireless communication capabilities
2Use of energy by moving object
If power lines are installed to remote valve locations, then power supply is ensured, but installation cost and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates an integrated hydroelectric generator that converts the kinetic energy of passing water into electrical power. This self-generation approach provides continuous power supply to remote valves without requiring external power infrastructure, dramatically simplifying installation in difficult-to-reach locations while ensuring reliable energy availability
3Loss of information
If communication lines are laid to connect valves to controllers, then control signals are transmitted reliably, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical communication lines with wireless communication technology. The valve controller can transmit and receive control signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for installing communication cables while maintaining reliable bidirectional communication between the controller and valve, thus reducing installation time and complexity
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
Significantly reduces installation costs and complexity, enables easier placement of valves in hard-to-reach areas, and simplifies the design and implementation of irrigation systems by eliminating the need for power and communication lines.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to generate electrical power in response to the movement of the rotor assembly
Implementation Method 2
a solenoid system configured to transition between an inactive state and an active state
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide irrigation generator systems that include a main conduit comprising an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit; a flow control system positioned within the main conduit; a generator conduit comprising a generator inlet conduit and a generator outlet conduit, wherein the generator inlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit upstream of the flow control system, the generator outlet conduit is fluidly coupled with the main conduit downstream of the flow control system; and a generator comprising a rotor assembly cooperated with generator conduit to be physically activated by a flow of fluid through the generator conduit causing rotation of the rotor assembly and generates electrical power. The flow control system transitions between a closed state to the open state in response to a water pressure exceeding a pressure threshold.