Smart Irrigation Controller Using Dynamic Weather Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irrigation systems are not responsive enough to effectively conserve water while maintaining aesthetically pleasing or healthy landscapes, leading to overwatering in predictable areas.
Innovation Solution
A smart irrigation system that utilizes up-to-date weather data to generate and send irrigation protocols to electronically actuated control valves, optimizing water usage by zoning and integrating user input, crowd-sourced data, and network connectivity for efficient water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional irrigation systems are used, then landscapes can be maintained, but water is wasted due to overwatering in predictable areas
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation system transitions from static, pre-programmed scheduling to dynamic, real-time control based on actual weather conditions. The controller continuously receives weather data and adjusts irrigation timing and duration dynamically, allowing the system to respond to changing environmental conditions rather than following fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where weather data is continuously monitored and fed back to the controller, which then adjusts irrigation protocols accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that irrigation decisions are based on actual environmental conditions rather than predictions, preventing both overwatering and underwatering.
2Loss of substance
If irrigation systems are made more responsive to weather conditions, then water conservation improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary controller that acts as a bridge between weather data sources and the irrigation execution mechanism. This controller receives, processes, and interprets weather information, then translates it into appropriate irrigation commands, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling sophisticated weather-responsive behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving weather data, processing irrigation logic, communicating with valves, and adapting to different zone requirements. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated unit, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If real-time weather data is integrated into irrigation control, then water usage is optimized, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-processes and stores weather data locally before irrigation events occur, so that when irrigation decisions need to be made, the data is already available and prepared. This eliminates the need for real-time data processing during critical irrigation windows, reducing energy consumption during high-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes weather data locally at each irrigation zone controller rather than centralizing all data processing in one location. This distributed processing approach allows each zone to independently evaluate relevant weather conditions and make irrigation decisions, reducing overall data transmission and processing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for generating and optimizing irrigation protocols. The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing water usage in growing plants for yard and crops. The disclosure also extends to methods, systems and computer program products for providing automated irrigation.