Smart Irrigation Controller for Evapotranspiration-Based Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional irrigation controllers require manual reprogramming four times a year to account for seasonal changes and mandated watering restrictions, leading to inefficiencies and non-compliance due to complexity and cost, as well as failure to consider fluctuating evapotranspiration rates and mandated no-watering days.
Innovation Solution
The FROG smart irrigation controller integrates evapotranspiration data, regulation data, and property-specific data to automatically adjust irrigation schedules using a novel algorithm, allowing for incremental adjustments and compliance with watering restrictions through various data input methods, including a central command unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reprogramming is performed four times a year to account for seasonal changes, then irrigation schedules can be adjusted for different seasons, but water waste occurs due to non-compliance and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation controller automatically adjusts watering schedules by integrating evapotranspiration data, regulation data, and property-specific data without requiring manual reprogramming. The system self-updates its irrigation schedule based on changing conditions, eliminating the need for user intervention while preventing water waste through compliant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors evapotranspiration rates and mandated watering restrictions, then automatically adjusts the irrigation schedule in response. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the controller adapts to seasonal changes and compliance requirements in real-time, preventing water waste while maintaining appropriate irrigation levels.
2Reliability
If manual reprogramming is required to comply with mandated watering restrictions, then compliance with regulations can be achieved, but device complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically integrates and processes mandated watering restriction data, then self-adjusts its operation schedule to comply with regulations. This eliminates the need for users to manually reprogram the device while ensuring reliable compliance with watering restrictions through automated schedule modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-integrates mandated watering restriction data into its scheduling algorithm, allowing it to automatically comply with regulations before compliance issues arise. By having the compliance logic built-in and active from the start, the system prevents non-compliance without requiring users to perform complex reprogramming actions.
3Ease of operation
If conventional controllers are used with fixed programming, then device simplicity is maintained, but evapotranspiration rate fluctuations are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically adjusts irrigation schedules by integrating real-time evapotranspiration data into its decision-making process. This feedback mechanism allows the simple device to adapt to changing environmental conditions without requiring complex user programming or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes irrigation parameters (timing, duration, frequency) based on integrated evapotranspiration data and mandated restrictions. This allows the controller to maintain operational simplicity while adapting to varying environmental conditions through automated parameter adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If homeowners reprogram controllers four times a year, then seasonal adjustments can be made, but substantial water waste still occurs due to non-compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically updates its schedule four times a year (and continuously between updates) by integrating evapotranspiration data and mandated restrictions, eliminating the need for manual user reprogramming. This self-updating capability ensures continuous compliance with regulations while maintaining appropriate seasonal irrigation levels, preventing water waste from non-compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and integrates mandated watering restriction data, then automatically adjusts its schedule to ensure compliance. This feedback loop prevents non-compliance and associated water waste by keeping the controller updated with current regulations without requiring user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A convenient, water-saving and labor-saving FROG irrigation controller and system are provided, which determine the appropriate water budget and schedule for the property's landscaping based on evapotranspiration data for the geographic area, any regulation data, and property-specific data, with consideration given to reduction in watering days, increase in soil watering depth, and day of year. Once set, the FROG controller provides incremental adjustments over the course of the year; the homeowner no longer needs to re-set the watering program seasonally to automatically comply with local mandated and voluntary watering restrictions. One aspect provides a web-based wizard that is used to determine a customized water budget/schedule which is input into the FROG controller. Another aspect provides an integration of a network of FROG controllers with a central command unit.