Solar Irrigation Controller Using Capacitive Power Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar-powered irrigation systems require batteries, which have limited lifespan, require maintenance, and can be hazardous, making them costly and inconvenient, especially in remote locations.
Innovation Solution
A solar-powered irrigation controller that uses a photovoltaic power module and a capacitive module to store electrical energy, eliminating the need for batteries by using super capacitors that can be charged quickly and have a long lifespan, allowing the system to operate independently without additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is used to store electrical energy in a solar-powered irrigation controller, then the system can operate independently without wired power sources, but the battery requires periodic maintenance, has limited lifespan, and can leak hazardous material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component from the solar-powered irrigation controller system entirely. Instead of using a battery to store electrical energy, the system uses a capacitor-based power storage device that can be charged by the solar panel and discharged to power the controller, eliminating the reliability issues associated with batteries while maintaining independent operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy storage from chemical (battery) to electrical (capacitor). This parameter change allows the system to maintain energy storage functionality while avoiding the maintenance, lifespan, and safety issues inherent to battery technology, as capacitors have no chemical degradation and can be charged/discharged indefinitely
2Duration of action of moving object
If a high quality rechargeable battery is used to ensure sufficient power storage, then the system can operate for extended periods, but the battery becomes expensive, heavy, and large
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the battery from the system and replacing it with a capacitor-based power storage device, the patent dramatically reduces the weight of the irrigation controller. Capacitors store energy electrostatically rather than chemically, allowing for much lighter construction while providing sufficient operational duration for the low-power irrigation controller application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/chemical energy storage mechanism of batteries with an electrical field-based capacitor system. This substitution enables the same energy storage function to be achieved with significantly reduced weight and volume, as capacitors can provide equivalent energy storage capacity in a much more compact and lightweight form factor
3Adaptability or versatility
If a battery is included in the irrigation controller to provide power storage, then the system can function without wired power sources, but the overall device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the system by removing the battery component entirely. The capacitor-based power storage device integrates more seamlessly with the solar panel and controller circuitry, reducing the number of components and interconnections required. This extraction of the battery eliminates the need for battery management circuits, charging control mechanisms, and safety protection systems that would otherwise be required
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor-based power storage device serves multiple functions within the system: it stores energy from the solar panel, provides power to the controller during operation, and can be charged during both day and night periods. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate battery management systems, charging circuits, and power regulation components, thereby reducing overall device 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
This solution provides a maintenance-free, cost-effective, and efficient irrigation control system that can operate for extended periods using energy stored in capacitors, reducing the need for battery replacements and minimizing environmental hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic power module and a power storage device comprising a capacitive module connected across the photovoltaic power module, the capacitive module being configured to store electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic power module
Implementation Method 2
the capacitive module being configured to store electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic power module
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.