Zone Irrigation Drought Control Using Adjusted Evapotranspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing strain on water supply systems due to growing populations and the need for water conservation, particularly during drought conditions, is not effectively addressed by existing irrigation controllers.
Innovation Solution
An irrigation controller that adjusts watering schedules based on determined drought conditions by calculating an adjusted landscape evapotranspiration rate using a drought factor, allowing for reduced water usage through a multi-zone irrigation system with processors, servers, and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional irrigation controllers are used, then plants receive adequate water, but water consumption increases during drought conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation controller dynamically adjusts the watering schedule by applying a drought factor to the base evapotranspiration rate, transforming the static irrigation schedule into a dynamic one that responds to drought conditions. The adjusted evapotranspiration rate is calculated as: adjusted_ET = base_ET × drought factor, where the drought factor varies based on the severity of drought conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the evapotranspiration rate parameter from its base value to an adjusted value during drought conditions. The controller modifies this key parameter based on drought category, thereby reducing water application while still meeting plant needs under stressed environmental conditions.
2Loss of substance
If water usage is reduced during droughts, then water conservation is achieved, but plant water sufficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors drought conditions and adjusts the evapotranspiration rate accordingly. The drought factor is determined based on current drought severity, creating a feedback loop that ensures water application remains appropriate for the actual environmental conditions while conserving water during droughts.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-establishes drought factors for different drought categories before actual drought conditions occur. When drought conditions are detected, the appropriate pre-calculated drought factor is immediately applied to adjust the watering schedule, ensuring rapid response without compromising plant water needs.
3Productivity
If automated drought adjustment is implemented, then water optimization is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drought adjustment system is segmented into distinct functional components: a base evapotranspiration rate calculation module, a drought factor determination module, and an adjusted rate calculation module. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement despite the increased automation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Irrigation controllers, methods, and computer readable media for altering a watering schedule for an irrigation controller in accordance with determined drought conditions are disclosed. A drought category for a watering zone may be determined. An adjusted landscape evapotranspiration rate may be calculated based on the drought category. The watering schedule for the watering zone may be altered in accordance with the adjusted landscape evapotranspiration rate.