NZ601982B - Methods and apparatus for controlling irrigation systems - Google Patents
Methods and apparatus for controlling irrigation systems Download PDFInfo
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- NZ601982B NZ601982B NZ601982A NZ60198212A NZ601982B NZ 601982 B NZ601982 B NZ 601982B NZ 601982 A NZ601982 A NZ 601982A NZ 60198212 A NZ60198212 A NZ 60198212A NZ 601982 B NZ601982 B NZ 601982B
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- control signal
- irrigation
- utility
- irrigation system
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- 238000003973 irrigation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 90
- 230000002262 irrigation Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 90
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 41
- 230000002747 voluntary Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 40
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 37
- 238000010248 power generation Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000001413 cellular Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010200 validation analysis Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000010295 mobile communication Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 235000019800 disodium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B15/00—Systems controlled by a computer
- G05B15/02—Systems controlled by a computer electric
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
- G05B19/0426—Programming the control sequence
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/26—Pc applications
- G05B2219/2625—Sprinkler, irrigation, watering
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/26—Pc applications
- G05B2219/2642—Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
Abstract
601982 Disclosed is a method of controlling an irrigation system (112) operable in a processor. The method includes receiving, via a communication interface (128), a control signal from a utility (102), determining whether said control signal is a mandatory control signal and determining whether or not to base operation of the irrigation system (112) at least in part on the control signal. or not to base operation of the irrigation system (112) at least in part on the control signal.
Description
Patent Form No. 5
NEW ZEALAND
Patents Act 1953
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
TITLE: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
We General Electric Company of 1 River Road, Schenectady, New York, 12345, United States of
America, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us,
and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following
statement:
4003q
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING IRRIGATION SYSTEMS
This application claims priority from United States Application No.
13/217,478 filed on 25 August 2011, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated
herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of the disclosure relates generally to the transmission and
distribution of electricity over an electrical grid, and more specifically, to methods and
apparatus for use in controlling irrigation systems.
The combination of the increasing world population and the increased
use of electric vehicles has created an increased electricity energy demand. Energy demand
has also increased for use with buildings, and/or to charge batteries or other energy sources
used in electric vehicles. The demand on the power grid has increased as the cost of fuel has
increased. Such demands will likely cause an increase in the price of energy supplied from the
power grid. In particular, initially at least, the price of energy is likely to increase during peak
times of high demand.
Currently, at least some known utilities use demand response systems
that enable customers to enroll in at least one demand response program to manage the
consumption of energy by their customers in response to supply conditions. Such known
demand response systems are commonly applied to power consuming devices such as, for
example, air conditioners, electric water heaters, washing machines, pool pumps, etc.
Examples of known demand response programs include a direct control program, a critical
peak pricing program, and a time-of-use program. The initiation and/or implementation of a
demand response program by a utility is known as a demand response event. A demand
response event is initiated by a utility transmitting a plurality of signals to its customers. For
example, a demand response event representative of a direct load control program, is initiated
when the utility transmits a signal to a device within a building, such as an in-home smart
device and/or smart thermostat, that enables the utility to directly control the usage of energy
consuming machines within the building. A demand response event representative of a critical
peak pricing program occurs when the utility transmits pricing signals to its customers during
peak demand times. The pricing signals enable the utility to apprise customers of heightened
energy prices during peak demand time periods such that customers may limit their energy
consumption during such peak demand time periods. A demand response event representative
of a time-of-use program occurs when the utility transmits a signal to a customer that is
representative of energy prices that correspond to a time range such that the customer may
identify an optimal time of day and/or day of the week to consume energy to ensure a low
energy price rate.
Similar to electric energy, demand for water often exceeds or strains
the water supply available from a water utility. Particularly during times of drought and/or
high temperatures, it is often desirable to reduce consumers’ use of water. More particularly,
it may be desirable to shift the time when water is used by consumers. Many municipalities,
cities, etc. have laws and/or regulations restricting the use of water in order to conserve water.
In particular, use of water for irrigation, e.g., lawn watering, is often restricted to certain times
of day and/or certain days of the week. Further, in some cases, use of water for such
ornamental irrigation may be prohibited completely.
A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given
as prior art is not to be taken as an admission that that document or matter was known or that
the information it contains was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date
of any of the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, a method for controlling an irrigation system includes
receiving, via a communication interface, a control signal from a utility. The method also
includes determining whether said control signal is a mandatory control signal; and
determining whether or not to base operation of the irrigation system at least in part on the
control signal.
In another aspect, an irrigation controller for controlling an irrigation
system is disclosed. The irrigation controller includes a communication interface for receiving
a signal from a utility company, and a processor coupled in communication with said
communication interface. The processor is programmed to receive, via the communication
interface, a control signal from the utility company; determine whether said control signal is a
mandatory control signal; and determine whether or not to base operation of the irrigation
system at least in part on the control signal.
In yet another aspect, a home automation system is provided. The
home automation system includes an irrigation system and an irrigation controller coupled to
control operation of the irrigation system. The irrigation controller includes a communication
interface for receiving a signal from a utility company, and a processor coupled in
communication with said communication interface. The processor is programmed to receive,
via the communication interface, a control signal from the utility, and determine whether or
not to base operation of the irrigation system at least in part on the control signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
is a block diagram of an exemplary demand response system.
is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device that may
be used with the demand response system shown in
is a block diagram of an example irrigation system of use in the
demand response system shown in
is a flow chart of an exemplary method for controlling an
irrigation system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The exemplary systems and methods described herein overcome at
least some known disadvantages of known energy demand response systems and water use
restrictions by providing an irrigation system that is responsive to demand response signals.
More specifically, in some embodiments described herein, an irrigation controller is provided
for controlling an irrigation system. The irrigation controller includes a communication
interface for receiving a signal from a utility, and a processor coupled in communication with
the communication interface. The processor is programmed to receive, via the communication
interface, a control signal from the utility, and determine whether or not to base operation of
the irrigation system at least in part on the control signal.
Technical effects of the methods and apparatus described herein
include at least one of: (a) receiving a signal from a utility company; and (b) determining
whether or not to base operation of an irrigation system at least in part on the control signal.
illustrates an exemplary demand response system 100. In the
exemplary embodiment, demand response system 100 is coupled to an controlled by a utility
102. Utility 102 includes an electric power generation system 104 and a computing device
106. Computing device 106 enables utility 102 to communicate with customers and electric
power generation system 104 supplies electrical power to customers via an electric network
108. Electric power generation system 104 may include a generator driven by, for example, a
gas turbine engine, a hydroelectric turbine, a wind turbine, one or more solar panels, and/or
another suitable generation system. In other embodiments, electric power generation system
104 may be at a different location from computing device 106 and/or computing device 106
may not be positioned within utility 102 and may be external to utility 102.
In the exemplary embodiment, computing device 106 is
communicatively coupled to a plurality of buildings 110, which may be occupied by a
plurality of customers. It should be noted that, as used herein, the term “couple” is not limited
to a direct mechanical, electrical, and/or communication connection between components, but
may also include an indirect mechanical, electrical, and/or communication connection between
multiple components.
Electric power generation system 104 is coupled to buildings 110 via
electric network 108 to provide power to buildings 110. More specifically, in the exemplary
embodiment, each building includes an irrigation system 112 that utilizes power provided by
electric power generation system 104. Building 110 may include other power consuming
devices 114. Power consuming devices 114 may be any type of device that consumes
electrical power including, for example, an electric water heater, an air conditioner, a pool
pump, etc.
In the exemplary embodiment, electric network 108 is illustrated in a
single line diagram. Electric network 108 may, however, include multiple wires carrying
multiple phases of electric power and buildings 110 may be connected to different phases of
electric power. Further, electric network 108 may include additional elements including, for
example, transformers, substations, switches, nodes, etc.
Computing device 106 is coupled to at least one user notification
device 116 within each building 110 via a network 118 that enables computing device 106 to
communicate with user notification device 116. Network 118 may include a private network,
a public network, the Internet, etc. In the exemplary embodiment, user notification device 116
may be a computer, a cellular phone, and/or a smart device, including a smart box and/or
smart thermostat. Alternatively, user notification device 116 may be any other device that is
configured to communicate with computing device 106. Moreover, in the exemplary
embodiment, user notification device 116 may be a home automation system. User
notification device 116 includes a user interface 120 that receives at least one input from a
user, such as from a customer of utility 102. In other embodiments, user notification device
116 may not include user interface 120. In the exemplary embodiment, user interface 120 may
include, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel
(e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, and/or
an audio input interface (e.g., including a microphone) that enables the user to input pertinent
information.
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, user notification device 116
includes a presentation interface 122 that presents information, such as information regarding
demand response programs and/or demand response events that are received from utility 102,
input events, and/or validation results, to the user. In the exemplary embodiment,
presentation interface 122 includes a display adapter (not shown) that is coupled to at least one
display device (not shown). More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, the display
device is a visual display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display
(LCD), an organic LED (OLED) display, and/or an “electronic ink” display. Alternatively,
presentation interface 122 may include an audio output device (e.g., an audio adapter and/or a
speaker) and/or a printer. In other embodiments, user notification device 116 may not include
presentation interface 122.
Computing device 106 may communicate with user notification
device 116 using a wired network connection (e.g., Ethernet, Internet, an optical fiber,
powerline communication), a wireless communication means, such as radio frequency (RF),
e.g., FM radio and/or digital audio broadcasting, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics
Engineers (IEEE®) 802.11 standard (e.g., 802.11(g) or 802.11(n)), an IEEE® 802.15.4
standard, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX®) standard,
cellular phone technology (e.g., the Global Standard for Mobile communication (GSM)), a
satellite communication link, and/or any other suitable communication means. More
specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, user notification device 116 is configured to
receive at least one signal from computing device 106 that is representative of at least one
demand response event. In the exemplary embodiment, the demand response event initiates
the implementation of a demand response program that may include a direct load control
program, a critical peak pricing program, and/or a time of use program.
In the exemplary embodiment, utility 102 also includes a data
management system 124 that is coupled to computing device 106. Data management system
124 may be any device capable of accessing network 118 such as, without limitation, a
desktop computer, a laptop computer, or other web-based connectable equipment. More
specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, data management system 124 includes a database
126 that includes customer data for each customer of utility 102. In the exemplary
embodiment, the customer data may include an enrollment period and/or an enrollment status
of each customer participating in at least one demand response program. For example, the
data may include a selection made by each customer for at least one demand response program
to participate in. The customer data may also include a participation history for each
customer. The participation history may include, for example, the previous demand response
events that each customer has participated in. The customer data may also include a
geographic area of each customer, such as the geographic area where each customer resides.
The customer data may include the phase of power utilized by each customer. The customer
data may indicate what type of customer each customer is, such as commercial or residential.
The customer data may indicate the types of power consuming devices used by each customer
include, for example, electric water heaters, air conditioners, pool pumps, irrigation systems
112, etc.
Data management system 124 includes a user interface 128 that
receives at least one input from a user, such as an operator and/or employee of utility 102. In
the exemplary embodiment, data management system user interface 128 may include, for
example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch
pad or a touch screen), a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, and/or an audio
input interface (e.g., including a microphone) that enables the user to input pertinent
information.
Data management system 124 may communicate with computing
device 106 using a wired network connection (e.g., Ethernet or an optical fiber), a wireless
communication means, such as radio frequency (RF), e.g., FM radio and/or digital audio
broadcasting, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE®) 802.11 standard
(e.g., 802.11(g) or 802.11(n)), the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WIMAX®) standard, cellular phone technology (e.g., the Global Standard for Mobile
communication (GSM)), a satellite communication link, and/or any other suitable
communication means. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, data management
system 124 transmits the customer data to computing device 106. While the customer data is
shown as being stored in database 126 within data management system 124 in the exemplary
embodiment, it should be noted that the customer data may be stored in another system and/or
device. For example, computing device 106 may store the customer data therein.
In the exemplary embodiment, system 100 includes an advanced
metering infrastructure (AMI) subsystem 130. AMI subsystem 130 includes a gateway 132
and a repeater 134 and AMI meters 136. Repeater 134 repeats or relays data to forward data
between devices, such as computing device 106, gateway 132, AMI meters 136, user
notification devices 116, etc. AMI meters 136 measure and/or detect an amount of electricity
received and/or provided to one or more loads (such as power consuming devices 114,
irrigation system 112, etc.) coupled to AMI meters 136. Meters 136 transmit data, such as
electricity measurement data, to, and/or receive data from, other devices or systems within
network 118 and/or AMI subsystem 130.
System 100 includes, in the exemplary embodiment, a water utility
138. Water utility 138 is coupled to provide water to buildings 110. More specifically, water
utility 138 provides water via water pipes 140 to irrigation systems 112.
is a block diagram of computing device 106. In the exemplary
embodiment, computing device 106 includes a user interface 204 that receives at least one
input from a user, such as an employee of utility 102 (shown in . In the exemplary
embodiment, user interface 204 includes a keyboard 206 that enables the user to input
pertinent information. Alternatively, user interface 204 may include, for example, a pointing
device, a mouse, a stylus, a touch sensitive panel (e.g., a touch pad or a touch screen), a
gyroscope, an accelerometer, a position detector, and/or an audio input interface (e.g.,
including a microphone).
Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, computing device 106
includes a presentation interface 207 that presents information, such as input events and/or
validation results, to the user. In the exemplary embodiment, presentation interface 207
includes a display adapter 208 that is coupled to at least one display device 210. More
specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, display device 210 is a visual display device, such
as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic LED (OLED) display,
and/or an “electronic ink” display. Alternatively, presentation interface 207 may include an
audio output device (e.g., an audio adapter and/or a speaker) and/or a printer.
Computing device 106 also includes a processor 214 and a memory
device 218. In the exemplary embodiment, processor 214 is coupled to user interface 204,
presentation interface 207, and to memory device 218 via a system bus 220. In the exemplary
embodiment, processor 214 communicates with the user, such as by prompting the user via
presentation interface 207 and/or by receiving user inputs via user interface 204. Moreover, in
the exemplary embodiment, processor 214 is programmed by encoding an operation using one
or more executable instructions and providing the executable instructions in memory device
218.
The term “processor” refers generally to any programmable system
including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application
specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit
or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are
exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of
the term “processor.”
In the exemplary embodiment, memory device 218 includes one or
more devices that enable information, such as executable instructions and/or other data, to be
stored and retrieved. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, memory device 218 includes
one or more computer readable media, such as, without limitation, dynamic random access
memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), a solid state disk, and/or a hard
disk. In the exemplary embodiment, memory device 218 stores, without limitation,
application source code, application object code, configuration data, additional input events,
application states, assertion statements, validation results, and/or any other type of data. More
specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, memory device 218 stores input data received
from a user via user interface 204, and/or information received from other components of
demand response system 100 (shown in .
Computing device 106, in the exemplary embodiment, also includes a
communication interface 230 that is coupled to processor 214 via system bus 220. Moreover,
in the exemplary embodiment, communication interface 230 is communicatively coupled to
user notification device 116 via network 118 (shown in . In the exemplary
embodiment, communication interface 230 communicates with user notification device 116,
and/or other components within system 100.
is a block diagram of irrigation system 112. Irrigation system
112 includes a well 301, a pump 302, water pipes 303, valves 304, irrigation components 306,
308, and 310, and an irrigation controller 312. Irrigation system 112 is coupled, via water
pipes 140, to receive water from water utility 138. In the exemplary embodiment, pump 302 is
coupled to receive water from well 301. In the exemplary embodiment, pump 302 is an
electric motor driven water pump used to pump water received from well 301 to irrigation
components 306-310. In other embodiments, pump 302 may be configured, additionally or
alternatively, to pump water received from utility 138 to irrigation components 306-310. In
some embodiments, irrigation system may not receive water from utility 138 and may only
include well 301 and pump 302. In still other embodiments, irrigation system 112 may only
be coupled to receive water from utility 138 and may not include well 301 and/or pump 302.
Irrigation controller 312 controls operation of the irrigation system
112. More particularly, irrigation controller 312 controls operation of pump 302 and/or valves
304 to control delivery of water to irrigation components 306-310. Irrigation components
306-310 may include, for example, sprinklers, drippers, misters, etc. In the illustrated
embodiment, valves 304 are electronically controlled water valves. Irrigation controller 312 is
coupled to valves 304 via wired or wireless communication links 320, thus enabling irrigation
controller 312 to operate the valves 304 to selectively permit or restrict the flow of water
through the water valve. Irrigation controller 312 may be a standalone controller, may be a
part of another controller, or may be a combination of a standalone controller and a part of
another controller. In some embodiments, for example, irrigation controller 312 is part of
notification device 116. Irrigation controller may be embodied in hardware, software, or a
combination of hardware and software. In the exemplary embodiment, irrigation controller
312 includes a processor 314, a memory device 316, and a communication interface. The
memory device stores operating parameters, schedules, algorithms, etc. In the exemplary
embodiment, memory device stores a defined schedule for operation of irrigation system 112.
In the exemplary embodiment, irrigation controller 312 is coupled, via
communication interface 318, to receive control signals transmitted by utility 102. In some
embodiments, the control signal transmitted by utility may be a demand response control
signal. Processor 314 determines whether or not to base operation of the irrigation system on
the received control signal. The decision of whether or not to base operation of the irrigation
system on the control signal may be based on numerous factors. For example, the demand
response signal may be a mandatory control signal or a voluntary control signal.
A mandatory control signal may require irrigation controller to operate
as instructed by the control signal. This may be particularly useful as an enforcement
mechanism for water use restrictions. In such instances, local laws, regulations, etc. may
forbid or restrict use of an irrigation system between particular hours, when the temperature
exceeds a certain temperature, on certain days of the week, etc. Thus, the control signal may
instruct irrigation controller 312 to not operate irrigation system 112 in order to comply with
the applicable laws, regulations, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, the control signal may
instruct irrigation controller when it is permissible to operate irrigation system 112. The
mandatory control signal may be an enabling signal (irrigation system may be operated now),
a prohibiting signal (irrigation system may not be operated now), or a descriptive signal
(irrigation system may be used at the following times). Thus, processor 314 may determine to
disregard the received control signal and operate according to an existing operating schedule,
operate as instructed by control signal rather than the existing operating schedule, modify the
existing operating schedule in accordance with the received control signal, or any combination
of the aforementioned operations.
Voluntary control signals may include, for example, demand response
event signals. Such voluntary control signals may indicate the occurrence of a demand
response event. Depending on the program, or programs, in which the customer is enrolled,
and the parameters for participation established by the customer, the irrigation controller 312
may determine whether or not to participate in the demand response event and whether or not
to operate in accordance with the control signal. For example, the demand response control
signal may indicate a price of electric power and the irrigation controller 312 may be
programmed to not operate irrigation system 112 when electric power exceeds a certain price.
In some instances, the irrigation controller 312 may receive a control
signal that should be followed, either a mandatory signal or a voluntary signal that meets the
established parameters, but the existing operating schedule may not need to be altered to
operate in conformity with the received control signal (i.e., it does not conflict with the control
signal). In such circumstance, the irrigation controller 112 may be considered as operating
based, at least in part, on the control signal, even though it does not vary the existing operating
schedule.
is a flow chart of an exemplary method 400 for controlling an
irrigation system, for example irrigation system 112 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). In the
exemplary embodiment, a control signal is received 402 from a utility, for example, utility 102
(shown in . The control signal is received 402 via a communication interface, such as
communication interface 318 (shown in . Method 400 includes determining 404,
whether or not to base operation of the irrigation system at least in part on the control signal.
The methods and apparatus described herein facilitate the reduction of
electric energy usage and/or water usage by a customer. The methods and apparatus described
herein may enable irrigation systems to participate in electrical energy demand response
programs. The methods and apparatus described herein may also enable enforcement of water
usage restriction by permitting a water utility, or other utility or regulatory agency, to mandate
directly to an irrigation system when it may operate. Further, methods and apparatus
described herein may facilitate enabling water utility based demand response programs by
providing irrigation systems and controllers that are responsive to demand response control
signals.
Exemplary embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus are
described and/or illustrated herein in detail. The methods, systems, and apparatus are not
limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of each system,
as well as steps of each method, may be utilized independently and separately from other
components and steps described herein. Each component, and each method step, can also be
used in combination with other components and/or method steps.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention
may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance
with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
It will be understood by those of skill in the art that information and
signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques
(e.g., data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips may be
represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical
fields or particles, or any combination thereof). Likewise, the various illustrative logical
blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein may be implemented as
electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both, depending on the application
and functionality. Moreover, the various logical blocks, modules, and circuits described herein
may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor (e.g., microprocessor,
conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, state machine or combination of
computing devices), a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated
circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic
device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Similarly, steps of a method or
process described herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module
executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in
RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,
registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium
known in the art. Although preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been
described in detail, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications
can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth
in the appended claims.
A controller, computer, or computing device, such as those described
herein, includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system memory. The controller
typically has at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not
limitation, computer readable media include computer storage media and communication
media. Computer storage media include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-
removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.
Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures,
program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other
transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art are
familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or
changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the
above are also included within the scope of computer readable media.
Embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, such as program components or modules,
executed by one or more computers or other devices. Aspects of the disclosure may be
implemented with any number and organization of components or modules. For example,
aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or the
specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Alternative
embodiments of the disclosure may include different computer-executable instructions or
components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.
When introducing elements/components/etc. of the methods, systems,
and apparatus described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are
intended to mean that there are one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms
“comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may
be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the
invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any
incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with
insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised” or
“comprising” are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as
specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not
precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or group
thereto.
PARTS LIST
demand response system ........................................................................ 100
utility ...................................................................................................... 102
electric power generation system ........................................................... 104
computing device ................................................................................... 106
electric network ...................................................................................... 108
building ................................................................................................... 110
irrigation system ..................................................................................... 112
power consuming devices ...................................................................... 114
user notification device .......................................................................... 116
network ................................................................................................... 118
user interface .......................................................................................... 120
presentation interface ............................................................................. 122
data management system ........................................................................ 124
database .................................................................................................. 126
user interface .......................................................................................... 128
AMI subsystem ....................................................................................... 130
gateway ................................................................................................... 132
repeater ................................................................................................... 134
AMI meters ............................................................................................. 136
utility ...................................................................................................... 138
water pipes .............................................................................................. 140
user interface .......................................................................................... 204
keyboard ................................................................................................. 206
presentation interface ............................................................................. 207
display adapter ........................................................................................ 208
display device ......................................................................................... 210
processor ................................................................................................. 214
memory device ....................................................................................... 218
system bus .............................................................................................. 220
communication interface ........................................................................ 230
well ......................................................................................................... 301
pump ....................................................................................................... 302
water pipes .............................................................................................. 303
valves ...................................................................................................... 304
irrigation components ............................................................................. 306
irrigation components ............................................................................ 308
irrigation components ............................................................................. 310
irrigation controller ................................................................................. 312
processor ................................................................................................. 314
memory device ....................................................................................... 316
communication interface ........................................................................ 318
communication links .............................................................................. 320
method .................................................................................................... 400
control signal is received ........................................................................ 402
determining .............................................................................................. 404
Claims (5)
1. A method of controlling an irrigation system operable in a processor, said method causing the processor to execute the steps comprising: receiving, via a communication interface, a control signal from a utility; determining whether said control signal is a mandatory control signal; and determining whether or not to base operation of the irrigation system at least in part on the control signal.
2. The method in accordance with Claim 1, further comprising operating the irrigation system based at least in part on the control signal when the control signal is the mandatory control signal.
3. The method in accordance with Claim 1 or 2, wherein said determining comprises determining whether an existing operating schedule for the irrigation system is in conflict with the control signal.
4. The method in accordance with Claim 1, wherein said receiving a control signal from a utility comprises receiving a control signal from a utility that is one of: a mandatory control signal prohibiting operation of the irrigation system for a period of time; a mandatory control signal enabling operation of the irrigation system for a period of time; and a voluntary control signal including utility pricing data.
5. An irrigation controller for use in controlling an irrigation system, said irrigation controller comprising: a communication interface for receiving a signal from a utility company; and a processor coupled in communication with said communication interface and programmed to: receive, via the communication interface, a control signal from the utility company; determine whether said control signal is a mandatory control signal; and
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/217,478 | 2011-08-25 | ||
US13/217,478 US20130048746A1 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2011-08-25 | Methods and apparatus for controlling irrigation systems |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ601982A NZ601982A (en) | 2014-02-28 |
NZ601982B true NZ601982B (en) | 2014-06-04 |
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