WO2020234701A1

WO2020234701A1 - Irrigation control system

Info

Publication number: WO2020234701A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/054566
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony BLIGHE
Original assignee: Blighe Anthony
Priority date: 2019-05-17
Filing date: 2020-05-14
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Also published as: GB2599269A; GB201907000D0; GB2583975A; GB202117217D0; GB2599269B

Abstract

An irrigation control system (100) comprising: a valve (104) for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device (108); an irrigation controller (110) for controlling operation of the valve (104); and an irrigation gauge (102) configured for placement within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device (108) and for measuring water from the irrigation device (108); wherein the irrigation controller (110) is configured to provide irrigation control functionality whereby, once an irrigation phase has been initiated by supplying water to the irrigation device (108), the irrigation controller (110) causes the valve (104) to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge (102) measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase.

Description

IRRIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to irrigation control systems, in particular irrigation control systems for controlling the amount of water delivered to an irrigation area. The invention also relates to methods of irrigation control, in particular methods of controlling the irrigation rate using an irrigation control system.

Background

When irrigating a cultivated area, such as a lawn, it is important to deliver an optimal amount of water to the irrigated area. Delivering too much water wastes money and water, increases the carbon footprint of irrigation, and can damage plants due to waterlogging or flooding. Delivering too little water can also damage plants. In particular, watering too little will only wet the upper regions of the soil, which can encourage surface roots to develop in preference to deep root systems, leaving plants more susceptible to drought. According to the Royal Horticultural Society, as a general guide, about 24 litres per square metre every seven to ten days should be sufficient to maintain healthy plant growth (rhs.org.uk). This is equivalent to 24mm, or approximately one inch, of rain or irrigation. Soil so dry that plants are wilting will need more water: roughly 80mm for clay or 60mm for sandy soil.

Various irrigation controllers and control systems have been developed, but none adequately address this problem. Such systems generally comprise a computer- controlled valve for controlling the supply of water to a sprinkler or other irrigation device based on an irrigation scheme or other parameters. For example, irrigation controllers are available for controlling an irrigation schedule so that water is delivered to the irrigation device only during certain times of the day (e.g. at dusk and/or dawn) or at set intervals or for set periods of time. Some irrigation control systems also measure the volume of water delivered to the irrigation device, interrupt a watering schedule if rain is detected, or initiate duration controlled watering when a buried sensor detects dry soil. Similarly, some irrigation controllers are configured to cease irrigation when a moisture sensor buried in the ground detects a certain soil moisture level. However, it is generally difficult to accurately and consistently measure soil moisture levels for different soil types. Also, the penetration or absorption rate of water into different soil types differs, which can lead to different amounts of water being delivered based on the moisture penetration properties of the soil. For example, a soil that allows water to penetrate rapidly will achieve a given moisture level more rapidly and with less water than a soil that allows water to penetrate less readily, which will result in less water being delivered overall. The rate at which soil moisture levels increase is also affected by interception of water by vegetation, which can slow the rate at which the water soaks into the ground. This can result in too much water being delivered to the irrigated area due to the delay in soil moisture increase .

Another complication is that the irrigation area irrigated by the sprinkler is usually an unknown and difficult to measure variable, and is affected by various factors such as water pressure and sprinkler design. For example, as the water pressure increases generally the sprinkler will irrigate a larger area. Also, irrigation control systems are generally supplied separately from sprinkler systems so that they may be retrofit into existing irrigation systems. Thus, it is desirable for an irrigation control system to be able to deliver a predetermined amount of water per unit area or a predetermined irrigation depth independent of the choice of sprinkler or the water pressure .

There is therefore a need for an irrigation control system that overcomes these problems.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an irrigation control system comprising: a valve for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device; an irrigation controller for controlling operation of the valve; and an irrigation gauge configured for placement within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device . The irrigation gauge may be configured for measuring the amount of irrigation water incident on or falling on the irrigation gauge, e .g. a collection area of the irrigation gauge. The irrigation controller may be configured to provide irrigation control functionality. According to the irrigation control functionality, once an irrigation phase has been initiated by supplying water to the irrigation device, the irrigation controller may cause the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount (e .g. volume, weight or depth) of water during the irrigation phase, for example based on signals provided by the irrigation gauge, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase. The irrigation controller may cause the valve to open to initiate irrigation of the irrigation area, thereby initiating the irrigation phase, whereafter the irrigation controller may cause the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures the predetermined amount of irrigation water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase.

The predetermined amount of water may correspond to or may be an irrigation dose. For example, the irrigation dose may be an amount (e.g. volume or weight) of irrigation water per unit area or a depth of irrigation water, which may be expressed per unit time, or for a given or predetermined time period, e.g. a dosage period. The dosage period may correspond to one irrigation phase, or may correspond to a plurality of irrigation phases. The system may be configured to permit the irrigation dose to be set by a user. The system may also be configured to calculate the predetermined amount based on the irrigation dose.

The predetermined amount of water may correspond to an irrigation rate. The irrigation rate may be a predetermined amount of water per unit area per unit time or during a given or predetermined period, or a predetermined depth of water per unit time or during a given or predetermined period.

The system may be configured to permit the predetermined amount of water or the irrigation rate to be set by a user.

The irrigation controller may be configured to initiate a sequence of irrigation phases according to an irrigation schedule. The system may be configured to permit the irrigation schedule to be set by a user.

The irrigation controller may be configured to calculate the predetermined amount of water based on the irrigation schedule and the irrigation dose or rate. The irrigation controller may calculate the predetermined amount of water based on the number of irrigation phases per unit time or within a given period. For example, the predetermined amount of water may correspond to the dose, for example the depth or amount of water per unit area per unit time or dose period, divided by the number of irrigation phases scheduled during the dose period. For example, if the irrigation dose is set at 24 mm per 10 days and the irrigation schedule consists of one irrigation cycle per day, the predetermined amount of water for each irrigation phase may correspond to 24/10 = 2.4 mm of irrigation water.

The irrigation controller may be configured to adjust the predetermined amount of water based on an amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge in a preceding period, for example since the cessation of a previous, e.g. the last, irrigation phase. The irrigation controller may be configured to reduce the predetermined amount of water by an amount substantially equal to the amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge during the preceding period.

The system may be configured to receive meteorological forecast data. The irrigation controller may be configured to adjust the predetermined amount of water and/or to postpone or cancel an upcoming irrigation phase based on the meteorological forecast data. For example, the irrigation controller may be configured to reduce the predetermined amount of water and/or to postpone or cancel the next or another subsequent irrigation phase if the meteorological forecast data predicts that precipitation will occur at the location of the irrigation control system within a period subsequent to the initiation of the irrigation phase.

The system may comprise a portable unit for placement within the irrigation area. The portable unit may comprise the valve and the irrigation gauge.

The portable unit may further comprise the irrigation controller.

The portable unit may comprise a user interface. The user interface may be configured for receiving user control inputs.

The system may comprise a flow control unit. The flow control unit may comprise the valve. The irrigation gauge may be separate, i.e. physically separate from the flow control unit. For example the irrigation gauge may not be a part of the flow control unit.

The flow control unit may comprise the irrigation controller.

The flow control unit may be tap mountable. The flow control unit may comprise a user interface . The user interface may be configured for receiving user control inputs.

The system may comprise a separate hub unit. The separate hub unit may comprise a user interface for receiving user control inputs.

The hub unit may comprise the irrigation controller, or a part of the irrigation controller.

The system may be configured for connection to a network for receiving meteorological data and/or user control inputs. For example, the hub unit may be configured as such.

The irrigation gauge may be configured to measure the amount of water from the irrigation device incident on a collection area of the irrigation gauge. The predetermined amount of water may correspond to the predetermined amount of water per unit area multiplied by the area of the collection area.

The irrigation gauge may be or may comprise a tipping bucket irrigation gauge.

The irrigation gauge may be configured to be free-standing.

The irrigation gauge may be configured to collect and measure irrigation water. The irrigation gauge may be configured to drain the collected irrigation water onto the ground beneath the irrigation gauge.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an irrigation flow control unit. The irrigation flow control unit may comprise a valve for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device. The irrigation control unit may comprise and an irrigation controller configured to control operation of the valve. The irrigation controller may be configured to receive signals from an irrigation gauge located within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device. The irrigation controller may be configured to provide irrigation control functionality. According to the irrigation control functionality, once an irrigation phase has been initiated by supplying water to the irrigation device, the irrigation controller may cause the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase . For example, the irrigation controller may cause the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water per unit area being irrigated, or a predetermined depth of water during the irrigation phase.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an irrigation controller. The irrigation controller may be configured to control operation of a valve for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device . The irrigation controller may be configured to receive signals from an irrigation gauge located within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device. The irrigation controller may be configured to provide irrigation control functionality. According to the irrigation control functionality, once an irrigation phase has been initiated by supplying water to the irrigation device, the irrigation controller may cause the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase .

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling irrigation, in particular a method of controlling irrigation using a system, irrigation control unit or irrigation controller of the invention. The method may comprise providing an irrigation control system according to the invention. The method may comprise placing the irrigation gauge in the irrigation area. The method may comprise supplying water to the irrigation device to initiate an irrigation phase. The method may comprise closing the valve under the control of the irrigation controller to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase .

Brief Description of the Figures

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating aspects of an irrigation control system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of an irrigation gauge in accordance with the invention; FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portable unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an irrigation control system according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an irrigation control system according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates an irrigation control system according to an aspect of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a hub unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a flow control unit in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an irrigation control system according to an aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an irrigation control system according to an aspect of the invention.

Like reference signs generally refer to the same or corresponding features throughout the drawings unless otherwise indicated.

Detailed Description

Referring to Fig. 1 , an irrigation control system 100 according to the invention, for example a garden irrigation control system, comprises an irrigation gauge 102, a valve 104 for controlling the supply of water from a water source 106 to an irrigation device 108 such as a garden sprinkler, and an irrigation controller 1 10 for controlling operation of the valve 104. The irrigation controller 1 10 is configured to control, based on measurements made by the irrigation gauge 102, the amount of water per unit area or the“depth” of irrigation water supplied by an irrigation device 108 to an irrigation area during an irrigation phase or during a predetermined time period, which may include one or more irrigation phases. In other words, the irrigation controller 1 10 may be configured to control the irrigation dose, for example the irrigation dose per unit area and/or per unit time (e .g. per dose period) .

The irrigation device 108, which is not necessarily a part of the irrigation control system 100 but may be in some embodiments, may be a sprinkler, more specifically a garden sprinkler. The irrigation device 108 may be located at a site to be irrigated so that, when it is supplied with water, it irrigates an irrigation area surrounding the irrigation device 108.

Typically, sprinklers and other irrigation devices are designed so as to substantially uniformly irrigate the irrigation area. In other words, the irrigation rate across the irrigation area, in terms of the amount of water delivered per unit area or irrigation depth during a given period of time, is substantially uniform across the irrigation area. In the context of the invention, it is preferable for the irrigation device 108 to substantially uniformly irrigate the irrigation area in this way so that all parts of the irrigation area receive substantially the same amount of water within each irrigation phase.

The irrigation device 108 is generally supplied with water from a source 106, such as a tap, via hosing, tubing, or other conventional means so that the irrigation device 108 is in flow communication with the source 106. The valve 104 is configured to control the supply of water to the irrigation device 108 and is therefore generally located along the water flow path 1 12 between the source 106 and the irrigation device 108 so as to regulate the supply of water to the irrigation device 108. The valve 104 generally has an open configuration in which water may flow from the source 106 to supply the irrigation device 108 and a closed configuration in which water from the source 106 is prevented from supplying the irrigation device 108. The valve 104 may be a mechanical valve operated by a motor, or it may be a solenoid or other type of valve . Preferably the valve 104 is bistable meaning that it does not require power unless switching between the closed and open states, which reduces the power consumption of the system 100. The valve 104 is configured to be operated in response to control signals 1 14, for example from the irrigation controller 1 10. The valve 104 may therefore be described as computer controllable. For example, the valve 104 may comprise a valve controller unit which receives signals 1 14 and operates the valve 104 based on the received signals. Alternatively, the valve 104 may operate directly based on signals 1 14 received by the irrigation controller 1 10 without the need for an additional valve controller unit to process said signals.

The irrigation gauge 102 is configured for placement on the ground within the irrigation area, either as a stand-alone unit or as an integrated unit comprising other elements of the system 100. The irrigation gauge 102 is configured so that, when placed within the irrigation area, it is able to measure the amount of water incident on (i.e . falling on) the irrigation gauge 102 from the irrigation device 108, and thereby to measure the amount of water delivered by the irrigation device 108 in terms of an amount per unit area or a “depth” within the irrigation area, specifically at the location of the irrigation gauge 102. The irrigation gauge 102 may be a“rain gauge” (also known as an udometer, pluviometer, or ombrometer) adapted for the purposes of the invention. Many different types of rain gauge are known in the art, notably tipping bucket gauges. The irrigation gauge 102 is configured to measure the amount of water (e.g. irrigation and/or precipitation) deposited at the location of the gauge . This may be in terms of a simple volume of water, a volume of water per unit area, or a“depth” of water that has fallen at that location (i.e . the depth of the water that would result should the measured amount of water be contained in a vessel having a constant cross-sectional area in the horizontal plane equal to the collection area) . The irrigation gauge 102 generally defines a “collection area” or“catchment area” and is configured to measure the amount of water incident on the collection or catchment area. Since the area of the collection area is known, this allows the irrigation rate (i.e. the“depth” or the volume per unit area during a given time) to be determined.

Referring to Fig. 2, the irrigation gauge 102 is typically cylindrical in shape and may comprise a water collection surface 1 18 arranged such that water incident on the water collection surface 1 18 is directed onto a water measuring device 120 configured to measure the volume of water incident on the water collection surface 1 18. For example, the irrigation gauge 102 may comprise a housing 122, the upper surface of which provides a water collection surface 1 18. The water collection surface 1 18 is configured so that water 124 that lands on the water collection surface 1 18 flows towards a water collection aperture 126, which may be formed in the water collection surface 1 18. As such, the water collection surface 1 18 generally slopes downwardly towards the water collection aperture 126. In the irrigation gauge 102 illustrated, the water collection surface 1 18 forms a funnel, which funnels the water towards and through the water collection aperture 126. The water measuring device 120 may be a tipping bucket assembly, which may be located below the water collection aperture 126 so that water that flows through the water collection aperture 126 under the influence of gravity is collected and measured by the tipping bucket assembly. Thus, the irrigation gauge 102 may be a“tipping bucket” irrigation (or rain) gauge. Tipping bucket assemblies are well known in the art and so will not be described in detail here, but generally they comprise a pivotable see-saw like container structure 128 comprising a pair of reservoirs or “buckets” 130a, 130b, one at each end of the container structure 128. Water is initially collected by one of the buckets 130a, 130b until the weight of the water in that bucket causes the container structure 128 to pivot so that the filled bucket empties and the other bucket is presented to collect water flowing through the water collection aperture 126. A sensor or switch 132, such as an optical switch, reed switch or Hall effect sensor, is provided to sense each tipping of the container structure 128. Since it requires a predetermined and known amount of water to cause the container structure 128 to tip or pivot, the amount of water is determined from the number of times the container structure 128 tips. Preferably the irrigation gauge 102 deposits the water it collects and measures on the ground immediately below the irrigation gauge 102. For example, the housing 122 of the irrigation gauge 102 may comprise outlet apertures 134 formed in its underside such that the measured water flows onto the ground beneath the gauge 102. This has the advantage that the irrigation gauge 102 does not prevent water from reaching the ground beneath the gauge 102, thereby ensuring that any vegetation growing beneath the gauge 102 is not deprived of irrigation.

The irrigation gauge 102 defines a water collection (or catchment) area. The water collection area is planar, and water that falls within the water collection area is measured by the irrigation gauge 102, whereas water that falls outside of the water collection area is not measured by the irrigation gauge 102. The water collection area is generally the cross-sectional area, when viewed from (directly) above the gauge within which water is measured by the irrigation gauge 102. The water collection area is therefore generally defined in the horizontal plane, relative to the irrigation gauge 102. The water collection area is effectively the area bound by the perimeter or boundary of a water collection portion of the irrigation gauge 102. For example, in the irrigation gauge 102 illustrated in Fig. 2, the water collection area is defined by the rim 136 of the water collection surface 118, the water collection area being the planar area bound by the rim 136.

The irrigation gauge 102 is configured to communicate with the irrigation controller 110, optionally via intervening devices or units such as“hubs”, as described in more detail below. More specifically, the irrigation gauge 102 is configured to output signals 116 to the irrigation controller 110 based on or indicative of the water measurements made by the irrigation gauge 102. For example, the irrigation gauge 102 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with the irrigation controller 1 10 and may therefore comprise or be coupled to a wireless transmitter or transceiver. Alternatively, the irrigation gauge 102 may be in wired communication with the irrigation controller 1 10.

The irrigation gauge 102 generally comprises a battery or other power source for providing power to the various components of the unit, and may also comprise one or more solar panels for charging the battery and providing power to the gauge. Alternatively, the irrigation gauge 102 may not comprise a power source and may instead be powered by an external source via a cable or wire .

The irrigation controller 1 10 is configured to output control signals 1 14 for controlling operation of the valve 104. The irrigation controller 1 10 may comprise a processor (e .g. a micro-processor) and a memory. The irrigation controller 1 10 may be a single unit, or may be a distributed system having multiple processors and memories at different locations or in different elements of the irrigation control system. For example, the irrigation controller 1 10 may be distributed between a main unit and a hub unit, with the effect being that the distributed irrigation controller 1 10 controls operation of the valve 104 according to signals 1 16 from the irrigation gauge 102. The irrigation controller 1 10 may be loaded with software and configured to execute the software to control the operation of the valve 104 according to various irrigation schemes and/or schedules which may be stored in the memory of the irrigation controller 1 10. In other words, the irrigation controller 1 10 is configured to provide irrigation control functionality, aspects of which may be user adjusted or selected. In general, where aspects of the irrigation control functionality of the system are described herein, these may be provided by the irrigation controller 1 10 and the irrigation controller 1 10 may therefore be configured appropriately to achieve the require functionality, for example the irrigation controller 1 10 may be programmed as such. Where it is mentioned herein that the irrigation controller 1 10 is“configured to” provide a particular functionality, this is to be understood as meaning that the irrigation controller 1 10 is configured to provide such functionality, for example this may constitute an option that may be selected by a user. The irrigation controller 1 10 is configured for wired or wireless communication with the valve 104 so that it may send control signals 1 14 to the valve 104, optionally via a valve controller unit. The irrigation controller 1 10 is also configured for wired or wireless communication with the irrigation gauge 102, optionally via intervening devices or units such as“hubs”, as described in more detail below. In particular, the irrigation controller 1 10 is configured to receive measurement signals 1 16 from the irrigation gauge 102. The irrigation controller 1 10 may therefore comprise or be coupled to a wireless receiver/transmitter/transceiver unit for receiving and/or transmitting the required wireless signals.

During use, the irrigation gauge 102 is placed within the irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device 108. The irrigation device 108 is connected to the water supply (source 106) via the valve 104, and the water supply is turned on. Typically the water supply is a tap and the tap is left in the on or open position with the supply of water to the irrigation device 108 regulated by the valve 104. The valve 104 is then opened under the control of the irrigation controller 1 10, in particular in response to control signals 1 14 sent from the irrigation controller 1 10. This allows water to flow from the source 106 to the irrigation device 108, thereby initiating irrigation of the irrigation area by the irrigation device 108, thus initiating an irrigation phase or period. Alternatively, the valve 104 may start in the open configuration, and the water is supplied to the irrigation device 108 to initiate the irrigation phase by turning on the source 106, for example by turning on the tap supplying the irrigation device 108. The system may therefore be configured to allow the user to open the valve 104. For example, the system may comprise a user interface, such as a button or switch or a touch screen display, that allows the user to open the valve 104. This allows the valve 104 to be opened before the water supply is turned on.

During the irrigation phase, when the valve 104 is open and the irrigation device 108 is distributing water to the irrigation area, the irrigation gauge 102 measures the amount of water falling on it, specifically on the collection area of the irrigation gauge 102. In other words, the irrigation gauge 102 collects and measures the irrigation water incident on its collection surface or collection portion. The irrigation gauge 102 may send signals 1 16 indicative of its water measurements to the irrigation controller 1 10. Alternatively, the irrigation gauge 102 may be configured to send a signal 1 16 to the irrigation controller 1 10 to indicate that it has measured a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation period rather than updating the irrigation controller 1 10 on a continuous or periodic basis. Another possibility is that the irrigation gauge 102 outputs and communicates signals to an intervening unit, such as a hub unit, which then sends signals to the irrigation controller 110 based on the signals received from the irrigation gauge 102. Whatever scheme of communication is used, the irrigation controller 110 causes the valve 104 to close in response to control signals sent from the irrigation controller 110 to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge 102 measures a predetermined or preset amount (otherwise known as an irrigation quota amount) of water during the irrigation phase based on measurement signals output from the irrigation gauge 102, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase. The predetermined amount of water may correspond to an irrigation dose, which may be set by a user. For example, the predetermined amount of water may correspond to a predetermined irrigation depth (i.e. depth of water supplied by the irrigation device 108 at the location of the irrigation gauge 102), or may correspond to a predetermined amount of irrigation water per unit area (e.g. litres per square metre) and the system, in particular the irrigation controller 1 10, may be configured to close the valve 104 when one of these conditions is met (e.g. the corresponding amount of water is measured by the irrigation gauge 102 during the irrigation phase). The irrigation dose may be expressed in a variety of ways, such as an amount of water per unit area, an irrigation depth, or either of these quantities expressed as a function of time, for example per given period of time, e.g. per day or per week. The system may therefore be configured to receive such inputs, for example via a user interface.

This scheme of operation provides direct control over the irrigation rate of the irrigated area and ensures that the irrigation dose, for example the amount of water per unit area or depth of irrigation water delivered to the irrigated area during an irrigation phase, is controlled and known. The irrigation control system therefore ensures that the optimum amount of water is delivered to the irrigated area during each irrigation phase. As previously mentioned, the predetermined amount of water (i.e. the quota amount) may be or may correspond to a predetermined or preset irrigation dose, e.g. a predetermined irrigation depth or amount of water per unit area during the irrigation phase. The relationship between the irrigation dose and the quota amount of water is a function of the collection area of the irrigation gauge 102, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, if the quota amount is a volume of water then this is related to a dose expressed in terms of a volume of water per unit area by multiplying the volume of water per unit area of the dose by the area of the collection area expressed in the same units. However, it is not important whether the predetermined amount of water that results in the irrigation controller 110 closing the valve 104 is expressed as a total volume, a weight, a depth, or an amount of water per unit area. All that is required is that the system is configured such that when the irrigation gauge 102 measures a particular amount of water that the irrigation controller 110 closes the valve 104 to cease the irrigation phase. The predetermined amount may therefore be indirectly predetermined in that it is related to another directly predetermined or preset amount, such as a particular irrigation rate or dose.

Preferably, the irrigation control system is configured so as to allow the predetermined amount of water to be user defined or selected. For example, the system may allow a user to adjust or set the predetermined amount directly, or to set an irrigation dose (e.g. a depth or amount of water per unit area, optionally expressed for a given period of time or dose period) that corresponds to the predetermined amount. The system, for example the irrigation controller 110, may therefore be configured to calculate the predetermined amount based on the input dose. The system may be configured to allow the user to select from a range of options, or to input an amount directly. The system may therefore comprise a user interface configured to allow the user to control the predetermined amount of water. The user interface may comprise a screen and may comprise one or more user input buttons or other controls or user inputs. The user interface may comprise a touch screen display. The user interface may be configured to permit the user to adjust or set the predetermined amount of water and/or the irrigation dose and/or to adjust or set an irrigation schedule, as described below. The user interface may also allow the user to initiate, pause, or stop an irrigation phase. The user interface, in particular the display screen of the user interface, may also allow the user to monitor the progress of irrigation, for example in terms of the amount of water delivered, the estimated time left until completion of a current irrigation phase, or the scheduled start of the next irrigation phase. The screen may also present measurements made by the irrigation gauge 102, and may for example display the amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge 102, for example the measured amount of precipitation measured by the irrigation gauge 102 between irrigation phases or since the last irrigation phase or the total amount of irrigation water and precipitation measured by the device over a preceding period of time. In general, the user interface may display any of the information calculated or gathered by the system, as described herein, or may allow the user to adjust, control or set any of the functionality of the system, as described herein. Alternatively, the system may be configured for communication, preferably wirelessly, either directly or via a network, with user devices such as mobile phones or tablet computers to allow the user to set the predetermined amount of water, the irrigation dose, or other aspects of the irrigation control functionality provided by the system, such as irrigation schedules etc., or to display information calculated or gathered by the system, as described herein.

The system may be configured to initiate a sequence of irrigation phases according to an irrigation schedule. For example, the irrigation controller 110 may be programmed or otherwise configured to periodically initiate irrigation phases at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined times. For example, the irrigation controller 110 may be programmed to initiate irrigation phases at particular times of the day or at dawn or dusk, which may vary from day to day as the day length varies.

As mentioned previously, the irrigation dose may be expressed as a rate, for example an amount per unit time or specified period (i.e. an irrigation rate), which may be set or selected by a user. For example, the system may be configured to deliver a predetermined amount of water per unit area or depth per day or per week, and the predetermined amount of water may be set accordingly so that the correct amount of water is delivered to the irrigation area over the specified period. For example, the system may be configured so that the sum of the predetermined amounts (quota amounts) of water that cause the valve 104 to close over all irrigation phases that occur within the relevant time period corresponds to the required irrigation rate over the specified period. The irrigation controller 110 may therefore be configured to set the predetermined amount of water based on the irrigation rate over the specified period and the number of irrigation phases scheduled within the specified period.

The irrigation controller 110 may be configured to initiate an irrigation phase in response to data from a ground moisture sensor configured to measure the moisture level of the ground in the irrigation area. For example, the irrigation controller 110 may initiate an irrigation phase once the ground moisture level measured by the moisture sensor drops below a predetermined moisture level. The system may be configured to allow the user to set the predetermined moisture level. This ensures that watering only occurs when necessary, thus saving water and avoiding over watering.

Similarly, the irrigation controller 110 may be configured to initiate an irrigation phase in response to data from the irrigation gauge 102. For example, the irrigation controller 110 may initiate an irrigation phase when the amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge 102, which may include both irrigation and precipitation, during a preceding period is insufficient, i.e. is below a sufficient amount. The system may be configured to allow the user to set the sufficient amount. This also ensures that watering only occurs when necessary, thus saving water and avoiding over watering.

The system may also be configured to receive other input data from a network or other third-party source or device, for example via a local network connection connected to the internet. In particular, the system may be configured to receive meteorological data, such as that indicative of the forecast weather at the location of the system, specifically the location of the irrigation gauge 102. The system may also be configured to obtain its geolocation, for example via a network connection or GPS. For example, the irrigation gauge 102, the portable unit or the flow control unit (described below) may comprise a GPS receiver. The system may obtain meteorological data, in particular forecast rainfall at the location of the system, and may adjust the irrigation schedule or predetermined amount of water based on the meteorological data. For example, if rain or other precipitation is forecast at the location of the system, the system, in particular the irrigation controller 110, may postpone or cancel an upcoming irrigation phase so as to avoid over-watering the irrigation area.

The system may also be configured to adjust the predetermined (quota) amount of water based on an amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge 102 between irrigation phases. For example, if rain or other precipitation occurs at the location of the irrigation area between irrigation phases, the irrigation controller 110 may reduce the predetermined amount of water for the next irrigation phase and/or other subsequent irrigation phases accordingly, or may cancel the next and/or other subsequent irrigation phase. For example, the predetermined amount of water may be reduced by an amount equal or substantially equal to the amount of water measured since a previous irrigation cycle ceased. In this way, overwatering of the irrigation area may be avoided. The system may also combine the forecast meteorological information with the water measurement made by the irrigation gauge 102 to adjust the predetermined amount of water accordingly.

Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, the system may comprise a portable unit 138 comprising the irrigation gauge 102, the valve 104 and preferably also the irrigation controller 110. This setup, in which the principal components of the system 100 are integrated into a single portable unit 138, provides a compact and easy to use setup which can be readily deployed with minimal hassle . The portable unit 138 is a free-standing unit that may be placed on the ground within the irrigation area. The portable unit 138 may comprise a housing or casing 140, which houses the valve 104 and optionally also the irrigation controller 1 10. The housing 140 may also house elements of the irrigation gauge 102, for example the water measurement device 120, e .g. a tipping bucket apparatus. The portable unit 138 may essentially comprise the elements of the irrigation gauge 102, as described above, for example with reference to Fig. 2, with the valve 104 and irrigation controller 1 10 contained within the housing 122 of the irrigation gauge 102, the housing 122 of the irrigation gauge 102 also being the housing 140 of the portable unit. For example, the upper surface of the housing 140 of the portable unit may comprise or define a water collection surface 1 18 and area and a water collection aperture 126 may be formed in the water collection surface 1 18. The portable integrated unit 138 comprises a water inlet 142 for receiving water from a source 106 via hosing or other tubing, and a water outlet 144 for providing water to an irrigation device 108, again via hosing or other conventional equivalents. The inlet 142 and outlet 144 may therefore comprise hose connectors . In the example illustrated, the inlet 142 comprises a male hose connector and the outlet 144 a female hose connector, but this is not essential and male or female hose connectors may be used on either the inlet 142 or the outlet 144. The valve 104 is located in the water flow path between the water inlet 142 and the water outlet 144. The portable unit 138 generally comprises a battery or other power source for providing power to the various components of the unit, and the portable unit 138 may also comprise one or more solar panels for charging the battery and providing power to the unit. Alternatively, the portable unit 138 may not comprise a power source and may instead be powered by an external source via a cable or wire. The portable unit 138 may comprise a user interface, as previously described, or may be configured for communication with other user devices for receiving data or control inputs. For example, the portable unit 138 may comprise a display 146 and user controls 148. The portable unit 138 may also be configured for wireless communication with other devices and/or for connection to a network. The portable unit 138 may therefore comprise a wireless transmitter, receiver or transceiver for wireless communication with a network or other devices. For example, the portable unit 138 may be configured for communication with other user devices, in particular portable user devices such as smartphones or tablet computers, either directly or via the network and/or internet, so as to allow information or data gathered by the system to be sent to the user devices, to receive information from the user devices (e.g. meteorological data), and/or to allow control of the system by the user devices.

Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the portable unit 138 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with a hub unit 150, which may also form a part of the irrigation control system. The hub unit 150 may therefore also comprise a wireless transceiver unit for communication with the portable unit. The hub unit 150 also comprises a processor and a memory, which may be loaded with software for execution by the processor to provide the functionality described. The hub unit 150 is preferably portable, and may therefore comprise a battery or other power source. Alternatively, the hub unit 150 may be configured to be powered by an external power source, such as mains power. The hub unit 150 may comprise a user interface. The user interface may comprise a display screen and may also comprise user input controls, or may comprise a touch screen display 152. The user interface of the hub unit 150 may constitute the only user interface, or the primary user interface of the system, and may therefore provide aspects of the functionality of the user interface described previously. For example, the hub unit 150 may be configured to allow a user to control operation of the irrigation control system and to set, adjust or control any aspects of the irrigation control functionality provided by the system as described herein. For example, the hub unit 150 may be configured to permit the user to adjust or set the predetermined amount of water, the irrigation rate or dose, and/or to adjust the irrigation schedule. The hub unit 150 may also be configured to allow the user to initiate, pause, or stop an irrigation phase. The hub unit 150 may also allow the user to monitor the progress of irrigation, for example in terms of the amount of water delivered, the estimated time left until completion of a current irrigation phase, or the scheduled start of the next irrigation phase.

Referring to Fig. 6 the hub unit 150 may also be configured for connection to a network and/or the internet. The hub unit 150 may be configured to receive information from the internet, such as the meteorological information described previously, and may obtain the geolocation of the system via the network or internet connection. The hub unit 150 may also be configured to communicate with other user devices 154, in particular portable user devices such as smartphones or tablet computers, either directly or via the network and/or internet so as to allow information or data gathered by the system to be sent to the user devices 154, to receive information from the user devices 154 (e.g. meteorological data), and/or to allow control of the system by the user devices 154, as previously described.

The hub unit 150 therefore advantageously allows the user to control the functionality of the system and/or to monitor the system from indoors, or remotely, and provides an effective means of connecting the system to a local network and/or to the internet and therefore to other user devices 154. The hub unit 150 may therefore be described as a portable hub or an indoor unit.

Referring to Figs. 8 to 10, instead of an integrated portable unit 138, the system may instead comprise a flow control unit 156 comprising the valve 104 and preferably also the irrigation controller 1 10, the flow control unit 156 being separate from the portable irrigation gauge 102. Referring to Fig . 8, the flow control unit 156 is configured for placement in the water flow path 1 12 between the source 106 and the irrigation device 108 and may comprise a housing 158 or casing, which houses the valve 104 and preferably also the irrigation controller 1 10. The flow control unit 156 comprises a water inlet 160 for receiving water from a source 106 via hosing or other tubing, and a water outlet 162 for providing water to an irrigation device 108, again via hosing or other conventional equivalents. The inlet 160 and outlet 162 may comprise hose connectors. In the example illustrated, the inlet 160 comprises a female hose connector and the outlet 162 a male hose connector, but this is not essential and male or female hose connectors may be used on either the inlet 160 or the outlet 162. In particular the flow control unit 156 may be configured for mounting to a tap 164 and may therefore be described as“tap mountable”. In this case it is preferably for the inlet 160 to comprise a female hose connector for connection to the tap. The valve 104 is located in the water flow path between the water inlet 160 and the water outlet 162. The flow control unit 156 generally comprises a battery or other power source for providing power to the various components of the unit. Alternatively, the flow control unit 156 may not comprise a power source and may instead be powered by an external source, for example mains power, via a cable or wire. The flow control unit 156 may also comprise a user interface, as previously described, or may be configured for communication with other user devices for receiving data or control inputs. For example, the flow control unit may comprise a display 166 and user controls 168. The flow control unit 156 is also generally configured for communication, typically wireless communication, with the irrigation gauge 102 so that the irrigation controller 1 10 may receive signals 1 16 from the irrigation gauge 102. The flow control unit 156 may also be configured for wireless communication with other devices and/or for connection to a network. The flow control unit 156 may therefore comprise a wireless transmitter, receiver or transceiver for wireless communication. For example, the flow control unit 156 may be configured for communication with other user devices, in particular portable user devices 154 such as smartphones or tablet computers, either directly or via the network and/or internet, so as to allow information or data gathered by the system to be sent to the user devices 154, to receive information from the user devices 154 (e .g. meteorological data), and/or to allow control of the system by the user devices 154. In essence, the flow control unit 156 provides generally the same functionality and comprises the same features as the portable unit 138, with the exception of the elements relating to the irrigation gauge 102, which are instead provided separately as part of the separate portable irrigation gauge unit .

The arrangements illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 have the advantage that the user interface is located away from the irrigation area, which allows the user to interact with the device without having to enter the irrigation area, which is inconvenient during an irrigation phase. Providing a separate unit 156 for the valve 104 and the irrigation controller 1 10 also reduces the bulk of the irrigation gauge unit, which reduces the footprint of the system within the irrigation area. Locating the valve 104 close to the source 106 also reduces the number of connections between the source 106 and the valve 104, thereby reducing the risk of leaks occurring, and also reduces the length of hosing under pressure on the source side of the valve 104.

Referring to Fig. 10, the system may also comprise a hub unit 150, which may function largely as described previously in relation to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 4 to 6, with the difference being that the hub unit 150 is configured for wireless communication with the flow control unit 156 and optionally also the irrigation gauge 102, rather than the portable unit 138.

In the embodiments described herein comprising a hub unit 150, the hub unit 150 may comprise some or all of the elements of the irrigation controller 1 10. In this case, the irrigation controller 1 10 in the hub unit 150 may send signals 1 14 directly to the valve 104 or to a valve controller configured to operate the valve 104 based on the received signals. For example, the flow control unit 156 or the portable unit 138 may not comprise the irrigation controller 1 10, but may instead comprise a valve controller configured to receive signals from the irrigation controller 1 10 of the hub unit 150 and to operate the valve 104 based on those signals. In such cases the irrigation gauge 102 is generally in communication with the hub unit 150 so that the irrigation gauge 102 may send signals 1 16 to the irrigation controller 1 10 of the hub unit 150.

Generally, when integrated into the same unit, the various elements of the system will be in wired communication for simplicity of design and power saving, and where elements of the system are located in separate units they may be in wired or wireless communication, but preferably wireless communication to avoid the need for wires or cables between the units. For example, in the single portable unit 138 of Fig. 3, the irrigation gauge 102, irrigation controller 1 10, and valve 104 are generally in wired communication with each other, whereas the irrigation controller 1 10 contained in the flow control unit 156 of Fig. 8 is generally configured for wired communication with the valve 104 and wireless communication with the irrigation gauge 102, which is provided as a separate unit. Where used herein, the term“wireless communication” is intended to include communication via a local network, the internet, Bluetooth, or other wireless communication means.

Generally, the various components of the system are battery powered. For example, the hub unit 150, the portably unit 138, the flow control unit 156 and the separate irrigation gauge 102 may each be battery powered. Thus, each of these units or any other unit of the system may comprise a power source, for example one or more batteries. The batteries may be rechargeable, and the various separate units of the system may therefore comprise recharging means, such as USB ports or other power ports. The system may comprise a generator located in the flow path 1 12 of the water, for example in the portable unit 138 or the flow control unit 156, for charging the batteries of those components or for providing power to those components during an irrigation phase when the water is flowing. The components of the system are preferably low power devices and are configured to enter a very low power state when not in use or between irrigation phases.

The irrigation controller 1 10 may be configured to close the valve 104 a predetermined amount of time after an irrigation phase has been initiated if no signals are received from the irrigation gauge 102. This avoids over-watering if there is a problem with the irrigation gauge 102, for example if the irrigation gauge 102 runs out of power, is out of wireless communication range, or if signals from the irrigation gauge 102 are otherwise blocked.

The irrigation controller 1 10 may be configured to close the valve 104 during an irrigation phase if it senses that its power source has limited power reserves left, for example if the battery charge is low. For example, the irrigation controller 1 10 may be configured to close the valve 104 once the battery charge falls below a predetermined level. This avoids the irrigation controller 1 10 running out of power and therefore failing to close the valve 104, which would waste water and result in over-watering. The system may also be configured to allow a user to close the valve 104. For example, the system may comprise a user interface allowing the user to override the irrigation controller 1 10 to close the valve 104. Similarly, the system may comprise a user interface allowing the user to override the irrigation controller 1 10 to open the valve 104 to initiate an irrigation phase or to use the water source 106 for purposes other than supplying the irrigation device 108, such as washing a car or filling a watering can. For example, a hose pipe may be connected to the flow control unit 156 and used for these other purposes, which may include irrigation or non-irrigation uses. The override function therefore allows the water source 106 to be used with the flow control unit 156 still mounted on the tap.

Another aspect of the functionality of the system that allows optimum watering to be achieved is that the system may be configured to measure the geolocation of the irrigation gauge 102, for example by GPS using a GPS receiver incorporated into the irrigation gauge 102 or the portable unit 138, and to provide information to a user, for example via a user interface comprising a screen or via third-party user devices, relating to the amount of irrigation water (e .g. the dose such as depth or volume per unit area) delivered to each location at which the irrigation gauge 102 has been placed during a preceding period of time . Alternatively, the system may be configured to simply inform the user which locations have been irrigated, irrespective of the amount of water delivered.

The system may also comprise a flow meter configured to measure the amount of water delivered by the system to the irrigation gauge 102. For example, the flow control unit 156 or the portable unit 138 may comprise a flow meter. The system may therefore collect data relating to the amount of water supplied by the system and the cost of that water based on a cost of water per unit amount (e.g. volume) stored by the system. The system may therefore be configured such that a user may set the cost of the water, for example via a user interface. The system may therefore be capable of providing a user with information relating to the cost of the water supplied from the source 106 that is used for irrigation, or for other non-irrigation purposes, for example when the override function is activated. The system may also be configured to supply a preset amount of water for irrigation or non-irrigation purposes, such as filling a paddling pool, with the preset amount of water being set by a user, for example via the user interface. The preset amount of water may correspond to a preset total cost of water, which may be set by a user. The irrigation controller 110 may therefore be configured to close the valve 104 when the preset amount of water has been delivered, as measured by the flow meter.

Claims

1. An irrigation control system comprising:

a valve for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device;

an irrigation controller for controlling operation of the valve; and

an irrigation gauge configured for placement within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device and for measuring water from the irrigation device; wherein the irrigation controller is configured to provide irrigation control functionality whereby, once an irrigation phase has been initiated by supplying water to the irrigation device, the irrigation controller causes the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase .

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the irrigation controller is configured to cause the valve to open to initiate irrigation of the irrigation area, thereby initiating the irrigation phase.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount of water corresponds to an irrigation dose, the system being configured to permit the irrigation dose to be set by a user.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the irrigation dose is an amount of water per unit area, a depth of water, an amount of water per unit area per unit time, or a depth of water per unit time.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the irrigation controller is configured to initiate a sequence of irrigation phases according to an irrigation schedule; optionally wherein the system is configured to permit the irrigation schedule to be set by a user.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the irrigation controller is configured to calculate the predetermined amount of water based on the irrigation schedule and the irrigation dose.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the irrigation controller is configured to adjust the predetermined amount of water based on an amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge during a preceding period; optionally wherein the irrigation controller is configured to reduce the predetermined amount of water by an amount substantially equal to the amount of water measured by the irrigation gauge during the preceding period.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to receive meteorological forecast data and wherein the irrigation controller is configured to adjust the predetermined amount of water and/or to postpone or cancel the next or another subsequent irrigation phase based on the meteorological forecast data.

9. The system of any preceding claim, the system comprising a portable unit for placement within the irrigation area, the portable unit comprising the valve and the irrigation gauge.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the portable unit further comprises the irrigation controller.

11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the portable unit comprises a user interface for receiving user control inputs.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, the system comprising a flow control unit, wherein the flow control unit comprises the valve, and wherein the irrigation gauge is separate from the flow control unit.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the flow control unit further comprises the irrigation controller.

14. The system of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the flow control unit is tap mountable.

15. The system of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the flow control unit comprises a user interface for receiving user control inputs.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises a separate hub unit comprising a user interface for receiving user control inputs.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the hub unit comprises the irrigation controller.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured for connection to a network for receiving meteorological data and/or user control inputs.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the irrigation gauge is configured to measure the amount of water from the irrigation device incident on a collection area of the irrigation gauge.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the irrigation gauge is configured to be free-standing .

21. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the irrigation gauge is configured to collect irrigation water and to drain the collected irrigation water onto the ground beneath the irrigation gauge.

22. An irrigation flow control unit comprising:

a valve for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device; and

an irrigation controller configured to control operation of the valve;

wherein the irrigation controller is configured to receive signals from an irrigation gauge located within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device; and

wherein the irrigation controller is configured to provide irrigation control functionality whereby, once an irrigation phase has been initiated by supplying water to the irrigation device, the irrigation controller causes the valve to close to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase .

23. An irrigation controller configured to control operation of a valve for controlling a supply of water to an irrigation device, the irrigation controller configured to receive signals from an irrigation gauge located within an irrigation area to be irrigated by the irrigation device;

24. A method of controlling irrigation, the method comprising:

providing an irrigation control system according to any one of claims 1 to 21 ; placing the irrigation gauge in the irrigation area;

supplying water to the irrigation device to initiate an irrigation phase; and closing the valve under the control of the irrigation controller to cease irrigation of the irrigation area once the irrigation gauge measures a predetermined amount of water during the irrigation phase, thereby ceasing the irrigation phase.