Title of the Invention: COMPUTERISED IRRIGATION SYSTEM

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an advanced computerized irrigation system, wherein the water resource available in canals is utilized to the optimum during the various climatic conditions and constantly monitored thus saving wastage of water. The present invention relates generally to irrigation systems. More specifically, an improved computerized irrigation system as disclosed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

The various systems existing to measure the usage of water via traditional methods and also measuring of resources at the point of dispensing has been in use for a long time, but a modern conventional methods to measure consumption of water resource is yet to be fully developed, the present invention make the difference to the same. Existing method of river flow measurements consists mainly of the velocity area method and the use of weirs and flumes. Existing methods to manage water are as follows;

a] Flumes / Weirs Stage Discharge
b) Current metering
c) Independent electronic measurement points
d] Manual Gates to control

In velocity area method, the river is divided into segments and the discharge through each segment is computed by multiplying the average velocity in each segment by the segment area. The sum of the products of area velocity for each segment gives the discharge. Velocity is measured by means of a rated current meter and area is measured using soundings, measurements of distances from a fixed reference point on the riverbank, this method has certain limitations and are not applicable in all the circumstances. The conventional method of velocity area, measurement is both costly and tedious especially during floods or unsteady flow conditions. The unsteady flow may be caused by releases from dams, barrages, navigational locks, and in such circumstances, there would be no stable stage discharge relationship.

The prior art had systems where in the measurements were made manually and the method was to release a constant discharge equivalent to design discharge or the peak demand. There was no variation for crop varieties and hence the wastages were as high as 25% of the water resource, which would otherwise be used during a normal discharge to water the irrigation fields.

The prior art available were mainly manual procedures adopted to capture measurements or readings of various sources of water available in channels or canals and there were efficiency factors that provided a lacking in the exact measured resource and hence the present invention is effective in addressing the exact measurement of water resource and the same is captured by electronic mechanisms, as mentioned in the present invention.

The water resource data which is dynamic in nature [subject to change from time to time) could not be effectively captured or recorded hence the data, which was made available, was not reliable and hence not effective in real decision-making. Factual or circumstantial analysis of actual usage cannot be deciphered and made available as required on time for making a decision by the stakeholder.

Shortcomings in the existing methods are as follows;

a. They are not continuous and do not accommodate changes on periodic basis (change in cross section).
b. Reliable data is not readily available, hence analysis and communication is delayed and by then lot water would have flown away.
c. Does not provide decision worthy information for preventive or corrective actions.
d. Does not help provide better service levels not help in conserving water as the data comes with an expiry date. The data is live and actions are to happen immediately.
e. Does not provide a platform for setting thresholds around the targets, which needs to be adhered through the control infrastructure.
f. No exception handling and control in real time.
g. Data is not accurate.
h. The field staff/ personnel travel and administration cost are involved.

For the foregoing and other shortcomings and problems, there has been a long felt need for an improved computer controlled irrigation system.

The present invention address the issues currently faced by stakeholders and hence the following method having the below features;

a. Newer methods and best practices
b. Accurate using advanced ultrasonic technology with built in signal processors for improve the readings.
c. Reliable data capture by using a plurality of sensors.
d. Continuously monitoring of the flow of water on the canal
e. Fast in providing decision worthy information and reports to the stakeholders.
f. Built in planning and compliance modules to control the flow as per the demand.
g. Quick and easier to install and can be managed remotely.

Benefits of the Current invention;

a. Return of investment (RO1) within a year considering the conservation and the service levels.
b. Minimal administration and maintenance, as there are less field personnel involved, unless used for installation and maintenance procedures.
c. Once activated and automated, there is no human intervention since the entire process is End-to-End automated.
d. The system also helps improve service level considerably and thus enhancing the productivity.
e. The system helps maintain the soil conditions for better productivity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved computerized irrigation system that through and end-to-end automated system that captures water flow by applying a plurality of devices and hence providing the availability of water in the Canal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved computerized irrigation system that automatically transmit water availability conditions against the pre - set data installed in the Computer Data Center (CDC), so as to enable the stakeholders to predict the water availability with authentic data analyzed and made available to them hence prevent loss of water damage to an agricultural area from extreme environmental conditions.

It is a still further object of the present invention provides an improved computerized irrigation system that automatically diagnoses gaps in data and helps manual intervention wherein accurate data can be obtained in case of data discrepancies. Thus accurate records can be obtained regarding availability of water and thus water distributing can be maintained to prevent resultant water losses.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved computerized irrigation system that dynamically optimizes the irrigation operation in response to the varying environmental conditions (different seasons) in the agricultural area.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide an improved computerized irrigation system that can be modularly expanded (Colour Coded -Field information) to accommodate additional fields in the agricultural area.

In accordance with the present invention, the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and the stated and other objects are attained by an improved system for irrigating an agricultural area that includes means for distributing water to the agricultural area from a water canal from measuring the water source to the distributing means, main data measurements gives the quantity of water flowing from the main canal to the tributaries or sub canals.

The operation of the flow of water thus can be maintained, restricted or modulated according to the agricultural needs and hence the saving of water, which would otherwise ordinarily flow out of the canal and become wasted, is thus restrained. Allowing saving of water, thus potentially making the availability of water for the entire agricultural season or agricultural life cycle.

The main supply can be scheduled over a period of time, for example the growing period of a particular crop, to deliver a totalized quantity of water sufficient for production in the agricultural area and also in accordance with the availability of water from the water source. The totalized quantity of water delivered is obtained by totalizing the pre-established quantities of water for each operation of the main valve means.

According to another feature of the present invention, an improved system for irrigating an agricultural area having a plurality of agricultural fields for producing different kinds of crops is provided that includes data capture and communication means; a plurality of remote field stations (Each Field station consisting of a pulse spectrum correlator, solar power supply, velocity sensor, hydrostatic sensor, and data logger) each remote station having control means for receiving data via the plurality of sensors that capture the data from source (river bank or canal) and transmits the same using data loggers in the field stations , the data messages for measuring the flow and supply of water from a water canal or tributary via the communication means in response to each received interrogate message a status message representing the quantity of water that has been distributed since the previously received interrogate message; and a Central Data Center (CDC) having control means for sending via the communication means the start message to enable selected ones ( by powering up from the CDC) of the remote stations to start distributing data continuously, sending via the communication means the interrogate message for successively enabling selected ones of the remote stations to send the status message, receiving via the communication means the status messages from the selected remote stations, totallizing the distributed quantity of water for each of the selected remote stations as indicated by the corresponding received status messages, and sending via the communication means the stop message to enable ones of the selected remote stations to stop distributing water when the totallized quantity of water distributed by each selected remote station is substantially the same as a pre-established quantity of water for the particular selected remote station. The functions of the control means of the central control station can be provided by a computer or microcompuer having a stored program including a plurality of sub-programs for enabling the computer to provide the various functions and features.

Central Data Center (CDC) Functions:

1. Capture canal network details (tree diagram, primary, secondary and tertiary, WUCS, etc).
2. Capture Water schedule for every identified major canal to a minor tributary.
3. Capture measurement site data.
4. Capture water flow information sharing details

Advantages of the Invention:

a) In order to assess the state's water resources, a network of hydrological and meteorological stations have to be established to monitor water inflow, capacity, outflow, rainfall, climate, and groundwater.
b) By collecting data over an extended period of time at these stations, rainstorms, floods, droughts, and other hydrologic events can be monitored and recorded for analysis.
c) Utilizing the data obtained from the stations, various analysis can be made to assist in the planning and design of recharge dams, the modification and improvement of channels, early warning on flooding situations, and the planning of structures in developing area.
d) The advantages of having Telemetry stations / Field Stations are being able to make water management decisions on the basis of the most current or real time data. This will become more visible in the future as the states address the increasing demand for conserving and utilising the limited supply of fresh water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, objects and advantages of the computer-controlled irrigation system in accordance with the present invention will be more clearly apprehended from the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating an automated Computerised irrigation System according to one embodiment

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the Flow and Discharge Measurement, data capture by the data loggers in the field station.

FIG. 3 is a tabulated chart showing an actual data, captured, analyzed and displayed the operations of a Central Data Center (CDC) according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a computerized irrigation system embodying the present invention is shown that includes a Central Data Center (CDC) 10 and a plurality of remote Field Stations 30. The computerized irrigation system provides for the data on water flowing through the canals, the data thus transmitted by the data loggers on the communication path 40 including a plurality of fields for water flow, velocity, direction.

The Central Data Center (CDC) 10 is coupled to the various Field Stations 30 by means of wireless (Data Modem + GSM - SMS) communication path.

The Central Data Center (CDC) 10 controls and monitors the water flow / irrigation operation in the various remote Field Stations 30 by means of data messages via the communications path 40. The Central Data Center (CDC) 10 utilizes the feedback information provided from the remote Field Stations 30 to insure that the irrigation canal has a flow of pre-established quantities of water to each of the various fields.

The Central Data Center (CDC) 10 includes a computer and microcomputer having a stored Water Resource Information Management (WRIS) software program (The Process as shown in 1.0) in Fig. 1 for monitoring the flow / irrigation operation of the various remote Field Stations 30.

The Work Station attached to the Central Data Center (CDC) 20, includes a digital display and a keyboard for entering or modifying parameters stored in the Central Data Center (CDC). The digital display of the console display and keyboard provides a visual display of parameters entered into or read out of the computer.

The chart display provides a canal representation of the agricultural area detailing the particular layout of the irrigation system. The layout includes, for example, the various canals or tributaries and the associated water canals in the water system. In addition, the layout includes visual colour coded indicators for showing which "Reach by Reach" Or "Stretch by Stretch" Data and the status of the irrigation operation for the particular canal path. For example, Green indicator lights may be provided for each Normal Flow, a yellow light indicating that the water is standing by for its turn in a currently on a canal, and a red light indicating a low flow of the water, much less than the minimum indicated level required for the canal.

The Central Data Center (CDC) then transmits the Data gathered on each canal or tributaries to the stakeholder along the corresponding land on the canal path by means of a GSM - SMS Messages 50. This can also be monitored on Computer system 60 / Website by means of a specific login by the end user (stakeholder).

The control functions of the Central Data Center (CDC) 10 may be provided by a computer having a stored program. The stored program of the computer provides all the functions necessary for the actual data capture and analysis of the same with the stored data, which has been already stored in the WRIS Software operation.

Once the necessary water flow configuration and parameters have been obtained an optimal learned decision can be made on the availability, usage, requirement and

CLAIM:

What is claimed is:

1. An Computerized Irrigation System, comprising of;

a) A computer with ""Water Resource Information Management (WRIS)" installed in it for managing the system.

b) A Central Data Center (CDC) linked to computer, for transfer of data between Data Capture devices located on the Field Stations, as seen in Fig. 1;

c) A Field Station, consisting of Data logging devices and transfer of data there between

i) A hydrostatic sensor

ii) Signal conditioner

iii) Pulse spectrum correlator

iv) Velocity sensor.

v) Solar Power Systems & an Alternative Battery Unit for powering the Field Stations,

vi) GSM technology (wherein the measured values are transferred
to the central server through the GSM Network),

vii) A Wireless Modem for transmission of data messages to the Central Data Center (CDC).

2. A method of monitoring the flow on a canal system as recited in claim 1 consisting of method of monitoring the Flow of water includes a field station located on the canal side monitors the actual discharge, velocity and level continuously thought 24 hours cycles (day & night) or at specific time intervals as preset (the time is preset to record at timely intervals) and a central control system, the method comprising of;

a) Using independent Field Stations which monitor, log and transmit data to the Central Data Center (CDC), wherein the Field Stations is "Powered" on at designated time or event and gets the data measurements, logs the same into the data logger, and waits for the transmission of the logged data to the Central Data Center (CDC) as shown in Fig 1.

b) The Field Stations provides facility to calibrate, setting of range, scale and intervals of measurement

c) The Field Stations provides facility to set the maximum and minimum limits which are allowed in terms of discharge, velocity and level.

3. A method of monitoring an canal system as recited in claim 1, The Central
Data Center (CDC), comprising of;

a. Proprietary computer software herein termed as "Water Resource Information Management (WRIS)" is already installed in the computer.

b. The Central Data Center (CDC) is set up with the GSM Modem to receive data. The received data is cross-checked for completeness and if incomplete in details by manual interference fill up the gaps in data, if any.

c. The Received data is further processed against the planned water delivery schedule as set in the Water Resource Information Management (WRIS) software for each location where the Field Station is located.

d. The Compared data is used to communicate to the stakeholders as relevant to the particular Field Stations by GSM - Short Message Service (SMS) or on Websites (wherein specific persons are authorised by a password) to have access to information using the internet

e. The volumetric discharge for a day, a fortnight and a particular season, will be calculated at each particular location where the Field Station is situated, as shown in fig.1 and

i. Sums up the water off take on each of the distributaries, canals and branches upto the main canal or Reservoir (or the major source of water),

ii. Sums up the water in all branches and distributaries and the load on the main canal, thus accounting for the water that is conveyed though the main canal.

f. The Water Resource Information Management (WRIS) software providing for 'stretch by stretch' or "reaches by reach" the excess or deficit in water flow and volumetric terms. The stretch / reach will be highlighted by colour codes indicating the violations to the water delivery schedule for the fortnight and for the season. This when summed up to the branch and to the circle level will provide insights to the violation. The potential savings / potential loss of water when adhered to the planned water schedule and when violated to the water schedule will be thus obtained as result.

g. A comparative reading of the result of the Water Resource Information
Management (WRIS) software output will give the user a forecast of the water availability position and the duration of water availability based on withdrawal rate from the reservoir.

4. A method of controlling an irrigation system as recited in claim 1, wherein the receiving at the Central Data Center (CDC) of the first landscape information includes configuiring a landscape parameter received via a web interface.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the recommendation equations are predefined.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the recommendation equations are user specific.

7. The system of claim 6 and further comprising a user interface having a display and an input device allowing a user to define the desired recommendation equation.