Method and apparatus for controlling irrigation
US8055389B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86389
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention comprises devices and methods for providing operational power to a solar-powered irrigation control system. In one aspect, a method includes producing electrical energy from light, storing the electrical energy in a capacitive module, and operating an irrigation controller using the stored electrical energy independent of another power source. In another aspect, a device includes a control system comprising a computer having a programmed irrigation schedule which operates at least one irrigation device, a photovoltaic power module, and a capacitive module connected to said photovoltaic power module to store the electrical energy provided by the photovoltaic power module, where the capacitive module provides power for the control system to operate the at least one irrigation device independent of another power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.