Control of soil moisture with radio frequency in a photovoltaic-powered drip irrigation system

Mahir DURSUN; Semih ÖZDEN

Article Details

Control of soil moisture with radio frequency in a photovoltaic-powered drip irrigation system

Authors:

Mahir DURSUN | Semih ÖZDEN

Publisher:

TUBITAK

Journal:

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2015 Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.447-458

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2015

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2000742670

Frequency:

Bimonthly

eISSN:

1303-6203

pISSN:

1300-0632

Abstract:

 

Solar-powered irrigation systems are becoming increasingly widespread.  However, the initial setup costs of these systems are very high. To reduce  these costs, both the energy usage and the prevention of losses from  irrigation systems are very important. In this study, a drip irrigation  control system of 1000 dwarf cherry trees was controlled using soil moisture  sensors in order to prevent excessive water consumption and energy losses in  a solar-powered irrigation system. The control system comprises units that  are energized with solar panels, and the flow of information is implemented  via radio frequency. Thus, by removing the cables that create difficulties  in the cultivation of gardens, both the easy cultivation of the soil is  enabled and cable costs are eliminated. The portability of the units is  enabled by using solar energy; thus, units might be mounted wherever the  user wishes. It has been indicated that the moisture of the application area  varies depending on the data obtained regarding volumetric water content and  the defined area in need of irrigation. In this way, there are reductions in  the dependence on instantaneous water demand, the amount of water to be  pumped, and the energy requirements needed for irrigation. In addition, pump  power and the power of the motor that drives the pump are also reduced.  According to the obtained measurement values, it was calculated that hourly  water demand decreased by 36%. Thus, the numbers of solar panels,  electrical machines, batteries, and units of power control that supply all  the energy of the system and constitute a large part of the initial setup  costs are reduced at the same rate by means of the applied technique. Thanks  to the developed site-specific irrigation system, unnecessary energy  consumption was avoided. Along with the elimination of excessive and  unnecessary irrigation, problems with trees were also eliminated.

 

Solar-powered irrigation systems are becoming increasingly widespread.  However, the initial setup costs of these systems are very high. To reduce  these costs, both the energy usage and the prevention of losses from  irrigation systems are very important. In this study, a drip irrigation  control system of 1000 dwarf cherry trees was controlled using soil moisture  sensors in order to prevent excessive water consumption and energy losses in  a solar-powered irrigation system. The control system comprises units that  are energized with solar panels, and the flow of information is implemented  via radio frequency. Thus, by removing the cables that create difficulties  in the cultivation of gardens, both the easy cultivation of the soil is  enabled and cable costs are eliminated. The portability of the units is  enabled by using solar energy; thus, units might be mounted wherever the  user wishes. It has been indicated that the moisture of the application area  varies depending on the data obtained regarding volumetric water content and  the defined area in need of irrigation. In this way, there are reductions in  the dependence on instantaneous water demand, the amount of water to be  pumped, and the energy requirements needed for irrigation. In addition, pump  power and the power of the motor that drives the pump are also reduced.  According to the obtained measurement values, it was calculated that hourly  water demand decreased by 36%. Thus, the numbers of solar panels,  electrical machines, batteries, and units of power control that supply all  the energy of the system and constitute a large part of the initial setup  costs are reduced at the same rate by means of the applied technique. Thanks  to the developed site-specific irrigation system, unnecessary energy  consumption was avoided. Along with the elimination of excessive and  unnecessary irrigation, problems with trees were also eliminated.

Article Details

Control of soil moisture with radio frequency in a photovoltaic-powered drip irrigation system

Authors: Mahir DURSUN | Semih ÖZDEN

Publisher: TUBITAK

Journal: Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2015 Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.447-458

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 3/2015

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2000742670

Frequency: Bimonthly

eISSN: 1303-6203

pISSN: 1300-0632

Issues

Authors:

Mahir DURSUN | Semih ÖZDEN

Publisher:

TUBITAK

Journal:

Turkish Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 2015 Vol.23 Issue 2, pp.447-458

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

3/2015

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2000742670

Frequency:

Bimonthly

eISSN:

1303-6203

pISSN:

1300-0632