INTEGRATED FOG NET, DEW COLLECTOR, AND DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM WITH AI-POWERED WATER MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The invention presents an integrated agricultural irrigation system that combines fog nets, dew collectors, and drip irrigation to efficiently harvest and utilize atmospheric moisture. This innovative system captures water from fog and dew, storing it in a central reservoir equipped with sensors to monitor water quality. An AI-powered controller analyzes real-time data from soil moisture sensors and weather forecasts to optimize irrigation schedules, ensuring precise water delivery directly to crop roots. Powered by renewable solar energy, the system enhances water use efficiency, reduces operational costs, and supports sustainable farming practices. Ultimately, it addresses water scarcity challenges in arid regions while promoting increased crop productivity and environmental conservation.

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of the invention encompasses sustainable agricultural irrigation systems that integrate atmospheric moisture harvesting, specifically from fog and dew, with advanced drip irrigation techniques. It incorporates real-time data analytics powered by artificial intelligence to optimize water management and efficiency. The system operates on renewable solar energy, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a critical issue. This invention addresses environmental sustainability and enhances agricultural productivity through innovative water resource management.
BACKGROUND
[002] Water scarcity is a significant global issue, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where traditional irrigation methods often lead to over-extraction of groundwater and excessive evaporation. As conventional agriculture heavily relies on these dwindling resources, it faces challenges such as declining water tables and environmental degradation. The need for innovative solutions that minimize water waste and maximize efficiency in irrigation has become increasingly critical to ensure food security and sustainable farming practices.
[003] Atmospheric moisture, specifically fog and dew, represents a largely untapped resource in agriculture. Fog nets and dew collectors can effectively harvest this moisture, yet their potential is underutilized in many farming practices. While there are systems that incorporate these technologies, such as those discussed in patents like US20180323569A1, which explores fog harvesting methods, there is a lack of integration with advanced irrigation systems that could optimize water usage.
[004] Existing irrigation techniques, such as surface and flood irrigation, often result in substantial water loss due to evaporation and runoff. Traditional drip irrigation methods have improved water efficiency by delivering water directly to plant roots, but they often rely on static schedules that do not account for real-time environmental conditions. This reliance on fixed irrigation schedules can lead to either over-irrigation or under-irrigation, which can harm crop yields and waste precious resources.
[005] The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies has opened new avenues for optimizing agricultural practices. AI-powered systems can analyze vast amounts of data from various sources, including weather forecasts and soil moisture sensors, to make informed irrigation decisions. However, while systems like the one in patent US10455727B2 propose automated irrigation controls, they typically do not integrate atmospheric moisture harvesting, limiting their overall effectiveness in water-scarce environments.
[006] Solar energy presents a viable solution for powering sustainable irrigation systems, especially in regions with limited access to reliable electricity. By utilizing solar panels, agricultural systems can operate independently from grid power, reducing operational costs and promoting sustainability. Existing patents, such as US20190235187A1, highlight solar-powered irrigation solutions, yet few explore the combination of solar power with advanced atmospheric moisture harvesting technologies.
[007] Environmental concerns, such as desertification and salinization of soils, are exacerbated by conventional irrigation practices that deplete surface water and groundwater resources. This environmental degradation threatens the long-term viability of agricultural lands and the ecosystems they support. By implementing a system that captures atmospheric moisture and integrates it with drip irrigation, the invention addresses these environmental challenges, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices.
[008] The integration of fog nets and dew collectors with drip irrigation represents a novel approach that could revolutionize water management in agriculture. While individual components have been studied, there is a gap in research focusing on their combined application with real-time data analytics. This gap highlights the need for a comprehensive system that not only collects atmospheric moisture but also optimizes its use through AI-driven management.
[009] The potential economic benefits of implementing an integrated fog net, dew collector, and drip irrigation system are substantial. Farmers can achieve greater crop yields with reduced water input, ultimately improving their financial stability. By minimizing reliance on traditional water sources and leveraging renewable energy, this innovation could transform agricultural practices in water-scarce regions, making farming more resilient to climate change and resource limitations.
SUMMARY
[010] The invention integrates fog nets, dew collectors, and a drip irrigation system to create a sustainable irrigation solution that efficiently captures and utilizes atmospheric moisture. This innovative approach addresses the critical issue of water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions by providing an alternative water source for agriculture.
[011] By harvesting water from fog and dew, the system significantly reduces reliance on conventional water sources, such as groundwater and surface water, which are often over-exploited. This helps mitigate environmental degradation and promotes more sustainable agricultural practices.
[012] The AI-powered controller analyzes real-time data from soil moisture sensors and weather forecasts to optimize irrigation schedules, ensuring precise water delivery directly to crop roots. This targeted approach minimizes water waste and enhances crop health and yields.
[013] The entire system operates on renewable solar energy, which not only lowers operational costs for farmers but also supports environmentally friendly practices. The use of solar power makes the system suitable for off-grid applications, particularly in rural areas.
[014] The invention enhances the economic viability of farming operations by improving water efficiency and crop productivity while conserving natural resources. This integrated solution contributes to sustainable agriculture and helps farmers adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1 provides the working prototype of the invention.
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention utilizes a combination of fog nets, dew collectors, and drip irrigation systems to harvest atmospheric moisture efficiently. Fog nets are strategically positioned in the field to maximize exposure to fog, while dew collectors gather moisture overnight. Together, these components capture water that would otherwise be lost to evaporation or runoff, channeling it to a central storage reservoir.
[021] The central storage system is equipped with sensors that monitor key water quality parameters, including pH, turbidity, and water level. These sensors ensure that only suitable water is used for irrigation. A filtration system is integrated into the reservoir to remove debris and contaminants, maintaining the quality of water delivered to crops.
[022] The drip irrigation system consists of a network of pipes and emitters that deliver water directly to the root zones of plants. This method minimizes water waste compared to conventional irrigation methods by providing precise amounts of water where it is needed most, reducing evaporation and runoff.
[023] In one embodiment it is provided that, An AI-powered irrigation management system is central to the invention, using data from various sensors to optimize water usage. Soil moisture sensors distributed throughout the field provide real-time feedback on moisture levels, allowing the AI controller to adjust irrigation schedules accordingly and ensure optimal watering for crops.
[024] The AI system also integrates weather data, including forecasts of rainfall, temperature, and humidity. By analyzing this information, the system can predict when irrigation is necessary and adjust the timing and amount of water delivered, further enhancing efficiency and resource conservation.
[025] Solar panels are installed to power the entire system, ensuring sustainability and reducing dependency on grid electricity. These panels provide energy for pumps, sensors, and control units, allowing the system to function autonomously, even in remote or off-grid locations.
[026] In one embodiment it is provided, that the methodology involves the continuous monitoring of environmental conditions and system performance through the AI controller. It can communicate with cloud servers to access updated weather forecasts and refine its algorithms, enhancing the accuracy of irrigation decisions over time.
[027] The results of implementing this integrated system demonstrate significant improvements in water use efficiency and crop yields. By utilizing atmospheric moisture and optimizing irrigation, farmers can achieve better growth conditions while conserving valuable water resources.
[028] The advantages of this invention extend beyond water conservation. By reducing the need for manual irrigation management, the system lessens labor requirements, allowing farmers to focus on other critical agricultural tasks. This automation also minimizes the risk of human error in irrigation practices.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, that Environmental benefits include a reduction in the over-extraction of groundwater and less reliance on surface water sources. By preserving these natural resources, the invention contributes to the long-term sustainability of agriculture and helps mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
[030] Discussions around the invention emphasize its scalability and adaptability to various agricultural contexts. The system can be customized for different crops and local environmental conditions, making it suitable for diverse farming practices and regions facing water scarcity.
[031] The integrated fog net, dew collector, and drip irrigation system with AI-powered management presents a comprehensive solution to the challenges of water scarcity and inefficient irrigation. By promoting sustainable practices and enhancing productivity, this innovation has the potential to transform agricultural operations and contribute to food security in water-limited areas.
[032] Referring to figure 1, depicts an integrated agricultural irrigation system that combines fog nets, dew collectors, and drip irrigation technology. It showcases fog nets set up across a field, designed to capture moisture from fog, while dew collectors are positioned to gather water during the night. In the foreground, a central reservoir collects the harvested moisture, equipped with sensors that monitor water quality and levels. Drip irrigation lines extend from the reservoir, delivering water directly to the roots of crops, effectively minimizing waste. Solar panels are installed nearby to power the entire system sustainably, emphasizing its environmentally friendly design. Overall, the image illustrates a modern, automated approach to irrigation that utilizes atmospheric moisture, highlights the role of real-time data in optimizing water management, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
, Claims:1. An integrated agricultural irrigation system comprising:
A. a network of fog nets and dew collectors configured to capture atmospheric moisture;
B. a central storage reservoir for storing the captured moisture, equipped with sensors for monitoring water quality and levels;
C. a drip irrigation system that directs water from the reservoir to the root zones of crops;
D. an AI-powered controller that analyzes real-time data from soil moisture sensors and weather forecasts to optimize irrigation schedules;
E. a solar energy system that powers the entire irrigation system, ensuring sustainable operation.
2. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the fog nets are constructed from a mesh material specifically designed to maximize moisture capture efficiency.
3. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the dew collectors utilize a gravity-driven mechanism to channel collected moisture into the central storage reservoir.
4. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the sensors in the central storage reservoir monitor parameters including pH, turbidity, and temperature to ensure water quality for irrigation.
5. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the drip irrigation system includes adjustable emitters that can be calibrated based on the specific water requirements of different crop types.
6. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the AI-powered controller employs machine learning algorithms to improve irrigation scheduling based on historical weather data and soil moisture trends.
7. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, further comprising a backup battery system connected to the solar energy system to provide power during periods of low sunlight.
8. The integrated agricultural irrigation system of claim 1, wherein the entire system is designed to be modular, allowing for easy expansion or adaptation to different agricultural settings and crop needs.

Documents