Agricultural irrigation line having DC motor drive system

Abstract

A forward roll agricultural irrigation line includes an irrigation unit having a plenum pipe, a plurality of water delivery orifices in the plenum pipe, a water supply line in communication with the plenum pipe, and at least one drive wheel supporting the plenum pipe. Typically, there are a plurality of drive wheels supporting the plenum pipe. A drive unit includes a DC electrical motor mounted to the irrigation unit and engaged to controllably rotate the drive wheels, preferably by rotating the plenum pipe. A control / power unit includes a battery power supply, a control unit having as an input power from the battery power supply and as an output a control and power signal to the DC motor, and a photovoltaic battery charger providing recharging power to the battery power supply.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to irrigation, and, more particularly, to agricultural irrigation using a movable forward roll wheel line. [0002] Agricultural irrigation is used to ensure a proper water supply to crops which would otherwise receive insufficient water. Water is, in some cases, supplied by flooding or trenches in the ground, and, in other cases, supplied by mechanized irrigation systems. There are numerous types of mechanized agricultural irrigation systems, and one of these, the wheel line and preferably the forward roll wheel line, is the field of application of the present invention. [0003] In a typical forward roll wheel line, a plenum pipe having orifices therein is supported from a number of drive wheels. The plenum pipe is straight and typically from ⅛ to ¼ mile long. A gasoline engine is connected through a gear box to the plenum pipe, which serves as a drive shaft to wheels spaced apart along the plenum pipe. The gasoline engine is o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention provides an improved forward roll wheel line that is fully operable to provide agricultural irrigation. The forward roll wheel line of the invention has reduced noise, air pollution, and ground-water pollution as compared with conventional forward roll wheel lines. Additionally, the operating cost is substantially reduced.

[0008] The driving of the drive wheel(s) by a DC electrical motor permits the unit to be operated entirely from solar power, using the photovoltaic battery charger, in most conditions. The preferred low-voltage DC electrical motor is safe and does not subject those working around the irrigation line to the risk of shocks even in wet weather. The noise and pollution associated with gasoline motors is eliminated. Additionally, the system can be operated using a remote control unit and, where desired, controlled by a remote computer. Labor costs and thence the irrigation costs are substantially reduced, while errors resulting from human inattention are also reduced.

[0009] The present invention thus provides an efficient approach to agricultural irrigation that has reduced adverse environmental impacts and reduced operating costs. It is most preferably applied to a forward roll irrigation wheel line, but may be used with a linear irrigation line or a center-pivot irrigation line as well. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. The scope of the invention is not, however, limited to this preferred embodiment.

Problems solved by technology

Consequently, each requires a much larger drive and support structure than the forward roll wheel line, and each is typically 3-4 times as expensive as the forward roll wheel line.

They may cause substantial environmental pollution and may be dangerous.

They require substantial operator attention.

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