Design of Hardware and Software Equipment for Monitoring Selected Operating Parameters of the Irrigator.

The aim of this paper was to design a device for monitoring the work of irrigation technology (in our case, irrigation by sprinkler). Two devices for monitoring selected irrigation operating parameters for two hose reel irrigation machines were designed. During the monitored period of connection of the equipment to the sprinkler, 15 irrigation doses were carried out for both sprinklers. Irrigation operating characteristics working pressure, hose reel speed and selected weather conditions temperature and humidity were monitored. When evaluating the results, we proved the need to monitor the operation of the sprinkler not only by the coefficient of variation Cv, but also by introducing the coefficient of non-uniformity a. The results obtained indicate variability with respect to a particular irrigation dose and the applicable assessment method. The results were reviewed by one-way ANOVA analysis where observed coefficients and irrigation dose were considered as dependence factors. The results indicate a statistically significant impact of the applied quality coefficient of work and thus the impact of a particular device (p < 0.05, Fcrit = 2.77). When evaluating the effect of the included irrigation dose, we also showed a statistically significant effect in both facilities (p < 0.05, F = 1.92). By checking the operation of the hose reel irrigation machine, we managed to successfully apply the proposed classifications, which also perform the function of fault prediction. The proposed facilities show that proper plant operation and timely response can help create more efficient and sustainable irrigation services, not only saving water but also reducing costs for the owner.

Parameters setting of Frequency Converter PI regulation to ensure the vacuum of the milking process.

This paper presents regulation of an asynchronous induction motor so as to create a stable vacuum milk pump using Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). Contribution includes providing information about the usage of the VFD, which regulates the activity of an asynchronous induction motor so that the vacuum pump milking machine creates stable vacuum. The paper describes the functional and time dependence of input values and output parameters of frequency converters at changing electric motor speed. For simulation and verification the milking process a mathematical model of the milking machine was created. The simulation was verified in Matlab/Simulink software. The constructed mathematical model showed symmetric regulation. Control model symmetry was verified at the laboratory of milking machine. The possibility to remove the control valve from milking equipment was proven using the measured data. It was found that constant vacuum values can be maintained. A constant vacuum can be maintained by changing vacuum pump speed. This control is of an accepted standard (ISO 5707: 2007). The power saving control values (on the milking equipment) of the VFD were positive throughout the measuring range. The performance of the milking vacuum pump is normally designed from the maximum air consumption of the milking machine at nominal vacuum (50 kPa), and a performance reserve is added to this. This means that the pump is operated between the ranges 7.53 and 15.06 dm3 s-1. By using a vacuum pump controlled by a VFD, power savings can be achieved from 32.50% to 54.02% compared to a control valve.

An Integrated IoT Architecture for Smart Metering Using Next Generation Sensor for Water Management Based on LoRaWAN Technology: A Pilot Study.

This pilot study focuses on the design, implementation, optimization and verification of a novel solution of smart measuring of water consumption and crisis detection leading to a smart water management platform. The system implemented consists of a modular IoT platform based on a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design using the M2.COM standard, a LoraWAN modem and a LoraWAN gateway based on the Raspberry Pi platform. The prototype is modular, low-cost, low-power, low-complex and it fully reflects the requirements of strategic technological concepts of Smart City and Industry 4.0, i.e., data integration, interoperability, (I)IoT, etc. The study was produced in cooperation with M.I.S Protivanov and VODARENSKA AKCIOVA SPOLECNOST, a.s. (industry partners distributing drinking water in the Olomouc and South-Moravian regions) to depict the current situation in the Czech Republic, characterized by extreme weather fluctuations and increasingly frequent periods of drought. These drinking water distributors are also constantly placing new demands on these smart solutions. These requirements include, above all, reliability of data transmission, modularity and, last but not least, low cost. However, smart water management (water consumption, distribution, system identification, equipment maintenance, etc.) is becoming an important topic worldwide. The functionality of the system was first verified in laboratory conditions and, then, in real operation. The study also includes checking signal propagation in the municipal area of the village of Zdarna, where the radius of the proposed measuring system was tested. A laboratory test with simulation of water leakage is also part of this work. Subsequently, the system was tested in a residential unit by means of water leakage detection using the MNF method (minimum night flow); the detection success rate was 95%.