Abstract: An irrigation system includes a fluid-inlet, a first fluid-path coupled to the fluid-inlet and having a first valve for controlling fluid-flow, and a second fluid-path coupled to the fluid-inlet and having a second valve for controlling fluid-flow. Fluid flow through a power harvester coupled to the second fluid-path causes generation of electricity. An energy storage device stores the generated electricity. A sensor measures the energy stored in the energy storage device. A controller is coupled to the sensor, the first valve, and the second valve. The controller determines if the stored energy is below a threshold, to open the second valve to allow fluid-flow through the second fluid-path and activate the power harvester when the stored energy is below the threshold, to close the second valve when the stored energy reaches or exceeds the threshold, and to control the first valve independently of the electricity generation to regulate irrigation.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a first valve fluidly-coupled between an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and a second valve fluidly-coupled between the inlet pipe and a power harvester. The power harvester generates electrical power at a power output in response to fluid flowing therethrough. An energy storage unit is coupled to the power output to store generated voltage. Comparison circuitry compares the generated voltage to a threshold. Control circuitry causes the second valve to permit fluid to flow therethrough when the generated voltage is less than the threshold, causing generation of the electrical power by the power harvester when the generated voltage is less than the threshold. The comparison circuitry causes the second valve to prevent fluid flow when the generated voltage is at least equal to threshold, ceasing generation of the electrical power by the power harvester when the generated voltage is at least equal to the threshold.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes a first valve fluidly-coupled between an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, and a second valve fluidly-coupled between the inlet pipe and a power harvester. The power harvester generates electrical power at a power output in response to fluid flowing therethrough. An energy storage unit is coupled to the power output to store generated voltage. Comparison circuitry compares the generated voltage to a threshold. Control circuitry causes the second valve to permit fluid to flow therethrough when the generated voltage is less than the threshold, causing generation of the electrical power by the power harvester when the generated voltage is less than the threshold. The comparison circuitry causes the second valve to prevent fluid flow when the generated voltage is at least equal to threshold, ceasing generation of the electrical power by the power harvester when the generated voltage is at least equal to the threshold.