Abstract: An electrodialysis system controller is configured to be coupled to a power supply, and powered devices that include a pump, and an electrodialysis unit. The controller receives inputs including an input indicative of a flow rate through the electrodialysis unit, an input indicative of a concentration level of fluid in the electrodialysis unit, and an input indicative of a power differential (e.g., indicating a degree to which a power usage by the powered devices differs from available power of the power source), and provides outputs for controlling the powered devices, including an output for causing a variable current level to be applied in the electrodialysis unit, and an output for causing a variable fluid flow rate through the electrodialysis unit. The controller is configured to match the power usage to the available power, for example, to keep the power differential as small as possible, while maximizing the theoretical desalination rate of the electrodialysis system.

Abstract: A tool for management of irrigation schedules is provided. The tool can include a controller that can communicate with an irrigation system to build and implement automatic irrigation schedules using sensed data about the environment, historical data, and manually input data. These schedules can be optimized for capital cost, lifetime cost, farm revenue, water use, and energy efficiency of the irrigation system. The schedule can be adjusted based on sensed data and/or manual inputs to ensure optimal use of resources. In some embodiments, the controller can communicate the schedule to a user via electronic communication to implement irrigation. In such embodiments, the user can interface with the controller to confirm directions to implement irrigation and receive additional directions.

Abstract: Novel design frameworks for designing electrodialysis (ED) desalination systems for purifying brackish water are provided herein. The design frameworks of the present embodiments include one or more energy management strategies, as well as recirculation-based system architectures. The design frameworks can be independent of each other, or can be used together. In some embodiments, the energy management strategy can include determining a capacity of a battery in communication with an (ED) system and imposing a charge power limit onto the battery to limit the charging rate of the ED system. The energy management strategy can be used in combination with the recirculation-based system architectures to improve efficiency of purification performed by these ED systems. These architectures can include hybrid architectures that operate in continuous flow, but provide a recirculation stream to mix the feed to achieve a desired salinity of the product stream.

Abstract: A robot for cleaning solar panels has a frame and a propulsion system for moving the robot on solar panels. The robot also has arms movably coupled to the frame, and a cleaning assembly coupled to each of the arms for cleaning the solar panels. The arms and cleaning assemblies further facilitate the transportation of the robot between solar panels that are discontinuous and spaced apart from each other. In addition, a water distribution system is included for distributing water during cleaning operations. A control system operates the robot and controls the propulsion system, arms, cleaning assemblies and water distribution system.