Abstract: A sprayer control system includes a plurality of smart nozzles each having at least one control valve with a valve operator, an electronic control unit for the valve operator, and one or more spray nozzles. The at least one control valve and the ECU control a flow rate of liquid agricultural product through the nozzles. A duty cycle modulator is in communication with the ECU and generates an applied duty cycle for the at least one control valve. The duty cycle modulator includes a specified duty cycle input having a specified duty cycle and a pressure monitor associated with the at least one control valve. A pressure comparator compares the valve pressure determined with the pressure monitor with a system pressure and generates a pressure error. An applied duty cycle generator generates the applied duty cycle based on the specified duty cycle modified by the pressure error.

Abstract: In an example, a system for applying an agricultural product includes a valve and a solenoid. For instance, the valve includes a coil that generates a magnetic flux. The system includes a valve controller. The valve controller is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one of the coil or a dissipation element. In some examples, the valve controller determines an actual duty cycle of a valve operator of the valve using the measured electrical characteristics. The valve controller determines a magnetic flux correction, for instance based on a difference between the actual duty cycle and a specified duty cycle. The valve controller operates the valve operator according to the specified magnetic flux and the magnetic flux correction to guide the actual duty cycle toward the specified duty cycle.

Abstract: In an example, a system for applying an agricultural product includes a valve and a solenoid. For instance, the valve includes a coil that generates a magnetic flux. The system includes a valve controller. The valve controller is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one of the coil or a dissipation element. In some examples, the valve controller determines an actual duty cycle of a valve operator of the valve using the measured electrical characteristics. The valve controller determines a magnetic flux correction, for instance based on a difference between the actual duty cycle and a specified duty cycle. The valve controller operates the valve operator according to the specified magnetic flux and the magnetic flux correction to guide the actual duty cycle toward the specified duty cycle.

Abstract: A sprayer nozzle assembly includes a control valve configured to control a flow rate of agricultural product according to a duty cycle having valve open and valve closed positions. The assembly includes a sprayer tip having a tip orifice for spraying the agricultural product. A throttled interface duct interconnects the control valve and the sprayer tip. The throttled interface duct includes an interface duct profile. The interface duct profile is configured to decrease a flow characteristic of the agricultural product while the control valve is in the valve closed position.

Abstract: A sprayer control system includes a plurality of smart nozzles each having at least one control valve with a valve operator, an electronic control unit for the valve operator, and one or more spray nozzles. The at least one control valve and the ECU control a flow rate of liquid agricultural product through the nozzles. A duty cycle modulator is in communication with the ECU and generates an applied duty cycle for the at least one control valve. The duty cycle modulator includes a specified duty cycle input having a specified duty cycle and a pressure monitor associated with the at least one control valve. A pressure comparator compares the valve pressure determined with the pressure monitor with a system pressure and generates a pressure error. An applied duty cycle generator generates the applied duty cycle based on the specified duty cycle modified by the pressure error.

Abstract: In an example, a system for applying an agricultural product includes a valve and a solenoid. For instance, the valve includes a coil that generates a magnetic flux. The system includes a valve controller. The valve controller is configured to measure one or more electrical characteristics of at least one of the coil or a dissipation element. In some examples, the valve controller determines an actual duty cycle of a valve operator of the valve using the measured electrical characteristics. The valve controller determines a magnetic flux correction, for instance based on a difference between the actual duty cycle and a specified duty cycle. The valve controller operates the valve operator according to the specified magnetic flux and the magnetic flux correction to guide the actual duty cycle toward the specified duty cycle.