U.S. patent application number 11/331793 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for golf course environmental management system.
Invention is credited to Robert F. JR. Bishop.
Application Number | 20060127183 11/331793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34119741 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060127183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bishop; Robert F. JR. |
June 15, 2006 |
Golf course environmental management system
Abstract
The invention is a system for managing a plurality of areas of
interest of a golf course. The system comprises a plurality of
electromechanical subsystems and a programmable master control
module. Each subsystem provides to a specific area at least one of
air under pressure and a partial vacuum. In each area of interest,
a local control module is responsive to a directive and to a datum.
The local control module is configured to operate the subsystem and
is in communication with the programmable master control module.
The programmable master control module receives from at least two
of the plurality of local control modules information representing
a status of the respective specific area to which the local control
module is dedicated, and in response to the information and to a
command, the programmable master control module issues a directive
to the local control module to operate the electromechanical
subsystem.
Inventors: |
Bishop; Robert F. JR.;
(Aiken, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCNAIR LAW FIRM, P.A.
P.O. BOX 10827
GREENVILLE
SC
29603-0827
US
|
Family ID: |
34119741 |
Appl. No.: |
11/331793 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10935205 |
Sep 7, 2004 |
6997642 |
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11331793 |
Jan 12, 2006 |
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10777491 |
Feb 12, 2004 |
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10935205 |
Sep 7, 2004 |
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60447169 |
Feb 12, 2003 |
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60447218 |
Feb 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 13/02 20130101;
A01B 45/02 20130101; Y10T 137/189 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/037 |
International
Class: |
E02B 11/00 20060101
E02B011/00; E02B 13/00 20060101 E02B013/00 |
Claims
1. A system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within a
golf course, comprising: a plurality of electromechanical
subsystems, each subsystem dedicated to a specific area of said
golf course, each subsystem comprising: a subsurface aeration
conduit for providing to said specific area of said golf course at
least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump
in fluid communication with said subsurface aeration conduit, said
air pump configured to provide at least one of air under pressure
and a partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to said air
pump; a local control module responsive to a directive and to a
datum, said local control module operatively coupled to said motor;
and at least one sensor that measures an environmental parameter,
said at least one sensor in data communication with said local
control module; and a programmable master control module in
communication with each of said plurality of local control modules;
whereby said programmable master control module receives from at
least two of said plurality of local control modules information
representing a status of the respective specific area to which said
local control module is dedicated, and in response to said
information and to a command, said programmable master control
module issues a directive to each of said local control modules to
operate said electromechanical subsystem.
2. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said subsurface aeration conduit
is a device used to supply air under pressure to or withdraw air
under vacuum from the subsurface of said area of interest on said
golf course.
3. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said subsurface aeration conduit
is a selected one of interconnecting perforated pipe,
interconnecting porous pipe and channels formed by a placement of
spacing devices.
4. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 3, wherein said spacing devices comprise
trays.
5. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said motor is an electric
motor.
6. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said programmable master control
module is a selected one of a programmable computer, a programmable
logic controller (PLC), and a programmable industrial
controller.
7. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said programmable master control
module is in communication with a selected one of said plurality of
local control modules by way of a selected one of a hard-wired
communication link, a wireless communication link, and a
fiber-optic communication link.
8. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said programmable master control
module further comprises a connection to a communication
network.
9. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 8, wherein said communication network
comprises a selected one of a telephone communication link, a
wireless communication link, an optical communication link, and a
packet-switched communication link.
10. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 9, wherein said system can communicate
information over said selected communication link to a user at a
remote location.
11. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 9, wherein said system can receive a command
over said selected communication link from a user at a remote
location.
12. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein at least one of said local
control modules further comprises a communication link accessible
by way of a hand-held battery-powered device.
13. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 12, wherein said hand-held battery-powered
device is a selected one of a cellular telephone, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), and a pocket personal computer (pocket
PC).
14. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein at least one electromechanical
subsystem further comprises a reversing mechanism in fluid
communication with said air pump and with said subsurface aeration
conduit, said reversing mechanism configured to cause air to flow
in a first flow direction to provide air under pressure, and
configured to cause air to flow in a second flow direction to
provide a partial vacuum.
15. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 14, wherein said reversing mechanism is
responsive to said local control module.
16. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein at least one electromechanical
subsystem further comprises an irrigation system configured to
irrigate at least a portion of a selected one of said specific
areas of said golf course.
17. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 16, wherein said local control module is
operatively coupled to said irrigation system.
18. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 16, wherein said irrigation system further
comprises at least one sprinkler.
19. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 16, wherein said irrigation system is
configured to control a flow rate of water.
20. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 16, wherein said irrigation system is
configured to add substances to irrigation water.
21. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 20, wherein said substances that said
irrigation system is configured to add to irrigation water comprise
at least one of a nutrient for a plant, an anti-fungal agent, and a
chemical.
22. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor that
measures an environmental parameter comprises a sensor that
measures at least one of a temperature, a moisture content, an
illumination, a chemical concentration, and a motion.
23. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said programmable master control
module comprises a data recording and analysis module.
24. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 23, wherein said data recording and analysis
module is configured to record a selected one of a parameter
relating to aeration, a parameter relating to irrigation, an
operating parameter of an air pump, a temperature, a moisture
content, a parameter relating to an additive applied to irrigation
water, and a time.
25. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 23, wherein said data recording and analysis
module is configured to analyze one or more parameters relating to
aeration, to irrigation, to operation of an air pump, to a
temperature, to a moisture content, to an additive applied to
irrigation water, and to a time.
26. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 23, wherein said data recording and analysis
module is configured to compare a selected parameter to a
setpoint.
27. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 23, wherein said data recording and analysis
module is configured to determine a status of at least one of said
electromechanical subsystems.
28. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said programmable master control
module further comprises a master display.
29. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 28, wherein said master display exhibits a
status of at least one of said electromechanical subsystems.
30. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 29, wherein said status is a selected one of
a time when said electromechanical subsystem begins to operate, a
duration of operation of said electromechanical subsystem, an
operating parameter of said electromechanical subsystem, a
environmental condition, a fault condition, an alarm condition, a
setpoint, and a directive.
31. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 30, wherein said operating parameter of said
electromechanical subsystem comprises a selected one of an
electrical current, a pressure, a temperature, a vacuum, an air
flow, and a water flow.
32. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 30, wherein said environmental condition
comprises a selected one of a soil temperature, an ambient
temperature, a moisture content, an amount of solar radiation
received in a specified time period, a soil salinity, and a
detection of motion.
33. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 32, wherein said ambient temperature is an
ambient air temperature.
34. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 32, wherein said moisture content is a
selected one of a soil moisture content and an air humidity.
35. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said programmable master control
module further comprises an input device for receiving commands
from a user of said system.
36. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 35, wherein said input device for receiving
commands from a user of said system comprises a selected one of a
keyboard, a key pad, a touch pad, a touch screen, a mouse, a
joystick, a light pen, a pointing device, and a microphone.
37. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 35, wherein said command is a command
received from a user.
38. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said command is a command
received from a computer program operating on said programmable
master control module.
39. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said temperature is a selected
one of a soil temperature and an ambient temperature.
40. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein at least one of said
electromechanical subsystems further comprises a local display.
41. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 40, wherein said local display exhibits a
status of said electromechanical subsystem.
42. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 41, wherein said status is a selected one of
a time when said electromechanical subsystem begins to operate, a
duration of operation of said electromechanical subsystem, an
operating parameter of said electromechanical subsystem, a
environmental condition, a fault condition, an alarm condition, and
a directive.
43. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 42, wherein said operating parameter of said
electromechanical subsystem comprises a selected one of an
electrical current, a pressure, a vacuum, an air flow, and a water
flow.
44. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 42, wherein said environmental condition
comprises a selected one of a soil temperature, an ambient
temperature, a moisture content, an amount of solar radiation
received in a specified time period, a soil salinity, and a
detection of motion.
45. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 44, wherein said ambient temperature is an
ambient air temperature.
46. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 44, wherein said moisture content is a
selected one of a soil moisture content and an air humidity.
47. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said local control module is
implemented as a virtual local control module on said programmable
master control module.
48. The system for managing a plurality of areas of interest within
a golf course of claim 1, wherein said areas of interest comprise
at least a plurality of one or more golf greens, one or more
fairways, one or more tee boxes, one or more walkways, one or more
gallery viewing areas, one or more driving ranges, one or more
putting greens, and one or more practice areas.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/447,169,
filed Feb. 12, 2003, co-pending U.S. provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/447,218, filed Feb. 12, 2003, and co-pending U.S.
nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 10,777,491, filed Feb.
12, 2004, each of which applications is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety. This application is related to an
application entitled "Battery-Powered Air Handling System For
Subsurface Aeration," which application was filed on Aug. 11, 2004,
and which is subject to assignment to the same assignee of the
present application.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to subsurface aeration systems in
general and particularly to a subsurface aeration system servicing
a plurality of areas of interest of a golf course.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In prior art systems for treating soil and turf by blowing
and/or vacuuming through a duct network located underneath the
turf, a low-pressure high-volume fan is typically used to move air
into the soil profile or remove moisture from the soil profile.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,759; 5,507,595; 5,542,208; 5,617,670;
5,596,836; and 5,636,473, the disclosure of each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, show different
variations on equipment used for this purpose. Since a
non-reversing fan always rotates in the same direction, changing
the system from a blowing function to a vacuuming function requires
disconnecting the duct network from the blowing outlet of the fan
unit and connecting it to the vacuum inlet of the unit. In some
variations, a 4-way valve is used to avoid the hassles involved
with selectively connecting and disconnecting the duct network from
the various ports of the fan unit. Manual operations limit the
degree to which the process can be automated. In addition,
considerable judgment is involved in knowing when to blow air into
the duct network and when to remove air from the duct network by
applying a partial vacuum. Blowing air into the duct network when
there is too much moisture in the soil profile can severely damage
parts of the turf.
[0004] More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,638, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety,
disclosed additional features of an air handling system that
includes an air handling device connectable to a duct network that
is underneath a field having grass growing in it, at least one
sensor disposed to measure a variable associated with the field,
and a control unit connected to the air handling device to control
operating parameters of the air handling device responsive to an
output from the sensor. A heat exchanger is optionally part of the
system. The variables associated with the field include temperature
and moisture. The operating parameters of the air handling device
include direction of the air flow, temperature of the air directed
into the duct network, and the time of operation of the unit. The
system optionally includes programmable control logic so that the
sensor output automatically controls the operating parameters of
the system. A computer with display is used to program the control
logic, which can be done remotely over a modem or the internet. The
sensor output can be viewed on the display to allow a user to
manually control the operating parameters if desired.
[0005] What is lacking are systems that can be operated where power
supplies have insufficient capacity, and systems that can handle a
diversity of environmental parameters over disparate areas of
interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the invention relates to a system for
managing a plurality of areas of interest within a golf course. The
system comprises a plurality of electromechanical subsystems, each
subsystem dedicated to a specific area of the golf course. Each
subsystem comprises a subsurface aeration conduit for providing to
the specific area of the golf course at least one of air under
pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump in fluid communication
with the subsurface aeration conduit, the air pump configured to
provide at least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum; a
motor mechanically connected to the air pump; a local control
module responsive to a directive and to a datum, the local control
module operatively coupled to the motor; and at least one sensor
that measures an environmental parameter, the at least one sensor
in data communication with the local control module; and a
programmable master control module in communication with each of
the plurality of local control modules. The programmable master
control module receives from at least two of the plurality of local
control modules information representing a status of the respective
specific area to which the local control module is dedicated, and
in response to the information and to a command, the programmable
master control module issues a directive to each of the local
control modules to operate the electromechanical subsystem.
[0007] In one embodiment, the subsurface aeration conduit is a
device used to supply air under pressure to or withdraw air under
vacuum from the subsurface of the area of interest on the golf
course. In one embodiment, the subsurface aeration conduit is a
selected one of interconnecting perforated pipe, interconnecting
porous pipe and channels formed by a placement of spacing devices.
In one embodiment, the spacing devices comprise trays.
[0008] In one embodiment, the motor is an electric motor. In one
embodiment, the programmable master control module is a selected
one of a programmable computer, a programmable logic controller
(PLC), and a programmable industrial controller. In one embodiment,
the programmable master control module is in communication with a
selected one of the plurality of local control modules by way of a
selected one of a hard-wired communication link, a wireless
communication link, and a fiber-optic communication link.
[0009] In one embodiment, the programmable master control module
further comprises a connection to a communication network. In one
embodiment, the communication network comprises a selected one of a
telephone communication link, a wireless communication link, an
optical communication link, and a packet-switched communication
link.
[0010] In one embodiment, the system can communicate information
over the selected communication link to a user at a remote
location. In one embodiment, the system can receive a command over
the selected communication link from a user at a remote location.
In one embodiment, at least one of the local control modules
further comprises a communication link accessible by way of a
hand-held battery-powered device. In one embodiment, the hand-held
battery-powered device is a selected one of a cellular telephone, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), and a pocket personal computer
(pocket PC).
[0011] In one embodiment, at least one electromechanical subsystem
further comprises a reversing mechanism in fluid communication with
the air pump and with the subsurface aeration conduit, the
reversing mechanism configured to cause air to flow in a first flow
direction to provide air under pressure, and configured to cause
air to flow in a second flow direction to provide a partial vacuum.
In one embodiment, the reversing mechanism is responsive to the
local control module.
[0012] In one embodiment, at least one electromechanical subsystem
further comprises an irrigation system configured to irrigate at
least a portion of a selected one of the specific areas of the golf
course. In one embodiment, the local control module is operatively
coupled to the irrigation system. In one embodiment, the irrigation
system further comprises at least one sprinkler. In one embodiment,
the irrigation system is configured to control a flow rate of
water. In one embodiment, the irrigation system is configured to
add substances to irrigation water. In one embodiment, the
substances that the irrigation system is configured to add to
irrigation water comprise at least one of a nutrient for a plant,
an anti-fungal agent, and a chemical.
[0013] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor that measures an
environmental parameter comprises a sensor that measures at least
one of a temperature, a moisture content, an illumination, a
chemical concentration, and a motion.
[0014] In one embodiment, the programmable master control module
comprises a data recording and analysis module. In one embodiment,
the data recording and analysis module is configured to record a
selected one of a parameter relating to aeration, a parameter
relating to irrigation, an operating parameter of an air pump, a
temperature, a moisture content, a parameter relating to an
additive applied to irrigation water, and a time in one embodiment,
the data recording and analysis module is configured to analyze one
or more parameters relating to aeration, to irrigation, to
operation of an air pump, to a temperature, to a moisture content,
to an additive applied to irrigation water, and to a time. In one
embodiment, the data recording and analysis module is configured to
compare a selected parameter to a setpoint. In one embodiment, the
data recording and analysis module is configured to determine a
status of at least one of the electromechanical subsystems.
[0015] In one embodiment, the programmable master control module
further comprises a master display. In one embodiment, the master
display exhibits a status of at least one of the electromechanical
subsystems. In one embodiment, the status is a selected one of a
time when the electromechanical subsystem begins to operate, a
duration of operation of the electromechanical subsystem, an
operating parameter of the electromechanical subsystem, a
environmental condition, a fault condition, an alarm condition, a
setpoint, and a directive. In one embodiment, the operating
parameter of the electromechanical subsystem comprises a selected
one of an electrical current, a pressure, a vacuum, a temperature,
an air flow, and a water flow. In one embodiment, the environmental
condition comprises a selected one of a soil temperature, an
ambient temperature, a moisture content, an amount of solar
radiation received in a specified time period, a soil salinity, and
a detection of motion. In one embodiment, the ambient temperature
is an ambient air temperature. In one embodiment, the moisture
content is a selected one of a soil moisture content and an air
humidity.
[0016] In one embodiment, the programmable master control module
further comprises an input device for receiving commands from a
user of the system. In one embodiment, the input device for
receiving commands from a user of the system comprises a selected
one of a keyboard, a key pad, a touch pad, a touch screen, a mouse,
a joystick, a light pen, a pointing device, and a microphone. In
one embodiment, the command is a command received from a user.
[0017] In one embodiment, the command is a command received from a
computer program operating on the programmable master control
module. In one embodiment, the temperature is a selected one of a
soil temperature and an ambient temperature.
[0018] In one embodiment, at least one of the electromechanical
subsystems further comprises a local display. In one embodiment,
the local display exhibits a status of the electromechanical
subsystem. In one embodiment, the status is a selected one of a
time when the electromechanical subsystem begins to operate, a
duration of operation of the electromechanical subsystem, an
operating parameter of the electromechanical subsystem, a
environmental condition, a fault condition, an alarm condition, and
a directive. In one embodiment, the operating parameter of the
electromechanical subsystem comprises a selected one of an
electrical current, a pressure, a vacuum, an air flow, and a water
flow. In one embodiment, the environmental condition comprises a
selected one of a soil temperature, an ambient temperature, a
moisture content, an amount of solar radiation received in a
specified time period, a soil salinity, and a detection of motion.
In one embodiment, the ambient temperature is an ambient air
temperature. In one embodiment, the moisture content is a selected
one of a soil moisture content and an air humidity.
[0019] In one embodiment, the local control module is implemented
as a virtual local control module on the programmable master
control module.
[0020] In one embodiment, the areas of interest comprise at least a
plurality of one or more golf greens, one or more fairways, one or
more tee boxes, one or more walkways, one or more gallery viewing
areas, one or more driving ranges, one or more putting greens, and
one or more practice areas.
[0021] In another aspect, the invention features a method of
extracting water from a specific area of interest selected from a
plurality of areas of interest within a golf course. The method
comprises the steps of providing a subsurface aeration system at
each of the plurality of areas of interest, and operating the
subsurface aeration system at the specific area of interest to
provide at least a partial vacuum when the moisture reading exceeds
a setpoint value, thereby extracting water from the specific area
of interest. Each subsurface aeration system comprises a conduit
for providing to the specific area of the golf course at least a
partial vacuum; an air pump in fluid communication with the
subsurface aeration conduit, the air pump configured to provide at
least a partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air
pump; and at least one sensor that provide a moisture reading of
the area of interest.
[0022] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a control module responsive to a directive and to the
moisture reading, the control module coupled to the subsurface
aeration system to control the operation thereof; and causing the
subsurface aeration system to operate to extract water in response
to the directive and to a determination that the moisture content
exceeds the setpoint value.
[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a programmable master control module in communication
with the control module; receiving at the programmable master
control module information sent from the control module, the
information representing the moisture content; determining whether
the moisture content exceeds the setpoint; and, if the
determination is positive, issuing from the programmable master
control module the directive to the local control module to operate
the electromechanical subsystem.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of
reducing a temperature of soil in a specific area of interest
selected from a plurality of areas of interest within a golf
course. The method comprises the steps of providing a subsurface
aeration system at each of the plurality of areas of interest, and
operating the subsurface aeration system to provide at least a
partial vacuum when the ambient air temperature is lower than a
first setpoint value, the soil temperature is higher than a second
setpoint value, and the first setpoint value is less than the
second setpoint value, thereby drawing ambient air through the
specific area of interest to reduce a soil temperature thereof.
Each subsurface aeration system comprises a subsurface aeration
conduit for providing to the specific area of the golf course at
least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump
in fluid communication with the subsurface aeration conduit, the
air pump configured to provide at least one of air under pressure
and a partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air
pump; at least one sensor that measures an ambient air temperature;
and at least one sensor that measures a soil temperature.
[0025] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor that measures an
ambient air temperature; and the at least one sensor that measures
a soil temperature are a unitary structure.
[0026] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a control module responsive to a directive, to the
ambient air temperature, and to the soil temperature, the control
module coupled to the subsurface aeration system to control the
operation thereof; determining whether the ambient air temperature
is lower than a first setpoint value, the soil temperature is
higher than a second setpoint value, and the first setpoint value
is less than the second setpoint value; and, if the determination
is positive, causing the local control module to operate the
subsurface aeration system to reducing a temperature of soil. In
one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating from time to
time the determining step, and while the determination is positive,
directing the local control module to operate the subsurface
aeration system to reduce a temperature of soil.
[0027] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a programmable master control module in communication
with the control module; receiving at the programmable master
control module information sent from the control module, the
information representing the ambient air temperature and the soil
temperature; determining whether the ambient air temperature is
lower than a first setpoint value, the soil temperature is higher
than a second setpoint value, and the first setpoint value is less
than the second setpoint value; and, if the determination is
positive, issuing from the programmable master control module the
directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to reduce a temperature of soil.
[0028] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, issuing from the programmable master control module
the directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to reduce a temperature of soil.
[0029] In yet a further aspect, the invention features a method of
reducing a temperature of soil in a specific area of interest
selected from a plurality of areas of interest within a golf
course. The method comprises the steps of providing a subsurface
aeration system at each of the plurality of areas of interest, and
operating the subsurface aeration system to provide air under
pressure when the ambient air temperature is higher than a first
setpoint value, the soil temperature is higher than a second
setpoint value, the first setpoint value is higher than the second
setpoint value, and the soil moisture content is less than a third
setpoint value, thereby pushing air under pressure through the
specific area of interest to reduce a soil temperature thereof Each
subsurface aeration system comprises a subsurface aeration conduit
for providing to the specific area of the golf course at least one
of air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump in fluid
communication with the subsurface aeration conduit, the air pump
configured to provide at least one of air under pressure and a
partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air pump; at
least one sensor that measures an ambient air temperature; at least
one sensor that measures a soil temperature; and at least one
sensor that measures a soil moisture content.
[0030] In one embodiment, at least two of the at least one sensor
that measures an ambient air temperature, the at least one sensor
that measures a soil temperature, and the at least one sensor that
measures a soil moisture content are a unitary structure. In one
embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing a
control module responsive to a directive, to the ambient air
temperature, to the soil temperature, and to the soil moisture
content, the control module coupled to the subsurface aeration
system to control the operation thereof determining whether the
ambient air temperature is higher than a first setpoint value, the
soil temperature is higher than a second setpoint value, the first
setpoint value is higher than the second setpoint value, and the
soil moisture content is less than a third setpoint value; and, if
the determination is positive, causing the subsurface aeration
system to operate to reducing a temperature of soil.
[0031] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, directing the local control module to operate the
subsurface aeration system to reduce a temperature of soil.
[0032] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a programmable master control module in communication
with the control module; receiving at the programmable master
control module information sent from the control module, the
information representing the ambient air temperature, the soil
temperature and the soil moisture content; determining whether the
ambient air temperature is higher than a first setpoint value, the
soil temperature is higher than a second setpoint value, the first
setpoint value is higher than the second setpoint value, and the
soil moisture content is less than a third setpoint value; and, if
the determination is positive, issuing from the programmable master
control module the directive to the local control module to operate
the electromechanical subsystem to reduce a temperature of
soil.
[0033] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, issuing from the programmable master control module
the directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to reduce a temperature of soil. In one
embodiment, the air under pressure is ambient air that has been
cooled by passing through at least a portion of the subsurface
aeration conduit configured as a heat exchanger in contact with
subsurface soil.
[0034] In still another aspect, the invention relates to a method
of reducing a temperature of soil in a specific area of interest
selected from a plurality of areas of interest within a golf
course. The method comprises the steps of providing a subsurface
aeration system at each of the plurality of areas of interest, and
operating the subsurface aeration system to provide air under
pressure when the ambient air temperature is lower than a first
setpoint value, the soil temperature is higher than a second
setpoint value, the first setpoint value is lower than the second
setpoint value, and the soil moisture content is less than a third
setpoint value, thereby pushing air under pressure through the
specific area of interest to reduce a soil temperature thereof.
Each subsurface aeration system comprises a subsurface aeration
conduit for providing to the specific area of the golf course at
least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump
in fluid communication with the subsurface aeration conduit, the
air pump configured to provide at least one of air under pressure
and a partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air
pump; at least one sensor that measures an ambient air temperature;
at least one sensor that measures a soil temperature; and at least
one sensor that measures a soil moisture content.
[0035] In a further aspect, the invention features a method of
increasing a temperature of soil in a specific area of interest
selected from a plurality of areas of interest within a golf
course. The method comprises the steps of providing a subsurface
aeration system at each of the plurality of areas of interest, and
operating the subsurface aeration system to provide air under
pressure when the ambient air temperature is greater than a first
setpoint value, the soil temperature is less than a second setpoint
value, the first setpoint value is higher than the second setpoint
value, and the soil moisture content is less than a third setpoint
value, thereby pushing ambient air through the specific area of
interest to increase a soil temperature thereof. Each subsurface
aeration system comprises a subsurface aeration conduit for
providing to the specific area of the golf course at least one of
air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump in fluid
communication with the subsurface aeration conduit, the air pump
configured to provide at least one of air under pressure and a
partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air pump; at
least one sensor that measures an ambient air temperature; at least
one sensor that measures a soil temperature; and at least one
sensor that measures a soil moisture content.
[0036] In one embodiment, at least two of the at least one sensor
that measures an ambient air temperature, the at least one sensor
that measures a soil temperature, and the at least one sensor that
measures a soil moisture content are a unitary structure. In one
embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of providing a
control module responsive to a directive, to the ambient air
temperature, to the soil temperature, and to the soil moisture
content, the control module coupled to the subsurface aeration
system to control the operation thereof; determining whether the
ambient air temperature is greater than a first setpoint value, the
soil temperature is less than a second setpoint value, the first
setpoint value is higher than the second setpoint value, and the
soil moisture content is less than a third setpoint value; and, if
the determination is positive, causing the subsurface aeration
system to operate to increase a temperature of soil.
[0037] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, directing the local control module to operate the
subsurface aeration system to increase a temperature of soil.
[0038] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a programmable master control module in communication
with the control module; receiving at the programmable master
control module information sent from the control module, the
information representing the ambient air temperature, the soil
temperature and the soil moisture content; determining whether the
ambient air temperature is greater than a first setpoint value, the
soil temperature is less than a second setpoint value, the first
setpoint value is higher than the second setpoint value, and the
soil moisture content is less than a third setpoint value; and, if
the determination is positive, issuing from the programmable master
control module the directive to the local control module to operate
the electromechanical subsystem to increase a temperature of
soil.
[0039] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, issuing from the programmable master control module
the directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to increase a temperature of soil.
[0040] In a still further aspect, the invention relates to a method
of increasing a temperature of soil in a specific area of interest
selected from a plurality of areas of interest within a golf
course. The method comprises the steps of providing a subsurface
aeration system at each of the plurality of areas of interest, and
operating the subsurface aeration system to provide at least a
partial vacuum when the ambient air temperature is greater than a
first setpoint value, the soil temperature is lower than a second
setpoint value, and the first setpoint value is higher than the
second setpoint value, thereby drawing ambient air through the
specific area of interest to increase a soil temperature thereof.
Each subsurface aeration system comprises a subsurface aeration
conduit for providing to the specific area of the golf course at
least one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump
in fluid communication with the subsurface aeration conduit, the
air pump configured to provide at least one of air under pressure
and a partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air
pump; at least one sensor that measures an ambient air temperature;
and at least one sensor that measures a soil temperature.
[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor that measures an
ambient air temperature and the at least one sensor that measures a
soil temperature are a unitary structure.
[0042] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a control module responsive to a directive, to the
ambient air temperature, and to the soil temperature, the control
module coupled to the subsurface aeration system to control the
operation thereof determining whether the ambient air temperature
is greater than a first setpoint value, the soil temperature is
lower than a second setpoint value, and the first setpoint value is
higher than the second setpoint value; and, if the determination is
positive, causing the subsurface aeration system to operate to
increase a temperature of soil.
[0043] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, directing the local control module to operate the
subsurface aeration system to increase a temperature of soil.
[0044] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a programmable master control module in communication
with the control module; receiving at the programmable master
control module information sent from the control module, the
information representing the ambient air temperature and the soil
temperature; determining whether the ambient air temperature is
greater than a first setpoint value, the soil temperature is lower
than a second setpoint value, and the first setpoint value is
higher than the second setpoint value; and, if the determination is
positive, issuing from the programmable master control module the
directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to increase a temperature of soil.
[0045] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, issuing from the programmable master control module
the directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to increase a temperature of soil.
[0046] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and
advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the
following description and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] The objects and features of the invention can be better
understood with reference to the drawings described below, and the
claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead
generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the
invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like
parts throughout the various views.
[0048] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a storage battery
system embodying principles of the invention;
[0049] FIG. 1A is a high level block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a battery, a controller, a motor, and a blower,
according to principles of the invention;
[0050] FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a second storage
battery system embodying principles of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 3 is a graph of the observed values for electric
current and for back pressure as a function of air flow delivered,
according to principles of the invention;
[0052] FIG. 4 is a graph of the calculated results for electric
power consumed, power transmitted to drive the flowing air, and the
efficiency of the fan as a function of air flow delivered,
according to principles of the invention;
[0053] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a test circuit for a
DC motor driven by a 48 volt battery, according to principles of
the invention;
[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a motor-blower assembly
useful in practicing the invention;
[0055] FIG. 7 is a plan diagram of a motor-blower, a battery and a
conduit situated with a chamber, according to principles of the
invention;
[0056] FIG. 8 is a plan diagram that shows an arrangement of
components employed in testing the noise level generated during the
operation of a system built according to the principles of the
invention;
[0057] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a plurality of electromechanical
subsystems, each subsystem dedicated to a specific area of a golf
course, and communicating with a programmable master control
module, according to principles of the invention;
[0058] FIGS. 10-13 are drawings depicting exemplary embodiments of
a local control module with different features, according to
principles of the invention;
[0059] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of a
user display, according to principles of the invention;
[0060] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an exemplary local control module,
showing various control signal paths, according to principles of
the invention;
[0061] FIG. 16 is a diagram of an illustrative communication
configuration including a local control module and a programmable
master control module, and showing various environmental sensor
signal paths, according to principles of the invention;
[0062] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of
communication paths including remote access via the Internet,
according to principles of the invention; and
[0063] FIG. 18 is an enumeration of some of the components,
communication and control channels, and logic structure of one or
more embodiments of the golf course environmental management
system, according to principles of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0064] In one embodiment, the systems according to principles of
the invention are useful in operating subsurface aeration systems
in locations where there is insufficient power provided by
conventional grid-connected power supplies. In another embodiment,
the systems according to principles of the invention are useful in
managing the provision of such aeration services to a plurality of
locations, for example areas having different requirements from one
another.
[0065] As will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, an
example that illustrates the above advantages and solutions in the
provision of subsurface aeration and associated services is
discussed with reference to a golf course that has a plurality of
greens or other areas of interest having different requirements.
Different areas on a golf course can have differences in many
features, such as in topography, in elevation, in exposure to the
sun, and in other features such as water table level, or being
subject to wind. For example, a first green is surrounded by a
water hazard (for example, a green situated on an island surrounded
by water and accessible by a footbridge or golf cart path); a
second green is surrounded by sand traps; a third green is exposed
to full sun for much or all of a day; and a fourth green is
surrounded by trees that shade the green from direct sunlight for a
considerable part of the day. Different greens may have different
soil conditions and/or different elevations, some may be sloped or
terraced; and some may be subject to other unique conditions, such
as prevailing winds, or exposure to salt water or salt spray (for
example a course situated at the ocean). Some greens or other areas
of interest may be situated in areas where the power source that is
available (such as a 110 Volt AC power line of modest capacity) is
not sufficient to directly supply the electricity needed to operate
the electromechanical systems that are needed.
[0066] A benefit that the systems of the invention provide includes
the ability to provide subsurface aeration services even when a
power source, such as an AC power line, that provides only
insufficient capacity is present. Other benefits that the systems
of the invention provide include the ability to manage the
plurality of areas of interest from a central location, for example
a club house; to automate the management functions; to allow
monitoring of conditions at an area of interest or the status of an
electromechanical system associated with an area of interest; to
allow a user of the systems to assert local control when at the
area of interest, as necessary; and to allow a user situated at an
off-site location to access the systems, review the status, make
determinations as to the appropriate actions to be taken, and as
needed, institute and/or monitor control actions.
[0067] As can be seen in connection with prior art systems, one
mobile pump can be utilized in the present system to service a
number of greens on a golf course, a sports field and/or a leach
field. Additionally, existing greens having in place drain systems
can be easily retrofitted for almost immediate use in the present
air treatment system. The valves servicing the system can be
stationed in access pits some distance from the treatment site, and
thus will not detract from the field of play.
Battery Powered Air Handling System
[0068] As mentioned hereinabove, in some situations, an area of
interest that requires treatment with a subsurface aeration system
according to the invention does not have a suitable power source
available in its immediate vicinity. Alternating current (AC)
motors that are suitable for operating a typical subsurface
aeration system are often of a size in the 3 to 5 horsepower range,
which require about 30 to 45 amps at 110 volts for their operation.
However, the typical utility 110 volt power line used for
irrigation satellites or for general purposes such as lighting,
provides only about 10-15 amps, which is typically insufficient for
operating subsurface aeration systems. As an example, on an older
golf course, or in areas that are sufficiently remote from a high
voltage power source, such as a 220 (or higher) volt supply, it is
commonly the case that the available 110 volt AC power source when
operating alone has insufficient capacity to drive a motor of
suitable size to operate the air pump satisfactorily for the proper
operation of the subsurface aeration system. According to
principles of the invention, the subsurface aeration system in some
embodiments is powered by a storage battery having sufficient
capacity (e.g., high enough amp-hour rating and high enough
discharge rate) to operate a DC motor that runs the air pump or
blower of the system satisfactorily. In a preferred embodiment, the
storage battery is a deep discharge battery. Those of ordinary
skill will recognize that individual storage batteries having
sufficient voltage and current capacity, as well as series and
parallel combinations of storage batteries, can be used in
practicing the invention. For example, such as 6 volt, 12 volt
batteries (e.g., automotive batteries), 24 volt batteries (e.g.,
marine batteries), and other batteries of any convenient voltage
can be employed in the systems according to principles of the
invention. As an example, if a 48 volt system is desired, it is
possible to connect eight (8) batteries of the 6 volt type in
series, or one could use a different arrangement, such as 4
batteries of the 12 volt type in series. In one embodiment, eight 6
volt deep cycle batteries, such as U.S. Battery model 2200,
available from U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co., 1895 Tobacco Road,
Augusta, Ga. 30906, are used to provide a 48 volt compound storage
battery. As is well understood by application of Kirchhoff's
current and voltage laws, to increase the current capacity, if
needed, one could build a compound battery system by connecting two
or more "strings" of series-connected batteries in parallel,
wherein each series "string" comprises batteries having a total
voltage value that is substantially equal to every other "string"
in the compound battery system. In view of the forthcoming change
of automotive battery technology to batteries operating in the
range of 36-42 volts, one can expect that batteries operating at
those voltages will be come more economical, and can be foreseen as
being applicable to the inventions described herein. In another
preferred embodiment, the storage battery (or a plurality of
storage batteries) provides a working voltage of 48 volts.
[0069] FIG. 1 is a high level block diagram of a system 100
employing a storage battery. In FIG. 1, a DC motor 110 is
mechanically connected to a blower or air pump 19 by a shaft 112,
which can include a transmission and/or clutch mechanism as is well
known in the motor/blower arts. In some embodiments, the motor 110
is a Briggs and Stratton Etek.TM. permanent magnet Electric Motor
System 48 volt motor. Other DC motors can be used in other
embodiments. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram 500 showing a test
circuit for a DC motor 510 driven by a 48 volt battery 520. A
rheostat 530 is connected between the battery 510 and the motor 520
so that a resistance can be introduced at start up, and removed as
the motor begins to operate. The rheostat 530 comprises a variable
resistor configured to handle a peak current of some tens to
approximately 150 amps.
[0070] The DC motor comprises power terminals 114, 116 for
operating the DC motor 110 when suitable DC voltage and current are
applied thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a storage
battery 120 is provided for providing DC power at the required
current and voltage needed by the motor 110. In some embodiments,
the storage battery 120 is a bank of batteries interconnected to
supply a desired working voltage and a suitable current, such as a
series-connected set of eight batteries, each battery being a six
volt deep discharge lead acid battery, thereby providing a current
of 45 to 60 amps at 48 volts nominal working voltage. In one
embodiment, such a battery bank provides about 30 minutes of
operating time in a period of about 210 minutes, or a duty cycle of
about 15%. In some embodiments, the deep discharge batteries are
discharged to only an extent of 30 to 40 percent of their working
capacities, both to prolong their operating life, and to keep
recharge time to acceptable values. The storage battery comprises
terminals 124 and 126 that can be connected to motor terminals 114
and 116, respectively. In FIG. 1, the connection of terminal 124
and terminal 114 is shown as being accomplished by a single pole
switch 154 which can be opened, disconnecting the storage battery
from the motor 110, and which switch 154 can be closed, thereby
connecting the storage battery 120 to the motor 110. For
simplicity, the second connection between terminal 126 of the
storage battery 120 and terminal 116 of the motor is shown without
an intervening switch; those of ordinary skill in the electrical
arts will understand that switch 154 could be replaced with a two
pole switch that connects or disconnects, depending on its state,
both of the connections between the storage battery 120 and the
motor 110.
[0071] The battery 120 requires recharging, for example when a
sufficiently long period of operation of the motor 110 and blower
19 has elapsed. Accordingly, the system of FIG. 1 further comprises
a source of AC power 140, such as the above-mentioned 110 volt AC
power source when operating alone has insufficient capacity to
drive a motor of suitable size to operate the air pump 19
satisfactorily. In other embodiments, other sources of electrical
power can be used in place of the source of AC power 140. Examples
of other sources of electrical power include a solar cell array, a
generator driven by an engine (such as engines that use gasoline,
diesel, compressed gas, or natural gas as fuel), a wind turbine,
and a fuel cell. The AC power source 140 is electrically connected
to an AC-to-DC converter 130, such as a full- or half-wave
rectifier circuit, with or without filtering. The preferred
AC-to-DC converter 130 is a high efficiency full-wave rectifier
with filtering. The terminals 134 and 136 of the AC-to-DC converter
(or battery charger) 130 connect electrically with the
corresponding terminal 124 and 126 of the storage battery 120. The
AC power source 1140 and the AC-to-DC converter 130 when operative
are configured to fully charge storage battery 120 to its rated
capacity over a reasonable period of time, such as a period of tens
of minutes to hours. In some embodiments, the battery charger
comprises a transformer. In some embodiments, the transformer is
part of the AC-to-DC converter 130. In some embodiments, the
battery charger operates at an input voltage of 110 volts AC and
draws 10 to 15 amps, while providing an output of 48 to 60 volts DC
at 18 to 20 amps.
[0072] In FIG. 1, the connection of terminal 124 and terminal 134
is shown as being accomplished by a single pole switch 156 which
can be opened, disconnecting the storage battery 110 from the
AC-to-DC converter 130, and which switch 156 can be closed, thereby
connecting the storage battery 120 to the AC-to-DC converter 130.
For simplicity, the second connection between terminal 126 of the
storage battery 120 and terminal 136 of the AC-to-DC converter 130
is shown without an intervening switch; those of ordinary skill in
the electrical arts will understand that switch 156 could be
replaced with a two pole switch that connects or disconnects,
depending on its state, both of the connections between the storage
battery 30 and the AC-to-DC converter 130. In one embodiment, the
common connection of terminals 116, 126 and 136 is defined as
ground 138. Alternatively, the voltage at the common connection of
terminals 116, 126 and 136 can be shifted to any convenient value
of voltage, using well-known circuitry.
[0073] FIG. 1 further indicates the presence of a control circuit
150 that is responsive to commands. The commands are communicated
to the control circuit 150 over a communication line 160, which is
at least uni-directional, and in some embodiments is
bi-directional. The control circuit 150 is operatively coupled via
bi-directional control and data line 151 to the storage battery 120
to control a connection of the storage battery 120 to provide power
to the motor 110, for example by controlling the state of switch
154. The control circuit 150 in some embodiments receives
information transmitted on bi-directional control and data line 151
about the condition or state of the storage battery 120 from local
sensors, such as current and voltage sensors. In other embodiments,
the current and voltage sensors include local logic capability,
which can communicate with the control circuit 150 to inform it of
a condition requiring attention, or the local logic capability can
be configured to take corrective or remedial action as necessary.
The control circuit 150 is also operatively coupled via
bi-directional control and data line 152 to the battery charger 130
to control a connection of the storage battery 120 to the battery
charger 130, for example by controlling the state of switch 156. In
some embodiments, the battery charger 130 communicates a status or
condition to the control circuit 150 using the bi-directional
control and data line 152. In some embodiments, the battery charger
130 comprises local logical capability, which can communicate with
the control circuit 150 to inform it of a condition requiring
attention, or the local logic capability can be configured to take
corrective or remedial action as necessary. In some embodiments,
the control circuit 150 is also operatively coupled to the
combination of AC power source 140 and AC-to-DC converter 130 by
bi-directional control and data line 153, whereby the control
circuit 150 can turn the combination of AC power source 140 and
AC-to-DC converter 130 on and off as may be convenient or
necessary, and data can be sent from the combination of AC power
source 140 and AC-to-DC converter 130 to the control circuit 150 as
necessary. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill, in the
electronic control arts, the system in some embodiments includes
feedback from the controlled components (e.g., storage battery 120,
battery charger 130, motor 1 10) that provides the control circuit
150 data or information which are useful in performing control
actions. In other embodiments, there is additionally control
circuitry and logic at the component being controlled, which
control circuitry and logic also has the capacity to perform
control functions.
[0074] In one mode of operation (which we shall term "mode one"),
the storage battery 120 alone is used to provide power to the motor
110. In a second mode of operation (which we shall term "mode
two"), the storage battery 120 and the combination of the AC power
source 140 and AC-to-DC converter 130 are both connected to the
motor 110 to provide power thereto. In the second mode, the
combination of AC power source 140 and AC-to-DC converter 130 can
be understood to provide power that supplements the power being
provided by the storage battery 120, thereby reducing the discharge
rate that the storage battery 120 experiences, assuming that the
operating point of the motor 110 in mode two is the same as would
be the case under operation in mode one. Equivalently, one can
understand the operation of the combination of AC power source 140
and AC-to-DC converter 130 as recharging the storage battery 120
while the storage battery 120 is being discharged because of the
drain represented by the operation of the motor 110. In any event,
the net effect is to extend the time of operation of the motor 110
above what would be possible using the storage battery 120 alone.
Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that the system
described above can be modified by the addition of additional
storage batteries 120 and additional switching circuitry, so that a
first storage battery 120 can provide power to motor 110 while a
second storage battery 120 (not shown in FIG. 1) is being recharged
by the combination of AC power source 140 and AC-to-DC converter
130. In some embodiments, during "mode two" operation when a golf
green is wet, the storage battery provides approximately 35 to 45
amps to the DC motor and the battery charger provides up to 20
amps. In some embodiments, during "mode two" operation when a golf
green is dry, the storage battery provides approximately 65 to 75
amps to the DC motor and the battery charger provides about 18 to
20 amps.
[0075] In some embodiments, the control circuit 150 is configured
to disconnect the storage battery if the drain on the storage
battery becomes too great (i.e., exceeds a defined current) such as
is commonly achieved with a circuit breaker, or if the storage
battery voltage falls below a specific lower threshold or setpoint
voltage. In some embodiments, a 48 volt nominal working voltage
system has a lower threshold voltage of 44 volts. In some
embodiments, the control circuit 150 waits a defined period of time
to permit a temporary fault to be cleared before acting, for
example the control circuit 150 may have a 10 minute delay. In some
embodiments, the control circuit 150 is configured to cause the
battery charger to cease charging when a specific higher threshold
voltage is attained.
[0076] In some embodiments, the operation of the system using the
storage battery system 100 is as will now be described. The system
is turned on and operated by any of a manual operation of a user, a
timer, and a command issued by a user or a program operating a
programmable computer system (e.g., a programmable master control
module) such as a personal computer (PC), a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a programmable logic
controller (PLC), and industrial controller, whether directly
connected to the system, or connected by way of a hard-wired
communication link, a wireless communication link, a fiber-optic
communication link, a communication network, a telephone
communication link, an optical communication link, and a
packet-switched communication link.
[0077] At system turn on, AC line voltage is provided to operate a
DC relay and logic power supply. Typically, the power supply
operates at 24 volts DC. A "start" sequence including a "soft
start" current limitation to the blower motor is initiated. The DC
motor in one embodiment is a brush motor, which represents a
substantially zero impedance when not operating. In this
embodiment, a starting resistor of approximately 0.3 ohm is
initially switched into series connection between the DC motor and
the storage battery, which resistor limits the initial current (or
surge current) flowing to the motor to the order of 100 amps, e.g.,
48 volts driving 0.3 ohms will cause 48/0.3=160 amps. A relay is
provided to short out the resistor after a brief period, such as 1
second, once the motor begins to operate, at which time the
windings have a back electromotive force present, which causes the
current to maintain a finite value. The current draw through the
motor is then determined by the load on the motor represented by
the blower. In addition, a contactor between the charger and the
storage battery is opened, so that the charger is reset to a
"charge" state when the contactor is closed again. This operating
condition is a "mode one" operating condition. In other
embodiments, a solid state controller can be used to control the
current supplied to the motor on startup, and to control the motor
during operation. In yet another embodiment, it is optionally
possible to start the motor without any "soft start" control by
connecting the motor directly to the storage battery. In the
instance where no soft start is used, stresses are placed both on
the motor at startup and on the battery which has to supply a large
surge current. In addition, starting the motor without a controlled
acceleration places significant stresses on the coupling between
the motor and the blower.
[0078] A short time, for example 5 seconds, after the motor begins
to operate with the 0.3 ohm resistor shorted out, the contactor
between the charger and the storage battery is closed, causing the
battery charger to begin to provide charge to either or both of the
storage battery and the DC motor, which is described hereinabove as
a "mode two" operating condition. The DC motor drives the blower
during which time charge is drained from the storage battery.
[0079] The control circuit comprises a device that monitors the
current being drawn from the battery (e.g., a current monitor
module). In one embodiment, a Hall effect toroidal coil sensor with
built in adjustable sense level is used. The sensor senses DC
current flow in a wire brought through a hole located in the center
of the module. Current sensing is done by an internal Hall effect
device. When the forward current flow goes above a pre-adjusted set
point, the output goes high. When the forward current falls below
the pre-adjusted set-point, the output goes low. A reverse current
flow has no effect. The current sense set point may be in the range
of 0-10, 0-100 or 0-200 Amp depending on the model selected. The
sensor in one embodiment is a model CS880-100 DC current sensing
module available from RBE Electronics, 714 Corporation Street,
Aberdeen, S. Dak. 57401, which is described at the web site www.
rbeelectronics.com/cs880.htm.
[0080] In another embodiment, a shunt of resistance R ohms is used,
whereby a voltage V=IR is generated across the shunt in proportion
to the current, I, flowing through the shunt. The power lost in the
shunt is given by 1.sup.2R. For a shunt of sufficiently small
resistance, even a current of 100 amps will result in a small power
loss, for example 100.times.100.times.0.0001=10 watts for a
resistance of 0.0001 ohm (e.g., 0.1 milliohm). Under these
conditions, V=100.times.0.0001=0.01 volts or 10 millivolts, a
readily discernable voltage. In some embodiments, a limiting
current is 75 amps, which corresponds to a shunt voltage of 7.5
millivolts. If the limiting current value is reached, the control
circuit can disconnect the motor from the storage battery and the
battery charger, thereby turning the system off and protecting the
storage battery. The control circuit can also disconnect the motor
from the storage battery and the battery charger in the event that
the storage battery voltage falls below a predefined lower
threshold voltage, as described herein above.
[0081] The control circuit 150 in some embodiments comprises a
storage battery discharge monitoring module. In some embodiments,
the storage battery discharge monitoring module is a device that
integrates with respect to time the amount of current drawn from
the battery, for example by using the instantaneous values provided
by the current monitor module. In one embodiment, a battery storage
discharge monitoring module is implemented by using an
analog-to-digital converter with a sample-and-hold circuit to
periodically sample the shunt voltage IR described above and to
provide a digital representation thereof, which is then processed
by a programmable digital computer to derive the current I=V/R and
to integrate by summation the value I.times..DELTA.t, where
.DELTA.t represents a time interval between current observations.
In another embodiment, the shunt voltage is converted to a pulse
train in a voltage controlled oscillator, and the pulses are
counted, thereby providing an instantaneous measure of voltage V,
and hence of current I. When the integrated value representing
amp-hours reaches a threshold value, such as 30 amp-hours, the
control circuit can shut off the motor and blower by disconnecting
the storage battery/battery charger and the DC motor. In an
alternative embodiment, the motor can be shut off after a specified
time period, such as 30 minutes, without actually measuring the
number of amp-hours of discharge current. In some embodiments, the
time of operation can be estimated based on the environmental
conditions of the area of interest, for example using a look-up
table, which table can be generated by actual experience or can be
generated by calculation using a mathematical model.
[0082] During operation, the control circuit can identify and can
control the state of the various valves in the subsurface aeration
system. For example, the four way reversing unit comprises valves
that need to be opened or closed in the correct relationship so as
to define a flow direction for air, thereby allowing the system to
provide a selected one of air under pressure and a partial vacuum,
as explained hereinabove. The control circuit identifies the state
of each of the valves in the four way reversing unit. The state of
one or more valves may be recorded in a machine readable memory as
a truth table for each defined type of operation of the system. In
some embodiments, the control circuit accesses the truth table to
determine the correct valve configuration for the type of operation
that is intended. The control circuit can thereby determine whether
the subsurface aeration system is configured to deliver pressurized
air or partial vacuum, or if the four way reversing valve is
misconfigured (i.e., whether one or more of the valves thereof is
in an undefined state). The control circuit compares the
then-current configuration to the configuration needed for the type
of operation that the system is supposed to be performing. As
needed, the control circuit adjusts the valve positions or states
to conform the system to the desired operation. In another
embodiment, the control circuit uses a "brute force" configuration
approach, in which it does not determine whether a valve is
correctly or incorrectly configured, but merely issues commands to
configure each valve according to a predefined set of
configurations. The system can then be operated under the
presumption that each valve is properly configured, whether it was
so configured originally or not.
[0083] In normal operation, after the motor is turned off by
disconnecting the storage battery/battery charger from it, the
battery charger remains connected to the storage battery to
recharge the storage battery. The battery charger remains in an
operating ("on") state and recharges the storage battery until the
storage battery is observed by the control circuit to be fully
charged. The control circuit turns off the battery charger and
disconnects the storage battery when the storage battery is fully
charged. The state of charge of the storage battery can be
monitored by observing any one of several operating parameters of
the storage battery, such as the time rate of change of voltage,
dv/dt, of the storage battery; the instantaneous voltage of the
storage battery; or by measuring the amount of charge actually
entering the battery, using the shunt method described hereinabove.
When the storage battery is deemed to have been recharged, the
battery charger is disconnected.
[0084] In some embodiments, the components of the power supply
portion of the system, including the storage battery, the AC power
source, the AC-to-DC converter, the various switches, relays and
other interconnect hardware are all situated within enclosures that
can be opened by authorized personnel, such as users of the system
or individuals trained to install and repair the system, but not by
unauthorized individuals. The presence of enclosures is a safety
measure, and the enclosures in some-embodiments are provided with
safety switches (or limit switches) at locations such as doors or
panels that can be opened, so that the system is disabled upon the
opening of a door or panel of the enclosure. In some embodiments,
there are provided jumpers or other devices for defeating an
activated safety switch so that the electrical components can be
tested by an authorized person even with a door open or with a
panel removed, as is well known in the electrical arts. In some
embodiments, ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices are
provided at the 110 volt AC power mains to disable the system if an
electrical fault occurs.
[0085] FIG. 1A is a high level block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a battery 120, a controller 125, a motor 110 and a
blower 19. In some embodiments, the controller 125 is a soft start
resistor and relay controls for switch the resistor into and out of
the circuit. In some embodiments, the controller 125 is a rheostat
and the necessary relay contacts. In some embodiments the
controller is a solid state controller that can control the current
provided to the motor so as to limit current surges and control
motor speed and acceleration, for example a pulse width modulation
device. In some embodiments, the controller 125 is a switch.
[0086] FIG. 2 is a high level block diagram of a second storage
battery system 200 further comprising an inverter 260 and an AC
motor 210. Again, the system of FIG. 2 comprises a source of AC
power 240, such as the above-mentioned 110 volt AC power source
when operating alone has insufficient capacity to drive a motor of
suitable size to operate the air pump 19 satisfactorily.
[0087] In FIG. 2, an AC motor 210 is mechanically connected to a
blower or air pump 19 by a shaft 212, which can include a
transmission and/or clutch mechanism as is well known in the
motor/blower arts. The blower or air pump 19 is connected by way of
output line 202 and input line 204 to a subsurface aeration system
that can provide at least one of air under pressure and a partial
vacuum. The AC motor comprises power terminals 214, 216 for
operating the AC motor 210 when suitable DC voltage and current are
applied thereto. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a storage
battery 220 is provided for providing DC power to the inverter 260,
which in turn provides the required current and voltage needed by
the motor 210. The inverter 260 comprises terminals 264 and 266
that can be connected to motor terminals 214 and 216, respectively.
In FIG. 2, the connection of terminals 264 and 266 to terminals 214
and 216 respectively is shown as being accomplished by a two pole
switch 262 that connects or disconnects, depending on its state,
both of the connections between the inverter 260 and the motor 210.
The two pole switch 262 is controlled by the control circuit 250
via a bi-directional control and data line 251.
[0088] The battery 220 requires recharging, for example when a
sufficiently long period of operation of the motor 210 and blower
19 has elapsed. The AC power source 240 is electrically connected
to an AC-to-DC converter 230, such as a full- or half-wave
rectifier circuit, with or without filtering. The preferred
AC-to-DC converter 230 is a high efficiency full-wave rectifier
with filtering. The terminals 234 and 236 of the AC-to-DC converter
(or battery charger) 230 connect electrically with the
corresponding terminal 224 and 226 of the storage battery 220. The
AC power source 240 and the AC-to-DC converter 230 when operative
are configured to fully charge storage battery 220 to its rated
capacity over a reasonable period of time, such as a period of tens
of minutes to hours.
[0089] In FIG. 2, the connection of terminal 224 and terminal 234
is shown as being accomplished by a single pole switch 256 which
can be opened, disconnecting the storage battery 210 from the
AC-to-DC converter 230, and which switch 256 can be closed, thereby
connecting the storage battery 220 to the AC-to-DC converter 230.
For simplicity, the second connection between terminal 226 of the
storage battery 220 and terminal 236 of the AC-to-DC converter 230
is shown without an intervening switch; those of ordinary skill in
the electrical arts will understand that switch 256 could be
replaced with a two pole switch that connects or disconnects,
depending on its state, both of the connections between the storage
battery 30 and the AC-to-DC converter 230.
[0090] FIG. 2 further indicates the presence of a control circuit
250 that is responsive to commands. The commands are communicated
to the control circuit over a communication line 259, which is at
least uni-directional, and in some embodiments is bi-directional.
The control circuit 250 is operatively coupled via bi-directional
control and data line 255 to the storage battery 220 to control a
connection of the storage battery 220 to the inverter 260, to
provide power to the motor, for example by controlling the state of
switch 258. The control circuit is also operatively coupled via
bi-directional control and data line 253 to the battery charger 230
to control a connection of the storage battery 220 to the battery
charger 230, for example by controlling the state of switch 256. In
some embodiments, the control circuit 250 is also operatively
coupled to the combination of AC power source 240 and AC-to-DC
converter 230 by bi-directional control and data line 253, whereby
the control circuit 250 can turn the combination of AC power source
240 and AC-to-DC converter 230 on and off as may be convenient or
necessary. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the
electronic control arts, the system in some embodiments includes
feedback from the controlled components (e.g., storage battery 220,
battery charger 230, motor 210) that provides the control circuit
250 data or information which are useful in performing control
actions. In other embodiments, there is additionally control
circuitry and logic at the component being controlled, which
control circuitry and logic also has the capacity to perform
control functions.
[0091] In one mode of operation (which we shall term "mode one"),
the storage battery 220 alone is used to provide power to the motor
210 by way of inverter 260. In a second mode of operation (which we
shall term "mode two"), the storage battery 220 and the AC power
source 240 are both connected to the motor 210 to provide power
thereto. The AC power source 1240 is connected to the motor by way
of a two-pole switch 243. The two pole switch 243 is controlled by
the control circuit 250 via a bi-directional control and data line
252. In some embodiments, phase and frequency sensing hardware
and/or software and control circuitry are provided to permit the
synchronization of the phase and frequency of the AC power source
and the output of the inverter 260 so that the power from the two
sources adds and does not destructively interfere when operated in
"mode two." In one embodiment, the inverter 260 comprises phase and
frequency sensing hardware, and is configured to adjust its output
to conform to the phase and frequency of the AC power source
240.
[0092] In the second mode, the AC power source 240 can be
understood to provide power that supplements the power being
provided by the storage battery 220 by way of the inverter 260,
thereby reducing the discharge rate that the storage battery 220
experiences, assuming that the operating point of the motor 210 in
mode two is the same as would be the case under operation in mode
one. In an alternative embodiment, the operation of the combination
of AC power source 240 and AC-to-DC converter 230 can be used to
recharge the storage battery 220 while the storage battery 220 is
being discharged by way of the inverter 260 because of the drain
represented by the operation of the motor 210. In any event, the
net effect is to extend the time of operation of the motor 210
above what would be possible using the storage battery 220 alone.
Those of ordinary skill will also recognize that the system
described above can be modified by the addition of additional
storage batteries 220 and additional switching circuitry, so that a
first storage battery 220 can provide power to motor 210 while a
second storage battery 220 (not shown in FIG. 2) is being recharged
by the combination of AC power source 240 and AC-to-DC converter
230.
[0093] The operation of the system using the AC motor of FIG. 2 is
substantially similar to that using a DC motor, with certain
obvious variations. The measurement of battery discharge current is
measured between the storage battery and the inverter 260. There is
no need for the 0.3 ohm starting resistor and all of the hardware
and operating steps associated with that resistor are omitted.
[0094] The command that either of control circuit 150 of FIG. 1 or
control circuit 250 of FIG. 2 receive can be a command generated by
a programmable master control circuit, such as a programmable
computer, a command generated by the control circuit itself based
on a program or generated by a hard-wired logic circuit, or a
command from a user. The various command scenarios will be
discussed in greater detail hereinbelow.
[0095] At least one embodiment of the battery powered air handling
system of the invention was constructed and tested, successfully
demonstrating the principles of the invention. In this embodiment,
a Briggs and Stratton DC motor was used to drive an aluminum blower
fan. The air driven by the fan was carried by a conduit made from 8
inch diameter corrugated plastic pipe. Different caps were attached
to the delivery end of the conduit to simulate various conditions
of air impedance that the air handling system was expected to
encounter. The caps included devices having fixed discharge surface
areas, as well as a variable damper that could be set within a
range of positions representing different impedances to air flow.
The parameters that were measured included the battery voltage and
current, the speed of the fan in revolutions per minute (RPM), the
flow velocity of air in linear feet per minute, and the back
pressure in inches of water. Air linear flow velocity was converted
to cubic feet per minute (CFM) based on the size of the
conduit.
[0096] FIG. 3 is a graph of the observed values for electric
current and for back pressure as a function of air flow delivered.
The pressure observed did not appreciably differ from 22 inches of
water for flow rates ranging from about 200 CFM to about 1200 CFM.
These results are satisfactory. The observed electric current
varied in the range of about 38 amps at the 200 CFM flow rate to
about 95 amps at the higher flow rates. The battery voltages
observed were close to the nominal 48 volts under all test
conditions, ranging from a high of about 51 volts at low flow rate
to about 47 volts at higher flow rates. The motor efficiency was
consistently in the 90 to 95 percent range, as computed from the
electrical power supplied by the battery and the estimated torque
power delivered by the motor. The motor parameters were not
graphed.
[0097] Using the observed operating parameters, values were
computed for electric power consumed, power transmitted to drive
the flowing air, and the efficiency of the fan, using standard
calculations well known in the art and described in the technical
literature. FIG. 4 is a graph of the calculated results for
electric power consumed, power transmitted to drive the flowing
air, and the efficiency of the fan as a function of air flow
delivered. The fan efficiency at low flow rates of approximately
250 CFM are relatively low, in the range of 35 to 40 percent. The
fan efficiency for higher flow rates (e.g., above about 550 CFM) is
significantly higher, ranging from 67 to 77 percent.
[0098] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a motor-blower assembly 600
useful in practicing the invention. The motor 610 is a DC permanent
magnet motor. The blower 620 comprises a housing 622, which is
constructed from a suitable protective material, such as 10 gauge
sheet steel, having apertures for air to enter therein, and for air
to be expelled therefrom. The apertures are not shown in FIG. 6,
but are well known in the motor-blower arts. The blower comprises a
fan 624. In one embodiment, the blower is a Twin City fan model
18W8, available from Twin City Fan & Blower, 5959 Trenton Lane
North, Minneapolis, Minn. 55442-3238.
[0099] FIG. 7 is a plan diagram 700 of a motor-blower 710, a
battery bank comprising batteries 720 and a conduit 730 situated
with a chamber 740. The chamber 740 may be above ground or below
ground. The chamber 740 is provided to protect its contents from
the elements and from being vandalized or stolen. FIG. 7 does not
show the various connections of the components.
[0100] FIG. 8 is a plan diagram 800 that shows an arrangement of
components employed in testing the noise level generated during the
operation of a system built according to the principles of the
invention. The components shown include a location for a housing
820 used to contain the motor-blower (not shown, but see FIG. 7), a
location of a storage battery array 830, and the location of a data
collection point 840 situated at a distance of approximately 15
feet from a side of the location of the housing 820. The housing
comprises a vent 822 and a duct 824 such as would be used in a
subsurface aeration conduit providing aeration services to a golf
green. Noise levels were recorded for above ground configurations,
with and without a silencer. Noise levels as low as 66 db were
observed. It is expected that even lower noise levels can be
achieved using the principles of the invention, for example by
adding foam insulation to the housing 820.
Golf Course Environmental Management System
[0101] Another feature of the invention relates to systems and
methods for managing a plurality of areas of interest within a golf
course. The systems and methods of the invention use one or more
sensors to provide information about the state of various
environmental variables, such as an ambient air temperature, a soil
temperature, and a soil moisture content. The systems and methods
disclosed use the information to determine whether there is a need
to adjust one or more of the environmental conditions, and if so,
how best to effect the necessary adjustment or adjustments.
[0102] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a plurality of electromechanical
subsystems, each subsystem dedicated to a specific area of a golf
course, and communicating with a programmable master control
module. In FIG. 9, each electromechanical system comprises a
subsurface aeration conduit and an air pump in fluid communication
with the subsurface aeration conduit for providing to the specific
area of the golf course at least one of air under pressure and a
partial vacuum. The air pump is configured to provide at least one
of air under pressure and a partial vacuum, as has been described
hereinabove in several embodiments. A motor is mechanically
connected to the air pump. A local control module is provided that
is operatively coupled to the motor. The local control module is
responsive to a directive and to a datum. The electromechanical
system also comprises at least one sensor that measures an
environmental parameter. The at least one sensor is in data
communication with the local control module. The programmable
master control module receives from at least two of the plurality
of local control modules information representing a status of the
respective specific area to which the local control module is
dedicated, and in response to the information and to a command, the
programmable master control module issues a directive to the local
control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem.
[0103] In describing the system of the invention, certain words
will be intended to convey particular meanings, which are not
unlike their usage in common English, in order that the claim
terminology will be more explicit than it might otherwise have
been. The term "directive" as used herein is intended to mean an
instruction from the programmable master control module to a local
control module. The term "command" as used herein is intended to
mean a computer instruction of a program operating on a computer or
an instruction of a control logic sequence of a logic controller,
or a user command for the programmable master control module. A
user who issues directions of any kind to a local control module
directly can be understood to have issued a directive even if the
word "command" is used to express the user's action. The term
"fault condition" as used herein is intended to mean that some
electromechanical component or a local control module is not in
proper operating order, and should be attended to (e.g., fixed,
replaced). The term "alarm condition" as used herein is intended to
mean that some operating condition (such as a temperature or a
moisture content) is out of tolerance and needs to be corrected by
operating the system, but does not imply anything about the
condition of the electromechanical components. The term "setpoint"
as used herein in intended to mean a value set by default, by a
computer program, or by an operator to define a desired value of a
parameter or condition, or an extremum of a range of acceptable
values. An alarm condition occurs when a setpoint is deviated from,
or an extremum of a range is exceeded. The term "closed loop
operation" is well known in the computer control arts, and
generally is understood to mean that a system uses a value
generated as an output of a process as an input variable. "Closed
loop operation" is distinguished from "open loop operation," which
is used to describe a system that sets a control parameter with an
eye to obtaining a specific output, but does not monitor an output
variable for using in correcting the operation of the system. In
the present invention, "closed loop operation" is also used to
connote that the system will start and stop automatically based on
the value or values of one or more variables such as the actual
temperature and moisture content of soil or turf, and the ambient
air temperature, which are compared to criteria or setpoints by a
computer program of logic controller.
[0104] It is believed that heretofore, there has been no system
such as is described and claimed herein that has been used with
regard to golf courses. The inventors are aware that some sports
fields, including the soccer field of Manchester United (U.K.), the
soccer field of Kilmarnock (U.K.), the baseball and softball fields
at the University of Nebraska, and the football field of the Denver
Broncos in Denver, Colorado, have employed similar methods of
operation to those described herein. However, as stated
hereinabove, it is believed that the varied conditions found in
golf courses, which are appreciably different from the conditions
found in a single unvarying expanse such as a football, a baseball,
a softball or a soccer field, makes the application of the systems
and methods of the invention to golf courses novel. See the second
paragraph of the Detailed Description for examples.
[0105] The local control modules of the electromechanical
subsystems receive data from the various sensors provided for the
respective areas of interest. The local control modules in one
embodiment are PLCs. In one embodiment, at least one of the local
control modules further comprises a communication link accessible
by way of a hand-held battery-powered device. In one embodiment,
the hand-held battery-powered device is a selected one of a
cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a
pocket personal computer (pocket PC). The sensors can monitor
environmental parameters such as ambient air temperature, soil
temperature, soil moisture, soil salinity, air pressure within a
conduit, and solar radiation level, as well as other parameters
such as motion within an area of interest, an image of an area of
interest, sounds present at an area of interest and other
information that may be useful in operating the system of the
invention. In various embodiments, the sensors provide data to the
respective local control modules as raw data, as digital data, or
as data in a specified format.
[0106] The system of the present invention in one embodiment uses a
wireless networking technology for communication between the local
control modules and the programmable master control module.
Advantages of a wireless system over a hard-wired system can
include greater ease of installation, lowered cost of installation,
greater speed of installation, and reduced chance of damage by
lightning strikes as a result of the absence of a large "antenna"
or "target" for lightning represented by miles of copper wiring. In
a retrofit situation, a wireless installation can represent a
smaller disruption to the operation of the golf course as compared
to installing a hard-wired system. The communications can also be
implemented using a hard-wired communication link, a fiber-optic
communication link, or any other conventional communication link
that can handle the transmission of data and instructions. In some
embodiments, the system has the capability to communicate by way of
a communication network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment,
the communication network comprises a selected one of a telephone
communication link, a wireless communication link, an optical
communication link, and a packet-switched communication link. In
one configuration, the system comprises eighteen (18)
electromechanical subsystems, each one dedicated to a green of a
golf course. However, the system can also be used with other
portions of a golf course, such as at least a plurality of one or
more golf greens, one or more fairways, one or more tee boxes, one
or more walkways, one or more gallery viewing areas, one or more
driving ranges, one or more putting greens, and one or more
practice areas.
[0107] The programmable master control module is configured to
receive information from the local control modules, and to send
directives to the local control modules. The programmable master
control module in one embodiment is a selected one of a
programmable computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), and a
programmable industrial controller. The programmable master control
module is programmed with software. In some embodiments, the
software is a computer program comprised of one or more computer
instructions recorded on a machine-readable medium. When the
computer program is executing on the programmable master control
module, one or more setpoints are defined for the operation of each
electromechanical subsystem. The programmable master control module
can compare a setpoint (or a range of acceptable values defined by
a first extremum, such as a low soil temperature setpoint, and a
second extremum, such as a high soil temperature setpoint, to an
actual value of an environmental parameter observed by a sensor. A
single value setpoint can include a tolerance about the setpoint
(e.g. X degrees F., plus or minus 0.5 degrees F.). If the actual
value of the environmental parameter is within an acceptable range,
the programmable master control module can indicate that fact to a
user of the system, for example, by displaying on a display the
value in green. The programmable master control module can
determine if an alarm condition exists, for example when one or
more actual values of environmental parameters fall outside
acceptable ranges. If the actual value is outside of an acceptable
range, the programmable master control module can indicate that an
alarm condition exists, and the fact that caused the alarm to a
user of the system, for example, by displaying on a display an
out-of-range value in red, by displaying the value with a unique
font or a unique visual or audible attribute, by for example by
flashing the value or emitting a sound. Optionally, the display
also indicates the acceptable range for the out-of-range value. In
some embodiments, the programmable master control module displays
in a defined manner to a user the values of parameters that are
being controlled to bring an out-of-range parameter within an
acceptable range, for example displaying a value in yellow while
the value is out-of-range and the system is taking action to adjust
or correct the value. Similar displays are optionally provided at a
local control modules when a user is operating the respective local
control system directly, and/or at a remote location when a user is
communicating with the system from such a remote location.
[0108] The programmable master control module can be programmed to
institute a remedial action if an alarm condition exists. For
example when one or more actual values of environmental parameters
fall outside acceptable ranges, the programmable master control
module determines the status of the particular area of interest. In
some embodiments, a truth table is provided for each area of
interest, including at least the one or more setpoints or
setpoint-defined ranges for environmental parameters. The
programmable master control module determines what corrective or
remedial action should be instituted by performing one or more
operations, such as comparing the status to a list of predefined
remedial actions to be issued as directives, or by performing
logical operations configured to yield one or more directives. The
programmable master control module issues one or more directives to
the respective local control module to operate the respective
electromechanical subsystem to take the remedial action. The
programmable master control module is configured in one embodiment
to repeat from time to time the determination of the status of the
particular area of interest, and while the determination indicates
that additional remedial action is needed, directing the local
control module to operate the subsurface aeration system to perform
the necessary action. When the programmable master control module
determines that the status of the area of interest conforms to the
acceptable setpoint values, the programmable master control module
directs the local control module to turn off the subsurface
aeration system.
[0109] The programmable master control module is programmed to
accept commands from an authorized user of the system, for example
from a greens keeper, using an input device such as a keyboard. In
some embodiments, the system is programmable to require that the
user identify him- or herself to the system, for example with a
token, such as a user name, a key, or a machine-readable card,
and/or with a password or identification number, so as to prevent
unauthorized operation of the system. In some embodiments, the
system can transmit information for display to a user at a remote
location and can receive information and commands from the user.
For example, the greens keeper can review the status of one or more
areas of a golf course from home, and as needed, can control the
actions of the system from that remote location. The input and/or
responses of the user can include commands, answers to queries
and/or replies to information (by way of dialog boxes, radio
buttons, and sliders as are well known in the computer interface
arts), information in the form of files (such as new or improved
programs), and updated setpoints. In some instances, the user is an
individual or a computer associated with the vendor or supplier of
the system.
[0110] The system of the invention can be programmed to operate at
specific times, for example, during the evening or night when the
areas of interest are not being used. Sensors can be used to detect
the presence of players (including the data provided by any one or
more of motion detection by motion sensors, visual images provided
by electronic cameras, and sound detection by microphones) so that
operation of certain features of the invention, such as the
irrigation system, can be overridden or suppressed at appropriate
times. In an alternative embodiment, infrared sensors are provided
to detect infrared signals that may represent body heat or heat
from a motor of a vehicle, such as a golf cart. In order to
determine whether detected motion is caused by intruders, the
system can activate one or more lights to permit visual signals to
be recorded at night.
[0111] In some embodiments, the control of a specific area of
interest can be accomplished using the local control module. In
such instances, the local control module comprises a controller
such as a PC, a PLC, or another microprocessor-based controller.
The local control module operates software or a control logic
sequence to receive data from one or more sensors, and to analyze
the data to determine if any remedial action is necessary. If
remedial action is needed, the local control module institutes the
remedial action, and terminates the remedial action when a suitable
outcome is obtained. The local control module in such an instance
communicates with the programmable master control module to provide
status information, so that a user of the system can be fully
apprised of what transpires.
[0112] In some instances, a user of the system interacts with a
local control module of a specific area of interest in a local
mode. For example, when on site, a greens keeper can operate a
local control module to perform a necessary operation of the
electromechanical subsystem dedicated to the area of interest. The
greens keeper might want to make specific adjustments, perform
maintenance, or otherwise personally oversee an operation of the
system at that location. Conveniently, a user can communicate with
and control a local control module using a local display and a
touch pad, a touch screen, a keyboard, or another convenient
interface. Keyboards proving access by way of infrared interfaces,
such as an IrDA interface, are also known. The user can communicate
with at least one of the local control modules that further
comprises a communication link accessible by way of a hand held
battery-powered device. In one embodiment, the hand-held
battery-powered device is a selected one of a cellular telephone, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), and a pocket personal computer
(pocket PC), which the user uses to gain access the local control
module and to operate it, and thereby the specific
electromechanical subsystem.
[0113] In some embodiments, the programmable master control module
also provides a data logging capability and a data trending
capability. The data logging and trending capabilities can be
provided using any commercial database management software,
proprietary database management software, and/or spreadsheet
software. Data logging and trending is well known in the
information technology arts, and will not be discussed at length
herein.
[0114] The system provides fault detection capability. In some
embodiments, the programmable master control module (by way of a
local control module) monitors that status of components of the
system. For example, the local control module can determine if a
motor is drawing excessive power, or if the voltage across a
storage battery is out of tolerance. The fault condition can be
exhibited or enunciated to a user at any of a local control module,
the programmable master control module, and a remote location when
a user communicates with the system from such a remote
location.
[0115] FIGS. 10-13 are drawings depicting exemplary embodiments of
a local control module with different features. FIG. 10 shows an
embodiment of a local control module 1410 that has a basic
complement of features, including the ability to control the on or
off state of a motor-blower 1412, the ability to control whether
the motor-blower operates to provide air pressure or to provide a
partial vacuum 1414, the ability to define a preset start time for
operating the subsurface aeration subsystem controlled by the local
control module 1416, and the ability to display fault conditions
1418. The local control module 1410 also has the ability to sense a
flood condition 1420 in a vault (e.g., water entering the vault) in
which the motor-blower and other components are secured, and can
provide power 1422 to operate a sump pump and/or its associated
power supply so as to prevent or counteract the flooding condition.
The local control module can send a command 1430 to the reversing
valve to determine a partial vacuum or air pressure configuration
(e.g., actuator vacuum/pressure position). The local control module
can send a command 1440 to activate or to deactivate the
motor-blower, and in some embodiments, can activate/deactivate as
many as six motor blower devices. A vault may be located below
ground or above ground. With an above ground vault, the controls
are located in an enclosure within the vault. For a below ground
vault, the controls are located in an enclosure mounted above
ground and communication wires connect it to the devices located
within the vault.
[0116] FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a local control module
1410 that has the basic complement of features shown in FIG. 10 and
in addition, the optional feature of controlling an irrigation
system 1510. In some embodiments, the irrigation system can operate
according to commands generated by a controller associated with the
irrigation system 1510 itself, and, using bi-directional
communication channel 1518, can communicate information such as an
on or off state 1512, whether it is operating when the aeration
system is configured in one of partial vacuum operation or air
pressure operation, and commanded to begin operation at an optional
preset start time 1516. In other embodiments, the irrigation system
1510 can be commanded, using bi-directional communication channel
1518, to turn on and off 1512, commanded 1514 to operate when the
aeration system is configured in one of partial vacuum operation or
air pressure operation, and commanded 1516 to begin operation at an
optional preset start time. In some embodiments, the system can
include logic to operate the irrigation system 1510 to deliberately
increase a moisture content of the soil when adding water is
appropriate.
[0117] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a local control module
1410 that has the basic complement of features shown in FIGS. 10
and 11 and in addition, the feature of using a PDA 1610 to
duplicate 1620 all of the control features of the local control
module 1410. The PDA 1610 also provides the ability to collect
historical operating information 1630, for example for statistical
data analysis and for trending analysis.
[0118] FIG. 13 shows a local control module 1410 that has the basic
complement of features shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 and in addition,
the feature of using a wireless modem 1710 to provide remote two
way communication 1720 with the local control module 1410. The
wireless modem 1710 provides the ability to control all of the
local control modules from a central location 1730, for example
using a personal computer situated in a clubhouse of a golf
course.
[0119] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an exemplary embodiment of a
user display 1810. In one embodiment, the user display is provided
on any or all of a computer monitor, a PDA display screen, and a
cellular telephone display screen. In some embodiments, the display
screen is a touch screen. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the display
areas presented to a user include the following: an identifier
"GREEN NUMBER" and a display box 1812 in which a number is
displayed; an identifier "ENVIRONMENTAL STATUS" with three data
identifiers, namely "green temperature," "green moisture," and
"ambient temperature," followed respectively by regions 1814, 1816,
1818 in each of which a number is displayed, for example
temperature in either degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius, and
moisture content as a percentage; a "SELECT MODE" identifier, with
three possible modes, identified as "manual," automatic," and
"timed," followed respectively by regions 1822, 1824, 1826 that can
be "buttons" such as are commonly presented to a user of a computer
in a graphical user interface ("GUI") such as Microsoft
Windows.TM., or they can be regions that are activated by a key
press or mouse click, so that a user is informed which mode is
selected for example by illumination, by color change, by
highlighting such as flashing, or by any other convenient visual
indication; and at the bottom of the display, three regions
comprising "buttons" or indicators, one each for "MANUAL MODE,"
"TIMED MODE," and "AUTOMATIC MODE." In the event that "manual mode"
is selected, the user can turn the motor-blower on or off, by
activating a respective one of indicators 1832, 1834, and can
select provision of partial vacuum or air pressure during operation
by activating a respective one of indicators 1836, 1838. The
indicators 1832, 1834, 1836 and 1838 can be regions similar to the
regions 1822, 1824 and 1826. In the event that the "timed mode" is
selected, numerical indications of time (e.g., in a format such as
hours:minutes with or without an AM or PM indication) appear in
regions 1842 and 1844, which respectively indicate a time for the
controlled motor-blower to start, and a time for the controlled
motor-blower to stop operation, as well as indicators 1846 and
1848, which as similar to indictors 1836 and 1838, and which
respectively indicate operation with provision of partial vacuum or
air pressure. In the event that "automatic mode" is selected, the
display indicates a moisture setpoint in region 1852, an ambient
temperature setpoint in region 1854, and an optional maximum time
of operation in region 1856. The automatic mode when active deals
with moisture and temperature excursions from desired values, and
can indicate, by activating indicators 1857, 1858, and 1859,
whether the automatic system is operating to deal with an excursion
in moisture content, an excursion in temperature, or excursions in
both parameters, by activating a respective one of indicators 1857,
1858 and 1859. In some embodiment, the display 1810 can further
include a logo 1880, a vendor name 1882, and an indication that the
system is a "GREENS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" 1884 (or GMS 1886).
[0120] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an exemplary local control module
1410, showing various control signal paths. The local control
module 1410 receives signals from a PDA 1905 module indicating the
on/off 1912 condition of a motor-blower, the air pressure/partial
vacuum configuration 1914 of a reversing valve, and a timer on/off
time 1916. The local control module 1410 receives information about
the condition of an optional irrigation system, including whether
the irrigation system is on or off 1922, and whether the irrigation
system is configured to operate when the reversing valve is
configured to provide air pressure or partial vacuum 1924. The
local control module 1410 provides signals indicating the presence
of a fault 1930, for example by illuminating a fault light, which
can indicate any of the conditions of low batteries 1932, a problem
in the battery vault 1934 such as flooding, a motor overload 1936,
and a motor underload 1938. A signal 1940 is provided to indicate
that the motor-blower is starting (or is operating), and a signal
1950 is provided to indicate the configuration of the reversing
valve (e.g., providing air pressure or partial vacuum). The local
control module 1410 can in some embodiments receive signals from
other hand held controllers, such as cellular telephones. The local
control module 1410 can communicate as well with the programmable
master control module.
[0121] FIG. 16 is a diagram of an illustrative communication
configuration including a local control module (LCM) 1410 and a
programmable master control module (PMCM) 1910, and showing various
environmental sensor signal paths. In FIG. 16, the local control
module 1410 receives a variety of environmental signals from
sensors, including humidity 2022, green (or soil) temperature 2024,
green (or soil) moisture 2026, ambient temperature 2028, solar
radiation level 2030, air flow/air pressure in a conduit 2032, and
other signals 2034. The data collected by the local control module
1410 is communicated in one embodiment by wireless communication
link 2040 to a programmable master control module 1910.
[0122] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary configuration of
communication paths including remote access via the Internet. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, a local control module 1410
communicates by radio modem with a programmable master control
module 1910, which in turn is (optionally) in communication with a
remote access site 2110 connected by way of the Internet. The local
control module 1410 receives signals 1412, 1414 from a sensor that
monitors the current provided to the motor-blower. The local
control module 1410 in the embodiment of FIG. 17 controls three
subsurface aeration subsystems, and can issue commands to turn
motors on and off, and to control a configuration of a reversing
valve. The local control module 1410 sends information to a
programmable master control module 1910, and receives directives
from the programmable master control module 1910. In turn, the
programmable master control module 1910 communicates fault
conditions 2120, status information such as motor-blower power
and/or current 2122 and the like to the remote access site 2110
which is manned by a user. The information sent to the remote
access site 2110, which in some embodiments is a personal computer,
can be any information that would be displayed to a user on the
display screen 1810, as well as other information useful for
statistical analysis and trending analysis. The user at the remote
access site 2110 can issue commands including, for example, start
and stop commands 2124 for a motor-blower, and configuration
commands 2126 to configure a reversing valve to provide a selected
one of air under pressure or a partial vacuum. The programmable
master control module 1910 in turn issues directives to the local
control module 1410, by which directives the local control module
1410 is instructed to carry out the commands of the user operating
the remote access site 2110.
[0123] FIG. 18 is an enumeration of some of the components,
communication and control channels, and logic structure of one or
more embodiments of the golf course environmental management
system. The components enumerated include an equipment panel and
various field devices. The equipment panel is one example of the
local control module described hereinabove. The field devices
include a high pressure blower, an air reversing valve and
actuator, a sump pump, a float switch, a moisture/soil temperature
sensor, and an ambient air temperature sensor, as well as
associated operational equipment such as a local electrical
disconnect, a transformer, a motor contactor, a current switch, a
motor overload indicator, relays for various purposes, such as
starting the motor and operating the actuator for the air reversing
valve, a panel door switch and a fault light on the panel door.
Some of the field devices are optional in some embodiments. FIG. 18
describes in overview some of the communication and control lines
that are provided in some embodiments, and the signals that pass
along the communication and control lines. In one embodiment, the
description of the communication and control refers to control
signals and status signals that are communicated to and from the
programmable master control module described hereinabove. The logic
requirements, such as blower on based on time of day, or blower on
based on temperature and or moisture, can be implemented by local
control module itself, or by the programmable master control module
(or by a user of the system) and communicated as a directive to the
local control module.
[0124] The invention furthermore makes possible a method of
decreasing the moisture content of soil in a specific area of
interest selected from a plurality of areas of interest within a
golf course. The method comprises the steps of providing a
subsurface aeration system at each of the plurality of areas of
interest, and operating the subsurface aeration system to provide
at least a partial vacuum when the soil moisture is greater than a
first setpoint value, thereby drawing ambient air through the
specific area of interest, causing the partial vacuum to assist in
the gravity draining of water from the soil. Each subsurface
aeration system comprises a subsurface aeration conduit for
providing to the specific area of the golf course at least one of
air under pressure and a partial vacuum; an air pump in fluid
communication with the subsurface aeration conduit, the air pump
configured to provide at least one of air under pressure and a
partial vacuum; a motor mechanically connected to the air pump; at
least one sensor that measures a soil moisture.
[0125] In one embodiment, the at least one sensor that measures a
soil moisture and the at least one sensor that measures a soil
temperature are a unitary structure.
[0126] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a control module responsive to a directive, and to the
soil moisture, the control module coupled to the subsurface
aeration system to control the operation thereof determining
whether the soil moisture is greater than a first setpoint value,
causing the subsurface aeration system to operate to decrease the
soil moisture content.
[0127] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, directing the local control module to operate the
subsurface aeration system to decrease the soil moisture content of
soil.
[0128] In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of
providing a programmable master control module in communication
with the control module; receiving at the programmable master
control module information sent from the control module, the
information representing the soil moisture content, comparing it to
the first setpoint,; and, if the determination is positive, issuing
from the programmable master control module the directive to the
local control module to operate the electromechanical subsystem
decrease the moisture content of the soil.
[0129] In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating
from time to time the determining step, and while the determination
is positive, issuing from the programmable master control module
the directive to the local control module to operate the
electromechanical subsystem to decrease the moisture content of the
soil.
[0130] As should be evident from the disclosure above, systems
embodying principles of the invention provide an effective means
for treating subsoil regions to maintain the soil temperatures at
desired levels. At the same time, the systems can be utilized to
promote drainage in these regions as well as providing for subsoil
chemical treatment and aeration. The systems can be easily
retrofitted to existing golf greens or other similar underground
drainage systems or incorporated into new construction.
[0131] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to use in association with a four way flow reversing
valve, this valve can be replaced by a universal coupling that
permits the separator to be selectively coupled to either the
discharge or the suction port of the blower. This combined with the
use of the above described mobile unit, provides for an
economically feasible system for treating existing greens that are
in compliance with USGA specifications. Stationary systems
embodying the apparatus of the present invention are contained
below ground in specially prepared vaults and also located above
ground inside an enclosure and that the local controls associated
with the system are automatically operated so that the system is
controlled from a remote location without having to enter the vault
or enclosure. The principles of the invention can also be applied
to California-style drainage systems and to other presently unknown
configurations of golf course drainage systems.
[0132] Machine-readable storage media that can be used in the
invention include electronic, magnetic and/or optical storage
media, such as 3.25 inch magnetic floppy disks and hard disks, a
DVD drive, a CD drive that in some embodiments can employ DVD
disks, any of CD-ROM disks (i.e., read-only optical storage disks),
CD-R disks (i.e., write-once, read-many optical storage disks), and
CD-RW disks (i.e., rewriteable optical storage disks); and
electronic storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EPROM, Compact Flash
cards, PCMCIA cards, or alternatively SD or SDIO memory; and the
electronic components (e.g., floppy disk drive, DVD drive,
CD/CD-R/CD-RW drive, or Compact Flash/PCMCIA/SD adapter) that
accommodate and read from and/or write to the storage media. As is
known to those of skill in the machine-readable storage media arts,
new media and formats for data storage are continually being
devised, and any convenient, commercially available storage medium
and corresponding read/write device that may become available in
the future is likely to be appropriate for use, especially if it
provides any of a greater storage capacity, a higher access speed,
a smaller size, and a lower cost per bit of stored information.
Well known older machine-readable media are also available for use
under certain conditions, such as punched paper tape or cards,
magnetic recording on tape or wire, optical or magnetic reading of
printed characters (e.g., OCR and magnetically encoded symbols) and
such machine-readable symbols as one and two dimensional bar
codes.
[0133] Those of ordinary skill will recognize that many functions
of electrical and electronic apparatus can be implemented in
hardware (for example, hard-wired logic), in software (for example,
logic encoded in a program operating on a general purpose
processor), and in firmware (for example, logic encoded in a
non-volatile memory that is invoked for operation on a processor as
required). The present invention contemplates the substitution of
one implementation of hardware, firmware and software for another
implementation of the equivalent functionality using a different
one of hardware, firmware and software. To the extent that an
implementation can be represented mathematically by a transfer
function, that is, a specified response is generated at an output
terminal for a specific excitation applied to an input terminal of
a "black box" exhibiting the transfer function, any implementation
of the transfer function, including any combination of hardware,
firmware and software implementations of portions or segments of
the transfer function, is contemplated herein.
[0134] While the present invention has been explained with
reference to the structure disclosed herein, it is not confined to
the details set forth and this invention is intended to cover any
modifications and changes as may come within the scope and spirit
of the following claims.
* * * * *
References