Pipe Supplies

4G/Lora Wireless Smart Electric Ball Valve with Solar Power Supply: Three-Way Valve for Agricultural Intelligent Control

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  1. Product Overview


  • Wireless Connectivity: The 4G/Lora wireless smart electric ball valve combines modern communication technologies to enable remote control. 4G (Fourth - Generation Mobile Communication) provides a wide - area network connection, allowing the valve to be controlled from a long distance via a mobile network. Lora (Long - Range Radio) is a low - power wide - area network (LPWAN) technology that is suitable for long - distance and low - data - rate communication. This dual - mode wireless connectivity gives users more options to manage the valve depending on the availability and requirements of the network.

  • Solar Power Supply: The inclusion of a solar power supply makes this valve highly suitable for agricultural applications. In remote agricultural areas, access to a reliable power grid may be limited. The solar panel can convert sunlight into electricity, which is then stored in a battery to power the valve's electric actuator and wireless communication module. This self - sufficient power supply system reduces the need for external power sources and maintenance associated with wired power connections.

  • Three - Way Valve Design: The three - way valve design is a key feature for agricultural intelligent control. It allows for more complex fluid (usually water) distribution. For example, it can split the water flow to irrigate different sections of a field simultaneously or redirect water between different irrigation zones based on specific needs such as soil moisture levels, crop types, or growth stages.


  1. Components and Working Principle


  • Solar Power System: The solar power system consists of a solar panel, a charge controller, and a battery. The solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into direct current (DC) electricity. The charge controller regulates the charging process of the battery to prevent overcharging and over - discharging. The battery stores the electrical energy and provides a stable power source to the valve's other components.

  • Electric Ball Valve: Inside the valve, there is a ball with holes or ports. The electric actuator rotates the ball to control the flow of water. When the ball's ports align with the inlet and outlet ports of the valve body, water can flow through. In a three - way valve, depending on the position of the ball, the water can be directed in different ways, such as splitting the flow to two different outlets or redirecting the flow from two different inlets to one outlet.

  • Wireless Communication Module: The 4G/Lora wireless communication module enables the valve to receive and transmit data. It can connect to a remote server or a mobile application. When a control command is sent from the remote device (such as a smartphone or a central agricultural control system), the module receives the signal and relays it to the valve's control unit. The control unit then activates the electric actuator to adjust the position of the ball valve.


  1. Applications in Agricultural Intelligent Control


  • Irrigation Scheduling: The valve can be integrated into an agricultural irrigation system to implement precise irrigation scheduling. Based on real - time data such as weather conditions, soil moisture sensors, and crop water requirements, farmers can remotely control the valve to open or close at specific times. For example, in a drought - prone area, the valve can be set to open only during the early morning or late evening to minimize water evaporation and optimize water usage.

  • Zone - Specific Irrigation: With the three - way design, different zones of a field can be irrigated independently. For instance, if a field has different crop varieties with varying water needs, the valve can be used to direct more water to the thirstier crops. Additionally, in case of a leak or a problem in one zone, the water flow to that specific zone can be quickly cut off without affecting the rest of the irrigation system.

  • Fertilizer and Chemical Application: In addition to water, the valve can also be used to control the distribution of fertilizers and agricultural chemicals. By integrating it with a dosing system, the precise amount and location of these substances can be controlled. This helps in reducing waste and ensuring that the chemicals are applied only where needed, minimizing environmental impact.


  1. Advantages


  • Energy - Self - Sufficiency: The solar - powered design provides an independent power source, eliminating the need for grid - connected electricity. This is especially beneficial in remote agricultural areas where power infrastructure may be lacking. It also reduces energy costs and the carbon footprint associated with powering the valve.

  • Remote and Intelligent Control: The 4G/Lora wireless connectivity enables farmers to remotely control the valve from anywhere with a network connection. Coupled with intelligent control algorithms based on sensor data, it allows for more efficient and precise agricultural operations. This can lead to improved crop yields and water conservation.

  • Flexibility in Fluid Distribution: The three - way valve design offers great flexibility in water and other fluid distribution. It can adapt to different agricultural scenarios and crop requirements, making it a versatile tool for farmers and agricultural managers.


  1. Installation and Maintenance Considerations


  • Installation: The solar panel should be installed in an area with maximum sunlight exposure, usually on a pole or a roof - like structure. The valve should be properly connected to the irrigation or fluid - handling system, ensuring that the pipes are aligned and sealed correctly. The wireless communication module needs to be configured to connect to the appropriate network, either 4G or Lora, depending on the available infrastructure and requirements.

  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance includes cleaning the solar panel to ensure maximum sunlight absorption. The battery should be monitored for its health and replaced if necessary. The valve's internal components, such as the ball and seals, should be inspected for wear and leakage. The wireless communication module may require software updates to maintain its performance and security.


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