Smart Controller Evaluation
Background
In 2008, a Smart Irrigation Controller (also referred to as “Smart Controller” or “ET Controller”) Testing Facility was established by the Irrigation Technology Center at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. This testing program was initiated in order to evaluate smart controller testing methodology needed to determine controller performance and reliability under Texas Conditions from an “End-User” point of view. The first year evaluation (2008) evaluated the performance (depth of irrigation applied) of 6 controllers over a 60 day period. The second year (2009) evaluated the performance of 10 controllers over a 91 day period. A third year evaluation (2010) was conducted evaluating 10 Smart Controllers performance over a typical Texas Growing Season (9 months). In 2015, a summary report was produced that compared six years of performance data from the evaluation program. With the changes in Smart Controller Technology, the evaluation program was updated in 2017 to begin studying the performance of “WiFi-Based” smart controllers. Results of these evaluations can be viewed in the “Reports” section below.
Reports
Evaluating the Operation of Residential WIFI Based Irrigation Controllers
(December 2018)
6 Years of Smart Controller Performance in Texas
(May 2015)
Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Controllers: Year 2013 Results
(November 2014)
Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Controllers: Year 2012 Results
(July 2013)
Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Controllers: Year 2011 Results
(June 2012)
Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Controllers: Year 2010 Results
(July 2011)
Initial Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Controllers: Year Two (2009) Results
( April 2010)
Evaluation of Smart Irrigation Controllers: Initial Bench Testing Results
(June 2009)
ET Smart Controller 2006 Progress Report
(January 2008)
Press Releases
Testing Equipment and Procedures
Controller Evaluation Methodology
All smart controllers used in this program were donated by the manufacturers. Once programmed in accordance with a virtual landscape, the controller is connected to a datalogger through a set of relays (simulated valves). The datalogger records the start and stop time of each station (or zone) on the controller. These start and stop times are then entered into a database and an event runtime is calculated. Runtimes are then totaled for the testing period to determine the amount of irrigation applied by the controller.
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Indoor Site
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Outdoor Site
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Outdoor Site
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