Water Flow Control Research Articles

Hydroponic: A Study of Space Farming

This paper demonstrates the possibility of supporting human life in space, by growing fresh vegetables and producing them through simulated growing conditions. Supplying fresh vegetables to space stations and manned space missions is complicated and prohibitively expensive. Growing plants can be tough in space because of zero gravity, unavailability of soil, fertilizers, etc. Hydroponic is an advanced technology for growing plants without using natural resources (i.e. soil, air, natural fertilizers, etc.). It is a combination with greenhouses, it is advanced technology and highly intensive. The hydroponic technology takes place inside the enclosures to control air, temperature, and humidity using a vapor pressure deficit (vpd) controller, nutrient flow, and water flow controller. A major concern is the micro-gravity, which causes roots to grow differently than those from earth farming. In microgravity and hypo-gravity conditions, space farming utilizes a variety of methods like hydroponics, aeroponics, etc. This paper focuses on the hydroponics design, structure, operations, technique, substrate suitable for the plants, pH values, water level, and controllers required for hydroponic technology. The main objective of the paper is to build a preliminary design that is completely automatic that is robust and foolproof and find the definitive solution to the problems in the substrate and multi-spectrum lighting aroused due to gravity and vacuum conditions. The fully automated systems help to the reduction of labor and provide good healthy food to astronauts.

Flow regime discrimination and methodology for calculating discharge in trapezoidal sluice gates

This study introduces a novel trapezoidal sluice gate designed for water division and flow control within irrigation networks featuring canals with trapezoidal cross-sections. Experiments were conducted on trapezoidal channels with side slopes of m = 1.5, 1.75, and 2.0, using trapezoidal sluice gates at various gate openings, upstream water depths, and downstream depths. A total of 411 experimental sets were conducted to study methodologies for discerning between free flow and submerged flow conditions and for determining discharge rates. A method was proposed to distinguish flow patterns of trapezoidal sluice gates: submerged flow occurs when the downstream channel depth (ht) exceeds the submergence threshold (Ht'), while free flow is indicated when ht is less than Ht'. The formula for calculating Ht' was derived, along with formulas for computing discharge rates under free flow and submerged flow conditions for trapezoidal sluice gates. The results revealed that the average relative errors of the formulas obtained through the partition method and the submergence coefficient correction method were 2.24 % and 5.37 %, respectively, demonstrating high accuracy and reliability. The scale effects on the flow regimes and formulas of discharge rates are also discussed. Findings from this study enhance the understanding of the hydraulic characteristics of trapezoidal sluice gates, which hold significant implications for the adoption and intelligent management of such gates in irrigation areas, offering a viable solution for selecting appropriate water gate configurations in irrigation systems.

Evaluation of proudP: A sound-based approach to uroflowmetry.

We sought to assess the performance of the proudP AI algorithm, integrated into a mobile application, in estimating uroflow curves and parameters using recorded urination sounds. A direct comparison was made between the peak flow rate (Qmax), voided volume, and uroflow curves predicted by the proudP algorithm and those obtained through established validation methods. A hardware uroflow simulator replicated uroflow profiles by precisely controlling water flow rates and extracting corresponding sound data. Ten uroflow profiles, representing typical patterns observed in male subjects, were selected. Simulation experiments with proudP were conducted using a standard toilet setup. The uroflow simulator was calibrated to reproduce uroflow profiles, and validation was performed against a Flowmaster uroflowmetry device. Statistical analysis included descriptive summaries, Bland-Altman analysis, and Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC) analysis. The proudP accurately captured various uroflow patterns generated by the simulator, with low standard deviations in Qmax predictions and biases near zero. The SDs of voided volume were slightly larger, primarily due to uroflow patterns with extended voiding times. The study validated the accuracy of proudP against in-office uroflowmetry, demonstrating robustness across different smartphone models. proudP proved to be as accurate as in-office uroflowmetry in estimating uroflow rate across various patterns. Its convenience in home monitoring offers patients a means to observe their urination patterns accurately, while enabling healthcare professionals to gain detailed insights remotely. proudP emerges as an essential solution for clinical practice and urological research.

Investigation of linear models for control of water flow and temperature in a water supply system

In some cases, the object model is a set of parallel models of the same general appearance, but with different parameters. The most common model is a model in the form of a serial connection of a first- or second-order filter and a delay link. An example is the water supply system of a large residential building or a group of houses. From the most general considerations, we can expect that such an object can be approximately described by a simpler model, replacing the sum of identical-looking models with different parameters with a single model of this type with averaged parameters, however, finding many parameters simply in the form of an average is, apparently, an unreasonable approach. It seems more reasonable to find the parameters by the approximating model by numerical optimization, in which the integral from the module or from the square of the deviation of the output signal of such a model from the output signal of the exact model is minimized when the test signal is applied. For linear models, the most reasonable test signal is a single step effect. This article tests this hypothesis and provides the results of this test.

Automated Irrigation System in Farming by Solar Energy

This paper proposes a automated irrigation system in farming by solar energy. Smart irrigation system powered by solar energy offer several advantages for farmers. That sounds like a fantastic setup! Combining a solar-powered water pump equipped with a moisture sensor for automatic water flow controls offers a smart solution for optimizing irrigation efficiency. The moisture sensor can detect when the soil needs watering, allowing the system to deliver just the right amount of water precisely where and when it’s needed. This not only saves water but also optimizes crop growth by avoiding over or under watering. By harnessing solar energy, the system reduces reliance on grid power, saving electricity costs and reducing carbon footprint. Moreover the automatic water flow control helps minimize water wastage by delivering water directly to the plants root as needed, reducing losses due to evaporation or runoff. Additionally, storing excess solar energy in batteries ensures continuous operation even during periods of low sunlight or at night, enhancing the system’s reliability and efficiency. Overall, it’s a win-win for both farmers and the environment. Keywords: Smart irrigation, Solar Energy, Solar Panel, Pump, Battery, Moisture Sensor and Temperature Sensor.

Hybrid System PSO-ANFIS for Optimization of The Water Level in The Tank

The speed and pressure of the water flow are determined by the height and volume of the water. The speed of the water flow in the actuator is determined by the use of this flow sensor system. A good tank-based water flow control model should be developed. At a certain point, the actuator stabilizes the rate of water production per minute. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an automatic and precise control technique. Many Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods are used in system optimization. Among them are Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Neural Network (NN), Fuzzy Inference System (FIS), and ANFIS. Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) is a combination of NN and FIS. In this study, the PSO method was combined with ANFIS. This hybrid method produces better optimization compared to the previous method. The best water level control simulation results are PSO-ANFIS with an overshot of 0.572 pu, undershot of 0.563 pu, and flow output overshot of 0.008 pu, undershot of 0.009 pu.

IoT based Smart Watering System with Remote Monitoring and Control

This paper presents the design and implementation of an IoT-based smart watering system equipped with monitoring and control capabilities using Blynk IoT software. The system integrates various components including soil moisture sensor, water flow sensor, 12V water pump motor, relay module, and NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller. Through this setup, users can remotely monitor soil moisture levels, control water flow to plants, and automate watering schedules via the Blynk mobile application. This paper discusses the system architecture, hardware setup, software implementation, and presents experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed solution. Key Words: IoT, Smart watering system, remote monitoring.

Enhancement of photocatalytic oxidation by water-driven piezoelectricity using MoO3/P(VDF-TrFE) mixed matrix membranes

In this study, novel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) composed of MoO3/Poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) with distinctive piezo-photocatalytic properties were prepared. The membranes were made from dopes containing a high ratio of MoO3 to P(VDF-TrFE) (2:1 wt%/wt%) through a modified solvent evaporation method. The addition of MoO3 particles significantly impacted the crystallization and self-polarization of the P(VDF-TrFE) matrix, leading to a substantial increase in total crystallinity from 46.4% to 88.9% and a transformation from α to β phase. The flow-induced piezoelectric potential created an internal electric field, enhancing the spatial separation of photogenerated carriers through the piezoelectric effect. Controlled water flow further promoted the spatial separation of carriers. The developed MMMs demonstrated a high Rhodamine B degradation rate, reaching 83.1% within 45 minutes and over 99% within 90 minutes under natural light conditions. The MoO3/P(VDF-TrFE) MMMs exhibit promising piezo-photocatalytic attributes and hold potential for diverse applications due to their unique combination of piezoelectric and photocatalytic properties.

Keureuto Dam Operation for Flood Control System

Floods are one of the most destructive natural disasters. Dams are engineered structures built across rivers and streams to control water flow, primarily for purposes like water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and flood control. In the modern era, technological advancements and an enhanced understanding of hydrology have transformed dam operations within flood warning systems. Early warning systems for floods are founded on the principle of forecasting and alerting communities and authorities about imminent flood events. Keureuto Dam has multi-purpose benefits including to reduce flooding. The planned system includes sensors that record hydrological data (ARR and AWLR), equipment that receives the data recorded as well as a transmitter network from the sensors to the data center. in the Keureuto watershed, three AWLRs are planned to be installed upstream of the dam, one at the dam, seven AWLRs downstream of the dam. data from upstream is sent using a radio network, while from upstream it uses a cellular network. with a data center located at the dam.

Stability of Water Flow in Tanks Using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) Method

The stability of the speed and pressure of the water flow is determined by the height and volume of the water. The speed of water flow in the actuator is determined by the use of this flow sensor system. A good tank-based water flow control model must be developed. At a certain point, the actuator stabilizes the water production rate per minute. Therefore, it is necessary to develop automatic and precise control techniques. Many Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods are used in system optimization. Among them are the Firefly Algorithm (FA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). In this research, conventional methods, Auto tuning methods, and PSO methods are used. The PSO method produces better optimization compared to the previous method. The water flow stability indicator in this simulation is shown by the size of the overshot and undershot values for each method. The best water level control simulation results are the PSO method with the smallest overshot value of 0.0333 pu, the smallest undershot value of 0.0347 pu, and the output flow results have the smallest overshot value of 0.0013 pu, the smallest undershot value of 0.0011 pu.

Downward seepage effects on flow near a L-shape spur dike and bed morphology

Spur dikes are structures built along riverbanks that serve two purposes: stabilizing the banks and minimizing erosion risk by controlling water flow in the river channel. The current study used L-shaped spur dikes in an alluvial channel to analyze the bed morphology and flow pattern in the spur dikes zone with the influence of no-seepage and two distinct seepage velocities, VS1 = 0.075 mm/s and VS2 = 0.15 mm/s near the channel bed z/h < 0.2. The experimental study was also done to examine and compare the transformation in the local scour depth for the seepage condition. According to the study results, downward seepage movement causes significant modification in the channel's bed elevation and the development of scour depth. Observations indicate that the maximum local scour occurs at the first spur dike's leading edge. Seepage velocity VS1 results in a 16.1% increase in the maximum scour depth compared to the no-seepage scenario. In comparison, seepage velocity VS2 causes an increase of 25.2% in the maximum scour depth. Due to downward seepage, the flow distribution is shifted down near the channel's boundary. With an increase in the seepage rate, the magnitude of velocity, Reynold shear stress, turbulent kinetic energy, and bed shear stress also rise close to the channel's boundary. The current study also examined bursting events near the channel's bed under seepage and no-seepage conditions. These events included outward interaction, inward interaction, ejection, and sweep. Quadrant analysis of velocimeter data revealed that ejection and sweep were the dominant events contributing to the production of Reynolds shear stress in seepage and no-seepage flows. Meanwhile, outward interactions and inward interactions made minor contributions compared to ejection and sweep events to the Reynolds shear stress.

Construction and Verification of Two-dimensional Surface Hydraulic Calculation Model

Accurate calculation and prediction of the surface water flow process in the substation and surrounding area is of great significance for on-site flood control and disaster reduction of the substation. Aiming at the dynamic process of surface water flow, this paper simulated the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of surface water flow by establishing a two-dimensional hydrodynamic calculation model. Based on the N-S equation, a finite volume integral method is used to discrete the governing equations. On this basis, a hydrodynamic model for two-dimensional numerical simulation of surface water flow is constructed, and the basic governing equations for two-dimensional surface shallow water movement are derived. Based on the Toce River physical model and water flow control experiment, the corresponding conceptual model is established. On this basis, the measured data are used to verify the constructed two-dimensional surface hydrodynamic calculation model. The results show that the model can better simulate the process of surface water flow and describe its temporal and spatial distribution characteristics. The research results will provide effective technical support for substation site flood warning and prevention.

Valve Setting Using Fuzzy Logic Method To Control Main Engine Coolant Flow

The main objective of this research is to improve the operating efficiency and performance of ship main engines by optimizing coolant flow. Improper coolant flow can cause excessive temperature rise in the engine, which in turn can reduce engine life and efficiency. In this research, the coolant flow control system is implemented using the fuzzy logic method. Fuzzy logic allows modeling that is more adaptive to parameter variations and uncertainties in the operational environment. Fuzzy rules are developed based on practical knowledge of experts and operational data related to the host machine. The test was carried out through a simulation using a water flow control circuit that supplies the coolant to the ship's main engine with the main components being an ESP32 microcontroller chip and three DS18B20 temperature sensors. The results of this research show that the use of fuzzy logic in regulating coolant flow is able to provide a faster and more accurate response to changes in engine operational conditions. This has the potential to increase cooling efficiency and prevent engine over-temperatures, which can ultimately increase the overall service life and performance of the host engine. The practical implications of the results of this research can be applied in the development of more intelligent and adaptive control systems for various types of host machines, with the potential to increase operating efficiency and reduce the risk of damage due to excessive temperatures

Estimating the impact of vadose zone heterogeneity on agricultural managed aquifer recharge: A combined experimental and modeling study

Agricultural managed aquifer recharge (Ag-MAR) is a promising approach to replenish groundwater resources using flood water and cropland as spreading grounds. However, site selection, particularly the layering of sediment deposits in the subsurface, can greatly influence Ag-MAR efficacy as it controls water flow and solute transport in the vadose zone. In this study, we use the HYDRUS-1D software to simulate water flow and solute transport from the land surface to the groundwater table in three vadose zone profiles (LS, MS, HS) characterized by differing fractions of sand (44 %, 47 %, and 64 %). For each profile, the single- and dual-porosity models (i.e., considering or not nonequilibrium water flow and solute transport) were calibrated using observed surface ponding, soil water content, and KBr breakthrough data. Water flow and bromide transport in the profile with the lowest sand fraction (LS) were best captured using the model that considered both preferential flow and nonequilibrium bromide transport. Water flow and bromide transport in the profile with the highest sand fraction (HS) was best simulated with the model that considered preferential flow and equilibrium bromide transport. Uniform water flow and nonequilibrium bromide transport provided the best fit for the third profile (MS). The degree of preferential flow was highest in the profile with the largest sand fraction (HS), which also showed the largest flow velocities compared to the profiles with lower sand amounts (LS and MS). Preferential flow did not significantly impact the overall water balance (within 3 %), but caused a significant decrease in vadose zone travel times (bromide) by up to 38 %, relative to a single-porosity model fit. Recharge efficiency varied between 88 % and 90 %, while the average travel times from the soil surface to groundwater varied up to 119 % (from 3.6 to 7.9 days) between the three sites. This study demonstrates that similar recharge efficiency can be achieved at sites with differing soil texture profiles, but subsurface heterogeneity can substantially affect contaminant transport processes and their travel times.

An Experimental Investigation on Dike Stabilization against Floods

A flood protection dike blends seamlessly with natural surroundings. These dikes stand as vital shields, mitigating the catastrophic effects of floods and preserving both communities and ecosystems. Their design not only aids in controlling water flow but also ensures minimal disruption to the local environment and its biodiversity. The present study used a uniform cohesionless sand with d50 = 0.9 mm to investigate the local scour process near a single combined dike (permeable and impermeable), replicating a flooding scenario. The experiments revealed that the maximum scour depth is likely to occur at the upstream edge of the dike, resembling a local scour observed around a scaled-down emerged dike in an open channel. The scour hole downstream of the dike gets shallower as it gets smaller, as do the horseshoe vortices that surround it. Additionally, by combining different pile shapes, the flow surrounding the dike was changed to reduce horseshoe vortices, resulting in scour length and depth reductions of 48% at the nose and 45% and 65% at the upstream and downstream dike–wall junction, respectively. Contrarily, the deposition height downstream of the dike had a reciprocal effect on permeability, which can severely harm the riverbank defense system. The combined dike demonstrates their ability to mitigate scour by reducing the flow swirls formed around the dike. The suggested solutions can slow down the rapid deterioration and shield the dike and other river training infrastructure from scour-caused failures.

Design of an Automatic Water Faucet System Using the IOT Based HC-SR04 Sensor

Water is a vital element for humans, many activities are related to water. In everyday life, the use of water becomes very important and necessary in various fields, such as households, industry and agriculture. But their use is often inefficient and has the potential to waste valuable resources. In this context, the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) emerges as a potential solution by connecting physical objects via the internet. This research designs and builds an IoT-based automatic water faucet system using the HC-SR04 sensor to measure the water level in a container. Hardware components such as Node mcu Esp8266, Infrared Sensor, 2 channel 5v Relay, and others are used to control the system automatically. The software used includes the Arduino IDE. This system aims to intelligently monitor and control water flow, prevent water wastage, and incorporate the advantages of IoT technology to create an automatic water faucet system that is responsive to water levels and the presence of objects in front of it.

Monitoring heat transfer for seepage in earth-rock dams with clay cores considering damaged areas: Laboratory experiments and numerical modeling

This study conducted a laboratory test and two-dimensional numerical simulation on seepage heat monitoring of a core rockfill dam. A fully automatic laboratory test system for dam seepage monitoring has been developed, which can achieve automatic control of water flow and temperature, as well as automatic data collection. A flow-heat coupling model based on [Johansen, O., (1975). Thermal conductivity of soils. P. D. thesis. University of Trondheim, Norway, Trondheim] empirical thermal conductivity model was established through secondary development using COMSOL Multiphysics finite element software, and its accuracy was verified. The influence of the location of damaged leakage in the core wall of the dam on flow and heat migration was analyzed. Among the investigated conditions, a damaged channel with a curved cross-section causes the formation of the prominent arc in the saturation line of the dam body downstream, induces the largest increase in the average seepage discharge, and makes the dam body most unstable. The effects of damage on the temperature and seepage fields are positively correlated for different damage types. The presence of a damaged area induces sudden changes in the pressure, velocity, and temperature at each monitoring point. The pressure, velocity and temperature are correlated, and there is a lag in temperature transfer. This study provides a reference for the application of distributed fiber optic temperature measurement technology in core rockfill dam engineering, especially in terms of fiber optic placement position. The established numerical model can provide an accurate and effective reference method for identifying abnormal temperature data and locating dam leakage. Our next step will be to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics throughout the entire process from undamaged to dam failure.

Water flow in a cylindrical nanopore with an object

Understanding the physics of water movement through a nanopore with an object is critical for better control of water flow and object translocation. It should help in the design of nanopores as molecular and viral sensors. We evaluated how the external electric field and ion concentrations, pore wall charge density, disk radius and charge density, and ion mobility influence the water flow in a charged cylindrical nanopore using Poisson–Nernst–Planck–Navier–Stokes simulations. We dissected water flow induced by the external electric field (“external” component) from that generated by the field induced by the fixed and mobile charges (“charge” component). The velocity and direction of the axial flow “external” component were controlled directly by the external electric field. The pore wall charges also influenced them indirectly by altering the density and distribution of mobile charges. Higher external concentrations enhanced the axial water flow by lowering its charge component. The ion mobility and disk charge slightly influenced the axial water flow. The axial body forces near the wall drive the axial water flow near the pore wall. If the disk is large, water also flows axially in the opposite direction near the pore center. Local forces near the disk do not control the radial water flow near the disk. The axial body force and water flow near the pore wall do. If an annulus replaces a disk, the axial forces near the pore wall control the radial flow near the annulus and the axial flow within its hole.

Management Techniques of Ancestral Hydraulic Systems, Nasca, Peru; Marrakech, Morocco; and Tabriz, Iran in Different Civilizations with Arid Climates

The research aims to evaluate various management techniques of Ancient Hydraulic Systems (AHS) in different civilizations in arid climates, in cities located in Nasca in Perú (Puquio), Marrakech in Marruecos (Khettara) andTabriz in Irán (Qanat). The scarcity of water resources in these areas compelled the inhabitants to seek water management solutions to meet the necessary water supply for the population at the time. The methodology employed was a case study in which climatic data, supply, and operation of AHS were analyzed. The different indicators studied resulted in findings that, in the case of Nasca, the system relied on lintels, utilizing robust materials such as stone. They employed geometry to control water flow velocity, inclined walls to prevent collapses, and terraces to facilitate access to underground galleries. In the cases of Tabriz and Marrakech, their systems were based on excavations and reinforcements primarily using clay and earth as materials. In conclusion, the techniques employed in different civilizations are responses to contextual realities, offering an adaptive solution to environmental and physical challenges with a sustainable focus within their immediate surroundings.

Unsaturated water flow-induced the structure variation of gas hydrate reservoir and its effect on fluid migration and gas production

Multi-phase (gas, saturated water, and unsaturated water) seepage is bound to exist in natural gas hydrates (NGHs) production process. The effect of water flow, especially for unsaturated water flow, on the permeability variation of hydrate reservoir and gas production behavior do not appear well understood. In this study, the unsaturated water flow in hydrate-bearing sediment and hydrate-free sediment is simulated by controlling water flow velocity. The hydrate phase distribution was monitored using visualization magnetic resonance imaging system. The variation of temperature, pressure, and gas production rate during the unsaturated water flow were analyzed. The results show that the changing trend of the pressure difference presented the three stages for the hydrate-free sediment. In contrast, the pressure difference followed a five-stage change for the hydrate-bearing sediment in the unsaturated water flow process due to the hydrate dissolution. The hydrate dissolution caused an increase in permeability (maximum of log10(Kr) was 0.5) and formed the obvious unsaturated water flow channel. Moreover, the higher water flow velocity, which increased the chemical potential difference between hydrate phase and water phase, accelerated the MH dissolution, and further induced the faster increase rate of permeability and gas production. Surprisingly, when the unsaturated water flow velocity was improved to 15 mL/min from 0.5 mL/min, the gas production rate increased by 35 times. Furthermore, the average gas production rate was mainly determined by the unsaturated water flow velocity, it was changing in a linear fashion with the increasing water flow velocity. The findings could provide new knowledge on the strategy design on NGHs production with high efficiency.