CONTROL SYSTEMS Landscape irrigation controllers get a smart upgrade SNAPSHOT • Green Options are in the process of upgrading irrigation controllers to smart systems at a number of sites owned by global industrial property group, Goodman • The new controllers are web-based and connect through the mobile phone network. These controllers are then connected to a smart wireless control system that has an input module, point-to-point transmitter and a receiver
With a view to achieving better environmental outcomes, Goodman Group contracted landscape construction company Green Options to upgrade existing controllers to smart irrigation systems on several of their Sydney sites. Goodman is a global property group, specialising in essential infrastructure for the digital economy. The group has a vast portfolio of industrial and commercial assets with landscaped areas, and irrigation underpins these green spaces being maintained in top condition. Goodman is also committed to being a leader in environmental social governance with progressive sustainability goals. We spoke with Pat Haydon, irrigation technician from Green Options, about the project, equipment they are installing and some of its challenges.
AUDIT FIRST, THEN UPGRADE The first step at every site is to complete an initial audit of the existing system to determine what is needed to upgrade to the smart system. The controller that Goodman is using to replace all existing controllers is the Galcon GSI, a web-based irrigation controller that connects through the mobile phone network using a SIM card. The GSI allows for control of both irrigation and fertigation. According to Pat, some of the sites had old controllers that were battery powered. “Where this is the case, we are replacing them with the new controller and an IrriGator system,” he explained. The reason for this is that with a battery-operated solenoid valve, the only option for connecting a central 24 V controller would have been to run cable from the controller to each solenoid valve. This was not feasible at many locations. They chose, instead, to use an IrriGator wireless control system comprising an input module, a point-to-point transmitter and a receiver at each site.
12
The input module, installed next to the controller, is wired in and connected to the point-to-point transmitter mounted in open air space.