Irrigation is an essential part of commercial agriculture. The water and energy used in typical large-scale irrigation systems can be substantial. As water becomes a scarcer resouce its responsible use and conservation becomes imperative. The same is true of energy especially in territories where available capacity is limited and non-renewable generation is prevalent.
Traditional centre pivot irrigation sprinklers work under high pressure in an attempt to distribute water evenlty to crops. The Powasave sprinkler is an alternative to these high pressure sprinkler heads operating at system pressure as low as 5% of what traditional sprinkler heads requires. This presure reduction results in less electricity used. The Powasave sprinkler creates larger droplets and thus reduces water loss through evaporation, wind drift, and sprinkler overlap.
Target Industries
Agriculture
Unique Features/Benefits
The Powasave sprinkler is an alternative to these high pressure sprinkler heads operating at system pressure as low as 5% of what traditional sprinkler heads requires. This presure reduction results in less electricity used. The Powasave sprinkler creates larger droplets and thus reduces water loss through evaporation, wind drift, and sprinkler overlap.
Principal Researchers: Prof Hanno Reuter
Innovation Status: A proof of concept system was developed and tested.
The technology is protected by patents in the following territories:
- Australia with patent nr. AU2015348985;
- South Africa with patent nr 2017/03431;
Opportunity: Innovus is seeking a partner to industrialise and take the product to market.
Available for licensing: Yes