WO2005026053A2

WO2005026053A2 - Smart system stormwater management and reuse technology system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2005026053A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/027930
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marty Wanielista; Jennifer K. Mcdaniel
Original assignee: Research Foundation Of The University Of Central Florida Incorporated
Priority date: 2003-09-04
Filing date: 2004-08-28
Publication date: 2005-03-24
Also published as: WO2005026053A3

Abstract

Stormwater management use devices, apparatus, systems and methods of automatically and intelligently monitoring sources of irrigation water such as stormwater, ponds, wells, reclaimed water and potable water with environmental and water quality sensors in order to control water treatment and distribution of the water based on demand for irrigation applications as well as for rehydration of wetlands as well as agricultural applications and other non potable and potable uses. The invention can also detect hazardous waste conditions in the source of waters for potential treatment.

Description

SMART SYSTEM STORMWATER MANAGEMENT AND REUSE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM AND METHOD

This invention claims the benefit of priority to United States Provisional Patent Application 60/500045 filed September 4, 2003.

FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to devices, apparatus, systems and methods for automatically and intelligently controlling storm water management and reuse based on environmental and water quality sensors so that water stored in ponds and in the ground are not discharged to surface waters, and instead is used to meet water demands such as lawn irrigation, environmental protection, agricultural applications, drinking and industrial applications.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART Current drops in groundwater levels and increasing uses of reclaimed water illustrates a need for an additional water supply, such as storm water. Ground water depletion is occurring which is destroying wetland areas and reducing spring flows. There is a noted reduction in the amount of available reclaim water and that supply is diminishing. There is an immediate need to document and enhance the performance of stormwater management methods used to meet State and Federal requirements to remove pollutants found in stormwaters. Martin P. Wanielista, October 11, 2002. "The Stormwater Management Academy", pp 2-4. Studies in Florida show we will eventually run out of reclaimed water as seen on pp 5-9 Water Reuse Group (Source: 2001 Reuse Inventory, Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2001 Reuse inventory, Tallahassee: Florida Department of Enviromnental Protection 2002). At some point, we will reach a point where the demand for water grows to equal and exceed the available fresh water supply. See Draft 6: Water Reuse Work Group Water Conservation Initiative April 15, 2003. The percent of waste water reused based on per capita use of reclaimed water is greater than approximately 97% for six counties and over approximately 100% for two counties. The State of Florida, is currently using more than our available supply of reclaimed water. An alternate water supply is needed. " ... to reduce the demands on our groundwater resources. Stormwater has proven to be a feasible alternative source of water for irrigation and some industrial uses. " See St. Johns River Water District, Fall 2000, "The Resource Newsletter". "As population increases and development continues, the pollutant loads and impacts associated with stormwater are expected to increase." See AWT (Australian Water Technologies) Victoria, March 1999. "Stormwater Management Plan for City of Port Phillip", pg 3. In reviewing the St Johns River Water district alone there is over 55% population growth predicted in the next twenty years within Florida (St. Johns River Water Management District, "East-central Florida water supply initiative"). That growth is also shown across Florida in the next ten years. Florida is ranked #2 in the United Sates for population growth. In year 2001 there was a population gain of 1,605,339 and it is predicted that by 2011 there will be a gain of 19,553,303 (Woods & Poole Economics, 2001 MSA Profile). hi order to be proactive and insure our future water supply, devices to help plan and evaluate the quality of the stormwater collected which also examines health standards using an automated process see Wanielista and Yousef (1993) Stormwater Management section Stormwater Quality for health standards will be needed in the future. Stormwater reuse in the form of runoff to lakes has been reused for many years by lakefront property owners who pump lake water through piping systems for lawn irrigation. State and city regulations generally restrict the time and day one can irrigate. Thus, there is a current need for an automated system to control these regulation parameters. In addition federal institutes are regulating water quality, foreign or toxic chemicals detected within the water found in stormwater runoff. Automatically controlling and setting an alarm to identify these substances is currently not done and would be a necessity. In some regions of the world, a majority of potable water is supplied from aquifers. However, the aquifer water levels are decreasing causing surface vegetation losses, spring flow decreases, poorer quality of source water, and more expensive raw water collection. To maintain ground water levels, the dependency on ground water supplies for potable uses is being reduced. Since a significant use of potable water from groundwater sources is for lawn irrigation, other water sources for lawn watering are being used. One such source is Stormwater and another is treated wastewater, or reclaimed water. Studies in Florida show that the supply of reclaimed water used as an alternative source for irrigation has ^"been diminishing. See Water Reuse Work Group, Water Conservation Initiative, April 15, 2003, "Draft 6: Water Reuse for Florida: Strategies for Effective Use of Reclaimed Water", pp 135-145. Water restrictions, the requirement to reduce total maximum daily loads(TMDLs), have shown that the need exists for effectively, intelligently and automatically controlling and using storm water to overcome the problems described above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods that automatically controls the use of stormwater to meet demands, such as lawn irrigation, environrnental protection, agriculture applications, drinking and industrial uses. A second objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods that automatically controls the use of stormwater so that water stored in ponds and in the ground is not merely discharged to surface waters. A third objective of the present invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater by using an intelligent controller that uses SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) and Micro-controller technology to provide an efficient and effective use of stormwater from multiple sources. A fourth objective of the invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater TMDLs that uses environmental and water quality sensors to monitor and control water treatment and distribution of irrigation quality water based on demand. A fifth objective of the invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater that captures stormwater for irrigation, agricultural and rehydration of wetlands. A sixth objective of the invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater that reduces the cost of water used for irrigation and other uses while increasing the supply. A seventh objective of the invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater that can make autonomous decisions based on data collection, data analysis, monitoring and statistical analysis. An eight objective of the invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater which can collect quantitative and verifiable data, to plan, design and operate stormwater management facilities and to optimize their effectiveness. A ninth objective of the invention is to provide devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing multiple water resources such as Stormwater and reclaimed water distribution, control and analysis. For example, a separate stormwater pond and a separate reclaim water facility can be the different water resources. The invention can selectively choose to pump from one or the other or both for distribution, control and analysis of these different resources for different applications. The benefits and features of the devices, apparatus, systems and methods for managing stormwater can include the benefits of reduced pollution, increased water supply, stormwater irrigation, rehydration of wetlands, agricultural water supply, integrated water distribution (multiple water supplies ie. Stormwater and reclaimed water), increased aesthetics (ie. Fountains), statistical analysis, remote access, alternate water supply, artificial intelligence and saves money. The Florida Department of Environmental regulation has a mission to "Protect, conserve, and restore the air, water and natural resources of the state." With this in mind a benefit is to protect the ground water by diverting and treating stormwater runoff which otherwise would discharge directly into the Florida Aquifer through drainage wells. Another benefit is to conserve the state's vital groundwater resource through a demonstration of beneficial use of stormwater. A still further benefit is restoring the ecology of lakes and urban wetland areas. A still further benefit is to provide an additional water supply for agricultural usage. A still further benefit of the invention is to integrate multiple water supplies and distribution. The invention can be used with devices, apparatus, systems and methods that collect stormwater from various sources, sense environmental and/or water quality water conditions of the collected stormwater, and then automatically control demand applications with or without treatment of the stormwater based on the sensed conditions. Stormwater can be collected from various sources such as a pond, a well, a reclaimed water supply. Stormwater can also be collected from potable water supply such as a drinking water well and a spring. Additionally, stormwater can be collected from a cistern. Sensed environmental conditions of the stormwater can include parameters sensed from one or more of a wind direction sensor, a wind speed sensor, a rain sensor, a water temperature sensor, an air temperature sensor, a water pressure sensor, a water depth sensor, a volumetric flow sensor, and a moisture sensor. Sensed water quality conditions of the stormwater can include parameters sensed from one or more of a conductivity sensor, a pFI sensor, a turbidity sensor, a dissolved oxygen sensor, a ion sensor, a chloride sensor, a chlorine sensor, a nitrate sensor, a nitrogen sensor, a phosphorous sensor, a iron sensor, a lead sensor, a zinc sensor, a calcium sensor, a volumetric flow sensor and an ammonia sensor. Demand applications can include irrigating land areas from the collected stormwater based on the sensed water conditions, the land areas being selected from at least one of: a lawn and a garden. Another demand application can include rehydrating wetlands from the collected stonnwater based on the sensed water conditions. A still another demand application can include providing water for agricultural applications that can include any one or more of irrigating a field, irrigating a crop, irrigating a plant, and providing drinking water for livestock. Another demand application can include providing water for reclaimed water uses, the reclaimed water being treated sewage that treats the water enough to be used for irrigation applications(such as watering a lawn) but not enough to be used as potable(drinking) water. Still further, another demand application can include providing the water for potable(drinking) water applications are to be treated enough to become drinking water. A still another demand application can include providing water for aesthetic applications that can include moving water from a stormwater supply to supply the water needed for an aesthetically pleasing fountain and/or a manmade pond that is located in front of a building, a home, and the like.. The invention can also include detector(s) for detecting hazardous chemicals in the collected stormwater, so that the stormwater is not used for certain applications such as for drinking water for livestock until the stormwater is treated. Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 shows a chart of task objectives of the novel stormwater controller invention. Fig. 2 shows a preferred layout of the stormwater management control system. Fig. 3 shows the flowchart operation of the input sensors used to control the stormwater management system of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows an overall block diagram of the novel stormwater management system. Fig. 5 shows a programmable logic control (PLC) for the controller of the system. Fig. 6 shows a PLC screen for operating the controller of the system. Fig. 7 shows another PLC screen for operating the controller of the system. Fig. 8 shows still another PLC screen for operating the controller of the system. Fig. 9 shows the Controller-microcontroller (MCU) for the invention. Fig. 10 shows a power system block diagram for the invention. Fig. 11 shows the layout of the intelligent water supply system at a test location. Fig. 12A is a graph of pH readings of a first instrument tested with the system. Fig. 12B is a graph of pH readings of a second instrument tested with the system. Fig. 13A is a graph of conductivity of the first instrument with the system. Fig. 13B is a graph of conductivity of the second instrument with the system. Fig. 14 is a graph of DO(dissolved oxygen) of the first instrument with the system. Fig. 15 graphs rain amount from a meteorological sensor used with the system. Fig. 16 graphs wind speed from a meteorological sensor used with the system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Certain acronyms are defined as follows: GUI refers to graphical user interface screen. GPS refers to global positioning satellite MCU refers to a Microcontroller Unit. CPU refers to Central Processing Unit I/O refers to input output lines. A D Converter refers to Analog-to-Digital Converter. PCB refers to a custom printed circuit board (PCB). COTS refers to commercial off the shelf technology. NEMA refers to National Electrical Manufacturers Association HMI refers to human machine interface. DO refers to dissolved oxygen. RTU refers to remote terminal unit. LAN refers to Local Area Network. TMDL refers to total maximum daily loads. I2-Water refers to intelligent innovative water system . SCADA refers to supervisory control and data acquisition. PLC refers to programmable logic controller.

The novel invention system can include a series of sensors, valves, pumps, treatment and piping that takes irrigation quality water from multiple sources. The sensors consists of but are not limited to wind, rain, solar, moisture, and water quality sensors that collect both analog and digital data. The data collected from these sensors can be used to determine when to irrigate or move water and from what source, autonomously. The sources of water can include and are not limited to stormwater ponds, wells, ground water, surficial aquifer, potable water, and reclaimed water. The software used to run the system can include internet based remote monitoring of all sensors, valves, and pumps, with a graphical user interface. Feedback from the system can be required in order to monitor possible failures, and to control all valves and pumps separately from a master station. Any failures shall produce an error message autonomously at the master station and to a manager of the site, via a wireless device. All the data from the sensors can be collected remotely and then transmitted to the master station, via a telemetry system, to be stored for statistical analysis. Onsite, the control system, can have a built-in test with an interface for routine check up and maintenance. A system for water treatment can also be used and can be controlled based on water quality readings from the sensors. The stormwater pond to be used can also function as a storage facility for other sources of water, based on location and city or county codes (some areas have laws prohibiting the cross-piping of multiple sources of water because of backflow). This system can be targeted to market small communities, stormwater utilities and commercial businesses i.e. golf courses, agriculture sites, and the like. Fig. 1 shows a chart of the task objectives of the novel stormwater controller invention. In addition, the invention of managing stormwater has the benefits of:

(a) Reduced TMDL and Pollution (b) Irrigation applications. (c) Provides an alternate water supply (d) Saves money over current techniques (e) Rehydrates Wetlands (f) Water treatment dependent upon w^rater quality and baseline and the like

System Operation A stormwater pond can consist of but not be limited to water runoff from impervious surfaces such as parking lots, driveways, streets and roofs of buildings, captured rain water, and a well to maintain water level. An alternative name for the stormwater pond is a "reuse pond". A reuse pond collects and stores water for irrigation which helps simulate a natural, pre-development hydrologic balance, while preventing the direct discharge of untreated stormwater runoff. Fig. 2 shows a preferred layout of the intelligent stormwater management system I. Fig. 2 shows an example of a typical layout using a stormwater pond and three separate pipes signifying alternate water sources that can be configured as input sources(Source 1, Source 2, Source 3) using customized graphical user interface (GUI) screens such as those shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 which will be described in detail later. In addition there can be two outputs available to configure using the GUI screens. Each new system can be custom manufactured and built using the graphical user interface (GUI) screens depending on city or county codes, water sources, sensors and valves needed. Referring to Fig. 2, Source 1 can come from stormwater, Source 2 can come from reclaimed water, and Source 3 can come from a well. Output 1 can go to a pond. Output 2 can go to irrigation applications. Output 3 can go to a potable -water supply. Environmental sensors 10 can include but are not limited to sensors for wind, rainfall, solar, global position satellite (GPS) data such as that from networked information, moisture, temperature, and volumetric flow, and the like. Demand 20 refers to outside demand for stormwater such as lawn irrigation, environmental protection, agricultural applications, drinking and industrial applications, Water restrictions, depth of water in water applications, and the like. Water sensors 30, 35 can include but are not limited to sensors for water quality such as pH, conductivity, depth, chlorophyll, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, lead, zinc, chloride, calcium, ammonium, moisture, volumetric flow, temperature, and various ion sensors. These various sensors 10, 30 and 35 can operate within a closed environment within a pipe as well as in an open environment within a pond or holding tank.

Referring to Fig. 2, the Controller 40 can be a computer such as MCU (Microcontroller Unit) such as a Texas Instruments, Incorporated, MSP430F149 that is programmed for stormwater management using truth Table 1 described later one or a PLC(programmable logic controller that is custom programmed using Table 1. The Pump 50 can be a solar powered, submersible, or standard irrigation style pump, and Valves 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, can be off the shelf valves with volumetric flow meters to detect volumetric flow. Treatment 60 can include any inline treatment of water that modifies and/or changes the water quality sensed parameters such as those previously described. For example, the treatment can increase or decrease amounts of chlorine, and or filter out contaminants, and the like. Water flow based on Inputs (Sources): The Intelligent controller can contain software code, GUI interface, and telemetry devices that collect the data to control the valves autonomously. Referring to Fig. 2, each valve (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) has a number assigned to it ranging from one through seven. These valves can be opened and closed automatically according to the following Truth Table shown in Table 1 listed below. Table 1 can be configured based on the flow of water described in Figure 2 and can easily be modified using the GUI. The symbol "C" is used for valve "Closed" position and symbol "O" is for valve "Opened" position. For example in order to move the water from the stormwater pond the water sensors would determine the quality of the water and based on the reading decide whether the water needed to go through Treatment or not. In the first case it indicates that the water from the pond does NOT need treatment so the valves labeled 1 are closed. Valves 2, 3, and 5 are opened while valves 4, 6, and 7 are closed to prevent mixing of water supplies from sources 1, 2 and 3. If the Pond water needed treatment then the next case is true and valves 1 would be open for the water flow to go through the treatment box while valve 2 is closed . The Truth Table 1 can step through each scenario of moving water from all the inputs and outputs listed in Figure 2 going through the pump and water sensor located next to it at output 1. If one wanted to read the environmental sensors from the installation site then all valves would be closed and the data would be read directly from the environmental sensors. During initialization of the system all valves are closed and the environmental sensors are read first. Once that data is collected then the system checks and calibrates the water sensors and waits for a reading from the demand controller. All calibrations and limits are set using the GUI along with city, state or county codes. Once these conditions are met then the system will function. The sources and outputs are set by the operator at installation using the GUI and internet interface. To step through the Truth Table 1 we can begin by assuming the water quality from source 1 and source 2 meets irrigation quality standards and the operator wants to move the water from Source 1 to Output 1. In the case of moving water from Source 1 to Output 1 valves 2 and 7 are open and valves 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are closed. In order to move the water from Source 2 to Output 1 valves 2, 3, and 4 are open and valves 1, 5, 6, and 7 are closed. Using a water sensor in the pipe of source 3 provides the option to determine if the water needs treatment or not. If the water quality meets irrigation quality standards then the flow will NOT need to go through treatment. In this scenario to move water from source 3 to output 1 with NO treatment valves 2 and 6 are open while valves 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are closed. If the water coming from source 3 does not meet irrigation standards then it requires treatment and valves 1 and 6 are open and valves 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are closed. This concludes the discussion of moving water from all the input sources. TABLE 1: Truth Table

Water flow based on Outputs: Moving water through the output section where the water is used to fill the Stormwater pond as indicated in the layout of Fig. 2 and listed in the Truth Table 1 as Output 1 into Pond the following applies. A water sensor is located in the pipe of Output 1 to determine the water quality. Using a water sensor provides an opportunity to make a decision based on the water quality to determine if the water needs treatment or not. If the water quality meets irrigation quality standards then the flow will NOT need to go through treatment, hi this scenario to move water from Output 1 to the Stormwater Pond with NO treatment valves 2, 3 and 5 are open while valves 1, 4, 6, and 7 are closed. If the water coming from Output 1 does not meet irrigation standards then it requires treatment and valves 1, 3, and 5 are open and valves 2, 4, 6, and 7 are closed. In order to bypass the pond and move water from output 1 to output 2 this water can be mixed with source 3 according the layout of Fig. 2. A water sensor is located in the pipe of Output 1 to determine the water quality. Using a water sensor provides an opportunity to make a decision based on the water quality to determine if the water needs treatment or not. If the water quality meets irrigation quality standards then the flow will NOT need to go through treatment. In this scenario to move water from Output 1 to Output 2 with NO treatment valves 2, and 6 are open while valves 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7 are closed. If the water coming from Output 1 does not meet irrigation standards then it requires treatment and valves 1, and 6 are open and valves 2, 3 , 4, 5, and 7 are closed. This concludes the discussion of moving water from all the output sources. The flow of water can be based on the conditions met in the truth table. The Truth Table 1 can be used to predict water flow scenarios and potential treatment cycles. This process can be implemented in several different ways one of which is the development of a micro-controller. The micro-controller can perform functions based on the following block diagram Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the flowchart operation of the input sensors 10, 30, 35 used to control the stormwater management intelligent system I of Fig. 2. The reuse system can include but is not limited to wind, rain, solar, and water quality sensors that collect both analog and digital data. The data can be sent through the appropriate converters and conditioners and on to a micro-controller type system for processing and storage. One of the requirements is to gather, store and analyze environmental data so the data is then sent to a data logger type system for storing data and also sent to a controller to perform a function based on the Truth Table 1 (Table 1) decision. The quantitative and verifiable data can be studied to make improvements upon the effectiveness of reuse ponds and to update the intelligence of the micro-controller. Controller 40 The brain of the stormwater pond control system is the controller 40(shown in Fig. 2). The controller 40 for this system can be a PLC (programmable logic controller) or MCU (Microcontroller Unit shown as 46 in Fig. 3 as well as the controller 200/300 as shown in Fig. 4 and the Microchip (MCU) 300). An MCU 46 is a very powerful device because it is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) with modular memory-mapped analog and digital peripherals. A program can be written directly onto the MCU for very quick and efficient execution of applications. This program controls the operation of the valves and motor to control each valve based on the Truth Table 1. The MCU 46 that can be used comes from Texas Instruments, Incorporated. The MSP430F149 is an MCU with 60Kb of FLASH memory, 2Mb of SRAM, and has 48 general purpose I/O (input output) lines. Other features of this chip can include: a 16-bit Watchdog timer, an 8-channel 12-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter, two serial communication ports (USART), with serial onboard programming, and an On-Chip Comparator. Texas Instruments pushes this product as an Ultralow-Power Consumption device where the active mode is 280μA at 1MHz, 2.2V. It also requires very low voltage range to operate: 1.8 V to 3.6V A chip will be placed on a custom printed circuit board (PCB). The application for this control system can be written and compiled using C programming language Ethernet Connectivity / Telemetry 83 The control system can be remotely accessible through the internet and stores all the data input and output information, along with a timestamp, in the memory of the MCU 46 and then transmitted via LAN (Local Area Network) controller to a master terminal. The MCU at remote sites can have a built-in test, which includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) mounted and connected to the PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The software for the built-in test includes initialization of parameters for the sensors as well as a scan of all valves opened and closed. A scan to check if the pump is running is incorporated for safety. At this level, the software can also be adjusted for particular times and days to irrigate on the GUI. SENSORS 10, 12, 14, 16, 30, 35 The Sensors 10, 12, 14, 16, 30, 35 used in the invention can be devices that measure a physical parameter and return a usable numeric equivalent. An array of different sensors will input data to the control unit. The detail of the sensors is detailed in Table 2 below. The sensors, integration, control and parameters can be customized for each application of the invention as needed. There can be multiple water quality sensors that will be used to measure various parameters. The measurement ranges can be programmed into the controller. These values can control the distribution of water. Table 2 shows various sensors that can be used with a Pond, a Well: Sensor and the Reverse Flow that can be used in Figures 2 and 3.

TABLE 2 Sensors and Target values Pollutant Concentration POND 111 Avg Range Units PH . 7 6.5 - 8.1 mg/L Pressure (barametric) Depth 5 1 - 14 (ft) ft Conductivity / TDS 100 59 - 274 mg/L Turbidity / TSS 1147 145 - 21,640 mg/L DO (Dissolved Oxygen) 7 0 - 12 ppm Ion Sensors Chloride 386 5 - 13,300 mg/L Nitrate / Ammonia 1.14 0.01 - 8.4 mg/L lOppm babies get afficiated WELL 121 pH 7 6.5 - 8.1 mg/L Conductivity / TDS 150 59 - 500 uS DO (Dissolved Oxygen) 0 0 - 8 mg/L Ion Sensors Chloride 386 5 - 13,300 mg/L Nitrate / Ammonia 1.14 0.01 - 8.4 mg/L

REVERSE FLOW T3] Conductivity / TDS 100 59 - 274 mg/L Turbidity / TSS 1147 145 - 21,640 mg/L Ion Sensors Chloride 386 5 - 13,300 mg/L Nitrate / Ammonia 1.14 0.01 - 8.4 mg/L Source: Smith and Lord (1990) using highway runoff data from six sites. Wanielista and Yousef (1993) Stormwater Management section Stormwater (

Note: The ranges and averages listed in the above table are approximated values.

Referring to Fig. 3, all of the inputs labeled 10, 12, 14, 16, 30, 13, 15, 17, 31, 40, 42 are received through component 44 into the microcontroller which is component 46. The computer in component 46 takes the inputs and makes decisions based on Tables 1 and 2 above. Once these decisions are made a signal is sent to components 48, 70 which in turn operates the motors and valves accordingly (Motor 1, Motor 2, Motor 3, Motor 4, Motor 5, Valve 1, Valve 2, Valve 3, Valve 4, Valve 5). In addition there is a database that is created to track and record system performance through components 48, 80, 82, 83, 84. This data is accessible through component 86, 87 and 88, as shown in figure 3. The novel invention has the capability of running off of different power sources. Fig. 3 is labeled Solar Power to show an alternate power source from standard power as demonstrated in Fig. 4. OVERALL BLOCK DIAGRAM OF SYSTEM USED IN WORKING SYSTEM Fig. 4 shows an overall block diagram of the novel intelligent stormwater management system 100 that includes a power system 110, controller 200/300, meteorological instruments 120, water quality instruments 130, irrigation system & pumps 140 and network 150. Two different approaches were considered to build an automated intelligent expert system 100. The first approach was to use commercial off the shelf (COTS) technology like a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) 200 shown in detail in reference to Fig. 5 which will be described later versus a custom microcontroller MCU 300 using a microchip controller shown in detail in reference to Fig. 9, which is described later. POWER SYSTEM 110 A power system 110 shown in Fig. 4 supplies power to the controller 200/300. The invention requires power to operate the pumps and valves associated with the irrigation system along with power for the controller and instruments of the system. The power system 110 can include 240 VAC two phase power for the irrigation systems and pumps 140, that include an irrigation pump and treatment pump, 24V AC for the valves, 24VDC for the controller 200/300, and 12VDC for the SDI-12 communication link 150. The Microcontroller 300 also required 5VDC for its operations. In addition to these power requirements the invention can also be outfitted with a 24VDC power battery backup system. The battery backup system as shown in Fig. 10 can automatically charge the batteries when 24VDC power is present and will switch to battery when the 24VDC power is not present. This is a bump-less power transfer. The battery backup system can allow the novel system to continually collect data during a power outage. NETWORK/TELEMETRY 150 The novel system deals with the collection of data from and control of remote terminal units and transferring the data to a central location for the purpose of recording and analysis. This process is known as telemetry (as referenced in Fig. 4 and Fig. 10 shown as 150). SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisitions) systems generally contain some form of telemetry in their design to accomplish their intended task. SCADA systems generally consist of a master station and one or more remote stations. Several different technologies were evaluated and researched to determine the transmission media including copper wire, fiber optics, and radio waves or microwaves often referred to as wireless or RF transmissions. During the evaluation the network configuration was important to determine system requirements and location. Expandability was a key factor in choosing the technology as well. When evaluating point-to-point communication the cost was extremely high for multiple remote terminal units (RTU). Local Area Networks (LAN) technology was reviewed as it does allow for a shared communication medium which is many RTU's can communicate to a host station. Coordination must be used to prevent more than one computer device from sending data at the same time and also insure that each device has access to the hub. Many LAN technologies have been invented for computer devices networking. The communication link for the novel system included an existing combination of wire and wireless technology coupled with a LAN system provided by and installed at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida. A wireless access point to gain access to the Engineering building network at the University of Central Florida was chosen due the simplicity of installation and cost. SENSORS 120, 130

Sensors 120 and 130 can include meteorological instruments and water quality instruments. Sensors used in this system consist of meteorological 120 and water quality sensors 130 such as those previously described. The placement of these sensors is based on industry standards and recommendations. The rain sensor can be used to override the cycle of an automatic irrigation system when adequate rainfall has been received. Florida is the only state with an overall sensor statute per Florida Statute 373.662 "Any person who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system after May 1, 1991 shall install, and must maintain and operate, a rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred"

A wind sensor can be configurable by an operator to define set points for the wind direction and wind speed conditions for the controller to operate under. There are multiple advantages to this based on the water quality, irrigation spray heads to insure you are not watering the road or sidewalk and not watering on a windy day. The standard practice is to not irrigate if the wind speed is greater than approximately 7 mph so a default is set in the program for this condition. To ensure quality the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) enclosure standards for mounting electronic equipment outside of a building was followed. Water quality sensors 130 such as those previously described can be used to determine a base line and monitor the water conditions from different sources, such as stormwater ponds, wells, reclaimed and potable water. The function of the sensors is to ensure that water quality stays within the parameters listed in Table 2. The ranges for each parameter monitored are configurable by the operator and can be changed on the human machine interface (HMI) or computer if you are using telecommunications. The invention controller 200/300 can be configured but not limited to open valves and/or allow irrigation through the irrigation system and pumps 140(shown in Fig. 4) to occur based on the water quality minimum and maximum ranges in addition to the rain and wind readings. Additional sensors can be included based on the system specifications, there is an additional 75% of inputs and outputs available.

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) can also be tested and used with the invention. DO, is the amount of oxygen dissolved in water. DO enters the water by direct absorption from the atmosphere via the transfer across the air- water interface. The amount of DO that can be held by water depends upon the water temperature, salinity and pressure. Some interesting characteristics consist of gases being more soluble when salinity decreases thus freshwater holds more oxygen than sea-water while gases are less soluble at lower pressures.

Another water quality sensor 130 monitored can include pH. The term pH is used to describe the acidic or basic (alkaline) nature of a solution. The pH of water is important to support plants and animal and it affects chemical and biological processes in the water. Another parameter monitored by the invention can include Turbidity. Turbidity is a measure of the clarity of the water or of the opaqueness produced in water by suspended particle matter. The greater the amount of total suspended solids (TSS), the murkier it appears and the higher the turbidity. Major sources of turbidity are phytoplankton, clays, silts, re-suspended bottom sediments, organic matter. Even bottom-feeding fish can stir up the bottom sediments and increase the cloudiness of the water. This high concentration of particle matter can change the penetration of light in the water. If there is not enough light penetration, macrophyte growth may decrease, which would, in turn, impact the organisms dependent upon them for food and cover. This would result in reduced photosynthesis, which in turn, results in lower daytime oxygen release into the water. Turbidity is a standard measurement in stream sampling programs where suspended sediment is an important parameter to monitor. Great care is taken when calibrating the instrumentation used to monitor this parameter.

Conductivity can also be monitored. Conductivity is a measurement of the ability of water to produce an electrical current and it is directly related to amount of dissolved salts (ions) or solids in the water, and is reported in micro-ohms, which has been renamed micro Siemens. Temperature affects conductivity with conductivity increasing as temperature increases. Most modern probes automatically correct for temperature and standardize all readings to 25 Celsius degrees or the equivalent of 78 degrees Fahrenheit and then refer to the data as specific conductivity.

The novel system can use multi-parameter sensors to measure and monitor these water quality parameters. Single detectors can be used in lieu of multi-parameter sensors to reduce cost. However, the sensor count is based on the amount of I/O present in the controller. Multiple manufacturers for these multi-parameter water quality sensors are being evaluated. These multi-parameter sensors can measure up to fifteen or more parameters at the same time. One of the many advantages for these sensors is the SDI-12 communication. This communication allows the invention to control, monitor and build a database for each parameter measured. The data are illustrated in Figures 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14, 15 and 16 as initial data collected from the system.

CONTROLLER 200/300 Referring to Fig. 4, the heart of the invention is the controller 200/300 and is also referred to in Fig. 3 as Microcontroller 46. Referring to Fig. 5, various programmable logic controllers(PLC) were examined. Of the several different PLCs available on the market today, there appears to be a few the industry specify in their designs. PLC manufacturers such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Modicon, GE, or AutomationDirect appear to be the most common to the authors of this paper. A PLC controller 200 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can include several sections and can be of either "modular" or "fix" based on the system requirements. However, regardless if the PLC is modular or fix., the PLC is still comprised of several sections. These sections included a CPU (central processing unit), memory, power supply, I/O (input/output) rack, communication and associated I/O modules. There are several things to consider when designing a control system. The system can be designed from the I/O count defined on the process and instrumentation diagram referenced to in Fig. 4. The I/O list can be divided into the different types of I/O. Digital Inputs are inputs that are either in one of two states, on or off. The other type of input is an analog input. An analog input can take on a value from 0 to 100%. The instrumentation chosen can determine what type of communication is needed. In this configuration the PLC 200 Figures 4-5 required both RS-232 and Ethernet connections and the sensors required SDI-12. The enclosure housed the PLC 200/Microcontroller 300, graphic touch panel display, converters (24V to 12Vdc and 5Vdc and RS-232 to SDI-12), wireless bridge, battery controller/charger, network hub/switch, terminals, and wiring. The PLC can be a commercial off the shelf device that is purchased along with special software to program the unit. Whereas the microcontroller can be a microprocessor that is mounted on a custom printed circuit board with conditioning circuitry surrounding it. To test the microcontroller 300 Figures 4 and 9, the PLC and graphic touch panel display were removed and replaced by a custom designed, manufactured, and assembled printed wiring board built at the University of Central Florida. The invention controller 200/300 was programmed from a truth Table 1, previously described above, that has been defined for valve operation and availability of water sources. The PLC 200 and Microcontroller 300 logic were programmed to select a water source based on demand for irrigation, environmental sensors (rain, wind, moisture etc), water supply choice (reclaim, well,, stormwater, potable) and the quality of the water source. All of these sensors are defined in the I/O count and are configured at the system- requirement stage. There is room for expansion and other sensors can be added. The final design included 75% spare I/O to be used for such expansion. The PLC logic shown in reference to 200 Figures 4 and 5 was divided into the several subroutines such as the Main, ASCII, Environmental data, Pump Valve Control and System Demand. Water source selections are defined for pump valve control, environmental conditions, and water treatment. There is an option to operate the system in automatic mode or manual mode. This allows the operator to initially set the irrigation parameters based on your County/States water restrictions (such as but not limited to real time clock, day of week, date, day to operate, duration etc.) or when using multiple water supplies which water supply you want to pull water from and its water quality All of these parameters are critical and stored in a database for tracking, statistical analysis and identify data trends. These parameters can be loaded into a state wide database for water quality monitoring. This data can be used for monitoring TMDL's. The PLC 200 used a graphic touch panel (shown in Figures 6-8) to allow the operator to view and adjust systems operating parameters, and it will be referred to as HMI (Human Machine Interface).

Referring to Figures 6-8, the touch panel provides graphic screens to allow the operator to view and adjust parameters. These screens consist of and are not limited to a system overview, system demand, system set points, set day and time, auto/manual operate. The invention controller can be programmed for different water sources to view the wind speed and direction, rain amount, water depth or pressure, water quality parameters such as pH, Conductivity, Turbidity, DO (Dissolved Oxygen) and others. The touch panel makes it easy to navigate through any of the graphic screens. If using telemetry, the operator can remotely modify settings at their computer terminal.

Fig. 6 shows a PLC screen for operating the controller of the system. Fig. 7 shows another PLC screen for operating the controller of the system. Fig. 8 shows still another PLC screen for operating the controller of the system. These screens can be customized for the application of the user. Fig. 6 shows a touch panel for selecting the day of week, setting the hour along with the wind direction. It also has a button show you a system overview. Fig. 7 shows a touch panel for allowing the user to set the system time the day of the week and adjust the hour of the day which is based on a 24 hour clock. There is a button to push that will set the values that are entered and also an option to return to the system overview screen. Fig. 8 shows a touch panel for selecting either Water source 1 or 2 and then choosing to manually operate the system by pressing open or close under the valve option. The user then can choose to manually operate the treatment valve by pressing open or close under the valve option. Then the user may start or stop the treatment pump. The user is able to manually select the irrigation zone by pressing down the Man button and choosing to open or close the valve. Then the operate can manually start or stop the irrigation pump. There is also a System Overview button that will take the user back to the overview screen. DATABASE COLLECTION The invention system built at the University of Central Florida has been programmed to collect data from the instruments based on an operator selectable time interval as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig 7. Data collected includes but is not limited to the information from the water quality instruments, the meteorological instruments, and date and time of the data collection and the like. The PLC 200, Figures 4-5, collects up to 160 data sets and stores them in a data array. The data array can be read by either a laptop computer connected directly to the PLC 200 or via the telemetry 150 by the remote computer. The operator can reset the data collection array and also store the data in to an Excel spread sheet for additional analysis. The microcontroller 300, Figures 4 and 9, sends data directly to a website. Both the microcontroller 300 and PLC 200 have the capability of uploading data to a website for remote access. An example of the plotted data can be seen in Figures 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14, 15 and 16. These figures are only used to demonstrate the type of data that can be collected. Fig. 12A is a graph of pH readings of a first water quality instrument tested with the system. Fig. 12B is a graph of pH readings of a second water quality instrument tested with the system. These figures represent a comparison of the variations between two different water quality instruments. Fig. 13 A is a graph of conductivity of the first water quality instrument with the system. Fig. 13B is a graph of conductivity of the second water quality instrument with the system. These figures represent variations between two different water quality instruments. Fig. 14 is a graph of DO in mg per L of the first water quality instrument with the system. Fig. 15 graphs rain amount from a meteorological sensor used with the system. This figure shows rainfall that has accumulated over a 24 hour period. Fig. 16 graphs wind speed from a meteorological sensor used with the system. This figure shows a large variation in wind speed. What is important to note from all of this data is that there are variations in the data and that the water quality instruments (Fig 12 - 14) data does correlate with the meteorological sensors (Fig 15-16). These variations are significant so one can put boundaries on the data and set limits as reference in Table 2 to control the irrigation cycle and operate only under ideal condition. As demonstrated in Fig 12-16 data can be recorded, stored, evaluated and analyzed over extended periods of time. The critical point is decisions can be made on water quality via instruments 130 and environmental sensors 120 simultaneously using the controller 200/300 to control pumps 140. PLC 200 vs MICROCONTROLLER 300 Since the PLC 200(Figures 4 and 5) and the microcontroller 300(Figures 4 and 9) are the brains of the invention unit, it is important to understand the differences. The PLC 200 can be a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) device that is purchased along with special software to program the unit. Whereas the microcontroller 300 in this case can be a microprocessor that is mounted on a custom printed circuit board with conditioning circuitry surrounding it. This custom unit has been manufactured and tested at the University of Central Florida. The comparisons of the PLC 200 and the microcontroller 300 provided the following results. From an initial equipment cost standpoint, the microcontroller 300 is far less costly than the PLC 200. The microcontroller 300 is approximately 1/16 the cost of the PLC 200. There are additional costs associated with the microcontroller 300 that are not required for the PLC 200. The microcontroller 300 can be customized by the user, with cost that includes the design, board layout and manufacturing, board checkout and testing. Both microcontroller systems require programming software and time for application development. Both systems did provide the level of control required for the invention. The PLC 200 can be programmed rapidly using special software where as the microcontroller has its program saved directly into the memory of the processor. To modify the hard code in the microcontroller memory requires a flash programmer and software.

PROTOTYPE SYSTEM Fig. 11 The prototype invention system shown in reference to Fig. 11 built at the University of Central Florida consists of two pumps. One pump is used as a treatment pump, the other pump is used as the irrigation pump. There were five electrical operated control valves in this system. Two valves allow the water to be distributed to the treatment system if required, two other valve allow the water to be distributed directly to the irrigation system. The final valve is an irrigation zone valve. The system has also been configured to accommodate seven additional irrigation zones. Illustrated and proven as an application for invention is to provide stormwater in the form of irrigation to water trees and re-hydrate wetlands which was accomplished with the setup shown in Fig. 11. In addition to irrigation and water control and distribution the design includes the capability to perform experiments on various water treatment options. There is an additional pump and piping to route water through a treatment section. The current prototype consists of the following shown in Table 3:

TABLE 3

4 Program Logic Controller (PLC) 4 Microchip Controller

4 Touch Panel Display 4 Webserver co-processor

4 Industrial Hardened 4 Over 30 I/O

4 Program Software 4 Relay Switches up to 150V AC using TTL Signals

4 Machine Logic Program Software 4 Expandable & Programmable

4 Water Treatment Provisions 4 Remote Access via Telemetry (Antenna)

4 Precipitation & Wind Speed Senso 4 SDI-12 Interface

4 Water Quality Sensors 4 Control or Set Point Parameters

4 Database Creation / Computer 4 Intelligent Expert System The invention system shown in reference to Fig. 11 was built at the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a proof of concept prototype to show the capabilities and set a baseline. This system can be controlled remotely through telemetry. The invention can intelligently control stonn water management and use any body of water based on environmental and water quality sensors so that water stored in ponds and in the ground are not discharged to surface waters, and instead is used to meet water demands such as lawn irrigation, environmental protection, agricultural applications, drinking, industrial applications and the like. The controller will decrease operating and maintenance costs and monitor TMDLs in non-point sources. The invention can also be used for aesthetic applications such as fountains and manmade ponds that appear in front of buildings, and the like. The invention can be used to move water from a stormwater source to the aesthetic applications and is a vast improvement over current aesthetic water applications which are subject to drought conditions and often use city water supplies, and the like. The manmade ponds can include such as those in front of hotels, buildings, golfcourses that have an aesthetic effect, where water can be moved into and out of these aesthetic locations, and water depth is controlled by using stormwater sources to supply and refill the aesthetic effect uses automatically, (currently these sources go dry, or require city water sources or run out during drought conditions. The invention allows pumping from one location to another during drought type conditions. The invention can be used with the world wide web can be used for controlling remote locations from a central source. Satellites can be used to located sources and applications of the stormwater and its' applications A single university or campus can have multiple integrated systems for plural stormwater sources and applications. Multiple universities can be tied together using aspects of the invention. Applications can also include industrial parks, and residences of any type and size. While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

Claims

We claim:

1. A method of monitoring and controlling stormwater, comprising the steps of: collecting the stormwater; sensing water conditions of the collected stormwater; and controlling automatic demand applications of the stormwater based on the sensed conditions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of collecting includes the step of: collecting the stormwater in a pond.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of collecting includes the step of: collecting the stormwater in a well.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of collecting includes the step of: collecting the stormwater from reclaimed water.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of collecting includes the step of: collecting the stormwater from potable water, the potable water being selected from at least one of a drinking water well and a spring.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of collecting includes the step of: collecting the stonnwater from a cistern.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the water conditions includes the step of: sensing environmental conditions of the collected stormwater.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the environmental conditions are selected from at least one of: wind direction sensor, wind speed sensor, rain sensor, water temperature sensor, air temperature sensor, water pressure sensor, water depth sensor, volumetric flow sensor, and moisture sensor.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the water conditions includes the step of: sensing water quality conditions of the collected stormwater.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sensed water quality conditions are selected from at least one of: conductivity sensor, pH sensor, turbidity sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor, ion sensor, chloride sensor, chlorine sensor, nitrate sensor, nitrogen sensor, phosphorous sensor, iron sensor, lead sensor, zinc sensor, calcium sensor, volumetric flow sensor and ammonia sensor.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the controlling step further includes the step of: irrigating land areas from the collected stormwater based on the sensed water conditions, the land areas being selected from at least one of: a lawn and a garden.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling step further includes the step of: rehydrating wetlands from the collected stormwater based on the sensed water conditions.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling step further includes the step of: providing water for agricultural applications.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the agricultural applications are selected from at least one of: irrigating a field, irrigating a crop, irrigating a plant, and providing drinking water for livestock.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling step further includes the step of: providing water for reclaimed water.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling step further includes the step of: providing water for potable(drinking) water.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the controlling step further includes the step of: providing water for aesthetic applications.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the aesthetic applications are selected from at least one of: a fountain and a manmade pond.

19. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of: detecting hazardous chemicals in the collected stormwater.

20. An automated system for collecting and managing stormwater for reuse comprising: a collector for collecting stormwater from a source; a sensor for automatically sensing conditions in the collected stormwater; and a distributor for automatically distributing the collected stormwater to a demand application for the collected stormwater.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the stormwater source includes: a pond.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein the stormwater source includes: a well.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein the stormwater source includes: reclaimed water.

24. The system of claim 20, wherein the stormwater source includes: potable water, the potable water being selected from at least one of a drinking water well and a spring..

25. The system of claim 20, wherein the stormwater source includes: a cistern.

26. The system of claim 20, wherein the sensor includes: a sensor for sensing water quality conditions.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the sensor is selected from at least one of: conductivity sensor, pH sensor, turbidity sensor, dissolved oxygen sensor, ion sensor, chloride sensor, chlorine sensor, nitrate sensor, nitrogen sensor, phosphorous sensor, iron sensor, lead sensor, zinc sensor, calcium sensor, volumetric flow sensor and ammonia sensor.

28. The system of claim 20, wherein the sensor includes: a sensor for sensing environmental conditions.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the sensor is selected from at least one of: wind direction sensor, wind speed sensor, rain sensor, water temperature sensor, air temperature sensor, water pressure sensor, water depth sensor, volumetric sensor, and moisture sensor.

30. The system of claim 20, wherein the demand application includes: irrigation of land areas.

31. The system of claim 20, wherein the demand application includes: rehydration of wetlands.

32. The system of claim 20, wherein the demand application includes: an agricultural application.

33. The system of claim 20, wherein the agricultural application is selected from at least one of: field irrigation, crop irrigation, plant irrigation, and drinking water for livestock.

34. The system of claim 20, wherein the demand application includes: reclaimed water.

35. The system of claim 20, wherein the demand application includes: water for potable(human drinking) water.

36. The system of claim 20, wherein the demand application includes: water for aesthetic applications.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the aesthetic applications are selected from at least one of: a fountain and a manmade pond.

38. The system of claim 20, further comprising: a detector for detecting hazardous chemicals in the collected stormwater.

39. The system of claim 20, wherein the distributor includes: a computer for controlling valves and pipes that control and connect the collector to the distributor of the system.