Design of an Intelligent Irrigation System Based on Arduino Uno and RTC Module to Reduce Energy Consumption and Automate Operation

Abstract

Design and development of an intelligent irrigation system based on the Arduino Uno microcontroller and a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module is the objective of this research. This system enables highly precise scheduling of irrigation operations, including the specification of days, hours, minutes, and even seconds. The system allows the pump to operate automatically according to a predefined weekly schedule without any human intervention. It employs an embedded control algorithm that provides high flexibility in managing irrigation timings, resulting in a more disciplined and reliable process compared to conventional systems that require manual operation and consume considerable time and effort. Practical evaluation using a 1-horsepower pump operated for 3 hours per day over a week demonstrated the system’s ability to fully comply with the programmed schedule while maintaining operational stability. A comparative assessment showed that the intelligent system achieved greater energy savings by preventing random operation and ensuring the pump runs only when needed. Furthermore, the system relies on the RTC module to maintain precise timekeeping even during power outages, ensuring uninterrupted scheduling. The intelligent system reduced daily energy consumption from 2.2 kWh to 1.8 kWh, achieving an annual energy saving of 146 kWh/year and an improvement rate of 18%. This low-cost, scalable solution is suitable for greenhouses, home gardens, and small farms, with future potential for integration with soil-moisture sensing systems or Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.