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Scheduling Irrigations with Electric Pump Automation

How to schedule irrigations with Lumo's integrated electric pump automation

Updated over a week ago

Overview

Lumo’s Electric Pump Automation enables cloud-based remote control of irrigation system pumps through the Lumo Ops Center. It integrates seamlessly with Smart Valve schedules, providing full end-to-end automation for supported electric pumps.


What It Does

  • Enables remote control of pumps with selector switches and/or push buttons

  • Automatically operates pumps based on block-level irrigation schedules

  • Provides visibility into pump status and system health


How to Schedule Irrigations with Pump Automation

  1. Create a scheduled irrigation event and check the box to enable Pump Automation.

  2. Verify that the newly created schedule includes automatic pump control. The pump icon indicates that the scheduled irrigation is pump controlled.

  3. Valves open as scheduled.

  4. Once the system confirms valves are open, the pump turns ON.

  5. The irrigation runs to completion.

  6. At the end of the scheduled irrigation event, the pump turns OFF.

  7. The system validates that the pump has actually turned off by checking for a decrease in pressure at each valve.

This sequence ensures the pump only runs when valves are ready, and irrigation always ends safely.


Reviewing Irrigation Data

When reviewing irrigation data in Activity, previous or in progress irrigations executed with pump automation are denoted by the pump icon on the right-hand side.


Safety and Reliability

  • No Flow Detected: If water isn’t flowing within a set time, the irrigation stops and the pump shuts off.

  • Over-Pressure Protection: If pressure rises above a safe threshold, the irrigation stops and the pump shuts off to prevent damage.

These protections safeguard your infrastructure and ensure reliable operation.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Pump Automation with a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)?

Yes. Many growers prefer automation with a VFD. While VFDs are efficient, they can’t always tell the difference between a normal pressure change and a pipe break. With Lumo automation, pumps only run when irrigation is scheduled, reducing risk.

How many pumps can I automate?

Currently, Lumo supports one electric pump per farm site.

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