EK’s Weather & Droplet Control

Evaporation King now offers Weather and Droplet Control (WDC) using live weather data. The PLC/HMI interface gives the operator site-specific automatic controls of the Gladiator accelerated evaporation atomizer speeds. The WDC uses wind speed, wind direction, humidity, and temperature to control any possible drift under varying weather conditions (Figure 1). The WDC offers remote access and remote operation with an optional live video feed depending on available mobile services or WiFi. The WDC is standard on the Gladiator PLUS and is an optional upgrade with the Gladiator 40/80.

Figure 1: WDC Weather Interface

The setpoint interface (Figure 2) offers 12 wind speed settings ranging from 0 to 50 MPH. All the operator needs to input is the speed of the EK atomizer for the specific wind speed range, and the system automatically engages once the wind hits the speed range. The EK atomizer speeds change using a Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) with outputs between 60 RPMs to 15,000 RPMs. The WDC has 4 additional weather-related setpoints that allow for the complete shutdown of the system. Water throughput is captured during VFD runtime.

Figure 2: WDC Setpoints Interface

When configuring the wind direction setpoints, you use the compass on the Weather Interface and determine the arc using a 360 directional system for inputs. For example, in Figure 3, If the wind is blowing out of the North and East or between 0 Degrees and 60 Degrees, the input in the Start point is 0, and the Arc Length is 60 Degrees. Next, you input the wind speed and atomizer speed. Once all the parameters are finalized, and the local weather matches the setpoints, the atomizer speed of 80 HZ is engaged. You have two wind directional arcs available since the wind changes direction throughout the day.

Figure 3: WDC Wind Direction Setpoints Example

The WDC also shows live operating conditions of the VFD, voltage and amps, water pump, and any VFD fault codes (Figure 4) that may arise during operation. The WDC (if equipped with proper IoT) can notify via email any system faults (Figure 5) as they happen, keeping the operator informed. No need to babysit the equipment. The WDC operates in AUTO or MANUAL Mode.

Figure 4: WDC Control Interface

Figure 5: Alarm Interface

The below video is from a recent project in the Midwest that shows how the droplet size manipulation looks at two different atomizer speeds explicitly used to control drift in a small area. The WDC allows full automation of droplet sizing for a multitude of applications.

The WDC Interface arrives from over 11 years of pioneering enhanced evaporation equipment around the world. EK prides itself by offering industry-leading technology. If you have any current or future accelerated evaporation or water-related projects, please use the Contact button below and an EK expert will reach out immediately.