STF: Real-Time Power Usage Data for Smart Irrigation

Farm irrigation is used in 40% of all agriculture production worldwide. All that water requires electricity to pump. When farmers have real-time information about how much power each pump uses, they can identify and eliminate waste. Those savings are crucial to lower production costs and maximize profits. 

Electricity data can also save money by identifying equipment or grid problems before they escalate into extensive downtime. For example, when a pump or other component starts developing voltage fluctuations, it can indicate needing repairs or replacement. This warning enables predictive and preventive maintenance, which avoids problems like broken irrigation equipment during a drought.    

Voltage fluctuations can also indicate problems with the utility service or engine generator powering the irrigation equipment. If voltage spikes 10% or more, it can damage motors and cables. If it drops 10% or more, equipment performance can suffer (e.g., pumping less water than the field needs). These insights alert farmers to problems that otherwise would remain hidden.

How STF Leverages AI and Blockchain for Data Analysis and Security

STF created PowerStat to provide small and large farms with tools to manage and optimize irrigation system electrical usage. The platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to analyze voltage and power and predict equipment failures. 

PowerStat also uses blockchain technology to store energy consumption data. This industry-first capability keeps data secure and tamper-proof, unlike the conventional databases used by other products. This immutability and transparency resolve disputes with utility companies because they can verify usage data and grid quality.  

The Telit Cinterion Advantage for Smart Irrigation Solutions

STF serves over 200 customers, primarily in its home country of Turkey. It’s expanding to places like Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia.  

One major challenge these countries face is that most farms are in rural areas, where cellular coverage can be weak and spotty. That makes collecting data from pumps and other irrigation equipment in remote locations difficult. To overcome that challenge, STF turned to Telit Cinterion. 

“One key differentiator is Telit Cinterion’s reliable modules. They perform well in rural and remote areas where signals can be weak. These modules also offer low power consumption. This is crucial for systems operating in off-grid or limited-power environments like agricultural fields.”  

— Mehmet Günce Akkoyun, Head of Research and Development, STF

STF is using a module compliant with 3GPP Release (Rel) 10 that supports LTE Cat 1. It also provides 2G and 3G fallback for remote areas with weak or no 4G coverage. STF is exploring other modules within the series to enhance its solution’s scalability further.  

With Telit Cinterion ensuring robust connectivity, PowerStat helps farmers like Muzaffer Ceran reduce costs and maximize efficiency and yields. 

“The implementation of PowerStat has revolutionized our energy management in the field.  We’ve reduced energy costs by 20% and minimized downtime. This allows us to focus more on crop yield instead of equipment maintenance. The blockchain integration ensures that our data is secure and immutable, giving us peace of mind.” 

— Muzaffer Ceran, Farmer