The Actuation Layer defines all AOFS-compliant devices that perform actions on the farm. This includes irrigation pumps, valves, gates, and optionally generator start/stop controls. All actuators must comply with AOFS safety, logging, and operational rules, even if the system operates offline.

• Pumps
  • Controls water delivery from sources to storage tanks or irrigation manifolds.
  • Must support:
    • Start/stop commands from Field Controller.
    • Safety interlocks (tank FULL/LOW, low voltage, pressure limits).
    • Optional energy-aware operation: integrate with Power & Energy Sensors to adjust schedule or warn operators.

• Valves
• Operate irrigation zones, distribution manifolds, or auxiliary water lines.
• Must support:
  • Open/close commands from Field Controller.
  • Flow or pressure monitoring feedback from Water Monitoring Sensors.
  • Fail-safe closure in case of errors, power loss, or critical alarms.

• Optional Generator Start / Stop
• See Optional Generator Integration.
• Can be automatic (remote start) or manual (operator alert).
• Must respect safety interlocks and event prioritization.

• Local Authority:
  • All critical actuation commands are decided by the Field Controller.
  • No remote system may bypass fail-safes or directly actuate pumps/valves.

• Fail-Safe Operation:
  • Hardware and software protections prevent flooding, over-irrigation, pump damage, or valve misoperation.
  • Actuators must respond to LOW/FULL tank switches, flow/pressure limits, and emergency stop signals.

• Energy-Aware Operation (Optional):
  • Actuators may integrate with Energy-Aware Operation Module.
  • Event execution can be:
    • Delayed or skipped if insufficient energy is available.
    • Prioritized based on urgency or operator-defined importance.
  • System may alert operators if an actuator is consuming more power than expected, indicating possible maintenance needs (e.g., clogged pipe).

• Event-Based Operation:
  • Pumps and valves operate according to scheduled irrigation events defined in the Field Controller.
  • Can be triggered manually by operators or via automation rules.

• Integration with Sensors:
  • Actuators rely on Sensors & Environmental Monitoring for safe and efficient operation:
    • Soil moisture thresholds
    • Tank levels
    • Pressure and flow rates
    • Optional power measurements

• Manual Override:
  • Operators can manually actuate pumps or valves, respecting hardware safety interlocks.
  • Manual events are logged and visible to Farm/HQ controllers.

• All actuator events must be logged locally on the Field Controller:
  • Event type (pump start/stop, valve open/close, generator start/stop)
  • Timestamp
  • Operator ID (if manual)
  • Sensor readings at the time of actuation (flow, pressure, battery, energy)

• Logs are synchronized with Farm and HQ Controllers when connectivity is available.
• Supports analytics, energy assessment, and audit for compliance purposes.

• AOFS modules may define additional actuator types:
  • Greenhouse vents, fans, heaters, nutrient dosing pumps
  • Livestock feeders, water dispensers
  • Poultry egg collection or environmental actuators

• Any custom actuator must:
  • Integrate with Field Controller fail-safes.
  • Support logging and optional energy-aware prioritization.
  • Follow AOFS modular interface rules.

• Sensors & Environmental Monitoring
• Electrical & Power Control Interfaces
• Operational Logic & Decision Hierarchy
• Hydraulic & Water Systems
• Optional Generator Integration