• The AEI SmartBox is a compact control box installed on your farm, often near your pumps. It’s an innovative solution that automates, optimises, and orchestrates your irrigation system to help you manage your water and energy use more efficiently.

  • The AEI SmartBox uses intelligent software to optimise your irrigation system, helping you meet your irrigation needs at the lowest energy cost. It automatically maximises the use of cheaper energy periods, improves pump efficiency, and, if you have a solar system, it can optimise solar energy use as well.

  • You can control the AEI SmartBox via the AEI app. Through the app, you can set your irrigation requirements and schedule. Once your settings are in place, the system will automatically meet your needs in the most cost-effective manner. The system also includes built-in safety features that trigger alarms and shut down the system if anything goes wrong, helping to avoid common issues.

  • Yes, the AEI SmartBox can automatically and intelligently optimise your dam's levels, ensuring it's filled using the cheapest available energy while securing your water supply.

  • The AEI SmartBox is the central control unit. To ensure effective communication, additional components such as AEI RemoteBoxes and transmitters for pressure and level data may be required. These components are included in your system design and pricing/quotes.

  • The AEI SmartBox can manage Centre Pivot, fixed sprinkler irrigation systems, as well as dam and channel management.

  • The SmartBox continuously monitors solar energy generation through communication with your solar inverter. It then uses this data to orchestrate your irrigation equipment, maximising the use of onsite solar power. Through the AEI app, you can even select "solar-only mode" to ensure only renewable energy is used for your irrigation.

  • The AEI SmartBox dynamically controls the pressure at the irrigation equipment (rather than the pump) to ensure optimal pressure levels while minimising energy consumption. Unlike a Variable Speed Drive (VSD), this dynamic control adapts to different combinations of equipment running at any time, offering a more energy-efficient solution.

  • The AEI SmartBox must be installed by a licensed electrician. In Gippsland, AEI’s in-house electrical team will handle the project management, installation, and commissioning of your system.

  • The AEI SmartBox includes a subscription that supports 24/7 system monitoring, communication reliability, and app/system upgrades. Given the constantly evolving energy sector, the subscription allows your system to adapt to changes, ensuring you get the maximum benefits from the system long into the future. It also covers the cost of communications, ensuring reliable data flow between your system components.

  • Currently, the AEI SmartBox is focused solely on optimising irrigation. However, we are developing additional software with cost-saving applications for dairies. These features are currently being trialed and are not yet publicly available.

  • Your energy tariff consists of two charges: off-peak and on-peak. Off-peak is much cheaper than on-peak. The AEI SmartBox aims to minimise on-peak charges by scheduling irrigation during off-peak hours whenever possible. This intelligent scheduling saves you from costly mistakes that can happen when trying to manage it manually and also prevents those late-night and early-morning trips when managing manually.

  • The AEI SmartBox can control up to 6 irrigation applications per NMI (meter connection). If you need to control equipment across multiple NMIs, you’ll need multiple SmartBoxes.

  • The AEI SmartBox typically delivers a 15-35% reduction in irrigation energy costs by optimising your system's energy use—no solar required. However, if you integrate solar into your setup, the SmartBox enhances these savings further by working seamlessly with your solar system to maximise its efficiency and benefits, offering a powerful combination of cost and energy savings.

  • The SmartBox can typically save you between 5-15 labour hours per week, depending on the age and manual nature of your existing irrigation equipment and control systems, and whether dam level control is involved.

  • The AEI SmartBox can achieve up to 95% utilisation of solar energy on irrigation days. This improved utilisation speeds up the return on investment for your solar system while reducing the amount of solar energy sent back to the grid, helping with network stability.

  • The AEI SmartBox is designed with the future in mind. It has the potential to provide access to future mechanisms that could offer revenue opportunities and financial benefits, such as assisting the grid and local networks with services like grid support and demand response. It also has the capability to operate a controlled microgrid across your farming entities' collective NMIs, which can achieve even greater savings once this mechanism is approved and allowed by the network provider in your area.

  • Yes, the AEI SmartBox subscription includes access to comprehensive technical support. After installation, you won't be left on your own – we're here for you. Whether you need assistance with system performance, troubleshooting, or any technical queries, our dedicated support team is just a call or message away.