Low energy consumption seasonal calendar for sectoring operation in pressurized irrigation networks

Pressurized irrigation networks and organized on-demand are usually constrained by the high amounts of energy required for their operation. In this line, sectoring, where farmers are organized in turns, is one of the most efficient measures to reduce their energy consumption. In this work, a methodo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Irrigation science 2011-03, Vol.29 (2), p.157-169
Main Authors: Carrillo Cobo, M. T, Rodríguez Díaz, J. A, Montesinos, P, López Luque, R, Camacho Poyato, E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agricultural production
Agriculture
Algorithms
Aquatic Pollution
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Climate Change
Energy conservation
Energy consumption
Energy efficiency
Environment
Hydrants
Irrigation
Irrigation districts
Life Sciences
Original Paper
Pumping stations
Sustainable Development
Waste Water Technology
Water Industry/Water Technologies
Water Management
Water Pollution Control
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Summary:Pressurized irrigation networks and organized on-demand are usually constrained by the high amounts of energy required for their operation. In this line, sectoring, where farmers are organized in turns, is one of the most efficient measures to reduce their energy consumption. In this work, a methodology for optimal sectoring is developed. Initially it groups similar hydrants in homogeneous groups according to the distance to the pumping station and their elevation, using cluster analysis techniques and certain dimensionless coordinates. Second, an algorithm based on the EPANET engine is implemented to search for the best monthly sectoring strategy that accomplish supplying the actual irrigation demand under minimum energy consumption conditions. This methodology is applied to two Spanish irrigation districts (Fuente Palmera and El Villar). Results showed that organizing the networks in sectors, annual energy savings of 8 and 5% were achieved for Fuente Palmera and El Villar when the theoretic irrigation needs were considered. However, these savings rose up to 27 and 9%, respectively when the local practices, deficit irrigation, were taken into account. Thus, they confirm that water and energy efficiency cannot be optimized independently and need to be considered together.
ISSN:0342-7188
1432-1319
DOI:10.1007/s00271-010-0228-2