Adaptation of pressurized irrigation networks to new strategies ofirrigation management: Energy implications of low discharge andpulsed irrigation

Abstract

This paper analyzes the consequences of adopting new on-farm irrigation management strategies (lowdischarge rates, long irrigation times and high frequencies) in an existing on-demand and sectorizedpressurized irrigation system in eastern Spain. The sectorized behavior of the network was analyzedusing two criteria: (i) the operating sectors obtained in a first stage by arranging the hydrants dependingon their altitude respecting the pumping station and (ii) the operating sectors obtained by means ofan optimization process. The Simulated Annealing combinatorial metaheuristic optimization techniquewas employed to find the best solution. Random on-demand patterns were generated using a Montecarlosimulation. The hydraulic requirements of the network were analyzed in every scenario by the Epanet2.0 engine. The effect on energy consumption, power requirements and energy costs was assessed takinginto account the electricity tariff billing structure. It was found that reductions in emitter discharge (qe)and Energy consumption (E)-Energy Cost (EC) savings are not inherently related to each other. Certainamounts of E and EC could be saved when the number of sectors and operating time parameters wereproperly selected. Pulsed irrigation in the current scenario showed an energy saving potential of 10.67,6.43 and 6.99% for power capacity, E and EC, respectively.