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Efficiency-driven pumping station regulation in on-demand irrigation systems

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Abstract

The objective of this work was to identify a new efficiency-driven pumping station regulation aiming at maximum energy savings in on-demand irrigation systems. This objective can be achieved by matching the discharge and the pressure head required by the network (characteristic curve of the network) during an entire irrigation season by regulating the operation of the pumping station on the basis of operating the pumps at maximum efficiency. The characteristic curve of the network can be obtained by using an appropriate stochastic generation and hydraulic model. Additional performance analyses were also carried out using the AKLA model in order to better characterize the hydraulic behavior of the irrigation systems under study. The characteristic curves of the centrifugal pumps were adapted to the network curve by equipping the pumping station with variable-speed devices. Several types of regulation based on variable-speed techniques were identified and analyzed. The energy consumption for each regulation technique was quantified for two on-demand irrigation districts in Southern Italy, managed by the Water Users Organization “Consortium of Capitanata”. It was demonstrated that, in comparison with the current pumping station regulation, maximum energy savings may be achieved when pump regulation is carried out with variable-speed devices to maintain the pumps at maximum efficiency.

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Notes

  1. In the present work, the network refers to the branching system of pressurized pipes which deliver water to hydrants in the irrigated areas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Land and Water Resources Management Department, CIHEAM-IAMB, Via Ceglie n. 9, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy

    Nicola Lamaddalena

  2. Higher Agronomic Institute of Chott Mariem, BP 47, 4042, Chott Mariem, Sousse, Tunisia

    Sami Khila

Authors
  1. Nicola Lamaddalena
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  2. Sami Khila
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Correspondence to Nicola Lamaddalena.

Additional information

Communicated by J. Kijne.

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Lamaddalena, N., Khila, S. Efficiency-driven pumping station regulation in on-demand irrigation systems. Irrig Sci 31, 395–410 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-011-0314-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00271-011-0314-0

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