Exploring energy saving scenarios for on-demand pressurised irrigation networks

On-demand pressurised irrigation networks are analysed from the point of view of energy requirements. The Fuente Palmera Irrigation District, Southern Spain, was analysed and simulated using four alternative management scenarios for several levels of water demand using a model based on the hydraulic simulator EPANET. Results showed that substantial reductions in the power requirements at the pumping station along with energy saving of up to 27% could be achieved by adopting techniques such as pressure dynamic regulation and sectoring. In order to optimise energy consumption in these types of networks, a semi-arranged demand model, where hydrants are enabled to irrigate in homogeneous groups according to their hydraulic characteristics, is proposed.