Incorporating the Irrigation Demand Simultaneity in the Optimal Operation of Pressurized Networks with Several Water Supply Points

Abstract

Network sectoring is one of the most effective measures to reduce energy consumption in pressurized irrigation networks. In this work, the previous model focused on the irrigation networks sectoring with several supply points (WEBSOM), which considered the simultaneous operation of all hydrants, has been improved by integrating an analysis of multiple random demand patterns and their effects on variability in hydrant pressure (extended WEBSOM). The extended WEBSOM has implied a multiobjective optimization, followed by a Montecarlo procedure to analyze different flow regimes using quality of service indicators, a novelty for multi-source pressurized irrigation networks. This innovation has involved energy savings ranging from 9 to 15 % with respect to the consideration of the concurrent operation of all hydrants, which rarely occurs in on-farm irrigation systems. These energy savings were associated with maximum values of pressure deficit of 21 and 34 % in the most critical hydrant with a deficit frequency of 27 and 36 % in the peak month. However, smaller and less frequent deficits were achieved in the rest of the months. Thus, substantial energy savings can be obtained in irrigation districts without significant losses in the service quality provided to farmers.