Decision Support for a Centre Pivot Irrigation System Based on Numerical Modelling

Abstract

We focus on the operation of a real centre pivot irrigation system. The system encountered problems in 2016 and did not operate for several weeks due to the low level of the Danube (its water source). In that period, water level in the Danube went below the most probable minimal level during summer, with a return period of 30 years. With a natural desire to solve the problem, the owner of the system added a new pump near the water intake. This new, double-entry vertical axis pump, coupled in series with the existing pumping station situated further downstream, added roughly 1 bar to the pressure in the system. Things went well till the end of summer 2017 when, due to a pressure surge in the pumping station (most likely at shutoff head), one of the anti- vibration joints detached suddenly from the discharge pipe, and the pumping station was entirely flooded. The performed analysis helped understand the reasons of the accident and provided solutions (including pumping operating rules and schedule for pivots that can be operated simultaneously) that will hopefully avoid reoccurrences in the future, without affecting the day to day operation of the system.

Speed factors computed for pumping schedules in Water Distribution Networks: DDA versus PDA formulations

“…Among the above listed specialised software, only EPANET lacks the PDA formulation, but it incorporates emitters, which allow modelling pressure-dependent outflows at the consumers [11].…”