Characterization of Pumps for Irrigation in Central California: Potential Energy Savings
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 9
Abstract
Many pumps are used for irrigation in central California, but a great number of them are operating inefficiently. In this paper, the information recovered from over 15,000 electric irrigation pump tests in central California is analyzed. The objectives of this study are to define the common characteristics attributed to pumps with best and worst performance and to identify the possible target groups that might benefit from improvements, obtaining potential energy savings. The results showed that pumps with lower reported total dynamic head (TDH) and flow rate () usually have poorer overall pumping plant efficiency (OPPE) values, but high flow rates and input power are typically associated with better OPPE values. According to this analysis, energy savings of more than could be achieved for well pumps, with a per-pump average of . For non-well pumps, the total potential savings are and the average per pump is .
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Acknowledgements
The development of this paper has been possible thanks to the Spanish National program of Human Research Resources Relocation (Jose Castillejo grant, Plan Nacional de I-D+I 2008-2011) and the California Energy Commission PIER program (CEC-500-06-040). This paper does not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsoring organizations.
References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 9 • September 2012
Pages: 815 - 822
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 5, 2011
Accepted: Feb 7, 2012
Published online: Feb 9, 2012
Published in print: Sep 1, 2012
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