Model for optimal real-time computer control of pumping stations in irrigation systems

A model for computerized optimal real-time control of pumping stations in irrigation systems is proposed. This model minimizes energy consumption of the system searching through the possible operating points of the irrigation network and the pumping station (with several possible combinations of pump arrangements) until the optimal operating point is achieved. Discharges and pressure heads required at the irrigation control heads for the individual irrigation plots comprise the constraints of the model. The optimization procedure is carried out by a microcomputer attached to a commercial electronic controller. The performance of the suggested optimal control algorithm is demonstrated for a large irrigation system with 135 pipe sections, 115 irrigation control heads, and a pumping station of five pumping units. Theoretical analysis reveals approximately 10% savings in pumping cost, comparing the proposed method with conventional computer controller that is in use today.