Characterization of Pumps for Irrigation in Central California: Potential Energy Savings

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 (Q) 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 100; 000 MWh/year could be achieved for well pumps, with a per-pump average of 50 MWh/year. For non-well pumps, the total potential savings are 16; 500 MWh/year; and the average per pump is 34 MWh/year. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0000463. (C) 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.