Utilization of a variable frequency drive in irrigation systems to control discharge

摘要

This work aimed to evaluate the use of a variable frequency drive of 25 HP in irrigation systems to manage different water demands. The evaluation was done analyzing annual costs and benefits. The cost was calculated using interest rates of 6 and 12% and capital return periods of 5 and 15 years. The benefit was the energy saving by use of the variable frequency drive in relation to usual procedures to control discharge. The economic and irrigation management parameters were compared in order to evaluate several design situations. As an example, two situations of discharge control were compared with the use of a variable frequency drive in an irrigation project, suggesting forms for evaluation of the equipment under irrigated conditions. With the help of variable frequency drive, hydraulic characteristics and discharge for a pump of 25 HP, under several frequencies, were determined. It was demonstrated that the equipment can be used in irrigation systems, although it needs to be evaluated for the power reduction due to its use and working so as to analyze the best form of repayment of investment cost.