Five Ways Technology Is Impacting Agricultural Systems

摘要

With a growing focus on maximizing energy savings while improving pump performance, advancements in motor technology and controls are transforming the agricultural market and resulting in the smarter, more efficient delivery of water. While hydronic systems have a long history of automation in commercial environments, the big change lately has been the adoption of energy-efficient technology and smart devices for irrigation systems. One proven method to significantly increase energy savings in agricultural pumping operations is the use of variable frequency drives. VFDs are electronic devices that vary the pump speed to enable the performance to be adjusted to better match the operating conditions of the irrigation well. When used in agricultural settings, VFDs offer many benefits, including: 1.1 Reduced energy consumption By controlling the speed of the electric motor, farmers can control the speed of the pump motor to deliver only what their operation needs to function at optimal efficiency. Preventing over-pumping and over-pressurizing of irrigation systems can dramatically boost energy savings. VFDs also conserve electricity by allowing for slow or soft starts, resulting in lower electric costs. Often applied to existing systems to increase overall system effectiveness, VFDs help pumps work more efficiently, thereby extending their product life and reducing energy consumption.