Nine Ways to Improve Efficiency of Agricultural Water Pumps
Today, agricultural water pumps are commonly used to irrigate crops, either for agricultural purposes or for providing fresh water to livestock. Unfortunately, agricultural water pumps are major contributors to energy inefficiency, wasting up to 20 percent of the energy that they consume. Fortunately, however, there are steps that can be taken in order to increase the efficiency of agricultural water pumps, resulting in savings for farmers and a more efficient use of energy.
1. Start With the Basics: Make sure that holes in spray nozzles are of uniform size and that they spray with the same pressure as they move along the field. This basic step is simple to implement and may provide dramatic results.
2. Monitor Pressure: Pressure should be kept at the recommended levels, as too much pressure can create wasteful usage.
3. Choose the Right Pump: For maximum efficiency, its important to select the right kind of pump for the job at hand. Different pumps are available depending on the type of crops and terrain.
4. Tune Up the engine: Engine-driven pumps should be tuned and checked up to verify it is running at the most efficient operating temperature.
5. Install a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD): A VFD, which regulates the speed at which the pump operates, can be installed on most pumps to significantly increase efficiency.
6. Insulate Pipes: Hot water loses much of its heat when traveling through pipes, and insulating pipes can help keep that heat from dissipating and improving efficiency.
7. Choose Leak-Proof Valves and Fittings: Leaks and the loss of pressure can cause major efficiency losses for agricultural pumps. Choosing valves and fittings that resist leaking can help to minimize these losses.
8. Use Water-Saving Irrigation Systems: Many new irrigation systems combine the effectiveness of traditional systems with water-saving methods such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, or surface irrigation.
9. Use Timers and Automatic Controls: Utilizing timers and automatic controls can make an irrigation system more efficient by ensuring that water is applied only when and where it is needed.
Adopting these nine strategies can significantly improve the efficiency of agricultural water pumps, resulting in energy savings, improved productivity and profitability, and a healthier environment. While some strategies such as installing a VFD or insulating pipes require a more significant upfront investment, the long-term savings are well worth it for any agricultural operation.
