OPTIMAL DESIGN OF A PUMPED IRRIGATION SYSTEM OPERATING IN SHIFTS

The optimization of pumping systems is important because it improves energy efficiency, increases production, reduces operating and maintenance costs, and contributes to sustainability. To address this challenge, it is essential to effectively manage irrigation systems. In this research, an optimization algorithm was used to minimize the economic cost of irrigation system design. The implemented methodology includes the following steps: determining the fictitious continuous flow rate (qfc) and the number of shifts, functionally designing the irrigation network with pumping operations in shifts, and finally designing the network using Linear Programming (LP). Inputs to the model include network topology, set point pressures, design speed ranges, and pump characteristic curve. The model output provides the diameters of the irrigation system lines. In consequence, this methodology was applied in the irrigation system of the community of San Pedro de la Bendita in the province of Loja. The study demonstrates a significant cost reduction in the hydraulic design of the irrigation network when operating in shifts using LP compared to the cost of a conventional hydraulic design.