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Most agricultural producers are using older diesel power units and old wells where upgrading to newer wells and diesel or electric motors need to be technically and economically evaluated. As the price of gasoline and diesel fuel rises, the cost of irrigating crops in Arkansas dramatically increases.
Irrigators need a mechanism by which to evaluate the state of their pumping systems. With the current high diesel cost, this information is crucial in determining the profitability of switching to an electric motor or rebuilding existing diesel power plants. Additionally, producers need such analyses when applying for federal grant funds from the Resource Conservation & Development Councils (RC&D) or Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist them with electrical infrastructure or well replacements, respectively.
A pumping system’s efficiency is calculated by comparing the amount of fuel used with the amount of water pumped. This efficiency will change due to the depth of water being pulled from a well, the condition of an engine and the rate at which the motor is turning. The calculated performance is then compared with the performance of the motor under perfect, laboratory standards. Typically, electric pumping systems will have a 75-85% overall efficiency, and diesel-powered pumps will have between 18-35% efficiency, depending on the age and care of the engine.
To calculate a system’s pumping efficiency, several pieces of information are needed. If this information is not able to be collected, assumptions can be made to estimate the efficiency. However, great care needs to be taken to make appropriate assumptions to prevent a gross over- or underestimation of the system’s performance.
Irrigating Smart conserves water, saves money and reduces energy. The Irrigation Pumping Plant Efficiency Series was developed by the LSU AgCenter, Texas A&M University, University of Arkansas System's Division of Agriculture and New Mexico State University.
A brief explanation of the origin of the horsepower unit and how it relates to the power ratings of modern irrigation pumps – along with information about water horsepower, pump horsepower and pump efficiency.
Blair Stringam, Extension Plant Sciences, New Mexico State University
Understanding Water Horsepower 3241-A
A variable frequency drive, known as a VFD, is an electronic drive system used to control electric motors. Its purpose is varying motor speed by controlling input frequency and voltage.
Christopher G. Henry, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of ArkansasBlair Stringam, Extension Plant Sciences, New Mexico State University
Variable Frequency Drives 3241-B
A brief explanation of Electrical Motor Soft Starters.
Blair Stringam, Department of Extension Plant Sciences, New Mexico State University
Soft Starters for Electric Motors 3241-C
Nicholas Kenny, Extension Irrigation Specialist, Texas A&M University
Determining the Cost of Electricity of a Natural Gas Generator 3241-D
Measuring Natural Gas at an Irrigation Pumping Plant 3241-
Basics of On-site Pumping Plant Evaluations 3241-F
Diesel and Natural Gas Dual Fuel 3241-G
David Bankston, Food Sciences, LSU AgCenter
Pump Curves 3241-H
How to Read Electrical Meters 3241-I
Pump Efficiency 3241-J
Christopher G. Henry, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of ArkansasJoseph H. Massey, Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State UniversityHorace C. Pringle, Irrigation Research Engineer, Mississippi State UniversityL. Jason Krutz, Extension Irrigation Specialist, Mississippi State UniversityBlair Stringam, Extension Plant Sciences, New Mexico State University
Tips for Conserving Irrigation Water in the Southern Region 3241-K
Ron E. Sheffield, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, LSU AgCenterChristopher G. Henry, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of ArkansasDavid Bankston, Food Sciences, LSU AgCenterWilliam A. Hadden, Extension Specialist (retired), LSU AgCenter
Measuring Irrigation Flow 3241-L
Christopher G. Henry, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of ArkansasRon E. Sheffield, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, LSU AgCenterNicholas Kenny, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University
Irrigation Pumping Plant Safety 3241-M