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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Jonesboro, Arkansas » Delta Water Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #307486
Title: Can variable frequency drives reduce irrigation costs for rice producers?

Author
item HENRY, CHRISTOPHER - University Of Arkansas
item MCDOUGALL, W. MERITT - University Of Arkansas
item ALLEN, CODY - Icf International
item STRINGHAM, B - New Mexico State University
item Reba, Michele
item CARMAN, DENNIS - White River Irrigation District

Submitted to: Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE)
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/13/2014
Publication Date: 7/16/2014
Citation: Henry, C.G., Mcdougall, W., Allen, C., Stringham, B., Reba, M.L., Carman, D. 2014. Can variable frequency drives reduce irrigation costs for rice producers?. Proceedings of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers International (ASABE). Paper No. 141928170 pp. 1-9.

Interpretive Summary: Variable Frequency Drives (VFD's) allow for variable speed operation of electrical motor drive irrigation pumps and are an emerging technology for agricultural irrigation, primarily for pressurized irrigation systems. They are considered an energy savings device, but less is known about their applicability and conservation applicability in surface irrigation systems. Pumping plant performance tests were conducted on several newly installed VFD's on irrigation pumps used for rice-soybean rotations in Arkansas. Data from this testing will be used to develop recommendations for utility energy conservation programs.

Technical Abstract: Variable Frequency Drives (VFD's) allow for variable speed operation of electrical motor drive irrigation pumps and are an emerging technology for agricultural irrigation, primarily for pressurized irrigation systems. They are considered an energy savings device, but less is known about their applicability and conservation applicability in surface irrigation systems. Pumping plant performance tests were conducted on several newly installed VFD's on irrigation pumps used for rice-soybean rotations in Arkansas. Data from this testing will be used to develop recommendations for utility energy conservation programs. Newly installed VFD’s on existing and new irrigation pumping plants were tested at 4-5 operational speeds and total dynamic head, flow energy use and power quality parameters were measured for 10 pumps in Arkansas. Cost of water and relative efficiency compared to the Nebraska pump standards were compared. In general, as pump speed was reduced, the cost of water was less. However in some cases at the lowest speed setting (around 1200 rpm) this trend reversed on some pumps. Relative efficiency ranged from 40% to 81% of the NPPPC standard, indicating a large degree of opportunity for improving overall pump and motor efficiency. VFD’s can be an energy savings device and have real potential to reduce irrigation energy costs. However, it appears that the cost savings from a VFD can be overshadowed or reversed by improper motor sizing, improper pump selection, and deferred maintenance.