Development of an innovative device for energy recovery in irrigation systems

Development of an innovative device for energy recovery in irrigation systems

The demand for water in irrigation is expected to rise in the near future, and this increase will be significantly influenced by climate change, particularly in semi-arid regions. The combination of higher water demand and reduced water availability can substantially amplify the frequency and severity of pressure deficits in pressurized irrigation networks, leading to adverse effects on crop growth and production. To address these challenges, my research is focused on developing an innovative smart valve to enhance the management of pressurized irrigation systems. The proposed device aims to utilize the flow's energy for operation, enabling remote command functionality, and implementing real-time data-based management logics. This will create a stand-alone real-time monitoring and control network. By employing specific management logics made possible by the smart valve, we can effectively mitigate pressure deficits and reduce the occurrence of network failures. Moreover, by implementing simple management rules, we can potentially eliminate the occurrence of hydrant failures, facilitating a more efficient utilization of available resources.

Improve water network efficiency and reduce their power print

Numerical and experimental