Efficiency and Energy Consumption in Sprinkler Irrigation Pumping Plants in Some Fields in Hamadan Province

Pressurized irrigation is a recent development that consumes more energy for the pressure produced. In this study, energy consumption, waste and efficiency were investigated at a diesel and electrical sprinkler irrigation pumping plant in some fields in Hamadan province during 2007-8. Nebraska performance criteria (NPC) were used to compare sprinkler irrigation pumping plant performance. The results showed that theaverage overall energy efficiency for 17 fields for the electrical pumping plants was 46.6% (70.6% NPC) and 12.7% for the diesel pumping plants (52.9% NPC). Average fuel wastage for the diesel and electrical pumping plants was 3.9 l diesel per h and 12.1 kWh, respectively. The average electromotor and pump efficiency were 92.4% and 42.2%, respectively, at the sprinkler irrigation pumping plant that did not connect directly to a well. Only the average electromotor efficiency was greater than the NPC. Factors affecting the overall energy efficiency reduction were improper pump or motor size, a worn-out pump or motor, and incorrect installation of a pump or motor.