Agriculture Irrigation 

Agriculture Irrigation systems are changing quickly in response to technology.  The utilization of the Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) for irrigation and agriculture applications is just one example.

Without a VFD:

Often times pumping systems used to irrigate farms are oversized and over-designed in order to account for outlying conditions or uncertainties. Because these systems are oversized, the pumps are not optimized. This has been a major problem in the irrigation and farming industry—because it means less profitability for farms and farmers because of the high cost to pump water.

With a VFD:

Inefficiency with an oversized pumping system is not an issue when the pump is operated with a VFD. VFD’s are able to control the flow and pressure of the pump making the overall size of the pumping system no longer a concern. Controlling the pressure and flow of the pump during operation gives the ability to run the pump at maximum efficiency levels for increased energy savings. VFD use also eliminated the need for other often less effective means of controlling the pump speed such as control or throttling valves, bypass lines, or even multiple pumps.

VFD’s can provide additional benefits on irrigation systems aside from the energy savings, one of which is reducing water hammer.

Additional VFD Benefits Include:

• Reduced wear on pumps and motors
• Replaces the need for pump control valves
• Advanced control with the use of instrumentation
• Remote start abilities and diagnostics