Abstract

MARCUZZO, Francisco F. N.  and  WENDLAND, Edson. Pressure distribution in a low-pressure optimized irrigation network using genetic algorithms. Eng. Agríc. [online]. 2011, vol.31, n.3, pp. 497-505. ISSN 0100-6916.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0100-69162011000300010.

Computational mathematical models for optimization of irrigation networks, under continuous outflow, able to supply with hydraulic data, are important for the verification of the hydraulic behavior of the system with reference to the distribution of the hydraulic charge (energy) and pressure in the network pipes. This paper had as objective to study the distribution of the effective and hydraulic charge of the operational unit in a network of low-pressure irrigation optimized for genetic algorithms. The decision variables for optimization, using genetic algorithms, were the diameters of each stretch of the network: two for lateral lines, four for derivation lines, four for secondary lines and one for main line. A code in MatLab was developed, considering all the energy losses distribution and localized at the pipe junctions between the beginning of the network and the pump set. The analysis of sensitivity were carried through the variation in the declivity of the ground (0; 2.5 and 5%). The results show that, for the pipes with continuous outflow, when the declivity of the land is increased, a profit of energy in the beginning of the pipe occurs, and losses in a gradual way and a pressure reduction in the beginning of the pipe, that increases gradually.

Keywords : pipes under pressure; hydraulic charge; microsprinkler irrigation; mathematical optimization.