Using inverters to control flow of pumping systems by means of changes in speed may be more viable if the cost of sensors is minimized. This work investigates through multivariate analysis an adequate variable for the pseudo control of the flow of an irrigation system that saves the use of sensors and simplifies the control system. A bench test to collect data was mounted in the laboratory and the data were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The hierarchical cluster analysis using the Ward method based on the squared Euclidean distance showed a group composed of four variables, being present in that group flow, turns on the register, water level of the Parshall weir and electric current, indicating that the electric current can be used for pseudo control because the inverter measures this variable. The factor analysis also indicated a strong correlation between the electric current and the system flow. In the first Principal Component, the pressure showed the highest correlation with the flow, although the use of this variable for automated control requires the use of sensors.
precision agriculture; instrumentation; sensors
