Modernised irrigation control system
First Quarter 2020
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
As a preferred supplier to the agricultural industry due to proven reliability and performance, Varispeed designs, manufactures and distributes constant pressure solutions. With a good knowledge of the industry, it has insight into the system challenges and their unique requirements.
Agricultural irrigation systems require precise pressure control in the distribution of water systems to ensure constant pressure; this constant pressure also ensures energy savings. Varispeed’s irrigation solutions are specifically designed to protect electrical motors, pumps and piping systems from damage, overloads or pressure surges, all whilst keeping the need for constant pressure, system reliability and energy efficiency top-of-mind.
How it works
Three 55 kW 400 VAC dual VSD modernised pressure control panels are used to control six pumps that pump water from the river into two holding dams. The system on the first dam distributes water onwards via eight single VSD panels which in turn control eight pumps, pumping the water out to irrigation blocks at 6-13 bar water pressure, user selectable based on the farmers’ requirements.
Pumping water from the second dam are eight Dual 55 kW 400 VAC VSD panels that control 16 pumps. The system distributes water into irrigation blocks at 5-16 bar. This configuration is made up of eight sets of two pumps in series that incorporate Varispeed’s simple and reliable suction and pressure control software solution, embedded directly into the VSDs thus eliminating the need for costly additional controllers.
Modernised software for a modern problem
Varispeed was approached to provide a reliable irrigation pumping scheme that supplies constant water pressure to grow table grapes. Based on this brief, it was able to produce a system that exceeded all the reliability and performance expectations.
The company designed a modernised control panel to replace the antiquated individual dial setting type systems, in favour of a more precise, user-friendly settable pressure system. The modernised system has improved the efficiency of the irrigation solution and the manner in which they can be controlled.
“Our team was able to offer the customer a complete engineered solution that exceeded the performance and reliability requirements they required,” concluded Varispeed managing director, Ralph Real.
Further reading:
Axial piston pump series for next-gen hydraulic applications
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Moog has launched its new AXP Axial Piston Pump Series, a next-generation hydraulic solution engineered to deliver optimal performance, reliability and cost efficiency for industrial applications.
Read more...
Strain wave gearheads for precision and compact design
DNH Technologies
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Strain wave gearheads from maxon are a specialised type of gearhead where precision and compact design are crucial.
Read more...
World’s hottest engine
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Scientists have built the world’s smallest engine. It’s also the world’s hottest. It could provide an unparalleled understanding of the laws of thermodynamics on a small scale, and provide the foundation for a new, efficient way to compute how proteins fold.
Read more...
Next-gen planetary gearboxes
SEW-EURODRIVE
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Leading the way in planetary gear unit innovation, SEW-EURODRIVE is extending its reach across a growing range of industries, delivering the advantages of this powerful technology through locally engineered solutions that ensure faster lead times.
Read more...
Just-in-time approach for component delivery on green power plant
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Space is often the primary consideration when undertaking construction work at power plants. Modular construction techniques, along with the precise coordination and delivery of components to site, are the most effective methods to ensure power plant projects proceed smoothly.
Read more...
Beckhoff’s XPlanar boosts productivity in medical device assembly
Beckhoff Automation
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The intelligent transport system, XPlanar from Beckhoff provided the basis for an innovative system concept allowing the specialists at Automation NTH to reduce the space requirement of an assembly machine for medical diagnostic devices by a factor of 10.
Read more...
Smart features increase crane safety
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The newly launched Konecranes S series hoist offers a large bouquet of smart features which not only increase lifting device safety but also deliver a higher level of operator protection.
Read more...
Redefining industrial lifting
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
The Konecranes S-series hoist redefines industrial lifting through its integration of a ground-breaking synthetic rope with smart features, a lifting capacity of 20 tons, and the ability to adapt to diverse girder configurations.
Read more...
Seven years of uninterrupted service
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
A set of hydraulically operated Corflex pinch valves, installed in 2018 at a major North African gold mine, has delivered in one of the continent’s most demanding slurry-handling applications.
Read more...
New generation soft starter ranges
Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Schneider Electric has launched its new generation Altivar ATS430 and ATS490 soft starter ranges in Anglophone Africa, the latest innovations in motor control technology.
Read more...
printer friendly version