PUMPING V. HYDRAULIC MODELS

There are several software packages for the analysis of the design of pressurised hydraulic networks for sports facilities. For example, the USEPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) has developed a powerful software: EPANET.

EPANET is a program that performs simulations over extended periods of time of hydraulic behaviour in pressurised hydraulic networks. It monitors the evolution of flow rates in the pipes, pressures at the nodes, levels in the tanks and even the concentration of the chemical species present in the water. In addition, there is no limit to the size of the network to be processed, it takes into account minor losses in elbows and fittings, allows for fixed or variable speed pumps, determines energy consumption and costs, etc.

These models allow the design and optimisation of the pumping station, through a technical and economic study of the different solutions proposed.

With these softwares we can calculate the setpoint curve at the point where the pumping station is located, i.e. the pressure to be delivered by the pump according to the level of demand. By adapting the pumping system to this setpoint curve, the following will be achieved keeping the pressure on throughout the network within the maximum and minimum values established. With this setpoint curve we will determine the pumping station that best suits our needs.

With these softwares the generation of irrigation systems is not only easier to design. It is also easier to avoid mistakes.

Choosing the right pump will allow us to operate at its optimum, i.e. with good performance. It is advisable to work with pumps in parallel (or variable speed pumps). In this way, as demand changes, a certain number of pumps will start or stop (or change their speed) so that they always operate close to their optimum or, at least, in zones of performance acceptable.