Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks

Abstract

Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the irrigation districts, such as in the Rio Grande Basin in Texas. Water distribution network models are needed to help prioritize and analyze various rehabilitation options, as well as to scientifically quantify irrigation water demands, usages, and losses, and to help manage gate automation. However, commercially available software packages were limited in applications due to their high cost and operational difficulty. This study aims to develop a modeling tool for modeling the water flow profile in irrigation distribution networks. The goal of developing the modeling tool was to make the modeling process simple, fast, reliable and accurate. On the basis of methodological study, the modeling tool has been developed for branching canal networks with the assumption of steady gradually varied flow. The flow profile calculation of the tool was verified from a single channel with 1% root mean squared error compared to the benchmark calculation and a branching network with 5% to 12% relative errors
compared to check point measurement along the network. The developed modeling tool will be able to play an important role in water quantification for planning, analysis and development for modernization of irrigation systems.
Keywords: irrigation distribution network, modeling tool, flow profiling
DOI: 10.3965/j.issn.1934-6344.2009.03.017-026

Citation: Yanbo Huang, Guy Fipps. Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks.Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2009; 2(3): 17