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Automating Agricultural Irrigation: A Case Study

jacwilliams31

Introduction


Irrigating agricultural land is crucial, especially with today's climate challenges. Effective irrigation ensures a good harvest and significantly reduces crop losses due to drought. In this post, we explore how NIVELCO's innovative automation solutions transformed irrigation for the B. H. V. Agricultural Cooperative in Hungary.


Project Overview


Located in Hungary's southwestern region, the B. H. V. Agricultural Cooperative uses water from the nearby Drava River for irrigation. This system required the construction of two key facilities: a water extraction well on the riverbank and an irrigation reservoir.


System Components and Functionality


Water Extraction and Reservoir: The system draws water from the Drava River using two submersible pumps on a floating pier. This water is then transported through a pipeline network to an irrigation reservoir near the fields. The reservoir tempers the cold river water and acts as a buffer, making the irrigation process independent of extraction times.


Monitoring and Control: The irrigation reservoir and waterworks are 800 meters apart, with the cooperative's office 2 kilometers away. Without permanent staff at these sites, an automated system was essential to handle various operational challenges:


  • Controlling and displaying lake water levels

  • Monitoring floating pier breakouts

  • Detecting flexible connection pipe failures

  • Preventing unauthorized entry

  • Monitoring reservoir overflow

  • Providing remote monitoring and intervention

  • Tracking pump operational status and runtime

  • System logging

  • Implementation Details


NIVELCO installed a comprehensive suite of instruments and tools, including the NIVISION process visualization system. Key components include:


Control Cabinets: Installed at both sites, these cabinets house NIMET BLZ–162–4 proximity switches to monitor openings and send alarm signals.

Hydrostatic Level Transmitter: The NIVOPRESS NZK transmitter continuously monitors pressure to detect flexible pump hose ruptures.

Industrial Computer: Connected to the internet via a GSM router, it enables remote monitoring and control through NIVISION software.

Communication Modules: VHF modem radios and modules for multi-channel analog and digital signals ensure robust communication between the computer and waterworks.

Water Level Measurement and Safety


The water level in the reservoir is measured using an EasyTREK SPA–360–4 ultrasonic level transmitter, with additional protection from a NIVOFLOAT NWP–105 float switch. To prevent overcharging if the computer shuts down or loses power, a latch output and logic signal system ensure the pump stops if the radio connection is lost.


System Expansion and Benefits


The system's modular nature allows for easy expansion. Additional instruments can be connected to existing cabinets or new cabinets with radios for new measurement tasks. This flexibility ensures the system can grow and adapt to future needs.


Conclusion


NIVELCO's automation solution for the B. H. V. Agricultural Cooperative showcases the power of advanced technology in agricultural irrigation. By integrating comprehensive monitoring, control, and communication systems, NIVELCO has enabled efficient and reliable irrigation management, crucial for maximizing crop yields and mitigating the impacts of climate change.


NIVOFLOAT NWP–105 Float Switch in its cover protection setting, illustrating its application in the irrigation system.

NIVOPRESS NZK Hydrostatic Level Transmitter installed in situ, integrated into the water extraction system

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