Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks

Authors

  • Yanbo Huang Application and Production Technology Research Unit, USDA-ARS-JWDSRC
  • Guy Fipps Texas A&M University

Keywords:

irrigation distribution network, modeling tool, flow profiling

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

Author Biographies

Yanbo Huang, Application and Production Technology Research Unit, USDA-ARS-JWDSRC

Yanbo Huang, Ph.D Agricultural Engineer USDA-ARS JWDSRC Application and Production Technology Research Unit 141 Experiment Station Rd. Stoneville, MS, 38776 USA Phone: (662)686-5354 Fax: (662) 686-5372 Email: yanbo.huang@ars.usda.gov

Guy Fipps, Texas A&M University

Guy Fipps, Ph.D, Professor and Extension Engineer, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-2117, USA, Phone: (979)845-7454 Email: g-fipps@tamu.edu

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Published

2009-09-30

How to Cite

Huang, Y., & Fipps, G. (2009). Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2(3), 17–26. Retrieved from https://ijabe.migration.pkpps03.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/59

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 3 (2009): IJABE

Section

Natural Resources and Environmental Systems

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