Energy, cost and uniformity in the design of drip irrigation systems

Abstract A novel approach for the design of drip irrigation systems is presented. The diameters of the laterals and submains were calculated by minimising an objective cost function that includes investment and operating costs of drip irrigation units. Diameters, head loss and its distribution between laterals and submain, average operating pressure head, upstream end energy head and the distribution uniformity were all deduced from an economic approach. These variables are not matched alone but are the consequence of the economic optimisation. Several examples with self-compensating and non-compensating emitters fed from either a pump station or a water reservoir are presented to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed methodology.