The irrigation energy audit identified that upgrading the existing filter and simplifying the pipework would reduce head losses by 50kPA, resulting in an energy saving of 12% with carbon emission reductions of 1.5 t CO2-e per annum.
The irrigation energy audit identified that upgrading the existing filter and simplifying the pipework would reduce head losses by 50kPA, resulting in an energy saving of 12% with carbon emission reductions of 1.5 t CO2-e per annum.
The farm, located south of Bundaberg, comprises a number of greenhouses for hydroponic tomato production as well as orchards growing fig and avocado trees. Farm areas are served by pumping stations that are generally located adjacent to each lot.
The greenhouses and orchards are irrigated regularly all year round via micro sprinklers and drip irrigation. In consultation with the farmer, the audit investigation focused on one selected pump station only.
The farm owner has not yet started implementation of the audit recommendation due to current farm expansion and planning associated with the construction of a new water storage dam. However, there are plans to implement the recommendation following construction of the dam, due for completion in mid-2017.