The irrigation energy audit recommended replacing three old pump motors and adding Variable Speed Drives to two pumps, with an annual energy saving of 15% and payback of 3.2 years, as well as carbon emission reductions of 32.8 t CO2-e per annum.
The irrigation energy audit recommended replacing three old pump motors and adding Variable Speed Drives to two pumps, with an annual energy saving of 15% and payback of 3.2 years, as well as carbon emission reductions of 32.8 t CO2-e per annum.
The farm, located in the Childers area, cultivates sugar cane and uses broadacre irrigation. The site is divided into a number of zones, each with its own irrigation system which consists of soft hose, high-pressure travellers connected to a dedicated pump. Water is delivered to the farm by a water distribution system. The operation of the irrigation systems varies according to the season, the weather conditions and the age of the plants in the different zones. As the systems deliver a constant flow of water, the volume of water delivered is modified by changing the irrigation time.
Recent feedback from the farm owner indicates willingness to progress with implementation of the audit recommendations. Completion is forecast by August 2016.