Automação da irrigação de lavouras de arroz para melhoria da eficiência energética

Abstract

In this work, some improvements to the process of automation of irrigation in rice crops are proposed. The main objective of the automation is to improve the energy efficiency of this type of load, reducing the cost of production and its impact on the distribution networks. The proposed improvements were developed based on an automation system that considers water monitoring through wireless ultrasonic sensors, control of irrigation pumps by frequency inverters and a user interface through supervisory system. The integration of all devices is made by a programmable controller, which also has the function of performing all control flows of the application. Based on topographic features and on the design of the crop, it is proposed a methodology to estimate the minimum number of sensors and the best points for allocation in the farming. A methodology that considers the use of climate information in the application is also presented. The rain, when considered as part of the system may provide reduction of consumption of energy, in additional to raise the level of reservoirs. Weather information is also used in control and compensation of water loss from farming. Finally, it is performed a survey of the economic feasibility of the application, based on equipment costs and energy saving provided by automation.