Modelo computacional para o dimensionamento da subunidade em irrigação localizada

Abstract

Computational model for design of sub-unit trickle irrigation systems This research had the objective to develop a tool to design drip irrigation systems subunit. The computational model was developed to Windows in Visual Basic language. The model takes into account in the design both the local head loss due to the insertion of emitters in the lateral line and the insertion the lateral line in the main line. These local head losses are responsible for hydraulic unbalance of this type of irrigation system. The model considers all irrigation project steps for design of a sub-unit: soil properties, climate and crop characteristics. The model determines soil water content, evapotranspiration and crop cycle stage. In the sub-unit design, the model utilizes some parameters, such as, slope, pressure head in the main line, space between emitters and lateral lines, lateral line diameter, length of derivation line, maximum variation of pressure head in the lateral line, and maximum variation of emitters discharge. Emitter characteristics, its discharge and protrusion area, connector used to connect the lateral line into the derivation line, are also taken into account in the model. The model with previous parameters determines and provides precisely results of: maximum length of lateral line by hydraulic approximation method; local head losses, due to emitter insertion into lateral line, expressed as equivalent length losses; derivation line diameter; local head loss, due to connector insertion in the derivation line; and number of lateral line connected in the derivation line. It shows a design table and pressure profile. It was utilized some emitter types in the model database. The in-line emitter (Uniram) showed the biggest local head losses, 0,758 m in terms of equivalent length, it resulted in a increment in the lateral line length of the 197,25 m compared to lateral line without consider the local losses. Emitter online type (Katif) showed the lowest local head losses, 0,11 m of equivalent length which correspond 29 m in the lateral line length. Therefore, the model allows to compare the differences in the sub-unit design when it is considered the local head losses with the sub-units design neglecting theses losses.