WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY AT PUMPING STATIONS WHEN IRRIGATING WITH MULTI-SUPPORT SPRINKLERS

The purpose of the study is to assess the technical condition of pumping stations in the Saratov region, energy costs for irrigation and determine the most effective ways to reduce its consumption. Research has established that the range of electricity costs for supplying 1000 m3 by pumping stations varies widely from 475-668 kWh when using high-pressure pumps (D1250-125, QVD) to 184-214 kWh. when using low-pressure pumps D1250-63; D500-65. Energy savings at pumping stations with a high-pressure pumping unit when introducing low-pressure sprinklers and increasing the number of simultaneously operating machines is 21-41%. Replacing high-pressure pumps with pumps operating at a pressure of 0.8-0.9 MPa reduces electricity consumption at the pumping station to 266 kWh (78%). Significant savings of 1,8-2.2 times are achieved when the irrigated area is modernized and installed with low-pressure sprinklers, and low-pressure pumps are installed at the pumping station, and the pressure at the pumping station is reduced from 1-1,25 MPa to 0,5-0,65 MPa. The best results are obtained by using a low-pressure pumping unit with frequency control of electric motor speed, while the cost of water supply is reduced to 184-198 kWh. Energy savings will be facilitated by the introduction of organizational measures – clear planning of the DM operation so that the pumping units operate in optimal mode, improvement of the organization of operation, ensuring the simultaneous completion of irrigation of irrigated fields for DM having different lengths and modifications, the introduction of the ability to regulate the water consumption of machines.