Biological Systems Engineering
Date of this Version
2017
Citation
Martin, D. L., Kranz, W. L., Irmak, S., Rudnick, D. R., Burr, C., & Melvin, S. R. (2017). Pumping plant performance. Proceedings of the Central Plains Irrigation Conference, pp. 167-187.
Abstract
Irrigation accounts for a large portion of the energy used in Nebraska agriculture. This paper describes a method to estimate the cost of pumping water and compares the amount of energy used by a properly designed and well-maintained pumping plant, represented by the Nebraska Pumping Plant Performance Criteria (NPPPC). The results can help determine the feasibility of repairing the pumping plant. Methods to compare energy sources are also presented. We recommend that you periodically arrange with a well drilling company to test the efficiency of your pump. Worksheets for pumping plant performance are included in the appendix.
Comments
More information on the Nebraska Pumping Plant Performance Criteria (NPPPC) is available in the following documents:
Kranz, W. J., Martin, D. L., Patterson, D., Hudgins, J. van Donk, S. & Yonts, D. (2010). Updating the Nebraska Pumping Plant Performance Criteria. Proceedings of the Central Plains Irrigation Conference. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosysengpres/72/.
Martin, D. L., Dorn, T. W., Kranz, W. L., Melvin, S. R., & Corr, A. J. (2010). Reducing the cost of pumping irrigation water. Proceedings of the Central Plains Irrigation Conference. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosysengpres/71/.
Keller, J. K. (2014). A Cost Effective Method to Create Accurate Engine Performance Maps & Updating the Nebraska Pumping Plant Performance Criteria. MS thesis, University of Nebraska. Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/biosysengdiss/40/.