IWE-30206 Irrigation System Design and Operation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

IWE-10306; HWM-21806; IWE-21312

Continuation courses:

Water Systems Design at Catchment Level, IWE-30306

Contents:

Block 1: General
This course starts with an overview of the different types of irrigation systems and an analysis will be made about why certain types are region specific (colonial history, water availability, climate etc.). A summary will be given of the required knowledge of hydraulic engineering in irrigation design.
Block 2: Lay-out of irrigation systems
First a logical design procedure will be presented with attention to top-down and bottom-up approaches. Based on topography and water source the lay-out of the system will be developed. Exercises will be carried out to find the features that will determine the lay-out of main and secondary canals and the tertiary units. Water distribution systems like proportional, rotation and on-demand systems will be explained and concepts of 'modern irrigation systems' will de discussed.
Block 3: Tertiary unit design
The tertiary unit is the level where farmers are receiving water in bulk and will have to distribute it among the farms. The water requirements at field level will determine the required flow. Advantages and disadvantages of water schedules will be analysed. Finally a method will be presented to design an optimal size of the tertiary unit from a farmers perspective (high transparency and logic of distribution).
Block 4: Operation of systems and special topics
An irrigation system design is based on the period of maximum water requirements. The question is what the behaviour of the system is during periods of reduced flows and how these problems can be tackled. Important in this context is the theory on sensitivity of canal structures and hydraulic flexibility.
The requirements in terms of quantity and level of education of personnel to operate systems depends strongly on the irrigation concept of a particular system; this will be analysed for the most common types of systems.
Block 5: Design practical
A guided design practical in which the theory will be applied to realise a system design on the base of pre-set operational criteria.

Learning outcomes:

- understand and recognise the different flow regimes in canal systems;
- know the theory of canal design and operation;
- understand implications of canal infrastructures on operational modalities;
- to apply the theory in a water user perspective;
- design an irrigation system.

Activities:

Attending the lectures, studying the theory in lecture notes and readers. Design of an irrigation system in a guided practical.

Examination:

Design report and written exam.

Literature:

Lecture notes.