METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS

Description

/ 6 METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS Field of invention

[001] This is a method for optimizing the design of irrigation systems for agriculture, pasture irrigation, arrangements for irrigation by means of mobile installations on wheels or similar and transparency control; control systems, monitoring arrangements, program control systems; systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, management or supervisory purposes; forecasting or optimization specially adapted for administrative or management purposes; management of resources, workflows, human resources or projects; information and communication technology specially adapted for the implementation of business processes in specific sectors, agriculture. Fundamentals of the invention

[002] Irrigation systems are sets of equipment that carry water to crops, ensuring the amount of water necessary for plant development. The main irrigation systems are: flood irrigation, furrow irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, micro-sprinkler irrigation, and center pivot irrigation. As is known, effective irrigation brings several benefits, such as increased crop productivity, reduced risks associated with climatic variations, efficient water use, flexibility in crop selection, and production stability.

[003] Irrigation machines process and create continuous streams of data about their operation; in addition to this data, producers need to map the field, track agricultural production costs (water, electricity, fertilizers, etc.), and provide climate data; group of Petition 870250101548, dated 06 / 11 / 2025, page 6 / 20 / 6 information that is not easily integrated and that influences the choice of the best and most effective irrigation system for that set of conditions.

[004] A search of the INPI database revealed patent number BR 11 2022 022333 1 B1, entitled “System for monitoring and controlling an irrigation system”. The system has the function of collecting, processing, and displaying system data and control instructions within a mechanized irrigation system. The system preferably includes a system control module that transmits system control instructions to system components. According to other preferred embodiments, the present system preferably also includes a display module that provides a graphical user interface displaying system data and providing selectable control instructions.

[005] Another patent, in the Espacenet database, is registered under No. EUA2021169025A1, entitled “System, method and apparatus for integrating field, crop and irrigation equipment data for irrigation management”, which consists of providing a system, method and apparatus to provide an irrigation scheduling module including a graphical user interface to provide irrigation scheduling data for a given field location.

[006] As can be seen, there are systems on the market for collecting data from irrigation equipment, providing control instructions and also providing irrigation programming data for a given field location. However, no system includes a method for optimizing irrigation systems, using the “N” variables, up to the selection of the most efficient method for that crop, soil, environment, climate, and hydroelectric resources.

[007] The present invention is a method aimed at optimizing irrigation systems, comprising several stages, from characterizing the location, performing technical and economic calculations, determining technical feasibility, generating a set of “N” valid projects, ranking the “N” projects according to technical and / or economic indicators, to choosing the project with the best indicators, which will bring security to producers and precision in choosing the system. Petition 870250101548, dated 06 / 11 / 2025, page 7 / 20 / 6 irrigation more appropriate and more favorable to the conditions of the plantation, both in technical and economic terms. Brief description of the drawings

[008] The method of this invention will be briefly described by means of the figure shown below: Figure 1 presents a diagram illustrating the data flow, with a step-by-step approach to the optimization method for irrigation systems. Description of the invention

[009] The irrigation system project optimization method comprises the following steps: (1) characterizing the location; (2) determining the technical and economic calculations for the irrigation system project considering the location; (3) determining the technical feasibility of the project considering items 1 and 1; (4) generating a set of valid projects according to item 3; (5) ranking the projects according to the technical and / or economic indicators; (6) repeating steps 4 and 5 until the pre-established number of repetitions is reached or until the technical and / or economic indicators are achieved; (7) choosing the project with the best technical and / or economic indicators.

[0010] For the characterization of the locality (1), the method includes: (1.1) water balance considering meteorological data; (1.2) estimated gross water depth; (1.3) meteorological data of the locality; (1.4) soil classification; (1.5) available water capacity according to item 1.3; (1.6) permanent wilting point according to item 1.4; (1.7) planimetric map; (1.8) water availability for abstraction; (1.9) cost of kW / h of energy supply; (1.10) available energy load; (1.11) power grid voltage; (1.12) planting calendar for “N” crop years.

[0011] To determine the technical and economic calculations (2), the irrigation system design optimization method also includes: (2.1) defining the size and determining the location of each piece of equipment in the irrigation system, according to the planimetric map in items 1.7 and 1.12; (2.2) defining the hydraulic system variables; (2.3) Petition 870250101548, dated 06 / 11 / 2025, page 8 / 20 / 6 define the speed, flow rate, pressure and head loss of each component of the irrigation system in accordance with items 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2; (2.4) define the manometric head and localized losses of the irrigation system of each piece of equipment in accordance with items 2.3; (2.5) define the operating curves of the centrifugal pump sets of each piece of equipment in accordance with items 2.4 and 2.3; (2.6) define the maximum power of the centrifugal pump set of each piece of equipment in accordance with items 1.10, 1.11 and 2.5; (2.7) define the distance from the transformer to the starting switches of the centrifugal pump motors and then to the centrifugal pump motors of each piece of equipment, in addition to determining the electrical components necessary for the operation of systems 1.7, 1.10 and 1.11. (2.8) define the distance and load required for the power supply to each piece of equipment according to item 2.1; (2.9) determine the planting schedule and the effective cost of the irrigated area, project cash flow according to items 1.12 and 2.1; (2.10) determine the payback period of the irrigation system, the rate of return on investment (IRR) of the irrigation system and determine the net present value (NPV) of the irrigation system according to items 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10 and 1.12;.

[0012] To define the hydraulic system variables (2.2), the irrigation system design optimization method also includes: (2.2.1) The suction type (normal, siphon, barge or with booster pumping), the suction height and the intake altitude, according to the planimetric map in item 1.7; (2.2.2) The gross water depth (1 mm to 100 mm), according to items 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 1.10 and 1.12; (2.2.3) The area irrigated by each piece of equipment, based on items 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.10, 1.12 and 2.1; (2.2.4) The difference in level between the beginning of the lateral piping (sprinkler lines) and the highest point, based on item 1.7; (2.2.5) The difference in level of the lateral piping to the lowest point, based on item 1.7; (2.2.6) The difference in level of the main piping (from the motor pump to the beginning of the secondary line) of each piece of equipment, based on item 1.7; (2.2.7) The operating pressure (1 mca to 50 mca), based on item 1.2; (2.2.8) The pressure at the end of the hydraulic system piping, based on item 1.2. Petition 870250101548, dated 06 / 11 / 2025, page 9 / 20 / 6

[0013] The irrigation system project optimization method also includes the following steps within the technical feasibility analysis (3): (3.1) verify if the irrigation system type meets the velocities, flow rates, pressures and head losses, according to item 2.3; (3.2) verify if the calculated NPSH is within the expected range with the tabulated values ​​based on item 2.2; (3.3) validate velocity and pressure section by section along the pipelines according to item 2.3; (3.4) verify if the diameters selected for each component meet the flow rate, pressure and head loss requirements according to item 2.3; (3.5) verify if the manometric head in each section is below the maximum permitted pressure for the pressurized component, as specified in items 2.3; (3.6) verify if the available energy load meets the project developed according to item 1.10; (3.7) verify that the pressure variation in each component meets the parameters of items 2.3; (3.8) verify that the selected material, as well as the diameter and length, meets the necessary voltage and current drop technical requirements, as specified in items 2.7 and 2.8; (3.9) verify that the water application intensity is compatible with the soil's absorption capacity, to avoid problems such as waterlogging, surface runoff and erosion in accordance with items 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8; (3.10) Verify that the location of the irrigation system is in accordance with the specific technical parameters for each type of system, considering the slope of the terrain, drainage and any obstacles.

[0014] For the generation of viable projects (4), the irrigation system project optimization method includes: (4.1) random generation where each valid project, according to 4, has its variables, according to 3, chosen randomly according to a pre-established probability distribution; (4.2) evolutionary generation where the first “N” valid projects, according to 4, have their variables, according to 3, chosen randomly according to a pre-established probability distribution. If there is repetition in the generation of projects, the next generation of “N” projects depends on the previous one.

[0015] The irrigation system project optimization method comprises the ranking stage of the generated projects (5) which depends linearly or not on the following indicators: IRR, PAYBACK and NPV, and finally, the selection of the project with the best technical and / or economic indicators (7). Petition 870250101548, dated 06 / 11 / 2025, page 10 / 20 / 6 Examples of embodiments of the invention

[0016] The irrigation system design optimization method, with all its steps, can be applied to the selection of any irrigation system, such as: flood irrigation, furrow irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, micro-sprinkler irrigation; center pivot.

[0017] The irrigation system design optimization method can also be applied to the selection of any irrigation method: surface, sprinkler, localized and subirrigation.

[0018] The irrigation system design optimization method can be applied to irrigation of any type of crop, field, and climatic variations. Petition 870250101548, dated 06 / 11 / 2025, page 11 / 20

Claims

1 / 8 CLAIMS 1. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, characterized by comprising the following steps (Figure 1), (1) characterizing the location, (2) determining the technical and economic calculations for the irrigation system design considering the location, (3) determining the technical feasibility of the design considering items 1 and 2, (4) generating a set of valid designs according to item 3, (5) ranking the designs according to the technical and / or economic indicators, (6) repeating steps 4 and 5 until the pre-established number of repetitions is reached or technical and / or economic indicators are achieved, (7) choosing the design with the best technical and / or economic indicators.

2. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claim 1, characterized by characterizing the location (1), including, (1.1) water balance considering meteorological data, (1.2) estimated gross water depth, (1.3) meteorological data of the location, (1.4) soil classification, (1.5) available water capacity according to item 1.3, (1.6) permanent wilting point according to item 1.4, (1.7) planimetric map, (1.8) water availability for abstraction, (1.9) cost of kW / h of energy supply, (1.10) available energy load, (1.11) power grid voltage, (1.12) planting calendar for “N” crop years.

3. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining water balance (1.1) as a tool that quantifies the relationship between water availability and the water needs of a region, considering meteorological data such as precipitation (rain), evapotranspiration (water loss through evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants), and water storage in the soil, its objective is to evaluate the balance between water input and output in a system, which is essential for Petition 870260017088, dated 24 / 02 / 2026, page.4 / 13 2 / 8 Water resource management, agricultural irrigation and drought monitoring, the definition considers the following main components: (a) precipitation - water that enters the system through rain, (b) evapotranspiration - amount of water lost to the atmosphere, which includes evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants, (c) soil storage capacity - the amount of water that the soil can retain, (d) surface runoff and deep drainage - part of the water that is not stored or evapotranspired and flows into rivers or infiltrates the soil. From these meteorological data, it is calculated whether there is a surplus (more water available than needed) or a water deficit (less water available than needed).

4. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining the estimated gross depth (1.2) as the total amount of water that needs to be applied in an irrigation project, taking into account losses occurring in the irrigation system, such as inadequate infiltration, evaporation, or surface runoff, the gross depth is calculated based on two main factors, (a) net depth - represents the amount of water needed to meet the plants' demand (usually determined by the water balance), it is obtained from meteorological data, considering evapotranspiration, precipitation and soil retention capacity, (b) irrigation system efficiency - refers to how much of the applied water volume is effectively used by the plants, several factors affect efficiency, such as the type of irrigation system, losses due to evaporation, runoff or deep drainage,(c) Meteorological data and water balance are fundamental for defining the liquid depth, since they determine the water requirement of plants based on evapotranspiration and local precipitation according to item 1.1., 5. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining local meteorological data (1.3) as specific climatic information for a given area or region, this data is collected to describe the atmospheric and climatic conditions that directly affect the local environment, they are essential Petition 870260017088, dated 24 / 02 / 2026, page.5 / 13 3 / 8 For long- and short-term analyses, such as weather forecasting, agricultural planning, and water resource management, the main meteorological data include: (a) precipitation - the amount of rain or snow that falls in an area during a specific period, (b) temperature - a measure of the average daily temperature, minimum and maximum, (c) relative humidity - the percentage of moisture present in the air relative to the maximum it can hold, (d) wind - the direction and speed of winds in the locality, (e) solar radiation - the amount of solar energy that reaches the surface, important for calculating evapotranspiration, (f) atmospheric pressure - the force that air exerts on the Earth's surface, influencing climatic conditions, (g) evapotranspiration - the amount of water lost through evaporation from the soil and transpiration from plants; this data will be used to determine the water needs of the area and to optimize water use.

6. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining soil classification (1.4) as the process of grouping soils with similar physical, chemical and biological characteristics into specific categories, these characteristics include texture, structure, mineral composition, water retention capacity, drainage, and fertility, among others, soil classification will be used to determine the best land use, agricultural management, irrigation and soil conservation.

7. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining (1.5) Available Water Capacity (AWC) as the amount of water that the soil can retain and make available to plants, it is defined by the difference between the Capacity Field (maximum amount of water that the soil can retain after drainage) and the Permanent Wilting Point (amount of water in the soil below which plants can no longer absorb water), the AWC varies according to the soil texture.

8. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining (1.6) the Permanent Wilting Point (PWP) as the soil moisture level at which plants cannot absorb sufficient water to maintain their physiological functions, even if there is still moisture in the soil, at this point, the plant wilts permanently and does not recover, even if the climate and air humidity improve, the PWP depends on the type of soil, being higher in clay soils and lower in sandy soils.

9. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGN PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining the planimetric map (1.7) as a graphical representation that combines planimetric information (relating to the horizontal position of points on the terrain, such as X and Y coordinates) and altimetric information (relating to altitude or elevation, i.e., the height of points in relation to a reference level, usually sea level). This type of map is fundamental for irrigation projects, as it provides a detailed view of the topographic characteristics of the terrain, essential for planning efficient irrigation systems. (a) Planning the irrigation system: knowing the slope and topography of the terrain helps to define the most suitable type of irrigation system. Sloping terrain, for example, may require differentiated management, such as the installation of pressure control valves to avoid excessive unevenness in water flow.(b) System sizing: Elevation and slope directly influence water pressure in the irrigation system. In terrains with varying altitudes, it is important to calculate the appropriate pressure so that water reaches the entire area uniformly. (c) Location of reservoirs and canals: Based on topography, the map helps identify the best locations to install reservoirs, canals, and other structures necessary for water storage and distribution. (d) Contour lines: Lines connecting points of equal altitude. The distance between them indicates the slope of the terrain; the closer the lines, the greater the slope. (e) Elevation marks: Numerical indications of altitude at specific points on the terrain. (f) Reference points: Horizontal and vertical coordinates that serve as a basis for positioning irrigation systems. (g) Representation of boundaries: Delineation of cultivated areas.Drainage areas and potential obstacles in the terrain (such as elevations or depressions). Petition 870260017088, dated 24 / 02 / 2026, page 7 / 13 5 / 8, 10. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining water availability for abstraction (1.8) as the amount of water that can be abstracted from a source (such as rivers, lakes, aquifers and reservoirs) without compromising natural resources or existing uses, such as human, agricultural, industrial supply and environmental preservation, in irrigation projects, evaluating water availability is essential to ensure that there is sufficient water to meet irrigation needs, respecting regulations and environmental limitations.

11. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining the cost of kWh (kilowatt-hour) of energy supply (1.9) as the value charged for the amount of electrical energy consumed over one hour by a 1 kW power equipment, in an irrigation project, the cost of kWh is one of the main factors in calculating operating expenses, especially in systems that use electric pumps for water distribution, the cost of kWh directly affects the total cost of the irrigation project.

12. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining the available energy load (1.10) as the maximum amount of electrical energy that can be supplied to the installation at the point of connection with the electrical grid, this load being determined by the capacity of the transformers and the local electrical grid infrastructure.

13. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining the power grid voltage (1.11) as the electrical potential difference supplied by the power grid, measured in volts (V), the voltage may vary according to the location and type of connection, with voltages of 110V, 220V, 380V, or more commonly used in industrial or rural systems.

14. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by defining the planting calendar (1.12) as a fundamental tool for crop planning and agricultural production management, it organizes cultivation activities throughout the year, taking into account factors such as climatic conditions, crop type, water needs and plant development phases, a well-structured planting calendar optimizes resource use, maximizes productivity and assists in cost control, being essential for estimating financial indicators such as payback, IRR (Internal Rate of Return) and NPV (Net Present Value).

15. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by determining technical and economic calculations including (2.1) defining the size and determining the location of each piece of equipment in the irrigation system, according to the planimetric map of items 1.7 and 1.12, (2.2) defining the variables of the hydraulic system, (2.3) defining the velocity, flow rate, pressure and head loss of each component of the irrigation system according to items 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2, (2.4) defining the manometric head and localized losses of the irrigation system of each piece of equipment according to items 2.3, (2.5) defining the operating curves of the centrifugal pump sets of each piece of equipment according to items 2.4 and 2.3, (2.6) defining the maximum power of the centrifugal pump set of each piece of equipment according to items 1.10, 1.11 and 2.5, (2.7) Define the distance from the transformer to the starting switches of the centrifugal pump motors and then to the centrifugal pump motors of each piece of equipment, in addition to determining the electrical components necessary for the operation of the system 1.7, 1.10 and 1.11, (2.8) Define the distance and load required for the power supply to each piece of equipment according to item 2.1, (2.9) Determine the planting schedule and the effective cost of the irrigated area, project cash flow according to items 1.12 and 2.1, (2.10) Determine the payback period of the irrigation system, the rate of return on investment (IRR) of the irrigation system and determine the net present value (NPV) of the irrigation system according to items 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10 and 1.

12.

16. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1, 2 and 15, characterized by defining the variables of Petition 870260017088, dated 24 / 02 / 2026, page. 9 / 13 7 / 8 hydraulic system (2.2) such as (2.2.1) the suction type (normal, siphon, barge or with booster pumping), the suction height and the intake altitude, according to the planimetric map of item 1.7, (2.2.2) the gross water depth (1 mm to 100 mm), according to items 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.8, 1.10 and 1.12, (2.2.3) the area irrigated by each piece of equipment, based on items 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.10, 1.12 and 2.1, (2.2.4) the difference in elevation between the beginning of the lateral piping (sprinkler lines) and the highest point, based on item 1.7, (2.2.5) the difference in level of the lateral piping to the lowest point, based on item 1.7, (2.2.6) the difference in level of the main piping (from the motor pump to the beginning of the secondary line) of each piece of equipment, based on item 1.7, (2.2.7) the service pressure (1 mca to 50 mca), based on item 1.2, (2.2.8) the pressure at the end of the hydraulic system piping, based on item 1.

2.

17. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1, 2 and 15, characterized by analyzing the technical feasibility (3), including (3.1) verifying if the type of irrigation system is met by the velocities, flow rates, pressures and head losses, according to item 2.3, (3.2) verifying if the calculated NPSH is within the expected range with the tabulated based on item 2.2, (3.3) validating velocity and pressure section by section along the pipelines according to item 2.3, (3.4) verifying if the diameters selected for each component meet the flow rate, pressure and head loss requirements according to item 2.3, (3.5) verifying if the manometric head in each section is below the maximum permitted pressure for the pressurized component, as specified in items 2.3, (3.6) verifying if the available energy load meets the design prepared according to item 1.10, (3.7) verify if the pressure variation in each component meets the parameters of items 2.3, (3.8) verify if the selected material, as well as the diameter and length, meets the technical requirements for voltage and current drop, as specified in items 2.7 and 2.8, (3.9) verify if the water application intensity is compatible with the soil absorption capacity, to avoid problems such as waterlogging, surface runoff and erosion according to items 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8, (3.10) verify if the location of the irrigation system is in accordance with the specific technical parameters for each type of system, considering the slope of the terrain, drainage and any obstacles. Petition 870260017088, dated 24 / 02 / 2026, page 10 / 13 8 / 8.

18. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1, 2, 15 and 17, characterized by generating viable designs (4), including: (4.1) random generation where each valid design, according to 4, has its variables, according to 3, chosen randomly according to a pre-established probability distribution, (4.2) evolutionary generation where the first “N” valid designs, according to 4, have their variables, according to 3, chosen randomly according to a pre-established probability distribution, if there is repetition in the generation of designs, the next generation of “N” designs depends on the previous one.

19. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1, 2, 15, 17 and 18, characterized by the ranking of the generated projects (5) depending linearly or not on the following indicators IRR, PAYBACK and NPV.

20. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM DESIGNS, according to claims 1, 2, 15, 17, 18 and 19, characterized by repeating steps 4 and 5 until a pre-established number of repetitions is reached or technical and / or economic indicators are achieved (6).

21. METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING IRRIGATION SYSTEM PROJECTS, according to claims 1, 2, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 20, characterized by choosing the project with the best technical and / or economic indicators (7). Petition 870260017088, dated 24 / 02 / 2026, page 11 / 13

Images