A microirrigation network system is composed of a subunit and main pipeline network. Previous optimization studies generally focused on manifolds or lateral pipes in subunits or main pipeline networks and did not consider systems as a whole; thus, a true optimum was difficult to achieve. In this paper, a microirrigation network system is optimized as a whole, and an innovative approach is proposed to optimize the subunit based on a maximum size objective. Based on four optimization models of a subunit for two optimization objectives and two layout modes, this paper discusses the optimum design criteria for a microirrigation network system by using the lowest annual total cost per unit area of the system as a measurement index. Mathematical optimization models of the subunit and main pipeline network were established and solved with a genetic algorithm. The subunit was treated as a whole to avoid an artificial distribution for the allowable pressure difference between the laterals and manifold in the subunit. The Clement methodology was used to determine the flow rates of pipelines in the peak period of irrigation. The results indicated that the annual total cost per unit area of the microirrigation network system obtained based on the optimization results of subunit model SWPL-A was the lowest considering various parameters. The annual total cost per unit area of the microirrigation network system obtained based on the optimization results of the SWPL-A subunit model was 0.79–14.90%, 0.94–3.01% and 0.28–5.20% lower than the costs obtained based on the optimization results of the SWUL-F, SWPL-F and SWUL-A subunit models, respectively. The results of this paper have some practical significance for the optimization of on-demand pressurized microirrigation network systems and regional pipeline networks.
Read full abstract