How EcoSAT SCADA System Boosts Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Remote Farming Areas
The District Council of Franklin Harbour implemented a water scheme to ensure supply to a large farming area that would help farmers in the northwest of Cowell increase agricultural productivity and deliver economic growth.
Scheme Benefits
The scheme provides a number of benefits such as:
Improved access to water for farmers
The scheme was designed to supply water to a large farming area that is not serviced by the South Australia Water mains supply. This means that farmers in the area now have access to a reliable and consistent water source, which can help to improve their crop yields and overall agricultural productivity.
Increased water storage capacity
By constructing a series of large water tanks and pump stations at different elevations, the scheme has significantly increased the amount of water that can be stored and transported in the area. This means that farmers have access to a much larger supply of water, even during periods of low rainfall or drought.
Advanced monitoring and control systems
Utilizing the EcoSAT GOLD satellite SCADA system provided by Station Innovation enables remote water tank level monitoring, pump status, and crucial data. This aids in verifying the system's proper operation and facilitates prompt responses in case of any problems or failures.
Economic benefits
The construction of the water scheme provided employment opportunities for local farmers and contractors, which can help to support the local economy. Additionally, by providing a reliable water source to farmers in the area, the scheme may help to increase agricultural productivity and overall economic growth in the region.
Environmental benefits
By providing a reliable water source to farmers in the area, the scheme may help to reduce the impact of drought on the local ecosystem. This can help to preserve local wildlife and plant species, and may also help to reduce the risk of wildfires and other environmental hazards.
System Design
The scheme described is a vital infrastructure system that relies on a 40mm SA Water connection located precisely at the intersection of Millers Point and Cowell Kimba Roads. This connection point serves as the lifeblood of the entire scheme, providing the necessary water supply to sustain various operations and activities. Situated at an elevation of 40m AHD (Australian Height Datum), this strategic placement ensures efficient water distribution and accessibility to the surrounding areas. The significance of this connection point cannot be overstated, as it serves as the starting point for a network that caters to the needs of the community, businesses, and other entities relying on a reliable water supply. The elevation of 40m AHD plays a crucial role in ensuring adequate water pressure and flow within the system, optimizing its functionality and effectiveness. This intersection serves as a hub of connectivity, where the convergence of Millers Point and Cowell Kimba Roads symbolizes the convergence of resources and services facilitated by the water scheme. In essence, this connection point represents the cornerstone of a larger infrastructure network, highlighting the intricate planning and design required to sustain essential services for the benefit of the community.
The District Council of Franklin Harbour (DCFH) notionally has 200KL/day available at the South Australia Water (SAW) connection point.
The scheme was meticulously crafted with the foresight to seamlessly adjust the water supply as needed, particularly in the event that the Council's water usage reaches its maximum capacity. This strategic design ensures a continuous and reliable water supply to a vast agricultural region situated beyond the northwestern ranges of Cowell. By proactively considering the water requirements of this expansive farming area, the scheme demonstrates its commitment to supporting agricultural activities and fostering sustainable growth in the region. This level of thoughtful planning not only safeguards against potential water shortages but also underscores the scheme's dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the community it serves.erviced by SAW Mains supply.
From the SAW connection DCFH ran a pressure fed 100mm PVC pipe along the Cowell Kimba Rd approximately 2.2km to a 200KL Base tank and pump station at an elevation of 80m. Level in this tank is maintained by a ball/diaphragm valve.
From there DCFH pump another 4km to an intermediate 200KL tank and pump station at an elevation of 180m. This in turn pumps the remainder of the way to the hill top 500KL tank at an elevation of 283m.
From there, DCFH established a sophisticated gravity-fed main pipeline spanning an impressive distance of 23 kilometers. This main pipeline serves as a vital lifeline, connecting numerous farms situated along the picturesque landscapes of Kimba Cowell and Glynn Roads. The engineering marvel of this gravity-fed system ensures a seamless flow of water, essential for sustaining agricultural activities in the region. By strategically linking these farms, DCFH has not only facilitated efficient irrigation practices but has also fostered a sense of community among the farmers who rely on this shared infrastructure. The 23km main pipeline stands as a testament to the innovative solutions implemented by DCFH to support and enhance agricultural operations in the area, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and resource management.
Due to high static heads (100m), the pumps are not on pressure switches. Instead the tank levels are monitored and linked via a satellite SCADA system (EcoSAT GOLD) supplied by Station Innovation.
DCFH have online visibility of tank levels pump status and history. Alarms are triggered if levels reach pre-set high and low points. All of which can be adjusted remotely.
The control system, designed and implemented by Station Innovation, has proven its reliability and efficiency by operating flawlessly for the past three years. This remarkable track record showcases the system's robustness and ability to consistently meet the requirements of the project. DCFH's high recommendation of both Station Innovation and the EcoSAT system underscores the exceptional performance and quality of the technology. The successful operation of the control system not only demonstrates its durability but also highlights the expertise and dedication of the team behind its development. This long-standing success story serves as a testament to the innovative solutions provided by Station Innovation and the value that the EcoSAT system brings to the project.
Each pump station has 2 pumps in a duty/standby mode with variable frequency drives (soft starters) to lessen hammering and voltage draw. This also converts single phase supply to 3 phase.
The pumps utilized for this project were specifically provided by Xylem, a renowned supplier of high-quality pumping solutions. These pumps, identified as Lowara GVH20/15SV11, are known for their exceptional performance and reliability in various applications. With a duty specification of 4.12 liters per second at a head of 135 meters, these pumps demonstrate impressive efficiency and capacity to handle demanding pumping tasks effectively. The Lowara GVH20/15SV11 pumps from Xylem are engineered to deliver consistent and precise flow rates while maintaining optimal pressure levels, making them ideal for projects requiring reliable water transfer or circulation. The advanced design and robust construction of these pumps ensure long-term durability and minimal maintenance requirements, contributing to cost-effective operation and peace of mind for users.
The cost breakdown of the project includes various components essential for its functionality. Each pump set, priced at $32,000, serves as a crucial element in the system, ensuring the efficient movement of fluids. The sheds, at $5,000 each when installed, provide protection and housing for the equipment, contributing to the overall infrastructure of the setup. The 200KL tanks, amounting to approximately $26,000, play a significant role in storing the necessary fluids for the operation of the system.
Moreover, the inclusion of VFD controllers and SCADA systems, totaling $86,000, highlights the advanced technology integrated into the project. Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) offer precise control over the pumps, optimizing their performance and energy efficiency. The Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system enhances monitoring and control capabilities, allowing for real-time data acquisition and operational oversight.
Each of these components, from the pump sets to the VFD controllers and SCADA systems, contributes to the overall functionality and efficiency of the project. The investment in these technologies underscores a commitment to quality, reliability, and advanced operational capabilities in the system.
The system was designed by HDS Australia and installed by Council workers. DCFH also employed some local farmers doing it tough and many local contractors.
The build was completed between Oct 2019 and March 2020.
If your organisation is looking to implement a reliable and advanced water monitoring and control system then get in touch. With state-of-the-art satellite SCADA systems and reliable pumps and controllers, your water supply will be in good hands.
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