WD Power’s Volt Controller Chosen by Irrikor for Reliable On-Site Power Generation at Irrigation Pivot Points

WD Power Assists with Optimal System Sizing

(Watch the video below to see the system in action!)

WD Power is proud to announce that Irrikor, a leader in irrigation solutions, has chosen to standardize on our innovative Volt Controller for their micro-turbine power generation systems. This significant decision by Irrikor underscores the proven performance and reliability of our technology in demanding real-world applications and marks a pivotal partnership in bringing stable, on-site power generation to irrigation operations.

Our expertise in designing voltage controllers for micro-turbines has now found a key application within the irrigation sector. Irrigation systems often have specific locations, such as ‘pivot points’, where there is available excess water pressure or energy that can be captured. Generating electricity at these points offers significant advantages. By generating power precisely where it’s needed, the reliance on lengthy, potentially vulnerable power distribution networks can be greatly reduced or even eliminated.

Irrikor has been very active in exploring efficient power generation solutions, particularly utilizing the “Pump as Turbine” (PAT) concept, where excess water pressure is converted into electrical energy. While Irrikor has experimented with various configurations over several years to develop their own generation system, achieving consistent and stable power output in varying conditions proved challenging.

An important step in making these systems work efficiently and reliably is ensuring the PAT unit itself is correctly matched to the available water energy at a specific site. This is crucial because an optimally sized turbine extracts the most energy from the water flow. Recognizing this, WD Power was able to assist Irrikor in correctly sizing the PAT unit for their specific requirements, leveraging our experience in turbine control and energy extraction.

With the PAT sized correctly, the next critical component is the electrical system. Our Volt Controller plays a central role here, not only managing the voltage but also providing the necessary ‘excitation’ for the generator – essentially helping it turn the mechanical energy from the turbine into electrical energy. To ensure the entire system functions smoothly and efficiently, it’s essential that the Volt Controller is correctly matched to the size of the generator being used. This ensures the controller can effectively manage the generator’s output.

Irrikor’s decision to standardize on the WD Power Volt Controller was driven by key benefits our technology provides, offering the robust and reliable performance required for irrigation environments:

• Reliable Power, Exactly When Needed: Our Volt Controller provides steady control of voltage even with varying load conditions or changes in turbine output. This consistent and stable power is crucial for protecting sensitive irrigation equipment and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
• Enables Use of Cost-Effective Generators: The controller allows the system to effectively utilize low-cost, standard induction motors as generators, making the overall power generation setup more economically attractive.
• Remote Accessibility: An optional internet connection enables remote access to the controller, allowing operators to monitor performance and configure settings without being physically on-site.
• Integrated System Protection: The controller is designed to detect unstable voltage conditions and automatically disconnect the load, providing essential protection for connected equipment.

Furthermore, the flexibility of our Volt Controller allows for different energy deployment strategies. It can be configured to provide AC power directly to the irrigation equipment at the pivot point, or it can output DC power. This DC output is ideal for use with a hybrid inverter, enabling generated energy to be stored in batteries when not immediately consumed at the pivot point, maximizing energy utilization.

By standardizing on the WD Power Volt Controller and collaborating with us on system sizing, Irrikor is now equipped to offer its customers a reliable, proven, and efficient solution for harnessing energy directly from their irrigation systems. We are excited by this partnership and the opportunity to contribute our technology and expertise to make irrigation operations more energy independent and reliable.