An overview of the Capabilities of Telemetry and SCADA Systems in Pressurized Irrigation Systems

One of the fastest solutions for optimal water and energy management in irrigation systems is to upgrade the existing position from the level of mechanization of the systems to its own automation. By applying process automation in irrigation systems that mainly involve installation of software and hardware equipment, instruments and software control, allowing optimal management of water and energy consumption and improve the efficiency of irrigation units is provided. With the entry of electronic science into the agricultural sector, in addition to the production of advanced equipment, there has been an increasing use of automated control systems in irrigation systems. This process is called control, automation or self-automation. According to scientific definitions, automation is the same as intelligent systems, including reducing manpower and the resulting error and precise control of the system work cycle. Severe dependence of mechanized systems on manpower to continuously monitor the performance of tools and equipment on the one hand, error due to the wrong action of the operator or delay in taking the necessary action on the other hand Taking measures will reduce productivity in mechanized irrigation systems. It is important to note that in the current approach to the development and operation of irrigation systems, especially pressurized irrigation systems, maximizing net profit over maximum crop production is preferred, so today the use of automation systems such as SCADA and telemetry Operation of irrigation systems is under increasing pressure. Supervisory control systems and data collection (SCADA) refers to large-scale control and measurement systems. SCADA is a control and monitoring system that collects information and then processes it. In other words, SCADA refers to a set of guidelines, standards and processes and is not a pre-complicated version for system control and monitoring. In fact, SCADA is a software package that sits on the executable hardware. In general, SCADA systems include the elements of instrumentation, control equipment, communication equipment, electrical equipment, software packages, central and local control room. Figure 4 shows the general structure of a SCADA system.It is important to note that a SCADA system is subject to several major problems in addition to the many benefits it can bring to a system. The main problem is that the cost of a telemetry and telecontrol system such as SCADA is high, especially when its equipment is standardized in the system. In many cases, however, the benefits of energy savings, labor, and better utilization justify this high cost. Another limitation of this type of system is the risk of unauthorized access to the control software (whether it is human access or software changes in the control device). Other major limitations of these systems are related telecommunication protocols. These are the language communication protocols used to receive and transmit information over the network. Also, these systems, or any other type of automation system, need specialized people to operate the system, and in general, the more complex the system, the more skilled users are needed. On the other hand, due to the fact that in this system, all changes must be applied dynamically in the network platform, the relevant hardware and software must be designed with high capabilities. Numerous examples of using SCADA in various sectors of industry, water and wastewater facilities and energy management have been implemented throughout the country, and today, despite high costs and some limitations, the use of telemetry-based operation methods and SCADA in the sector Various agricultural, livestock and fisheries have also found their way and their applications in this sector have always been expanding. One of the important applications of SCADA system in the field of agriculture has been the automation of irrigation systems. The first experience of using SCADA systems in the field of agricultural water management has been in the field of irrigation canal management. Over time, the use of this type of system in other sectors of water management and irrigation has developed more and more. SCADA systems used in the field of management of irrigation systems are similar in nature to other sectors such as water and sewage facilities and water transmission lines, but according to the structure of water management in the field and how different factors affect the equipment. Hardware and telecommunication protocols are different.