Snapshot

• MacPherson Park Recreation Reserve in Melton, Victoria, recently upgraded its irrigation system to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• The project included Australia’s first installation of the Hydrovar X variable speed drive.
• The system uses two Lowara e-SV 10SVX06 pumps with variable speed technology, reducing energy use and equipment size.
• Smart controls, including Bluetooth connectivity, allow real-time monitoring and adjustments.
• A rain sensor prevents unnecessary irrigation, and a brick pump house enhances security.
• The new system operates more quietly and efficiently than previous setups, with positive early feedback from users.

Variable speed drives (VSDs) improve pump efficiency across many applications, including industrial processing and irrigation. By adjusting motor speed to match demand, they reduce energy use, lower operating costs, and extend equipment lifespan. In large irrigation projects, where managing energy and water use is crucial, they provide a cost-effective solution.

MacPherson Park Recreation Reserve in Melton, Victoria, recently upgraded its irrigation system to improve efficiency. When the reserve underwent a major redevelopment, an efficient irrigation system was critical to support the newly developed sports oval. The reserve, which serves at least 16 sporting clubs, needed a solution that balanced cost, reliability and performance.

A collaboration between the principal consultant, local council and Brown Brothers Engineers Australia saw the Hydrovar X variable speed drive nominated and written into the tender documents, marking Australia's first installation of this product. This decision reduced the required pump and motor size, lowering upfront investment and ongoing operational expenses without compromising performance.

Efficiency Gains and Cost Savings

David Gardiner from ULS Group led the installation of the pumps and supporting infrastructure, with pump specification assistance from Michael Garas at Brown Brothers Engineers.

The irrigation system was designed to deliver 6.32 L/sec at 650 kPa, balancing efficiency, performance, and affordability.

To achieve these requirements, two Lowara e-SV 10SVX06 pumps, supplied by Brown Brothers Engineers, were installed in parallel, each fitted with a Hydrovar X variable speed drive. This configuration allowed the pumps to share the workload, improving efficiency while ensuring increased redundancy due to the wider performance envelopes of each pump. The variable speed drives adjust output to meet demand, optimising energy use while maintaining the necessary pressure.

One key benefit of the system was its ability to maintain performance with a smaller pump size. Michael Garas, Business Development Manager at Brown Brothers Engineers, explained, “The original design specified dual 10-stage pumps with 4.0kW motors. However, with Hydrovar X, the system was revised to dual 6-stage models, reducing motor size from 4.0kW to 3.0kW per pump. This adjustment lowered upfront supply costs and will provide long-term energy savings.

To enhance system reliability, an INCA surge protection panel was installed to safeguard key electrical components. The oval is equipped with 84 sprinklers, with the pumps drawing water from a rainwater-fed tank equipped with a rainwater sensor. David Gardiner, added, “The sensor ensures that watering is only done when necessary, shutting off the system if excessive rainfall occurs”.

A brick shed was built to house the pump set. David noted, “Brick was preferred over tin because it offers better protection for the pumps, especially in an area where theft is a concern.” Furthermore, the valve banks were situated off the field, under bench seating. This placement ensured they were easily accessible for maintenance while remaining out of sight for visual appeal.

Smarter Pump Control and Connectivity

The Hydrovar X introduced features that improved both commissioning and operation. A built-in Setup Genie streamlined initial configuration, while Bluetooth connectivity enabled technicians to monitor and adjust settings via a smartphone app.

Michael Garas noted: “One of the biggest advantages was being able to step away from the pump shed and fine-tune the system in real time while observing rotor performance on the oval.”

Another key feature, the advanced pipefill mode, gradually fills pipes at a lower speed, preventing low pressure nuisance tripping and protecting pump internals. Once fully pressurised, the controller transitions smoothly to full operating speed. “This ensures a quicker and smoother commission when pressurising the entire network of piping.” Michael explained.

Ease of Use and Performance

With the system fully operational and the turf laid at the end of 2024, the feedback has been positive. David Gardiner said, “The client was very happy, particularly with the ability to monitor and adjust the pump remotely. The connectivity features have made system management more convenient and efficient.”

When asked how this system compared to others, David noted, “Compared to the park’s other ovals, this system is noticeably quieter. We’ve installed many Lowara pumps, but these ramp up more quietly and operate smoother, making a real difference in day-to-day operation.”

“By integrating variable speed technology, we’ve been able to optimise performance while reducing operating costs”.

[Article originally appeared in the Irrigation Australia Journal]