Evaluation of Performance on Spiral Fluidic Sprinkler Using Different Nozzle Sizes Under Indoor Conditions

Sprinkler system performance enhancement has been a key area of research due to concerns about water shortages and rising energy costs. This study evaluated the hydraulic performance of the newly designed Spiral Fluidic Sprinkler (SFS) with various nozzles under different operating pressures. MATLAB software was used to simulate sprinkler uniformities under various operating pressures and the droplet diameter, velocity, and kinetic energy, was measured using a 2DVD video raindrop spectrometer. Results indicated that larger nozzles generally improved application uniformity and efficiency. Specifically, the application rates at distances from the sprinkler showed a reduction at smaller nozzle sizes and higher pressures, with larger nozzles maintaining better uniformity. The coefficient of variation (CV) was lower with the 4 mm nozzle compared to the 3 mm nozzle, suggesting more consistent water distribution. The average droplet size varied from 0.1 to 4.0 mm, with the majority of droplets smaller than 3 mm. The SFS demonstrated significant potential for enhancing water application efficiency, offering a means to conserve water while maintaining or improving agricultural productivity. Operating at lower pressures showed promising water savings, making the system suitable for use in varying field conditions, where uniformity and water conservation are critical.