As part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the functional efficiency of irrigation distribution networks, the Water Authority of Basilicata has implemented a wide network of ACMO-AVK Hydropass systems throughout Southern Italy.
Italy has a deeply rooted agricultural tradition, and the Basilicata region excels in strawberry production.
Like many countries around the world, Italy is facing the urgent challenge of reducing water loss in its irrigation systems. In response, extensive rehabilitation projects are underway, supported by European, national, and regional funding. These initiatives aim to enhance the efficiency of the national irrigation system and combat the effects of climate change, with a strong emphasis on sustainable water use.
In this context, the Water Authority of Basilicata has made strategic investments to boost the performance and sustainability of its irrigation systems, with the clear goal of optimizing water usage monitoring, promoting sustainable water and energy practices, and conserving water.
To support this initiative, AC.MO, in a recent project, has supplied more than 6,000 Hydropass HNS ultrasonic meters units and 12 communication gateways across the authority’s service area, covering approximately 14,000 hectares of territory.
Ensuring long-term performance and energy efficiency
The Hydropass system stands out for its exceptional durability and effectiveness. Designed for long-term performance and energy efficiency, it integrates hydraulic components, flow metering, and valve controls into a single, robust steel housing, which also contains the control and management electronics. Fully autonomous, the system does not require an external power supply and is equipped with the necessary communication interfaces.
Control is managed through either a battery-powered Hydrokey card and the Hydropass mobile app. Data is collected using dedicated software that provides both graphical and tabular data displays. Its built-in LoRa communication module allows for longdistance data transmission without generating additional traffic costs.
It is based on LoRaWAN™ technology (Low Power Wide Area Network) specifically designed for a bidirectional communication via the Gateway. The gateways automatically receive usage data from individual units and transfer it to the central management system.
Communication occurs over multiple frequencies and data rates, ensuring reliable and efficient transmission of information for analysis and storage.
This solution for precision irrigation has significantly improved the functional efficiency of the water distribution networks, allowing the management of the master data, the accounting of the consumption and the generation of reports, contributing to a smarter resource management.
