Smart monolayer application and management to reduce evaporation on farm dams - formulation of a universal design framework

Recent analyses of the utility of chemical monolayers to reduce the evaporation from extensive open water surfaces have shown them to be a potentially economical, low-impact and environmentally benign. However, monolayer performance is highly variable due to site and environmental factors, principally dam size, climate, microclimate, and interactions with natural water microlayers, factors which vary over time and between dams and dam sites. These differences influence both the design of an appropriate monolayer application system and the management of the system in response to prevailing conditions and/or user requirements. This paper reviews the physical and biological factors which must be accommodated and introduces a Universal Design Framework for optimal monolayer application. The framework seeks to inform the selection of monolayer compound and appropriate equipment, including the design and number of applicators, their arrangement on-site and application strategies for a given dam site; and also to ensure sustained autonomous operation is efficient, both as regards evaporation reduction and monolayer use. Progress is also reported towards the design of an autonomous electromechanical system for the optimal application and spreading of monolaye