Solar thermoelectric generator assisted irrigation water pump: Design, simulation and economic analysis

Abstract

In this study, Solar Thermoelectric Generator Assisted Water Pump (STEGWP) for agricultural irrigation systems has been proposed and analyzed. A single module solar thermoelectric generator cell (STEGC) with average solar radiation value of Turkey was designed, and its electrical parameters were calculated in the laboratory environment. By using a tar-coated, heat-absorbing copper plate with a radiation value of 578 W/m2, the hot surface temperature was measured as 94 °C. The cold surface temperature, which is cooled by well water, was measured as 21 °C. A solar thermoelectric generator panel (STEGP) that corresponds to a 275 W photovoltaic (PV) panel was simulated by using the electrical module parameters, and the cost was calculated. While 187 W/m2 of power is obtained in PV panel, STEGP provides 1000 W/m2. On the other hand, while the cost of energy in PV panel is 0.72 $/W, STEGP costs 2.87 $/W. Economical analysis of an exemplary irrigation system for PV, STEGP, and conventional diesel generators has been performed. The proposed system uses its operating material for cooling purposes, and the cooling material never gets heated as the circulation is single-sided. The proposed system can readily compete with PV panels with increased quality materials used in modules.