Photovoltaic Pumping Research Articles

Robust control of a photovoltaic pumping system with super-capacitor storage, P&O algorithm and pole placement technique

This paper represents an electrical modeling of a photovoltaic water pumping system composed of photovoltaic panels. The system reassures electrical energy generation applying a DC buck converter in order to supply a DC motor to pump water. Known for its optimal electrical and physical properties, the super capacitor is integrated into the PV pumping system to allow storing electrical energy and powering the pumping motor at nights and cloudy days. The implementation of the perturbation and observation algorithm in the DC buck converter reassures the system’s operation around the maximum power point produced by the photovoltaic panel. Moving from quantity problem to quality problem, several internal and external factors can infect the stability of the PV pumping system and disrupt its operation around nominal point. On account of this, a pole placement technique is proposed in this paper. This technique is advocated not only for its simple processing and rapid execution, but also for being based on the conversion of the electrical model of the PV pumping system into a mathematical model that comprises matrix equations. This energy conversion process allows variations in output values in proportion to the input evolution along with positioning the system’s poles in the stable points of the S-plane. The equation of this technique applied to the photovoltaic pumping system is indicated in this paper having its program created in Matlab and installed in PLC S7-200 on account of its ability to monitor the inputs instantaneously and modify the outputs in a way proportional to the installed program. Subsequently, the validation of the robustness of this technique is reassured by the comparison between the simulation in Matlab and the experimental tests carried out in sunny periods having the engine powered by photovoltaic panels, and shaded periods where power supply is reassured by the super capacitor.

Design and implementation of seawater eco distillatory using parabolic solar concentrator and photovoltaic pump for isolated island

Water is a primary human need. Of the total fresh water in the world, less than 1% are ready to drink and 11% of the total human population cannot achieve it. WHO/UNICEF by 2015 reports there are nearly 750 million people in the world who still have inadequate drinking water. The current condition is also occurs in the Ay Island which located in Banda Naira Islands, Central Maluku, Indonesia. Ay Island residents have to travel for 4 hours to the main island of Banda Naira to buy clean water. To overcome the current situation, the government have tried to provide clean water by building a $4 billion dam project in 2016. However, the dam project is not able to meet the needs of the resident because of the polluted water. In this research is proposed an Eco Water Treatment by using Parabolic Solar Concentrator and Photovoltaic Pump. This method consists of two main parts, PV Sea Water Pump and Solar PV-Distillator. The PV Pump is used to deliver water from the sea to the boiler, while the solar-powered distillator converts sea water into fresh water. Fresh water generated from the distillator have the same content as the Indonesian Minister of Health’s standard. The system can provide clean water for 50 liter continuously based on capacity of the boiler each day depend on the weather and the temperature. From the experiment, proven that solar concentrator could increase the boiler temperature up to 300oC to boil the seawater and produce clean water.

Maximum Power Point Tracking for Brushless DC Motor-Driven Photovoltaic Pumping Systems Using a Hybrid ANFIS-FLOWER Pollination Optimization Algorithm

In this research paper, a hybrid Artificial Neural Network (ANN)-Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC) tuned Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA) as a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) is employed to amend root mean square error (RMSE) of photovoltaic (PV) modeling. Moreover, Gaussian membership functions have been considered for fuzzy controller design. This paper interprets the Luo converter occupied brushless DC motor (BLDC)-directed PV water pump application. Experimental responses certify the effectiveness of the suggested motor-pump system supporting diverse operating states. The Luo converter, a newly developed DC-DC converter, has high power density, better voltage gain transfer and superior output waveform and can track optimal power from PV modules. For BLDC speed control there is no extra circuitry, and phase current sensors are enforced for this scheme. The most recent attempt using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)-FPA-operated BLDC directed PV pump with advanced Luo converter, has not been formerly conferred.

T-S fuzzy control for MPPT of photovoltaic pumping system

T-S fuzzy control for MPPT of photovoltaic pumping system

Optimal tilt angle and orientation for solar photovoltaic arrays: case of Settat city in Morocco

ABSTRACTThe performance of the solar radiation conversion system is linked by its angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal surface, so that a photovoltaic installation must be tilted in the right way, to ensure good conversion efficiency and this makes the photovoltaic system more productive. In our study, we use programmes through MATLAB to estimate the totality of the solar radiation on any inclined surface. The developed programme allows us to extract the right angle under which the maximum energy could be absorbed by the solar cells. Moreover, we will study in the last part the influence of exposure (orientation and inclination) on the amount of solar radiation received on a surface of 1 m2, The example detailed hereafter relates to a photovoltaic pumping installation installed at Faculty of Science and Technology of Settat-Morocco (latitude 33.029° and longitude −7.619°).

Dynamic Modelling of a Solar Water Pumping System with Energy Storage

This paper describes the dynamic modelling of a system used for extraction of groundwater for irrigation using an alternative source of energy. The system is designed based on data of an existing project in Lalmonirhat, Bangladesh. The system comprises a 38.4 kWp solar photovoltaic array, inverter, AC motor, and pump set, which can discharge a maximum of 1,930 m3 of water per day. MATLAB simulation is performed with two types of energy storage system: (i) electric energy using a battery bank and (ii) stored water in a large water tank. A large battery bank and a transformer are needed in the former one, which turns out as a costly solution. The latter one requires a boost converter and a large water tank to store around 2,000 m3 of water, which is also a costly solution. A combination of both systems yields an efficient and economical solution. The effectiveness of these three systems is compared with conventional diesel engine system.

Suitability mapping framework for solar photovoltaic pumps for smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa

As solar panels become more affordable, solar photovoltaic (PV) pumps have been identified as a high potential water-lifting technology to meet the growing irrigation demand in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, little is known about the geo-spatial potential of solar-based PV pumping for irrigation taking into account not only solar radiation but also the availability of water resources and linkage to markets. This study developed a suitability framework using multi-criteria analysis in an open source geographic information system (GIS) environment and tested it in the case of Ethiopia. The accessibility of water resources was the driving factor for different scenarios. Suitability results following the groundwater scenarios showed good agreement with the available referenced well depth data. Comparing the suitability maps with available land use data showed that on average 9% (96 103 ha) of Ethiopian irrigated and 18% (3,739 103 ha) of rainfed land would be suitable for solar PV pump irrigation. Furthermore, small solar PV pumps could be an alternative water-lifting technology for 11% of the current and future small motorized hydrocarbon fuel pumps on smallholder farms (2,166 103 ha). Depending on the technical pump capacity, between 155 103 ha and 204 103 ha of land would be suitable for solar PV pumps and provide smallholder farmers with the option to either pump from small reservoirs or shallow groundwater. With the ongoing interest in development for smallholder irrigation, the application of this model will help to upscale solar PV pumps for smallholder farmers in SSA as a climate-smart technology in an integrated manner.

Achievement of MPPT by finite time convergence sliding mode control for photovoltaic pumping system

In this paper, a new finite time stability approach is proposed for controlling the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) process. This approach is based on variable structure sliding mode technique. While standard Sliding Mode Control (SMC) forces the system to converge to the reference value in infinite time, the proposed method, Finite Time Sliding Mode Control (FTSMC), ensures the convergence in a given finite time. As a result, FTSMC ensure a fast error tracking capability. For the validation of this strategy, a Photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system is considered and intended to maintain this system operating at Maximum Power Point (MPP). A DC/DC power converter is inserted between the Photovoltaic Generator (PVG) and DC motor by the duty cycle, which is considered to be the control variable. Some simulation results are given for comparison with standard SMC and Perturb and Observe (P&O) methods.

Maximum power point tracking for photovoltaic solar pump based on ANFIS tuning system

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are a clean and naturally replenished energy source. PV panels have a unique point which represents the maximum available power and this point depend on the environmental conditions such as temperature and irradiance. A maximum power point tracking (MPPT) is therefore necessary for maximum efficiency. In this paper, a study of MPPT for PV water pumping system based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is discussed. A comparison between the performance of the system with and without MPPT is carried out under varying irradiation and temperature conditions. ANFIS based controller shows fast response with high efficiency at all irradiance and temperature levels making it a powerful technique for non-linear systems as PV modules.

Fuzzy Logic-Based Perturb and Observe Algorithm with Variable Step of a Reference Voltage for Solar Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Drive System Fed by Direct-Connected Photovoltaic Array

Photovoltaic pumping is considered to be the most used application amongst other photovoltaic energy applications in isolated sites. This technology is developing with a slow progression to allow the photovoltaic system to operate at its maximum power. This work introduces the modified algorithm which is a perturb and observe (P&O) type to overcome the limitations of the conventional P&O algorithm and increase its global performance in abrupt weather condition changes. The most significant conventional P&O algorithm restriction is the difficulty faced when choosing the variable step of the reference voltage value, a good compromise between the swift dynamic response and the stability in the steady state. To adjust the step reference voltage according to the location of the operating point of the maximum power point (MPP), a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) block adapted to the P&O algorithm is used. This allows the improvement of the tracking pace and the steady state oscillation elimination. The suggested method was evaluated by simulation using MATLAB/SimPowerSystems blocks and compared to the classical P&O under different irradiation levels. The results obtained show the effectiveness of the technique proposed and its capacity for the practical and efficient tracking of maximum power.

Applicability of electrochemical wastewater treatment system powered by temperature difference energy

In this research, an electrochemical wastewater treatment system, powered through the conversion of temperature difference into energy, was designed. The wastewater treatment system was applied to drainage flowing from two different mines, one contaminated by arsenic (As), the other ferrous iron (Fe2+). Arsenic was adsorbed on, or co-precipitated with, iron hydroxide generated from iron electrodes. A pseudo second order model well described the tendency for As removal. Ferrous iron oxidation occurred directly on graphite electrodes and followed a first order reaction model. The efficiency of As and Fe2+ removal was up to 99.7% and 97.9%, respectively. The rate constants for each model were proportional to given temperature differences, as the relationship between current generation and temperature difference was linear. Economic evaluation of the wastewater treatment system was performed by comparing the predicted cost of the thermocouples under particular environmental conditions. The thermocouple technology currently available could be applied to wastewater treatment for hot springs with high temperatures and high As concentrations. The applicability of the system to low temperature wastewaters will expand as energy production capacity per unit cost of thermocouples increases, as occurred with the photovoltaic and heat pump systems currently in use.

Photovoltaic and Hydrogen Plant Integrated with a Gas Heat Pump for Greenhouse Heating: A Mathematical Study

Nowadays, the traditional energy sources used for greenhouse heating are fossil fuels such as LPG, diesel and natural gas. The global energy demand will continue to grow and alternative technologies need to be developed in order to improve the sustainability of crop production in protected environments. Innovative solutions are represented by renewable energy plants such as photovoltaic, wind and geothermal integrated systems, however, these technologies need to be connected to the power grid in order to store the energy produced. On agricultural land, power grids are not widespread and stand-alone renewable energy systems should be investigated especially for greenhouse applications. The aim of this research is to analyze, by means of a mathematical model, the energy efficiency of a photovoltaic (8.2 kW), hydrogen (2.5 kW) and ground source gas heat pump (2.2 kW) integrated in a stand-alone system used for heating an experimental greenhouse tunnel (48 m2) during the winter season. A yearlong energy performance analysis was conducted for three different types of greenhouse cover materials, a single layer polyethylene film, an air inflated-double layer polyethylene film, and a double acrylic or polycarbonate. The results of one year showed that the integrated system had a total energy efficiency of 14.6%. Starting from the electric energy supplied by the photovoltaic array, the total efficiency of the hydrogen and ground source gas heat pump system was 112% if the coefficient of the performance of the heat pump is equal to 5. The heating system increased the greenhouse air temperatures by 3–9 °C with respect to the external air temperatures, depending on the greenhouse cover material used.

Feasibility study of photovoltaic water pump for rice paddy irrigation

Diesel pumps are commonly used for irrigation purposes of paddy fields at locations far from the grid. Diesel pumps have low reliability because they require high maintenance costs. The use of photovoltaic is a valuable option because the selection decision is not only based on direct biya modal but also includes environmental costs. These solutions reduce the impact of global warming, mitigate negative effects on air quality and contribute to sustainable economic development. Daily sun conditions in Indonesia are average in the horizontal plane within the range of 5-7 kWh/m2/day and the average daily sun shines within the 7-9 hour. The availability of solar radiation is quite abundant and due to the high cost of grid connections, the pumping of irrigated rice paddy water is beneficial to the water needs for remote communities in Indonesia. It is known from some literature that the photovoltaic irrigation pump system is technically and economically feasible for very small systems in hectares orders. Technical and economic feasibility is determined as a function of the plant and geographical location, including climatic factors, soil quality, ground water depth and recharge rate. The objective of the research is to design a system of pumping irrigation of paddy field of photovolatics to replace previous diesel pumps that meet the criteria of feasibility standard. From simulation using PVSYST 5.0 software, it is known need of solar panel as many as 5 series module and 2 parallel module which fulfill the required eligibility criteria.

Performance optimization of the PV pumping system

The solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping system is an application widely used in the rural area to ensure the supply of water utilization for the populations, this system is composed by three main parts; The PV Generator (PVG), impedance matching (DC/DC Power convert + MPPT), and the hydraulic part (coupling of a PMDC motor and a centrifugal pump). In this article we study with simulations in Matlab / Simulink environment the characteristics of a PV pumping system (submersible pump case); the three parts quoted for an overview of the performance of the system, taking into account the climatic parameters (solar irradiance, and ambient temperature), and the effect of the total manometric head (HMT) on the pumped flow rate. In addition, calculate the efficiency of each sub-system; (PV conversion efficiency for the PVG, electrical conversion efficiency for the DC/DC power converter, electromecanical conversion efficiency for the DC motor, and finely the hydraulic efficiency) to deduce the returns from the overall system. In order to validate the simulation, we use the meteorological data of Rosso city, which is a region of southern Mauritania.

A Rainy Month Performance Evaluation of Photovoltaic Module and Performance Prediction of the PV Water Pumping Systems Under Soudano Sahelian Climate

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the energy yield of the photovoltaic module during the worst case conditions in Soudano Sahelian climate in order to predict real time worst performance of a PV water pumping systems in two stations in soudano-sahelian zone of Cameroon. a simple model has been developed with experimental data of electrical energy delivered by PV module for estimating the performance of a photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems, this work is made possible using 5-min intervals of measured performance data (ambient temperature, current, voltage) for the month of August using the optimum fixed tilt angle of the PV array. The method is validated by predicting the performance of two PV pumping systems installed in an isolated site in Agola and Dorigué. The daily and the monthly flow rate of the systems predicted by the method are evaluated.

Design and Performance of Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems: Comprehensive Review towards a Renewable Strategy for Mozambique

The use of solar photovoltaic (PV) technology for water pumping systems (WPS) has been one of the most popular forms of solar energy application in recent decades in remote and desert areas, as well as in some urban areas. In this article, an advanced literature review on the design and performance of solar technology for water pumping is presented, exploring also the best perspective of transition for the developing countries energy needs. Additionally, this paper intends to analyze the Mozambique’s perspective on renewable energy technologies setting the Mozambican scenario regarding photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPS) technology with the aim to identifying the main knowledge of PVWPS design and research gap. The results show that the most commonly used configuration of PVWPS technology is direct coupling systems without battery storage. These systems are simple and reliable, mainly used in small-scale pumping for small irrigations and domestic use. The mainly variables that influence the performance of PVWPS are: total dynamic head, quantity of fluid extracted, variation of solar radiation level, PV and motor pump technology. Yet, the efficiency of the PV and overall system does not exceed 10% and 5%, respectively. Looking at the designing, mathematical models, software-assisted is being predominant. Yet, as research gap, it is possible to understand from different authors that the dynamic nature of the end-use of PVWPS is not explored on methodology design of PVWPS, and the techno-economic optimum system configuration is not always the one that gives the highest annual system efficiency. For the Mozambican’s context, PVWPS for irrigation has been expanding slowly but has gained expression since 2013. In turn, static models based on software of pump manufacturers for PVWPS design are the most widely used in Mozam-bique. In Mozambique, PVWPS match the perspective of different researchers regarding the availability of solar resource, boreholes and amount of water required for irrigation. The adoption of PVWPS is a means of increasing the sustainability of the rural communities.

Progress on Solar Photovoltaic Pumping Irrigation Technology

AbstractSolar energy is considered a clean and renewable and safe energy source. With the development of photovoltaic (PV) technology and reduction in costs of PV cells and modules, solar PV pumping irrigation has been widely applied throughout the world. Applying together with micro irrigation technology, PV pumping irrigation has demonstrated a robust fusion in rural development, ecological conservation, and a viable technology for increasing farmers’ incomes and living standards by reducing poverty, and improving the living conditions of women by reducing labour intensity. This paper presents innovations in solar PV pumping technology, and a new business model and policy for enhancing the extension of solar PV pumping irrigation technology. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multi-criteria approach in solar urban water supply systems

An innovative method for sizing solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping systems in urban water supply systems (UWSSs) is presented. The methodology is based on various critical period approaches (the critical period method). A multi-criteria analysis was carried out to evaluate the effects of the critical period duration on the system characteristics. It was found that the critical period length is a design variable that significantly affects the economic, environmental and social aspects of the solution, with a lengthening of the critical period resulting in improvement of the overall sustainability of the solution. The results obtained indicate that a solar PV system is a promising solution to the energy sustainability of UWSSs. This form of energy supply does not emit greenhouse gases and furthermore the ‘social cost’ of carbon dioxide estimates decrease. The concept of a stand-alone PV energy system is a particularly promising sustainable energy solution.

Environmental performance of a solar assisted hybrid power gas heat pump based on life cycle assessment

Energy crisis and environment damage are the two worldwide urgent problems and building energy plays an important role in the energy and environment field. To reduce heating and cooling energy consumption in buildings, a novel solar assisted hybrid power gas heat pump system is proposed. The novel system runs in five working conditions and applies solar energy combined with battery pack to guarantee the engine always works in its economic zones. Because of the complexity of photovoltaic panels in environment effect, the life cycle assessment method is introduced to evaluate the whole system’s energy and environment effect. According to different photovoltaic ratios, simulation shows that the application of solar panels achieves a significant improvement in energy consumption while also causes a large mount in environment damage. At last the environmental payback time is put forward and the best environment payback time for the photovoltaic hybrid power gas heat pump system is 13.4 years at a photovoltaic ratio of 40%.

Photovoltaic Water Lifting and Ecological Water Supplement for Xiang’an Water System in Xiamen City

The construction of urban water system is important for safeguarding urban ecological conditions and beautifying residential environments. This paper discusses the concept of introducing photovoltaic water lifting to supplement urban water system by using reclaimed water as a resource during dry seasons. The current conditions of the Xiang’an water system being planned in Xiamen and ecological water supplement requirement are analyzed and used to demonstrate this concept. The Xiang’an sewage treatment plant within the drainage basin of the water system should be upgraded and reconstructed to supply reclaimed water that complies with IV water quality standard of surface water following treatment. Analysis of scenarios that requires water supplement in the Xiang’an water system is conducted based on conditions in the year 2014, as it recorded the highest number of non-rainy days in the past ten years. Additionally, the structure of photovoltaic pump is provided. This concept will serve as a useful reference in urban clean production and ecological remedy besides highlighting a new example of applied energy.