Photovoltaic Water Pumping Research Articles

Simulation of Photovoltaic Water Pumping System in Sam Ratulangi University

The purpose of this study is to design and simulate a PV water pumping system at Sam Ratulangi University in Indonesia. The methods employed in this study consist of a literature review, design, and simulation using HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) software. The comparison between PV water pumps and dieselpowered water pumps is analysed in terms of net present cost, cost of energy (COE), and emissions to meet the water requirements in the laboratory. The simulation results are based on two design scenarios for a solar photovoltaic water pumping system at a laboratory scale. In Scenario 1, the system has a daily load of 1.5 kWh/day, 0.52 kW PV modules, 4 batteries of 80 Ah each, and a 1 kW inverter. In Scenario 2, the system has a daily pump load of 2.5 kWh/day, 0.87 kW PV modules, 4 batteries of 80 Ah each, and a 1 kW inverter. The results indicate that the utilization of solar energy to power a PV water pumping system performs well and serves as a case study showcasing the use of solar energy. Further studies on the application of PV water pump should be implemented and tested to evaluate the system’s performance.

Simulation analysis of DC motor based solar water pumping system for agriculture applications in Rural areas

<span lang="EN-US">Solar photovoltaic (PV) generators for agriculture purposes offer a practical alternative over traditional electric<em></em>and diesel-based water pumps due to their low cost, sustainable and eco-friendly nature. These systems are suitable for remote locations<em></em>in case of unreachable<em></em>power grid. However,<em></em>the operation of these generators is affected by various factor such weather status<em></em>This article proposes a photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) to drive a centrifugal pump using a permanent magnet DC motor (PMDC). Additionally, a boost converter for extracting the maximum power from PV panels was used in the system and an Incremental conductance (IC) algorithm was chosen in the controller circuit. The system was implemented and investigated using MATLAB/Simulink at various irradiance values (i.e., 400, 600, 800 and 1000) w/m<sup>2</sup>. The results indicate that the efficiency of the proposed system is higher than 90% at all selected irradiance values proven that the integration of PV array with water pumping system without any energy storage devices is applicable at a daytime.</span>

Design and optimization of automatic solar irrigation-based PLC


 
 
 Irrigation is the most important step in agriculture. In order to obtain a good agricultural crop, water must be used wisely and appropriately without waste. This article presents an automatic solar irrigation system developed and designed by the authors. The system consists of two parts: a photovoltaic water pumping system and a unit of control based on programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller (PLC) uses two sensors: one is placed in the field to measure the moisture in the soil, while the second is used to control the amount of water in the storage unit. The photovoltaic pumping system was designed to be able to irrigate one-hectare area of henna Lawsonia inermis L. with daily water need of 33 m3/day and total dynamic head (TDH) of 14 m. The region opted for this study and analysis is 34°41.1’ N latitudes and 6°29.6’ E longitudes in Zribet el Oued-biskra, Algeria.
 
 

The outflow characteristics of PV water lifting systems based on multiple tracking strategies

In order to clarify the problems of high failure rate, low efficiency, and low outflow rate of PV water pumping stations in pastoral areas due to large differences in resource conditions and poor equipment matching, this study uses the PV water supply model, establishes a pilot site for PV human storage water supply in pastoral areas, carries out research on the relationship between solar energy resources, water supply demand and power system of PV water pumping stations based on group observation tests in the field, and analyzes the PV system. We analyzed the relationship between different tracking operation modes and the amount of solar radiation and water supply flow, and compared the outflow characteristics of fixed type, single-axis tracking type, and double-tracking axis type, in order to explore a kind of PV water pumping station technology suitable for human storage and drinking water in pastoral areas, which can meet the water demand of pastoral water users. The research results show that the single-axis and dual-axis water lifting systems are significantly more efficient than the fixed-support water lifting system, receiving solar radiation at more than 80% of the maximum radiation throughout the day, and lifting water flow at more than 90% of the maximum discharge flow. Compared with the fixed-support PV water lifting system, the radiation of the single-axis PV water lifting system increases by 28.9%, and the daily water output increases by 43%; for the dual-axis PV water lifting system, compared with the single-axis PV water lifting system, the daily radiation of the dual-axis PV water lifting system increased by 4.8% and the daily water output increased by 3.2%; the starting radiation of the PV water lifting system was 256 W/m2.

Optimal techno-economic energy coordination of solar PV water pumping irrigation systems

In this study, a water pumping photovoltaic system (WPPVS) provided with a water storage tank is introduced to supply freshwater for drip irrigation in Farafra oasis, Egypt. A multi-objective K-means clustering based on non-sorting genetic algorithm is utilized to minimize both the loss of water supply probability and the total annual costs including capital and running costs. Due to the variability of the water flow rate, a techno-economic energy coordination is developed with particular attention to avoid vibration of water pumps. The economic feasibility is based on the tomato crop yield against the total cost of the drip irrigation system. Sensitivity analysis for dynamic head, crop price, and interest and inflation rates is conducted. At specific dynamic head of 6 m, the results revealed that the optimal design of the WPPVS pumps 10220 cubic meter of water for irrigation through the developed energy coordination against 18575 cubic meter with pump vibration which saves 45 % of the pumped water. This reflects its effect on a decrease of the pumped water for all dynamic head values. Furthermore, the vibration avoidance strategy allows the pump to operate at lower dynamic heads above the water threshold level in the well, which is not possible with the presence of vibrations.

Reducing the impact of degradation causes on electrical power sources in the photovoltaic water pumping system

The availability and accessibility of water are the main issues for irrigation in most desert areas, especially in Jerid Tunisia. One of the best alternative methods for irrigation is the use of Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (PVWPS). Despite the considerable improvements in the design and performance of PVWPS, the presence of the peak load current, unsuitable battery charging control as well as inefficient energy management remain the major impediments to its evolution. In this context, the main focus of this paper is to improve the PVWPS reliability by reducing the occurrence and impact of degradation causes on electrical power sources. Firstly, a description of PVWPS configuration and its operation for irrigation is provided. Then, the critical causes generating the degradation of the various electrical power sources such as the Photovoltaic (PV) generator and the battery pack are identified. In order to minimize the impact of the peak load current on the electrical power sources, the authors propose the integration of a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS). In addition, the minimization of gassing phenomenon, no-cohesion of the active mass and sulfating of the electrode of the battery pack is ensured by using optimized multi-steps charging current profile. This study is completed by the integration of an Energy Management System (EMS) able to monitor, control and optimize the use of the various electrical power sources. The simulation results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed HESS and the optimized multi-steps battery charging current profile to ensure maximum availability and reliability of the PVWPS.

Maximum power point tracking techniques for solar water pumping systems

In this paper, we present a comparative study of single sensor-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) techniques for solar photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems. A conventional hill climbing algorithm is employed to find and track the MPP, using the information obtained from either a voltage sensor or a tachometer or a manometer. The results of experiment are included and explained to validate the proposed techniques.

IoT-based monitoring and shading faults detection for a PV water pumping system using deep learning approach

One of the major challenges facing photovoltaic (PV) systems is fault detection. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the main popular techniques used in error detection due to its ability to extract signal and image features. In this paper, a deep learning approach based on convolutional neural network (CNN) and internet of things (IoT) technology are used to detect and locate shading faults for a PV water pumping system. The current and voltage signals generated by the PV panels as well as temperature and radiation were used to convert them into 3D images and then upload to a deep learning algorithm. The PV system and fault detection algorithms were simulated by MATLAB. The obtained results indicate that the performance of the proposed deep learning approach to detect and locate faults is better than the traditional statistical methods and other machine learning methods.

Designing a Model of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System for Off-Grid Localities in Tanzania

Modeling of photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system for rural water localities is vital especially in these modern days, in Tanzania. This is due to the rise of high number of solar-powered rural water projects constructed lacking appropriate design. The fate result into poor and substandard projects delivering below expectations. Kikombo Solar Water Project situated in Dodoma; Tanzania is one among poorly designed solar project chosen as a case study to validate proposed model. The main problem of Kikombo project is unsatisfactory amount of water from domestic points to satisfy population demand. This matter has been raised by pumping-station attendants and the Kikombo village community. The Kikombo water project can only deliver 14.21 m3/day while required demand is 50 m3/day. In order to solve the existing problem, solar water pumping model was developed. It consists of PV array, a motor-pump (AC), inverters (DC–AC converter), maximum power point tracker (MPPT) integrated with a controller and a storage water tank. Analysis was done in MATLAB to estimate which parameters should be upgraded to meet the water requirements. Moreover, the input and output variable for each model component were identified and simulated in MATLAB software. Finally, PV model was validated and system capacity improvement to rectify designs limitation for Kikombo is proposed. The model results were validated through real measurement data at Kikombo water pumping station. The differential error of 0.04062 was observed as a system error. PV model displayed an error of 0.0509 for power output, 0.0383 for current and 0.0131 for voltage; inverter displayed error of 0.0686 and 0.0406 for motor pump. In order to acquire sufficient water demand of 50 m3 /day, the PV panel and pump capacities should be increased to 8.82 kW and 7.35 kW respectively from the existing PV panel’s power of 2.5 kW and motor-pump of 4 kW.

Performances Analysis and Comparison of Active and Hybrid Harmonic Filter in Photovoltaic Water Pumping System

As an agriculturally based country, many rivers pumping stations are implemented in Myanmar. Currently, these pumping stations are operated with utility supply or diesel engines. For reliable energy supply and energy cost saving, the solar powered river pumping stations are now carried out in Myanmar. Most of these pumping stations are located at the dry zones especially at Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions. The main problem with solar powered river pumping station is the harmonic induced due to DC/DC boost converter and three phase inverters. Harmonics are the important problem in solar river water pumping system as they can shorten the life span of pumping motors and vibrations. Thus, harmonic filters become the main function of these system. In this research, the harmonic mitigation for Kanni river pumping system is executed using active and hybrid harmonic filter and their performances are compared. In this work, solar river water pumping system is designed firstly, and then modelled and simulated using MATLAB/Simulink. Harmonic contents and mitigation performances of each filter are analysed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) tool.

Techno-economic and environmental assessment of solar photovoltaic, diesel, and electric water pumps for irrigation in Assam, India

This study assesses the techno-economic and environmental aspects of solar photovoltaic (PV), diesel, and electric water pumps for irrigation in Assam, India. Two practical crop rotations are considered: Sali rice, strawberry, and Ahu rice; and Sali rice, mustard, and Boro rice. A comprehensive analysis, including performance, cost-effectiveness, and CO2 emissions, was conducted through field surveys and data analysis. The findings highlight the advantages of solar photovoltaic water pumps (SPVWP), including reduced CO2 emissions, lower operational costs, and the potential revenue from selling surplus electricity generated and participating in carbon trading. The study explores the sensitivity to varying subsidy rates, emphasizing the potential to promote SPVWP adoption through revised policies. Factors like crop rotation, energy costs, and groundwater availability are also considered. SPVWP emerges as a viable and sustainable irrigation solution in Assam and similar regions with appropriate financial incentives and support. The research offers valuable insights for policymakers and advances the understanding of renewable energy-based irrigation systems.

Remote Data Acquisition System for Photovoltaic Water Pumping System in Sukkar, Pakistan

Access to high-speed internet connectivity is limited in Sukkur, Pakistan, making alternative communication technologies essential for real-time monitoring and control of photovoltaic (PV) water pumping systems. This research paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a GSM-based remote data acquisition and logging system for a PV water pumping system in Sukkur. Leveraging abundant sunlight in the region, the proposed system utilizes 2G GSM technology for communication between the PV system and the remote monitoring station. A network of sensors captures key parameters, and the acquired data is processed, stored, and transmitted using 2G GSM, enabling remote access and real-time monitoring from any location with GSM coverage. The implemented system incorporates an Arduino microcontroller for core operation and employs an SD card for data logging. Real-time data logging allows for detailed tracking and analysis of system performance, facilitating troubleshooting and optimization. Data stored on the SD card can be transferred to a computer for further analysis using data analysis software or custom applications, providing meaningful representation of trends and insights into system operation. The system also features an OLED display for real-time feedback on essential parameters, including solar irradiance, water level, and pump status. Furthermore, the integration of user prompts and GSM communication enables remote monitoring and control, empowering users to inquire about system status and remotely activate or deactivate the pump through SMS commands. The system offers a robust and adaptable solution for efficient management and maintenance of the solar-powered water pumping system in Sukkur, Pakistan.

Reliability and performance evaluation of a solar PV-powered underground water pumping system

The operation and effectiveness of a solar-powered underground water pumping system are affected by many environmental and technical factors. The impact of these factors must be investigated to be considered when developing these systems and to ensure their dependability. This study evaluated the dependability and performance of photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) under real operating conditions by examining the effects of solar irradiance, panels’ temperature, and components' efficiency. From December 2020 to June 2021, experiments were conducted on a 10 hp PVWPS located in Bani Salamah, Al-Qanater-Giza Governorate, Egypt, at latitude 30.3° N, longitude 30.8° E, and 19 m above sea level. The irradiance values reached 755.7, 792.7, and 805.7 W/m2 at 12:00 p.m. in December, March, and June, respectively. Furthermore, the irradiance has a significant impact on the pump flow rate, as the amount of pumped water during the day reached 129, 164.1, and 181.8 m3/day, respectively. The panels' temperatures rose to 35.7 °C, 39.9 °C, and 44 °C, respectively. It was observed that when the temperature rises by 1 degree Celsius, efficiency falls by 0.48%. The average efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels reached its highest value in March (13.8%) and its lowest value in December (13%).

Constraints in Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pump Sets in Haryana

Constraints in Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pump Sets in Haryana

Solar photovoltaic water pumping system: A software tool development-based optimal configuration investigation for system installation location, sizing and deployment

Water resources are essential for human survival, environmental stability, sustainable development, and economic growth. However, the lack of access to clean water poses a significant challenge to people's well-being. Solar photovoltaic-powered water pumping systems offer a sustainable solution to this problem. Despite their implementation in various locations, there is currently no established methodology for optimal site selection and sizing. To address this gap, this study thoroughly investigates and analyzes the design and deployment steps of a solar PV water pumping system, including site selection and sizing of the components. A graphical user interface is developed based on fundamental equations to assist users in appropriately sizing the system for the most suitable site, aiming to minimize costs. The tool is rigorously tested and validated through a case study focusing on economically disadvantaged communities in remote areas with complex terrains. The results align with ground data, providing valuable insights into system design and deployment. This study serves as a comprehensive guide for designing solar PV water pumping systems, applicable worldwide with relevant data inputs. It contributes to the planning and implementation of sustainable solutions, addressing water access challenges through a scientific approach.

Efficient MPPT for BLDCM-Driven PV Pumping System Based on Ripple Correlation Control

A fast and parameter-intensive maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is presented for a photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system, driven by the Brushless DC motor (BLDCM). The technique is based on the application of “ripple correlation control” (RCC). As an advantage, rather than artificial signal injection, the proposed technique employs the inherent perturbations introduced due to phase commutation and non-sinusoidal back-EMF of BLDCM to determine the maximum power points of the PV system. The technique can be simply employed for different configurations of BLDCM based PV water pumping systems. Experiments are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.

Modeling of a stand-alone solar photovoltaic water pumping system for irrigation

Solar photovoltaic water pumping systems have been research topics in recent decades. The purpose was to develop much more profitable and efficient systems to meet the needs of pumping water for livestock and irrigation. This paper describes the design of a stand-alone photovoltaic water pumping system. A Boost converter is used to apply the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm. Similarly, a three-phase voltage source converter (VSC) is used to supply the asynchronous motor. The installation must provide a continuous water flow during the irrigation interval. It has been verified that in adverse weather conditions (cloud transits or partly cloudy) it is necessary to incorporate a decentralized-hybrid energy storage system (based on batteries or ultracapacitors), or excessively oversize the standalone photovoltaic system, to supply the water pump. The model has been simulated in Matlab-Simulink. In this way, different simulations have been developed to verify the basic characteristics of the proposed system. The results of the simulated model and the conclusions obtained are also presented in this paper.

Technical and environmental aspects of solar photo-voltaic water pumping systems: a comprehensive survey

Abstract Several sectors including agriculture and farming rely on renewable source-based water pumping due to recurrent hikes in fossil fuel prices and contaminant environment. In recent decades, a solar photovoltaic-based water pumping system (SPVWPS) has been a more popularly chosen technique for its feasibility and economic solution to the end-users. The initial cost, efficiency, orientation, auxiliary storage, head, and payback period are the technical issues, whereas transportation, lack of skilled people, theft, vandalism community, and politics are the social challenges that may prevent the solar pumps from being widely adopted. However, more subsidies, training, tax breaks, and remote monitoring can make this technology more accessible. Also, this article emphasizes various parameters affecting system performance, such as the suitable selection of panels, power conditioning units, motors, pumps, the payback period of the energy, and cost. Moreover, this article covers the technical and environmental facets of the SPVWPS, which helps researchers, policymakers, manufacturers, and end-users to design and choose a suitable pumping system. Major findings are stand-alone SPVWPS is highly recommended in areas with a maximum of 50 m dynamic head and a minimum of 2,000 m from local grid power. Moreover, along with the 25-year life span of the 25-kW SPVWPS could generate 150 MWh/year and reduce about 86,500 kg of CO2 emissions.

Effect of cloud transits in a stand-alone solar photovoltaic water pumping system

This paper discusses the effects of cloud transit on a stand-alone direct solar photovoltaic water pumping system for irrigation and farms. In this way, its impact is studied, applying a possible classification based on its incidence and effects on the system. For this, the information provided by the data loggers of different photovoltaic installations has been analyzed and in turn compared with the data obtained in the reference installation. In addition, the Matlab-Simulink simulation model used is described. Different simulations have been developed to verify the basic characteristics of the proposed system. In this way, it is possible to check the advantages and drawbacks of the direct water pumping in irrigation applications. At the same time, the system parameters can be easily modified to meet the requirements of different water flow capacities. Also, the water hammer effect and the cavitation phenomenon in the water pump are described. Finally, the simulation results obtained as well as their conclusions are presented.

Performance and Cost Comparison of Photovoltaic and Diesel Pumping Systems: In Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Diesel pumps have extensively used for irrigation water pumping. However, this causes challenges both in terms of economic factors (fuel costs) and environmental impacts (emits air pollution). An alternative solution is using renewable energy sources. In this regard, a battery less solar PV energy system was designed and evaluated was designed and evaluated for the geographic location and metrological data of Dugda woreda, representing the central rift valley of Ethiopia. Performance testing were conducted on sunny days of April month and with time intervals of from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, again the respective solar radiation ranges between 385.8 to 862.2 W m^(-2) h^(-1). The solar photovoltaic pumping has been evaluated with the head levels of 10, 12, 15, and 18 m. Accordingly the result showed that, PV system size can irrigate a tomato field of 0.33-0.75 ha with a mean daily water use of 8.7 and 17.4 m^3 〖day〗^(-1) at head levels of 10 and 18 meters, respectively. After evaluation, the maximum water flow rate has been at the midday day from 12:00 am to 1:00 pm. Comparative economic evaluation of the solar-powered water pump system and diesel pump devices were done using cycle cost breakdown and the cost of water per unit volume. Thus the long term economics of water pumping using solar photovoltaic and diesel pumping systems showed a cost of 1.33 〖ETB m〗^(-3) and 3 ETB m^(-3), respectively. The result demonstrated that photovoltaic water pump systems are more affordable for the long-term services of small to medium-scale farms than gasoline water pumps.