Photovoltaic Water Pumping System Research Articles

Optimized and Sustainable PV Water Pumping System with Three-Port Converter, a Case Study: The Al-Kharijah Oasis

Optimized and Sustainable PV Water Pumping System with Three-Port Converter, a Case Study: The Al-Kharijah Oasis

Life cycle assessment of solar PV water pumping system for carbon emissions reduction at a location: a case study

ABSTRACT The design of water supply systems powered by solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are installed for irrigation and other allied applications at remote rural areas which lack proper on-grid power systems. These systems have been operating successfully for several decades at locations receiving ample solar radiation, assisting in the reduction of carbon emissions. Hybrid life cycle assessment was performed in this study to determine the carbon emissions for a solar PV water pumping system (SPVWPS) in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia. The carbon emission (g/mm3) produced by 1 m3 of water raised by 1 m was used as a reference in this assessment. The present analysis estimates the net CO2 emissions generated during the stages of production, transportation, construction, operation, maintenance, and recycling of SPVWPS. The results from SPVWPS were compared with CO2 emissions from diesel operated pumping systems. It was discovered that the carbon emission intensity produced during the 25-year operation period of SPVWPS was 0.80 g/mm3. The major CO2 emissions of SPVWPS were generated during the manufacturing stage totaled 2.02t, accounting for 55.19% of total emissions. When compared to the mobile diesel-powered water supply project, the CO2 emission intensity from SWPS was found to be about 0.55 times lower by about 1.46 g/mm3. As a result, the rapid development of SPVWPS in rural and pastoral areas represents the realization of rural low-carbon transformation and development, as well as the achievement of China’s “double carbon” reduction targets by 2050.

Pre-sizing online tool for photovoltaic water pumping system: development, testing, validation, and evaluation

Renewable energy has become increasingly popular worldwide, and solar energy is one of the most sustainable and widely used forms of renewable energy. However, the lack of precision in system sizing often leads to oversizing and significant financial waste. To address this issue, this paper presents the development, testing, validation, and evaluation of an online educational/industrial standard-based tool for optimizing photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPSs). The proposed tool considers statistics on solar irradiance, average temperature, and necessary solar panel specifications to aid in calculating the peak power required to meet demand. Using MATLAB software, the tool enables the sizing of a PVWPS for either centrifugal or submersible pumps, including complete PV sizing for on-grid or off-grid systems. The tool also demonstrates the impact of ignoring temperature, sun irradiation, and pipeline losses on the sizing technique. Results indicate that significant temperature changes can negatively impact sizing, requiring further adjustments. Finally, a questionnaire was administered to various user segments to evaluate the tool's efficiency, yielding satisfactory results. This paper presents a valuable tool for optimizing PVWPSs, enabling more precise and efficient system sizing, and reducing financial waste.

Design of a Novel Chaotic Horse Herd Optimizer and Application to MPPT for Optimal Performance of Stand-Alone Solar PV Water Pumping Systems

A significant part of agricultural farms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are in off-grid sites where there is a lack of sufficient water supply despite its availability from groundwater resources in several regions of the country. Since abundant agricultural production is mainly dependent on water, farmers are forced to pump water using diesel generators. This investigation deals with the increase in the effectiveness of a solar photovoltaic water pumping system (SPVWPS). It investigated, from a distinct perspective, the nonlinear behavior of photovoltaic modules that affects the induction motor-pump because of the repeated transitions between the current and the voltage. A new chaotic Horse Herd Optimization (CHHO)-based Maximum Power Point Tracking technique (MPPT) is proposed. This algorithm integrates the capabilities of chaotic search methods to solve the model with a boost converter to maximize power harvest while managing the nonlinear and unpredictable dynamical loads. The analytical modeling for the proposed SPVWPS components and the implemented control strategies of the optimal duty cycle of the DC–DC chopper duty cycle and the Direct Torque Control (DTC) of the Induction Motor (IM) has been conducted. Otherwise, the discussions and evaluations of the proposed model performance in guaranteeing the maximum water flow rate and the operation at MPP of the SPVWPS under partial shading conditions (PSC) and changing weather conditions have been carried out. A comparative study with competitive algorithms was conducted, and the proposed control system’s accuracy and its significant appropriateness to improve the tracking ability for SPVWPS application have been proven in steady and dynamic operating climates and PSC conditions.

Investigation of Electrical Configuration Topologies for Enhancing the Performance of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System

The numerous solar energies provide humans with clean, environmentally friendly, and abundant energy resources. Electricity shortages and high diesel prices have an impact on rural water irrigation systems and drinking water supplies. Solar energy for water pumping could be an alternative to standard electric and diesel pumping systems. The rising importance of solar photovoltaic water pumping systems (SPVWPS) as a feasible power source in rural, inaccessible, and unconnected areas drives the study. These locations, often in poor nations like India, lack conventional power. Solar energy is converted into electrical energy via photovoltaic (PV) technology, which is then used to power a DC or AC submersible or surface water pump. PV module configurations are crucial in improving a PV system’s performance. Many researchers have studied the solar water pumping design on series parallel combination and acquired the best system efficiency, but the other configurations, Total Cross Tied (TCT) and Bridge Link (BL) have never been employed in a solar water pumping system. This research aims to investigate the experimental comparison of different PV configurations for better system efficiency on different operating parameters. These PV array layouts were considered in a uniform situation. The result shows that power increases with increase in radiation and the flow rate provided by (6Sx2P) configuration is 18,956 l/day of water and calculated the best average pump efficiency.

Technical performance analysis of high-voltage battery-based photovoltaic water pumping systems

Energy efficiency in photovoltaic systems is especially important when batteries are part of the system. Performance optimization includes the selection of the best efficiency point for each stage of the system, and the inclusion of devices that reduce energy losses when some elements of the system are not operating. This paper proposes improving battery-based photovoltaic pumping systems by using high-voltage lithium batteries, combined with the inclusion of IoT switches and the operation of the pumping system at its most efficient operating point. Experimental results of a system working with different irradiance profiles are included for an analysis of the main working parameters. These parameters demonstrate how the inclusion of IoT switches improves system efficiency and provides extra energy that can be used to pump additional water or for other purposes. A comparison of the results obtained with the estimates made for direct pumping shows that the battery-based solution yields an average increase of 10.85 % on a sunny day (with 5.29 PSH) and 16.37 % on a cloudy day (with 2.88 PSH). Some water is pumped on days with less than 2 PSH, while direct pumping is unable to pump on those very cloudy days.

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.
 
 

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>

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.

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%).

Speed sensorless Adaptive Power Control for photovoltaic-fed water pump using Extended Kalman–Bucy filter

In this study, a speed sensorless control method is proposed for a photovoltaic water-pump system operating under variable atmospheric conditions. The developed system not only continuously determines the maximum power point of the photovoltaic system but also generates a reference speed appropriate for each power value produced. The MATLAB/Simulink model of the driver system incorporates Adaptive Power Control, Direct Torque Control, a 3-phase induction motor, and the power plant. The determination of the maximum power point of the photovoltaic system and the input reference speed information for the Direct Torque Control under varying atmospheric conditions is accomplished through the application of the Adaptive Power Control algorithm. Notably, the control process operates as a closed-loop system without the requirement of a speed sensor. Instead, the Extended Kalman–Bucy estimator is employed for speed estimation. Empirical evaluation of the proposed method was conducted under constant temperature conditions and varying irradiance values. The results clearly illustrate the consistent operation of the motor, with a constant torque production aligned with each identified maximum power point corresponding to distinct irradiance levels. The control system demonstrates robust performance and operational efficiency across the entire range of operating points. The efficacy of the Kalman estimator in monitoring the reference speed, the utilization of a single solar radiation sensor, and the successful implementation of sensorless operation are significant advantages of the developed adaptive approach. The demonstrated performance of the proposed system showcases its potential for enhancing the efficient and reliable control of photovoltaic water-pump systems in real-world applications.

Exploring the Synergy of Integration: Assessing the Performance of Hydraulic Storage and Solar Power Integration in Kirkuk city

This research investigates the performance of integrated system combining of hydraulic storage and solar power in Iraq. A photovoltaic-water pumping system was designed to store solar energy in the form of water in tank at a height of 6 mm. The study evaluates the influence of solar radiation level and pumping time in determining the amount of energy stored. During clear days in March, 175 minutes was taken to pump a total of 3400 liters of water in the case of the fixed PV panel, while when using the tracker, the time is reduced to 165 minutes for filling the tank with the same quantity of water due to the increase in the pumping capacity in the case of the tracker. During a cloudy day in the same month, the same quantity of water was pumped in 230 minutes. The stored water was then utilized to generate electricity, with varying flow rates based on the desired power output .The highest produced power was obtained by 42.9 W at a 42 lit / sec water flow rate, and the lowest power obtained by 23.2 W at a minimum water flow rate of 25 lit / sec. Moreover, the system's cost-effectiveness is enhanced by employing a direct current pump which can be used without the need for the inverter or batteries. These findings provide good understanding for the integrating of the hydraulic storage and solar power systems, offering potential solutions for sustainable energy generation in Iraq.

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.

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.

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.