Powered Water Pumping System Research Articles

Cost-benefit analysis of implementing a solar powered water pumping system – A case study

Solar-powered water driving scheme (SPWDS) has been successfully employed as a practical solution to guarantee reliable water supply in various hilly regions without electrical infrastructure. The Water Supply Systems / Schemes (WSS) focus on using pumping systems for delivering potable water to the community but face practical difficulties and financial hurdles at different implementation stages. These challenges encompass the practical complexities, the absence of non-renewable energy sources, and ongoing expenses for consumable and non-consumable items incurred during the water project's execution and maintenance. The present research study evaluates the performance of four water supply systems in Nepal which use solar energy as their primary power source. The key performance indicators are assessed, including the functionality index for facility distribution. Additionally, the research aims to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning from non-renewable to sustainable renewable energy source to achieve net zero energy consumption. This evaluation concentrates explicitly on calculating the cost-effectiveness index as a key metric. A proportional analysis is undertaken to evaluate the cost-benefit of the SPWDS, considering both the potential advantages and challenges associated with these initiatives. The present study affirms the technical feasibility and economic viability of operating a WSS using renewable and eco-friendly solar energy as the power source. This finding opens avenues for reducing energy consumption and contributes significantly to developing a policy framework to for tapping solar energy.

A novel voltage lifting technique of switched-inductor cell based modified LUO converter topology for water pumping system

The persistent exhaustion of traditional energy sources with their impacts on the environment has been initiating a significant interest in a selection of renewable-energy sources (RES) based water-pumping system. Among several renewable sources, solar-PV is the most promising and practical source for water-pumping applications that can be easily installed on a building's roof. The available solar-PV energy is integrated to AC electric motor through front-end DC-DC boost converter topology. Among the various DC-DC converter topologies, a novel switched-inductor type modified LUO converter has been proposed for solar-PV powered water pumping system. The proposed switched-inductor type modified LUO (SI-MLUO) converter have simple structure which delivers high voltage gain with low leakage currents, low current ripples, reduced voltage spikes, low dv/dt stress and high efficiency over the several conventional DC-DC converters. The operating modes and performance of proposed SI-MLUO converter topology is verified by using MATLAB/Simulink tool, simulation results are validated with conventional topologies.

Performance Analysis of a Quasi-Z-Source Converter for Solar Photo Voltaic System Powered Water Pumping System

The integration of three different DC/DC boost converters is proposed in this study, namely the conventional BC, ZSC, and QZSC, in a solar photovoltaic system (SPVS). The front-end converters are utilized for the integration of the SPVS and a three-phase voltage source inverter (VSI), which powers a Brushless DC Motor (BLDC) motor. Two different algorithms, INC-MPPT and INC-trained ANN (INC-ANN-MPPT), are employed for optimizing power extraction from the SPVS. The back-end converter comprises the VSI, which is controlled by two controllers: a conventional MPP DC link voltage (V dc) reference controller and a closed-loop speed dual-tuned PID (VSDT-PID) controller. Additionally, a trained ANN controller (VSDT-ANN) with hall effect feedback is utilized to optimize the motor speed. The back-end converter effectively regulates the speed of the BLDC motor, regardless of the irradiance level of the SPVS. The proposed conversion system is analyzed in MATLAB/Simulink, considering various system configurations and its performance is compared with an implemented conversion system in terms of power extraction, transient response, settling time, voltage, current, and speed deviations.

Grid-Connected Solar PV Fed BLDC Motor Drive for Water Pumping System

This article proposes a unidirectional power flow of a grid-connected brushless DC motor powered water pumping system fed by a photovoltaic array using a bridgeless power factor corrected (PFC) boost converter. The system consists of a bridgeless PFC converter, a boost converter, and a voltage source inverter to drive a brushless DC motor coupled with a pump. As a backup source, the grid is used. This system allows the water pump to run at maximum capacity regardless of the weather conditions. The grid will provide power if the photovoltaic array is unable to fulfil the required power demand. The unidirectional power flow through a conventional power factor corrected (PFC) boost converter causes conduction loss in the input bridge rectifier, thereby hurting efficiency, power factor, and THD. This paper presents a bridgeless PFC boost converter topology to reduce the conduction losses, thereby increasing the efficiency and obtaining a nearly unity power factor as well as lower total harmonic distortion (THD) of input current. The system is simulated using MATLAB /Simulink. The proposed system’s real-time validation is realized through the OPAL-RT simulator OP5700. The THD results obtained are well within the specified standard of IEC 61000-3-2 and IEEE 519-1992.

Potential for using Solar-Powered Water Pumping Technology for Irrigating Sugarcane in Sri Lanka

Purpose: Price hike of petroleum and the non-coverage of national electricity supply in plantation sites are some shortcomings against implementing lift irrigation projects in highland sugarcane plantations. Solar energy can be used as an alternative energy source for diesel or national electricity dependent water pumping technology. The present paper demonstrates the potential of using solar-powered water pumping technology for irrigating sugarcane in Sevanagala, Pelwatta, Hingurana, Kantale, and Kilinochchi, in Sri Lanka. Research Method: The study was conducted in Sevanagala, Pelwatta, Hingurana, Kantale, and Kilinochchi, sugarcane growing areas. Technical and economical evaluation was carried out to characterize the usability of solar powered water pumping technology respective to conventional furrow irrigation and drip irrigation under different water sources i.e., tube-wells, agro-wells, small water tanks, and runoff water harvesters. Solar irradiance (W.m⁻²) and cloud cover (%) in each location were used to estimate the solar energy variations. NASA–MERRA-2 data set (GMAO, 2015) was used to derive solar irradiance for the period of 10 years from 2010 – 2019. Findings: The solar irradiance and insolation in the sugarcane plantation sites are sufficient to operate solar-powered water pumping systems. The solar irradiance and insolation in study area ranged from 218.2 kW.m⁻² to 225.4 kW.m⁻² and 5.34 kW.h.m⁻² to 5.48 kW.h.m⁻² respectively. The solar technology will greatly reduce the operating costs of irrigation, despite the high initial costs. Kilinochchi and Kantale area showed the highest and lowest profitability in using solar powered irrigation respectively. Nevertheless, Sevanagala, Pelwatta and Hingurana show medium potential for implementing solar powered water pumping systems for irrigations. Research Limitation: Limited availability of data on temporal changers of cost incurred on the irrigation practices and the fluctuation of market price of the solar powered water pumping systems were significant constraints experienced during the study period. Originality/ Value: The results of this study are highly useful for decision makers in both plantation and national level in implementation of productivity improving programs in sugarcane plantation areas in Sri Lanka.

Solar Powered Water Pumping System for a Rural Village

Solar Powered Water Pumping System for a Rural Village

IoT based smart irrigation system for communal use

Kenya is experiencing a rapid human population growth and consequently rising demand for food. This is happening at the backdrop of adverse climatic changes currently being experienced. The problem is further aggravated by the fact that more than 80% of the country’s landmass is classified as Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). In order to meet the food demand, there is need to divorce from rain-fed agriculture and put most of the arable land under irrigation. Since Kenya is a water scarce country, efficient irrigation systems are required. An efficient irrigation system that promotes use of rain water harvesting technologies and maximizes crop water productivity through use of appropriate sensors and wireless communication technology has been developed. The innovation involves use of farmers’ earth pans for harvesting and storing rain water and irrigating fields through drip lines. In addition, smart soil moisture sensors are fitted to each field under irrigation for real-time monitoring of soil moisture content and automatically notifying an irrigation administrator through mobile phone when crops require watering. The administrator is equipped with a tricycle fitted with solar powered water pumping system for pumping water from the earth pan to the crops. When the operator receives a signal request from water sensors in field he/she moves with the tri-cycle and services it. The smart sensors (IoT based) installed in the field will then notify him/her when sufficient amount of water has been received so that irrigation can be stopped. The operator waits for the next request from another farmer’s field to service. The technology has been tested in different portions of the university land under irrigation. The results indicate that crops receive timely watering and show no water stress. The innovation has the potential of making high tech irrigation system accessible to small scale farmers at an affordable cost and enhance food production and in turn food security in the country.

Solar Powered Water Pumping System Automation and Control Using a Microcontroller for Aquaculture

This work represents an automated solar-powered water pumping system for a fish farm located off-grid in a rural area of Pakistan. The ultrasonic water level sensor is used with the microcontroller Arduino UNO to automate the pumping system. The water level sensor is connected to the microcontroller based on the sensor programming and sensor data extraction from the water ponds of the fish farm. The microcontroller controls the water pump automatically to switch ON/OFF. This solution is very cost-effective for local farmers, and no human is needed on the site to monitor and operate the water pumping system for the fish farm. The designed system can reduce labor costs and effectively provide fish farms a smooth automated water pumping system.

Design of Solar Powered Water Lifting System for Irrigation at Chaukune Ward No.1, Surkhet, Nepal

Despite the availability of enough water in Nepal, there is difficulty in irrigation in most of the places. This is due to difficult terrain in hilly and mountainous region. Hand water pumping is possible only in terai region and grid electricity has not reached in most parts of hilly and mountainous region. For these reasons, solar water pumping from appropriate source is the best option. The main objective of this project was to design a solar powered water pumping system at Chaukune ward no 1, Surkhet district. The targeted area had water demand of 400.171 m³ per day, which was supplied from a perennial river, Budhakhola. With a distance of 732 m between the pump and reservoir, a circular reservoir of diameter 11 m, height 13 m and thickness 0.3 m was designed at an elevation of 219 m from the water surface. Solar module of rated power 87.48 kW (18 in series, 18 in parallel) was selected. The volume of storage tank is 1200.513 m³, which is sufficient to store water for 3 days. The upfront cost, operation and maintenance, replacement cost of diesel pump are about 2-4 times higher than solar photovoltaic pump. The solar pumping system does not emit greenhouse gases. Solar water pumping is found to be economically viable and environment friendly in comparison to electricity or diesel based systems for irrigation.

Double Stage Solar PV Array Fed Water Pump Driven by Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor

This article presents an improved standalone double stage solar photovoltaic (PV) array powered water pumping system with protection capability. The proposed system utilizes a solar PV array boost dc–dc converter, three-phase voltage source inverter, permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), and a centrifugal pump, where the boost converter serves dual purposes. The first purpose is of maximum power point tracking by adjusting the duty ratio using an incremental conductance (INC) method in order to extract optimum power from the PV array, whereas the second purpose that it serves is system protection, which has been proposed for the first time. A modified INC algorithm with the capability of system protection is proposed for this purpose. The PMSM is driven in vector control mode and drives the pump. A power feed-forward term is utilized, which improves the system dynamic response. In this way, the purpose of effective and efficient water pumping is fulfilled. The proposed system is modeled using MATLAB/Simulink environment and its performance is validated through simulation and hardware validation by studying its behavior under varying insolation levels.

Deciphering the attitude of farmers towards solar powered water pumping systems: Lessons from Rajasthan

This study was an attempt to analyze the attitude of farmers towards solar-powered water pumping systems. The present study was conducted in the Bikaner district of Rajasthan state, which was selected purposely. The Bikaner district consists of eight tehsils; out of these, two tehsils, namely Kolayat and Poogal, were purposely selected for the present investigation based on the highest number of solar-powered water pumping systems installed during 2013–17. Further, one gram panchayat from each selected tehsil, namely Phoolasar from Kolayat and Shivnagar from Poogal, were selected purposely based on the highest number of solar-powered water pumping systems installed. The proportionate random sampling method was used to determine the user respondents, and they were called beneficiaries of the solar-powered water pumping system because they have installed it. Further, an equal number of non-beneficiary respondents from the same gram panchayats were also selected randomly who have not installed solar-powered water pumping systems, and they were called non-beneficiary respondents. Thus, 120 respondents, i.e. 60 beneficiary and 60 non-beneficiary respondents, were selected from the selected gram panchayats for the present investigation. The study's findings revealed that most of the beneficiary, non-beneficiary and overall respondents had a neutral attitude towards solar-powered water pumping systems. In the case of beneficiary respondents, “by the use of solar technologies energy crisis can be solved” had ranked first. While, in the case of non-beneficiary and overall respondents, “use of these technologies requires more skill” had ranked first. Education, annual income, occupation, extension agency contact and mass media exposure were found to be positively and significantly associated with the attitude of respondents towards solar-powered water pumping systems.

An Intelligent Grid Integrated Solar PV Array Fed RSM Drive-Based Water Pumping System

This article deals with an intelligent grid integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) powered water pumping system driven by three-phase reluctance synchronous motor (RSM) drive. Here, a dc–dc converter is utilized for executing maximum power point tracking algorithm. A voltage source inverter is used for feeding the dc power to a three-phase RSM, from a solar PV array. A three-phase voltage source converter is used at the grid side for a bidirectional power transfer among the utility grid, water pump, and the PV array. This system provides rated water discharge throughout the day despite change in atmospheric conditions and feeds the surplus power to the three-phase utility grid. Moreover, during fault in any of the sources, the performance of the water pump remains unaffected. A high efficiency RSM drive without position/speed sensor is utilized here to drive the water pump. An intelligent power sharing concept, between the PV array and the grid, is used here, in which, automatic switching among all operating modes happens according to the availability of the PV array power and the grid supply. Moreover, the preference is given to the PV array power over the grid supply because of its availability at no cost. This control provides inherent power quality improvement and unity power factor operation at the grid side in all operating modes. The suitability of the system is tested through test results recorded on an experimental setup developed in the laboratory.

Solar PV powered SRM driven Water Pumping System Using Modified SEPIC Converter

The paper has the objective to design a solar powered water pumping system employing a switched reluctance motor (SRM) and to analyse it’s performance using simulation. On comparison to other ac and dc motor drives, SRM possess several features like wide speed range, high power density, low inertia and quick response. This system comprises a modified SEPIC converter as an intermediate DC-DC converter, which provide high voltage gain with reduced stress. Incremental conductance algorithm helps to track maximum power from PV panel. The SRM is controlled by closed loop control with current and speed as feedback signals.The system is designed and simulated for 1.2kW water pumping system under various insolation levels. The results shows that the system is apt for SPV fed water pumping system. Simulation studies indicate that both the steady state and dynamic performances are found to be satisfactory under various test conditions.

Design of Solar Powered Water Lifting System for Irrigation at Chaukune Ward No.1, Surkhet, Nepal

Despite the availability of enough water in Nepal, there is difficulty in irrigation in most places. This is due to difficult terrain in hilly and mountainous region. Hand water pumping is possible only in terai region and grid electricity has not reached in most parts of hilly and mountainous region. For these reasons, solar water pumping from appropriate source is the best option. The main objective of this project was to design a solar powered water pumping system at Chaukune ward no 1, Surkhet, Nepal. The targeted area had water demand of 400.171 m3 per day which was supplied from a perennial river, Budhakhola. With a distance of 732 m between the pump and reservoir, a circular reservoir of diameter 11m, height 13 m and thickness 0.3 m was designed at an elevation of 219m from water surface. Solar module of rated power 24.3 kW (18 in series, 5 in parallel) was selected. The volume of storage tank is 1200.513 m3 which is sufficient to store water for 3 days with pump efficiency of 75 percent. The upfront cost, operation and maintenance, replacement cost of diesel pump are about 2-4 times higher than solar photovoltaic pump. This system does not emit greenhouse gases. Solar water pumping is found to be economically viable and environment friendly in comparison to electricity or diesel based systems for irrigation.

Decentralized T-S Fuzzy Control for Solar PV Powered Water Pumping System Driving by Induction Motor

This paper presents a decentralized Takagi Sugeno (T-S) control scheme for a PV powered water pumping system, which is composed of a photovoltaic generator (PVG) supplying via a DC-DC boost converter, a DC-AC inverter, an Induction Motor coupled to a centrifugal pump. A T-S fuzzy controller is developed for MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to control the DC-DC boost converter, under variable solar irradiation and ambient temperature. An observer-based T-S fuzzy controller is dedicated to control the IM to guarantee the field-oriented control performances. From the optimal PV power provided in the MPP conditions, the optimal speed is calculated and delivered to control the IM, so that the proposed PV pumping system operates in optimal conditions and thus, maximizes the quantity of water pumped daily. Finally, simulation results are presented for both transient and steady state operation while taking into account all changes in climatic conditions, in order to validate the efficiency of the developed decentralized controller.

Solar PV powered water pumping system – A review

Diesel-powered pumps are widely used for irrigation purposes. However, due to an increase in the price of oil in the international market, harmful emissions from burning of it, high maintenance cost, and short lifetime have been forced to find some alternative. Renewable energy has the potential to limit the use of fossil fuel, as researchers are shifting towards a solar-powered water pumping system. As solar is available in large amounts and almost everywhere even in remote locations, which makes a good alternative to the diesel-powered water pump. The main aim of this review is to present a short overview of the solar PV powered water pumping system, its important components, applications, and India scenario. Economic and environmental aspects were also discussed. Solar PV water pumping system is found to be more economical, eco-friendly, reliable, with less maintenance and a long life span in comparison to diesel-powered water pumps. 4–6 years of payback period is found for some of the systems. The recent Indian subsidy provided and the latest scheme available for installation purposes are also discussed in the work.

Grid Connected Solar Powered Water Pumping System utilizing SRM Drive

Grid Connected Solar Powered Water Pumping System utilizing SRM Drive

Investigation of Standalone Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System With Reduced Switch Multilevel Inverter

Solar photovoltaic powered water pumping systems are becoming very successful in regions where there is no opportunity for connecting the grid. The photovoltaic technology converts solar energy into electrical energy for operating DC or AC motor-based water pump. In the case of a solar AC motor water pump, it engages two energy conversion stages (DC-DC and DC-AC) in the power conditioning unit. This usually resulted in increased size, cost, complexity and decreases efficiency of the entire system. In addition, the existing two-level inverter (DC-AC) stage generates higher harmonics in output voltage that deteriorates AC motor performance. As a consequence, a single energy conversion stage with more than two-level output voltage could be possible by utilizing multilevel inverters which replaces two-level inversion stage easily to get higher levels of output voltages as well for extracting best results from the motor. Moreover, they can able to operate with reduced switching frequency that certainly reduces switching losses. Still, the increased voltage levels comprise a higher number of power semiconductor switches, cumulative voltage stress and switching losses are making the system more complicated. In this paper an innovative seven-level inverter with five switches had been taken to investigate 0.5 H. P single phase induction motor water pump. This topology ensures minimum switching losses, lowering size along with less installation cost. In order to provide better insight into the working and performance of this proposed topology the simulation results performed in the MATLAB / Simulink environment and hardware implementation are depicted.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Powered Water Pumping System

Analytical study of solar photovoltaic water pumping system can be performed on the basis of technical, economical and environmental phenomenon. Use of solar energy to generate off grid electric power has been enhanced in these days and it is continuously increasing day to day due to the active interest of government and people. Numbers of applications are available in the solar energy field and amongst its various applications solar photovoltaic water pumping system is best utilized for agriculture and community water supply. It has increased agriculture productivity due to the power availability when needed for irrigation. This technology has improved the living standard of farmers and villagers who have not proper electrical supply as per their requirement for water pumping. This technology is helping to complete the mission of government and helps farmers to get water pumping system without any need of grid connection. The use of fossil fuels was common earlier for the pumping system and mostly diesel generator based systems are used which causes emission of CO2 and other harmful gases. Fossil fuels increase pollution and causes global warming, health problems and many more while solar energy based applications are helping to reduce CO2 emission and making a step toward green environment. This manuscript presents study of technical and economic analysis of solar water pumping system useful for various water supply applications especially in agriculture sector.

Solar powered water pumping systems for irrigation: A comprehensive review on developments and prospects towards a green energy approach

The electricity deficit and higher fuel costs affect the water supply to irrigation requirements. Solar energy for water pumping is a promising alternative to conventional electricity and diesel-based pumping systems. The photo- voltaic (PV) technology used for solar water pumping is to solar energy into electrical energy. This electrical energy is used to operate the water pump connected with sprinkler for irrigation. The main objective of the study is to present a best method for saving electricity and water. In a water irrigation system, the sprinkler with solar water pump is used to minimize the usage of water and reduce the consumption of electricity. The sprinkler is used to spray water in the irrigation field for reducing the usage of water consumption. The photo- voltaic (PV) technology used for producing electricity is used to operate the motor used for solar pump. The combined sprinkler and environmentally friendly & cost-effective photo- voltaic technology helps to minimize the usage of electricity and water.