Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Solar photovoltaic water pumping system approach for electricity generation and irrigation: Review

1. Shinde VB, Wandre SS. Solar photovoltaic water pumping system for irrigation: A review. African J. Agric. Res. 2015;10(22):2267–2273. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJAR20.... CrossRef Google Scholar

Technical modelling of solar photovoltaic water pumping system and evaluation of system performance and their socio-economic impact

Water is a precious resource for agriculture and most of the land is irrigated by tube wells. Diesel engines and electricity-operated pumps are widely used to fulfill irrigation water requirements; such conventional systems are inefficient and costly. With rising concerns about global warming, it is important to choose renewable energy source. In this study, SPVWPS has been optimally designed considering the water requirement, solar resources, tilt angle and orientation, losses in both systems and performance ratio. A PVSyst and SoSiT simulation tools were used to perform simulation analysis of the designed solar photovoltaic WPS. After designing and performance analysis, farmers were interviewed during fieldwork to assess socioeconomic impacts. In the result section, performance of PV system is analyzed at various tilt angles and it is established that system installed at a 15° tilt angle is more efficient. The annual PV array virtual energy at MPP of designed photovoltaic system is 33342 kWh and the annual energy available to operate the WPS is 23502 kWh. Module array mismatch and ohmic wiring losses are 374.16 kWh and 298.83 kWh, respectively. The total annual water demand of the selected site is 80769 m³ and designed SPWPS pumped 75054 m³ of water, supplying 92.93% of the irrigation demand. The normalized values of the effective energy, system losses, collection losses and unused energy in the SPVWP system are 2.6 kW/kWp/day, 0.69 kW/kWp/day, 0.72 kW/kWp/day and 0.48 kW/kWp/day, respectively. The annual average performance ratio of the proposed system is 74.62%. The results of the interviews showed that 70% of farmers are extremely satisfied with the performance of SPVWPS and 84% of farmers indicated that they did not incur any operating costs. The unit cost of the SPWPS is 0.17 €/kWh, which is 56.41% and 19.04% less expensive than the cost of diesel and grid electricity.

Review on Solar Photovoltaic-Powered Pumping Systems

Water and energy are becoming more and more important in agriculture, urban areas and for the growing population worldwide, particularly in developing countries. To provide access to water it is necessary to use appropriate pumping systems and supply them with enough energy for operation. Pumps powered by solar photovoltaic energy are complex electromechanical systems that include hydraulic equipment, electrical machines, sensors, power converters, and control units. Therefore, solar photovoltaic pumping systems are associated with various fields of science and engineering. In remote, less-populated areas without electricity, where it is either challenging to connect to the grid or it is not possible, solar photovoltaic water pumping systems can play a significant role. To see whether solar photovoltaic pumping systems may be a practical, viable, and affordable method of pumping water it is necessary to study different aspects of their operation. The goal of this current article is to evaluate and outline recent research and advancement in the field of solar photovoltaic pumping systems. The major focus is on the standalone photovoltaic pumping system’s components, factors that affect system efficiency, performance evaluation, system optimization, and the potential for integration with modern control techniques. The main objective of this article is to give a broader overview of solar photovoltaic technologies for researchers, engineers, and decision-makers.

Metaheuristic Algorithm Based Maximum Power Point Tracking Technique Combined With One Cycle Control For Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems

Solar photovoltaic technology has become eminent in the world because of its clean and abundant nature and can be effectively used for water pumping applications. A maximum power point tracking method is indispensable to achieve the best benefit from photovoltaic systems. Conventional maximum power tracking methods become successful only under uniform irradiance conditions and fail to track the maximum power under partial shading conditions (PSC). Hence, nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithms were proposed to track the optimum power under varying environmental conditions. This study proposes a method for improving the performance of the nature-inspired maximum power point tracking algorithms by using a nonlinear control technique called one cycle control. Based on the duty cycle obtained from the tracking algorithm the one cycle control technique generates pulses for the DC–DC converter, which is connected to a brushless DC motor pump system through a voltage source inverter. The performance of the proposed system under various PSCs is validated using the Cuckoo search, particle swarm optimization, and grey wolf algorithms. Simulation results for various shading patterns prove the supremacy of the system with respect to convergence speed, tracking efficiency, robustness, steady-state oscillations at maximum power point, and initial exploration oscillations in comparison with systems without one cycle control. In addition, the introduction of a KY converter as a DC–DC converter reduces the output voltage ripple in the system. Thus, the proposed system with one cycle control overcomes the disadvantages of the existing methods and can be effectively utilized for water pumping applications.

Improved Performance of PV Water Pumping System Using Dynamic Reconfiguration Algorithm Under Partial Shading Conditions

Partial shading (PS) conditions severely degrade the solar photo-voltaic water pumping system (SPWPS) efficiency. Due to partial shading, the output power of the photovoltaic (PV) array reduces, which minimizes the pumping output. Therefore, this paper designs a smart SPWPS for total cross tied (TCT) PV array. The design of smart SPWPS consists of irradiance, voltage, and current sensors. The irradiance sensor measures the real-time irradiation data of each module in the TCT connection. Based on real-time irradiation data, this paper proposes a dynamic reconfiguration algorithm with the help of switches that increases the PV array output power compared to normal TCT connection under partial shading conditions. The enhanced output power increases the water discharge of SPWPS. The voltage and current sensors are utilized for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) operation. Voltage by frequency (V/f) control with sinusoidal pulse width modulation helps to operate the induction motor smoothly. Further, simulation and experimental studies have been performed to validate the effectiveness of the proposed system under various PS conditions. The results obtained are encouraging as the reconfiguration algorithm improves the efficiency of the SPWPS.

A system identification-based MPPT algorithm for solar photovoltaic pumping system under partial shading conditions

ABSTRACT This paper presents a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm using system identification (SI) for solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping system under partial shading (PS) conditions. The measurement of the PV panel current was not required for the proposed MPPT algorithm. The MPPT algorithm was developed for an electric motor with a nonlinear pump load. In this study, a high-efficiency synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM) was designed as a 4-inch submersible pump motor. The system aimed to the small-scale solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. The SynRM was designed and optimized to use at low voltage levels such as solar PV panels without requiring a boost converter. Thus, the motor could be connected directly with any low voltage leveled power supply. The motor was produced 0.55 kW power with an efficiency of 86.5%. Eight PS patterns were generated to obtain four different scenarios for analyzing of the proposed algorithm. The Maximum Power Point (MPP) was determined with high accuracy for global maximum for all PS conditions using the proposed algorithm. Thus, the motor was operated at the MPP in all conditions thanks to the developed algorithm. The overall system efficiency was obtained between 72% and 82% under these conditions.

Design, simulation of different configurations and life-cycle cost analysis of solar photovoltaic–water-pumping system for agriculture applications: use cases and implementation issues

Abstract Water is an essential resource for agriculture and the majority of land is irrigated through borewells or wells. The power requirement for an irrigation pump motor is fed by the on-grid power supply but the availability of electricity in rural areas is still questionable. With rising concerns about global warming and the rise in carbon footprints, it is necessary to choose clean and green energy, thereby attaining self-sustainable life. India receives yearly a mean solar irradiation of 6.5 kWh/m2day. Hence, a solar photovoltaic–water-pumping system (SPV–WPS) is a suitable alternative to grid energy; thereby, the farmers would generate electricity through the solar photovoltaic system and become self-sufficient in their energy needs. In this paper, two different agricultural fields in Tamil Nadu, India that deploy flood irrigation and drip irrigation are taken as a case study. The paper discusses the concerns on the use of grid power and their carbon footprint, design and simulation of 4- and 5.5-kW SPV–WPSs using PVsyst 7.1.1, and the advantages of using SPV–WPSs and life-cycle cost analysis on different use cases. The Government of India has introduced a special scheme to promote the installation of SPV–WPSs by offering attractive incentives through PM-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) yojana. The results of the case study show that with the use of SPV–WPSs, either with or without subsidy, the farmer could gain a minimum of 250% on the investment with a project lifetime of 25 years.

Reduced DC sensor based grid-interactive operation of single-stage solar photovoltaic water pumping system

ABSTRACT The grid-interactive operation of a single-stage solar photovoltaic water pumping system (SPVWPS) requires additional power electronic interface and a number of sensors. This paper realizes the grid-interactive operation of the single-stage SPVWPS with reduced sensor and without adding to the cost of the grid-interface converter. The single-phase grid is connected directly with the SPVWPS and the three-phase inverter is controlled as a single-phase grid-interactive inverter. The motor winding inductance is utilized as a current filter. This arrangement functions as a photovoltaic-static synchronous compensator (PV-STATCOM) with voltage-oriented current control by feeding the peak solar photovoltaic (SPV) power to the grid and supporting the reactive power to alleviate steady-state grid voltage variations. The modified adaptive second-order generalized integrator (SOGI) is utilized for effective grid-angle estimation under the presence of DC-bias in the input signal. The modified perturb and observed maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is implemented using grid-side quantities, which curtails the requirement of the SPV current sensor. Extensive experiments are performed on the developed prototype under the variable atmospheric and the variable grid voltage conditions. The presented grid-interactive SPVWPS is realized with single power electronics device and three sensors. The cost of power electronics interface is reduced in presented single-stage grid-interactive SPVWPS by 22% compared to two-stage grid-interactive SPVWPS. Abbreviations: FLL: Frequency Looked Loop; PFC: Power Factor Correction; FFT: Fast Fourier Transform; PV: Photovoltaic; SPVWPS: Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System; MPPT: Maximum Power Point Tracking; P & O: Perturb and Observe; SPV: Solar Photovoltaic; OSG: Orthogonal Signal Generator; PWM: Pulse Width Modulation; SOGI: Second-order Generalized Integrator; PEC: Power Electronic Converter; RMS: Root Mean Square; VSI: Voltage Source Inverter; PF: Power Factor; RMF: Rotating Magnetic Field; VSC: Voltage Source Converter; PI: Proportional Integral; SySPWM: Synchronous Sine Pulse Width Modulation

Techno-economic feasibility of solar water pumping system in North-Gujarat region, India

North Gujarat region of India is predominantly known for agro based economy. As surface water sources are very much limited in these regions, irrigation mainly depends upon underground water strata available at different water table. (Viswanathan, 2014). Close to 80 per cent of the total irrigated area is dominated by deep and shallow tube wells while canal water covers hardly 20 per cent. Gujarat ranked fourth in terms of energization of pump sets over the past three decades, showing more than fivefold increase in the number of pump sets from 2.62 Lakhs during 1983 to 14.28 Lakhs during 2017 and around 3.5 lakh applications are still pending. The agriculture sector in Gujarat utilizes about 27 per cent of the total electricity supplied by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited. Contrarily, out of the net revenue generated by GUVNL, only 3 per cent is contributed by the agriculture consumers owing to highly subsidized rate of 60 paisa/kWh. Solar photovoltaic (PV) pumps are powered by an array of solar panels. Solar PV pumps are designed to operate on DC power produced by solar panels, or on existing AC pump with inverter. Solar pumps are easy to install and are generally “good” for the sustainability of boreholes due to their low extraction volumes spread over eight to ten hours a day. To cope up the ever increasing demand, the Gujarat government has provided solar-powered water pumps to farmers to reduce the burden on existing power plants and encourage the farmers to opt for solar powered pumps for their regular irrigation needs. A study on techno economic feasibility of solar water pumping system at farmers fields was carried out during 2015 and 2016 in the North Gujarat region. The study recommended the farmers to adopt 5 hp solar photovoltaic water pumping system coupled with micro irrigation system to promote eco-friendly daytime irrigation. The North Gujarat region is endowed by abundant solar radiation for 300–315 days with insolation of 4.5–6.5 kWh/m2/day. The system is found quite appropriate in the total head range of 5–85 m. Life cycle cost (LCC) of PV system was found to be 58.5 per cent less compared with diesel pump set, average payback period was found to be about 04 years.

Analysis of tilt angle variation in solar photovoltaic water pumping system

The paper considers the optimum tilt angle and orientation for the maximum utilization of the solar energy to collect more solar radiation for water pumping application in remote area. The module of tilt angle should be varied from 0° to 45° due to the single-axis tracking system. This paper deals with the effect of tilt angle variation in solar-water pumping system technologies. For this purpose four different tilt angles 8°, 15°, 30°, and 45° have been considered. The total amount of water to be extracted to the fixed tilt angle depends upon the latitude of the site and compared to different tilt angles which are suitable for the better performance of solar PV water pumping system. The performance analyzing models are designed using PVsyst simulation software. A comparative analysis is performed for different tilt angles with respect to solar yield, performance ratio, and energy losses to fulfill the irrigation system and domestic water demand. The software simulation indicated that the 30° orientation of PV panel provided maximum solar radiation and gives better performance.

Design of Efficient Off-Grid Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System Based on Improved Fractional Open Circuit Voltage MPPT Technique

The main application of off-grid solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems is water extraction in rural areas where access to the grid is restricted. In this application, photovoltaic (PV) and pump system regulation are crucial to increase its overall efficiency. In this context, this work presents a simple and efficient off-grid SPV water pumping system (SPVWPS). The designed system is based on a DC-DC boost converter, a three-phase DC-AC inverter, and a three-phase induction motor (IM) coupled to the centrifugal pump. The proposed solution is operated using a control strategy that associates an improved fractional open-circuit voltage (FOCV) method for maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and closed-loop scalar control. This association avoids the use of a speed sensor/encoder and a current sensor for the IM. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed off-grid SPVWPS and its control system for both steady-state and dynamic conditions of insolation change is verified using a 1KVA rated prototype. The relevance of the drive is also checked in various operating conditions and is found to be adequate for pumping water. Moreover, the proposed method guarantees a fast response, less oscillations around the MPP, a system efficiency of 99%, and a high flow rate due to the extraction of maximum power.

Assessment of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping of WASA Tube Wells for Irrigation in Quetta Valley Aquifer

This paper investigates the impact of tube wells on the discharge and water table of the Quetta Valley aquifer and conducts a financial analysis of the solar photovoltaic water pumping system (SPVWP) in comparison with a typical pumping system for the Water and Sanitation Agency of Quetta’s (WASA) tube wells. Quetta Valley is dependent on groundwater as surface resources are on decline and unpredictable. The population of this city has exponentially increased from 0.26 million in 1975 to 2.2 million in 2017 which has put a lot of pressure on the groundwater aquifer by installing more than 500 large capacity tube wells by WASA and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments in addition to thousands of low-capacity private tube wells. The unprecedented running of these wells has resulted in drying of the historical Karez system, agricultural activities, and the sharp increase in power tariffs. There are 423 tube wells in operation installed by WASA in addition to PHE, Irrigation and Military Engineering Services (MES), which covers 60% of the city’s water demand. The results will be beneficial for organizations and positively impact the operation of these wells to meet public water demand. For the two zones, i.e., Zarghoon and Chiltan in Quetta Valley, recommendations are given for improved water management.