Water Pumping System Research Articles

Techno-economic study for photovoltaic battery-free irrigation systems in an arid area for olive fields in Western West Al Minya, Egypt

Due to rain scarcity, artificial irrigation became an environmentally critical application for crop production. Proper irrigation is essential to maximize water use efficiency and plant biomass. Using clean energy sources is currently a trend that is sweeping the globe. To achieve this, we propose a solar-powered irrigation system. This study considers alternative irrigation systems using photovoltaic solar systems to pump water from deep wells for new land reclamation, whereas groundwater is the only source. The main objective is to evaluate various PV-powered pumping systems in Egypt's Western West Al Minya area. Two systems were nominated by considering the annual savings: the conventional irrigation Diesel system and a Photovoltaic (PV) battery-free irrigation system. The second system requires isolated pipes so solar radiation does not affect water temperature and avoids damage to plant roots. The 192 kW PV system was sized to operate a 60 KW water pumping system, with a required area of 1920 m2 for implementation. Direct irrigation using PV systems proved the best economical solution since it incurs the fewest costs of $0.015/m3 for 100–120 m well depth, compared with $0.073/m3 from the conventional system. As a result, the proposed PV-pumping system reduced the overall system cost by around 80% concerning the conventional system.

MIWO based MPPT of PV system for induction motor driven water pumping system

Renewable energy source-based Water Pumping Systems (WPSs) have gained popularity for drinking, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Locally situated standalone Photovoltaic (PV) powered WPS can provide a viable water supply solution, especially with induction motors (IM) due to their advantages over other motor types. However, solar PV energy output is greatly influenced by weather conditions, necessitating energy storage systems like batteries, which increase costs and require maintenance. This research proposes an efficient energy management system for a PV-powered IM-driven WPS that does not rely on batteries. The system handles Partial Shading Conditions (PSC) effectively, thanks to a sensorless speed controller combining a Modified Invasive Weed Optimization (MIWO) mechanism with the Perturb and Observe (P&O) method. This controller uses the inverter as an MPPT circuit, eliminating the need for a distinct converter to follow the MPP. The hybrid P&O-MIWO method's outcomes are compared with those of P&O hybridization with GA, PSO, and GWO to assess efficiency under various PSCs. TS-Fuzzy controllers are employed for voltage control at the DC-link and motor speed. The proposed system is analyzed across different scenarios and validated using a Simulink model in MATLAB. Results indicate that the hybrid P&O-MIWO mechanism enhances energy generation from the PV unit without relying on energy storage devices, providing a cost-effective solution for PV-based WPS implementation.

Analysis and control of grid-interactive PV-fed BLDC water pumping system with optimized MPPT for DC-DC converter

In this study, a novel water pumping module fed by grid interactive Photo-Voltaic with a bidirectional Power Flow Control was proposed. In addition to improving the pumping system’s reliability, a water pump is powered by a brushless DC motor drive. This method enables the pump to work at its maximum capacity for the entirety of that day, regardless of the weather. The entire system becomes more reliable as a result of the motor’s increased use of photovoltaic (PV) generated power for pumping applications. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller incorporating Machine Learning algorithm drives bridgeless greater static gain DCDC converter to achieve higher power generation point and increment PV efficiency. The PV array’s operation would be managed using the ML back propagation technology to capture the most electricity under any ecological circumstance. A BLDC motor is fed by a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) that includes a DC bus controlled in both directions by a unit vector template (UVT) approach incorporated in a single-phase voltage source converter (VSC). Additionally, utilizing a PI controller to manage the DC capacitor voltage in the UVT controller at a particular level is not appropriate for the increased PQ capabilities. However, due to tuning problems with the current controller, this controller is unpopular. The aforementioned problems are resolved by employing a unique intelligent-based fuzzy logic controller that achieves good performance features. In this technique, the function of a PV array at its Maximum Power Point (MPP), as well as power quality enhancements and a decrease in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the grid are accomplished. The proposed PI controller attains a significant voltage THD of 3.736. The PI controller, on the other hand, managed to achieve a load voltage THD of 2.629%. The ANFIS method, whose value is 1.739%, is discovered to have a lower THD than all remotes with improved features, it lessens abrupt swings while maintaining steady DC-link voltage.

Photovoltaic pumping tests: A novel supervision method for photovoltaic water pumping systems

Water pumps powered by photovoltaic energy, often named ‘photovoltaic water pumping systems’ (PVWPS), offer a promising solution for improving water access in developing regions. Regular pumping tests are essential for characterizing boreholes and ensuring sustainable groundwater extraction. Traditionally, these tests are conducted only at the time of PVWPS installation using diesel pumps. However, since PVWPS typically have a lifespan of around 20 years, the borehole's condition may change over time, necessitating ongoing testing. To overcome this challenge, this article presents a novel method for conducting pumping tests using the PVWPS's own photovoltaic modules as the power source, greatly simplifying regular borehole monitoring over the PVWPS's lifespan. This approach improves the long-term technical sustainability of PVWPS. By eliminating the need for diesel generators, it reduces also costs, emissions, and logistical complexity while ensuring continuous water supply during testing. The principle and protocol for these proposed tests are outlined, as well as the key indicators for analysis. Furthermore, the associated costs and benefits are thoroughly explored. The proposed method is applied to a PVWPS in a village in Burkina Faso. This PVWPS has 750 Wp of photovoltaic modules, a 10 m³ water tank, and a 56 m borehole. Results show that the photovoltaic pumping tests allow to accurately determine borehole parameters, achieving a model fit with an average R2 of 0.99. Additionally, a photovoltaic pumping test costs $43, which is significantly lower than standard pumping tests: a multiple step drawdown test costs $511 and a long pumping test costs $2050. Moreover, the proposed photovoltaic pumping tests can prevent premature replacements of PVWPS components, leading to significant savings. While demonstrated in a specific context, this method is transferable to other systems, offering potential benefits for companies, local authorities, governments, and NGOs involved in the development and maintenance of PVWPS in rural areas.

Utilization of Solar Powered Water Pump System to Support Fish Cultivation

Utilization of Solar Powered Water Pump System to Support Fish Cultivation

Design, and dynamic evaluation of a novel photovoltaic pumping system emulation with DS1104 hardware setup: Towards innovative in green energy systems.

Diesel engines (DEs) commonly power pumps used in agricultural and grassland irrigation. However, relying on unpredictable and costly fuel sources for DEs pose's challenges related to availability, reliability, maintenance, and lifespan. Addressing these environmental concerns, this study introduces an emulation approach for photovoltaic (PV) water pumping (WP) systems. Emulation offers a promising alternative due to financial constraints, spatial limitations, and climate dependency in full-scale systems. The proposed setup includes three key elements: a PV system emulator employing back converter control to replicate PV panel characteristics, a boost converter with an MPPT algorithm for efficient power tracking across diverse conditions, and a motor pump (MP) emulator integrating an induction motor connected to a DC generator to simulate water pump behaviors. Precise induction motor control is achieved through a controlled inverter. This work innovatively combines PV and WP emulation while optimizing system dynamics, aiming to develop a comprehensive emulator and evaluate an enhanced control algorithm. An optimized scalar control strategy regulates the water MP, demonstrated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations that highlight superior performance and responsiveness to solar irradiation variations compared to conventional MPPT techniques. Experimental validation using the dSPACE control desk DS1104 confirms the emulator's ability to faithfully reproduce genuine solar panel characteristics.

Supervisory control strategy for dual battery assisted solar water pumping using a 3-stage interleaved boost converter

This article proposes effective power management and battery protection strategies for a solar photovoltaic (SPV) powered dual-battery supported standalone water pumping approach propelled by a permanent magnet brushless direct current (PMBLDC) motor. A drift-avoidance perturb and observe MPPT algorithm is employed in conjunction with a 3-stage interleaved boost converter (TSIBC) and proposes a switching control scheme to enable double-stage solar photovoltaic generation system (SPGS) to operate at its maximum accessible power point (MPP) irrespective of any variation in climatic condition. The proposed dual battery control scheme (DBCS), which integrates a primary battery with an auxiliary battery, is connected to the 310 V DC link. This dual battery setup utilizes a parallel-active configuration facilitated by two bidirectional DC-DC converters (BDCs). The core idea behind dualization aims to maintain the state of charge (SoC) of the primary battery within upper and lower limits with the help of an auxiliary battery unit and regulate the DC link voltage at 310 V during fluctuations generated in the protection period. This scheme significantly extends the battery's lifespan, achieving an estimated 800 to 1000 cycles by maintaining its depth of discharge (DoD) at a level of 70 %. A centralized power handling unit (CPHU) is integrated for both the BDCs to facilitate the operating mode selection and regulate DC link voltage by alternatively charging/discharging both batteries. This approach enhances overall system efficiency by eliminating the need to oversize the solar array by up to 46 %, which would have been necessary to fully charge both batteries simultaneously. Previously, the DC link voltage regulation relied solely on MPPT control, resulting in significant deviations (up to ±38.43 %) during battery overcharging/deep-discharging (SoC ≥ 90 %/SoC ≤ 20 %). This work proposes a solution using an auxiliary battery controller within the DBCS, achieving near-zero (±0.5 %) DC link voltage deviation under all operating conditions. The effectiveness of the suggested DBCS controller is validated through a time-domain simulation conducted in MATLAB/Simulink, alongside real-time hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) digital simulator using the OPAL-RT platform. The acquired results corroborate enhanced performance for the standalone water pumping system (WPS) and demonstrate a seamless shift from the normal operational mode to battery protection mode, while ensuring steady regulation of the DC link voltage.

Research on photovoltaic water pumping system based on valve opening model

Photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) is an important way to use solar energy. In order to further improve the solar energy utilization rate of PVWPS, this study proposes a valve opening model, which solves the problem of more solar energy waste caused by fixed pipeline characteristics under different irradiation intensities. Firstly, the theoretical calculation formula of pipeline flow is deduced according to the balance relationship between photovoltaic energy supply and energy demand of water lifting pipeline in PVWPS, and its working principle is expounded. Finally, the function model of pipeline flow-valve opening-radiation intensity is derived from the cycle test of PVWPS, and the PVWPS with water lifting height of 10 m, 12 m and 14 m is verified by all-day test. Compared with the unregulated valve, the cumulative water extraction of the PVWPS with three water lifting heights after valve regulation is increased by 15.85 %, 18.06 % and 80.71 % respectively, indicating that the cumulative water extraction of the PVWPS can be effectively improved by adjusting the valve opening. This study provides a new idea for improving the utilization rate of solar energy in PVWPS.

External Support for Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems in Rural Areas: A Systematic Review.

The Sustainable Development Goals emphasize coordination and integration between sectors. Solar-powered submersible water pumping systems are versatile technology that help address community drinking water, irrigation, and electricity needs. Stakeholders external to the community, particularly solar photovoltaic experts, are vital in ensuring continued system services; however, there has been no comprehensive assessment of different solar-powered water pumping system support efforts. This review is the first to systematically evaluate external support for solar-powered systems from multiple regions and implementing organizations. We reviewed solar-powered water pumping system literature to identify implemented external support and factors that affect implementation. Publication databases, organization Web sites, and citations were searched. Seventy-four studies were included and evaluated using inductive coding and thematic synthesis. We derived a framework that organized support activities and factors into three nested levels of implementation: system, program, and sector. For support efforts implemented after 2010, most support providers worked at all levels. Each provider type worked at levels aligned with their knowledge and resources and complementary to other providers' work. Drivers of support specific to solar-powered water systems were the existence of solar photovoltaic markets and infrastructure, support providers experienced with solar photovoltaics, and government and community solar advocates. We grouped support factors that study authors associated with system functionality into four categories: location and quality of support, reliability of support arrangements, frequency and timeliness of support, and policy and regulatory environment. No study outlined support for multiple uses of the systems or end-of-lifecycle care of solar panels. Solar-powered water pumping systems provide multiple community services, and their management will be bolstered by support providers collaborating to optimally apply their skill sets and create support plans that comprehensively address system versatility.

Optimized design of SynRM drive systems for high-efficiency solar water pumps

This study presents the design and implementation of a Synchronous Reluctance Motor (SynRM) with an integrated drive circuit for a 4-inch submersible pump motor, tailored for small-scale solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. The SynRM operates efficiently at low voltage levels, eliminating the need for a boost converter and allowing direct connection to low-voltage power sources. With a power output of 0.55 kW and an ultra-premium efficiency rating of 86.5%, the motor integrates the drive circuit within its casing for a compact design. It operates across a voltage range of 15 V to 95 V, using efficient buck converters for required output voltages. This paper discusses the design, optimization, and prototyping of the motor and drive circuit, highlighting innovative solutions for advancing small-scale solar-powered water pumping systems. Electric motors, especially pump motors, are major consumers of electrical energy. Enhancing their efficiency can significantly impact total energy consumption. This study's SynRM and integrated drive system, optimized for high efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, can be directly powered by PV panels, offering a compact and efficient alternative to traditional systems.

A method for estimating maximum safe installable power for groundwater extraction with application to Africa

New groundwater development is a likely way to meet growing global water demand but needs careful management. To help inform the sustainable development of groundwater resources, a novel method based on the maximum safe installable power for water pumping systems and the maximum safe remaining installable power (considering current abstraction) is developed. The proposed model couples energy, technology and hydrogeological parameters, and is then developed to compute the maximum power that can be safely installed per km2 without exceeding a maximum annual pumpable volume, calculated through available recharge and storage. The model is applied to estimate the maximum safe installable power across Africa with a 0.2-degree resolution, using available energy and hydrogeological data. Constrained by recharge (considering that 25 % of the annual recharge is available for utilization), the maximum safe installable power ranges between 0 and 9960 W/km2 across Africa with regions such as the Congo Basin (~340 W/km2), and western Africa between the Ivory Coast and Nigeria (~230 W/km2) identified as having high potential for sustainable pumping system development. Constrained by storage (considering that 0.1 % of storage can be withdrawn per year), it ranges between 0 and 13,425 W/km2 highlighting the ability to harness storage for pumping system development in the large aquifers of Northern Sahara (~8720 W/km2). When considering limitations posed by both groundwater recharge and aquifer storage (considering that 25 % of the annual recharge and 0.1 % of storage can be withdrawn per year), along with current groundwater withdrawal, 93 % of the maximum safe installable power remains still installable on average across Africa. Nevertheless, 2 % of the locations are estimated to be already experiencing overexploitation, particularly in Sudan, northern Africa, and northeastern South Africa. These findings provide a novel and adaptable way to examine water security, which can assist institutions in targeting investments to meet water demand sustainably.

Agri-Solar Water Pumping design, energy, and environmental analysis: A comprehensive study in Tropical Humid climate

Agrivoltaics is an innovative approach where solar energy, water, land and biodiversity are integrated into the same area to maximize resource utilization for sustainable development, also known as Agrivoltaism. The combination of solar water pumping and agri-solar has led to the development of a new generation of irrigation systems that are highly sustainable and efficient. Agri-solar water pumping can irrigate crops, feed livestock, clean solar modules, cool the PV system, generate energy, store water, and provide community drinking water. This paper addresses the basic design and capacity requirements of solar water pumping systems for irrigating a 0.5-hectare Agrivoltaics system in Kuala Lumpur. The SISIFO tool has been used to simulate the Agri-solar water pumping performance for tropical humid climatic conditions. The various parameters like site details, climate data, type of PV modules, DC pump -motor and converters are used as input data to evaluate the energy yield parameters (output energy in DC and AC form), hydraulic parameters (volume of water pumped), loss parameters (capture and system losses) and efficiency parameters (performance of the system). Lettuce was chosen as it is fast growing with good yield per hectare. Based on the result, a detailed analysis of the agrivoltaic lettuce plant is performed. A detailed analysis of the solar resource assessment, system design, Key performance indicators, loss analysis and environmental analysis of the Agri-solar water pumping has been carried out. Considering their specific climatic conditions, this can significantly assist policymakers in selecting the optimal solar pumping station for agrivoltaic plants. The importance of considering various factors when choosing a solar pumping station for agrivoltaics is also highlighted

Standalone Photovoltaic Water Pumping System using Induction Motor Drive

This paper presents a simple and efficient standalone photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system employing an induction motor drive. This system uses two power conversion stages linked by a DC-bus capacitor. The first is a DC-DC boost converter controlled by using a perturb-and-observe (P&O) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique; used to extract the available maximum power of the PV array. The second is a three-phase Pulse-Width Modulated Voltage Source Inverter (PWM-VSI) coupled to an induction motor for driving the centrifugal pump. This drive is controlled by the indirect field oriented control (FOC) which ensures high dynamic and static performances. The DC-bus voltage is regulated at a required level by using a proportional-integral (PI) controller. The reference speed is estimated from the affinity law and the DC-bus voltage control. The performances of the system are verified by digital simulation under Matlab/Simulink environment in steady-state and dynamic operating conditions.

ANFIS-RTSMC based MPPT for a hybrid PV-diesel-battery water pumping system

This paper introduces a novel hybrid method for achieving Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in a photovoltaic-diesel-battery hybrid water pumping system driven by an induction motor drive (IMD). The innovative MPPT control strategy uniquely combines the rapid response and minimal oscillations of the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System with the high robustness of Robust Terminal Sliding Mode Control (RTSMC). This combination ensures unprecedented steady-state resilience to changes in solar irradiance, enhancing system stability across a variety of IMD speeds, and making the system robust to parameter variations. Unlike traditional approaches, this two-stage photovoltaic (PV) setup integrates a regulated boost converter for MPPT control and a three-phase inverter using Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation (SVPWM) to regulate the DC link voltage (Vdc). Extensive MATLAB Simulink simulations demonstrate the proposed method’s superior efficiency in power extraction and its resilience under varying operating conditions, showcasing its originality and effectiveness.

A Methodology to Optimize PMSM Driven Solar Water Pumps Using a Hybrid MPPT Approach in Partially Shaded Conditions

Solar water pumps are crucial for farmers, significantly reducing energy costs and providing independence from conventional fuels. Their adoption is further incentivized by government subsidies, making them a practical choice that aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. However, the cost of the required solar panels for the chosen power makes it essential to optimize solar water pumping systems (SWPS) for economic viability. This study enhances the efficiency and reliability of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM)-driven SWPS in rural areas using hybrid maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms and voltage-to-frequency (V/f) control strategy. It investigates the sensorless scalar control method for PMSM-based water pumps and evaluates various MPPT algorithms, including grey wolf optimization (GWO), particle swarm optimization (PSO), perturb and observe (PO), and incremental conductance (INC), along with hybrid combinations. The study, conducted using MATLAB Simulink, assesses these algorithms on convergence time, MPPT accuracy, torque ripple, and system efficiency under different partial shading conditions. Findings reveal that INC-GWO excels, providing higher accuracy, faster convergence, and reduced steady-state oscillations, thus boosting system efficiency. The V/f control strategy simplifies control mechanisms and enhances performance. Considering system non-idealities and maximum duty cycle limitations, PMSM-based SWPS achieve superior efficiency and stability, making them viable for off-grid water pumping applications.

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.

Techno-enviro-economic analysis of grid-connected solar powered floating PV water pumping system for farmland applications: A numerical design model

To meet the required load of a farm in the rural area in Mafraq, Jordan, the complete floating photovoltaic (FPV) water pumping sizing, modelling, and optimization of an on-grid PV system with comprehensive capacity, energy output cost, and emission estimations are outlined in this work. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive approach that integrates technical, environmental, and economic factors into a unified framework for designing a PV water pumping system, particularly in scenarios where grid supply is feasible or economically viable. A proposal has been made to install PV panels over the water lake to improve the overall system efficiency and to give an aesthetic appearance. The proposed system is composed of a 165 kW PV array and three 55 kW inverters, which cost 54696.92 JD as the initial cost, CO2 emission reduction of more than 5000 tons and produce electricity at 0.028 JD/kWh. The results indicated that the FPV option demonstrates an about 5 % increase in efficiency compared to the other two scenarios. Also, the FPV option has higher costs due to a 25 % increase in system cost but results in lower CO2 emissions compared to the other two options. Top of Form As shown from the results, the two sizing methods for solar water pumping systems, the equations-based method, and the PVsyst simulation tool give the same results. By following this methodology, one can assess the load, size the system, simulate its operation, and analyse the expected performance. Furthermore, the findings of this study could be valuable in designing a grid-connected FPV water pumping system.

Solar photovoltaic fed synchronous reluctance motor with optimized rotor flux barriers: Design and performance optimization

This paper focuses on enhancing the design of a synchronous reluctance motor (SyRM) specifically tailored for solar photovoltaic (PV) water pumping applications. With growing adoption of green technologies and renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, there is a need to boost the motor's efficiency to meet the demands of such applications. Utilizing renewable energy for water pumping offers significant advantages in terms of sustainability, scalability, and environmentally friendly energy generation. Achieving optimal efficiency and reliability is paramount, as it reduces overall system cost and enhances reliability. SyRM design methodology in this study integrates both analytical and finite element (FE) procedures. Unlike other motor types, the rotor structure of the SyRM does not include any cages, magnets, or windings, resulting in a robust, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing process. In SyRM, the rotor is constructed solely with barriers, which significantly impact torque shaping, torque ripple content, and power factor. This paper primarily examines the influence of various air-barrier shapes on different motor performance parameters, such as average torque, torque ripple, saturation, cross-section, and saliency ratio. The selected motor configuration for this investigation is a 4-pole, 100 Hz synchronous reluctance motor with 24 stator slots. The accuracy of the FE analysis findings is validated through a prototype of designed SyRM, followed by comprehensive performance evaluations conducted in a controlled laboratory environment. Additionally, this paper addresses an improved control strategy for a SyRM-based photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system. It eliminates the need for a speed controller in the position sensor-less field-oriented control (FOC) of SyRM. The solar water pump drive involves two stages of power conversion.

Performance Evaluation of Three-Phase Grid Assisted SynRM Driven Water Pumping System With Mode Transition Capability

Performance Evaluation of Three-Phase Grid Assisted SynRM Driven Water Pumping System With Mode Transition Capability

Design and Analysis of Solar Water Pump Systems for Hydroponic Agriculture

Design and Analysis of Solar Water Pump Systems for Hydroponic Agriculture