Evaluation of Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems for Rural Agriculture
Description
Solar-powered water pumping systems provide a sustainable solution to meet irrigation demands in rural agricultural regions where electricity availability is unreliable and diesel-based pumping increases operational costs. This study evaluates the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) powered water pumping systems under varying solar irradiance, pump configurations, and hydraulic head conditions. Field trials were conducted on a 1 HP DC surface pump and a 1.5 HP AC submersible pump powered through a solar PV array with MPPT charge controllers. Performance parameters such as discharge rate, system efficiency, total dynamic head (TDH), PV power output, and operating hours were analyzed across different weather conditions. Results indicate that DC pumps exhibit higher efficiency under low-to-medium irradiance, while AC submersible pumps outperform under higher head and stable sunlight. The study highlights that optimized panel orientation, MPPT integration, and proper pump selection can significantly enhance water output by up to 30%. This research demonstrates the potential of solar-powered pumps to support sustainable agriculture, reduce dependency on grid electricity, and minimize long-term operational costs.
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Dates
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2025-10-30Solar-powered water pumping systems provide a sustainable solution to meet irrigation demands in rural agricultural regions where electricity availability is unreliable and diesel-based pumping increases operational costs. This study evaluates the performance of solar photovoltaic (PV) powered water pumping systems under varying solar irradiance, pump configurations, and hydraulic head conditions. Field trials were conducted on a 1 HP DC surface pump and a 1.5 HP AC submersible pump powered through a solar PV array with MPPT charge controllers. Performance parameters such as discharge rate, system efficiency, total dynamic head (TDH), PV power output, and operating hours were analyzed across different weather conditions. Results indicate that DC pumps exhibit higher efficiency under low-to-medium irradiance, while AC submersible pumps outperform under higher head and stable sunlight. The study highlights that optimized panel orientation, MPPT integration, and proper pump selection can significantly enhance water output by up to 30%. This research demonstrates the potential of solar-powered pumps to support sustainable agriculture, reduce dependency on grid electricity, and minimize long-term operational costs.
References
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