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Can Agricultural Irrigation be Made with Solar Energy?
Increasing energy and electricity costs have become the biggest source of concern, especially for those dealing with the agricultural sector. Many farmers have to pay high electricity bills for irrigation. To find solutions to such problems, technology and nature come together to offer solutions such as the use of solar energy in agriculture.
Solar powered agricultural irrigation systems offer a way to get rid of this cost. Many agricultural lands do not have grid electricity because they are far from electrical infrastructure. It is very costly to deliver network lines to these lands. A one-time investment with solar panels produces electricity to power agricultural irrigation, thus reducing costs in the long run.
Solar irrigation systems consist of the interaction of basic components such as solar panels, pumps, controllers, sensors and water distribution network. Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy and constitute the main power source of the system. Electrically powered pumps collect water from the source and distribute it to agricultural areas, thus carrying out irrigation operations in an environmentally friendly way. Controllers and sensors manage the irrigation process and regulate water flow based on real-time data. The water distribution network is a labyrinthine network of pipes and channels that allows water to be directed to intended points. With the combination of these components, solar-powered irrigation systems combine sustainable irrigation practice with solar energy, making agricultural activities more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Three Basic Parts of Solar Powered Agricultural Irrigation System
There are three basic parts of the solar-powered agricultural irrigation system. These are the pump motor, pump controller (driver) and solar panel.
Agricultural solar-powered irrigation systems have a motor that is powered by electricity produced by a solar panel.
Motors can operate with alternating current or direct current, depending on their type. Generally, DC motors are used for small and medium-sized applications, such as garden fountains, landscape irrigation, animal drinking water or small irrigation projects.
The power of a motor is stated in watts or horsepower. AC-powered pump motors are divided into single-phase or three-phase motors and can be found at various power levels.
Electrically powered agricultural irrigation pumps are divided into two main categories, surface and submersible, depending on their structure and applications.
Surface Water pump: The surface pump is usually mounted above the water level requiring suction power. It is used to raise water from a well to ground level or to take water from a pond/river.
Submersible Pump: It is basically a sealed motor. The entire assembly of the submersible pump is submerged in the water to be pumped.
It is often used for pumping from small bore wells. It is designed to fit inside the borehole. The deeper the well, the more powerful and expensive the pump of the solar irrigation system to be used.
There are 2 types of pump drives: Pump inverter and variable frequency drive (VFD). If a pump motor running on DC power will be used, VFD is preferred. If a pump motor working on AC power is used, a pump inverter is preferred.
Because while solar panels produce DC electricity, if the pump motor works with AC, a pump inverter is required.
The solar panel and inverter must be sized correctly to accommodate the starting capability of an AC motor.
Since the AC pump motor requires high power at startup, the solar pump inverter must be able to handle this extra starting load.
Water pumps are equipped with motors that receive energy from solar panels. The rated power of a solar module is expressed in peak watts (Wp).
This power varies depending on many factors such as the angle of the sun, the tilt of the panel, and the direction of the panel. After all these calculations are made, the power of the pumps that will be used determines the choice of solar panels in terms of power and quantity.
Agricultural irrigation system packages are designed according to the power of the water pump. Below is the water pump and panel configuration.
Advantages of Agricultural Irrigation System with Solar Energy
- It enables irrigation in areas far from the energy distribution network.
- Does not depend on grid connection or changes in electricity prices.
- It is environmentally friendly, does not harm the environment and is a clean energy source.
- There are low maintenance costs other than initial installation.
- Continuous maintenance It does not require any maintenance and continues to work with minor maintenance from time to time.
- Solar irrigation systems operate with high efficiency and there is no loss of efficiency.
- Since it works with solar energy, it is a cost-effective solution in the long run.
- These systems have an average lifespan of up to 25 years when regular maintenance conditions are provided.
- Solar irrigation systems are simple and user-friendly.
- Wide power and voltage range / wide power range of 220 V (1 PH), 220 V (3 PH) and 380 V (3 PH) 2.2kW – 110kW
- Multiple protection measures/PV Overvoltage protection, over-temperature alarm, PV reverse connection alarm, etc.
- Maximum efficiency with advanced MPPT feature
- Network capability
- Pump protection using liquid level sensor
What Does an Agricultural Irrigation System with Solar Energy Consist of?
There are three main parts of a solar-powered agricultural irrigation system: Pump motor, pump driver and solar panel. Solar water pumps work by converting sunlight into electricity that runs the water pump. Solar panels collect sunlight to produce the direct current needed for the motor to pump water out of the source. If the pump motor needs alternating current (AC) instead of DC, an inverter is used.
A typical solar agricultural irrigation system usually consists of the following components:
Solar Panels: These are panels that convert sunlight into electricity.
Inverter (Pump Driver): Converts direct current from solar panels into alternating current.
Irrigation Pump: It is a system that pumps water to irrigate agricultural lands.
Control Panel: A control panel or computer used to monitor, control and adjust the system.
Batteries: Used to store solar energy and continue irrigation at night or on cloudy days.
Sensors and Automation Systems: Automation systems such as soil moisture sensors, rain sensors and timers are used to optimize the irrigation process.
Irrigation System: Includes various irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, sprinkler or pressurized irrigation.
Installation and Operating Accessories: Additional accessories such as installation, cable connections, mounting brackets and safety equipment are required for the system.
These components form the basic building blocks of solar-powered agricultural irrigation systems. Each system may differ depending on specific needs and site conditions.
