Design of an efficient photovoltaic pump for irrigation

Abstract

Bangladesh is a country where energy crisis seems to be the major problem. This country is blessed with abundant solar irradiation (~4.5KWh/m2-day). The country has very limited success to harness solar energy to provide electricity for remote people in rural areas. As a promising renewable alternative to conventional water pumping system for large, medium, and small applications, solar water pumping system has a potential to contribute significantly. Solar photovoltaic pumping is a means to mitigate energy crisis for irrigation in Bangladesh. This thesis deals with the design and performance analysis of a DC photovoltaic water pumping system. It provides theoretical and practical studies of Solar Photovoltaic and modeling techniques using equivalent electric circuits. A DC solar water pump is built and experimented to observe the results with a direct connection from solar array. Various methodologies to increase the efficiency of the system have been discussed to implement in the system. A DC-DC buck converter is designed and constructed to provide current boosting to the DC pump for having a better performance from the system. Battery and inverter is avoided in the system which allows a lower cost. All components in the system are procured locally except the solar panels. DC water pumping system has a good prospect to solve the energy crisis in the irrigation season as well as it can be used to cultivate lands throughout the year. Also solar water pumping may enhance pure drinking water availability in remote areas of Bangladesh.