Design and Economical Analysis of a Battery-less AC - Photovoltaic Driven Pumping System for Irrigation in Ethiopia

Abstract

Zelalem Nega Temsgen and Chen Jiufa

This paper presents the design and simulation of a solar Photovoltaic driven pumping system to irrigate a 10-hectare maize farm located at Ethiopia, Debre Markos, Wonka site. The system pumps 82 m3 of water from a nearby river to irrigate 10-hectare land. In Ethiopia, around 85% of population lives in rural areas and their economy depend on seasonal rain-based farming. Most people use hand-fitted pumps and diesel-powered irrigation systems. This causes high maintenance costs, unreliable supply of fuel, requires excess labor and despair of the system due to low flow rates. The proposed system is directly facing to solve the above problems and increase the profitability of the farmers. A life cycle analysis of the operating cost was performed to prove its economic feasibility compared to a diesel-based pumping system. System simulation and design were done using MATLAB/Simulink. The obtained results show that the solar PV driven pumping system for irrigation is more economical and environmentally feasible than a diesel-powered system. The results of this study are expected to motivate and inspire the use of solar PV pumping systems in agriculture in remote areas of Ethiopia and avoid seasonal farming that is, extend the farming period and increase farmers’ income.

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