A review on Solar photovoltaic water pumping system

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Solar power:

Solar power is the conversion of energy from sunlight into electricity, either directly using
photovoltaic’s, indirectly using concentrated solar power, or a combination.

1.2 photovoltaic systems:

A photovoltaic system converts the sun radiation, in the form of light into the usable
electricity.

1.3 solar photovoltaic cell:

It is the most commonly used material which absorbs light and creates electron hole pairs.
The individual inorganic solar cells are designed with a positive (p-junction) and a negative
(n-junction) layer to create an electric field. When n-type layer is doped, the element with an
extra electron, generally phosphorous, is used to give a charge to the layer. On the other hand,
when the p-type layer is doped, the element with a less electron, generally boron, is used to
give a positive charge to the layer. The place in between these two layers is called junction.

1.1 photovoltaic cell

Electron in n-type layer are free and travel through the material to lower energy levels while
hole travels to higher energy levels when the photovoltaic cell is exposed to the sunlight. Free
electrons jump across the p-n cell junction. These electrons then return to the n-type layer
when the two sides of the cell are connected with a wire and this electron flow is known as
“the electric current”.

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1.4 Solar photovoltaic water pumping system:

1.2 solar water pumping system

Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy in the world. Solar power is not only an
answer to today’s energy crisis but also an environmental friendly form of energy.
Photovoltaic (PV) generation is an efficient approach for using the solar energy. Solar panels
(an array of photovoltaic cells) are now extensively used for running street lights, for
powering water heaters and to meet domestic loads. The cost of solar panels has been
constantly decreasing which encourages its usage in various sectors.

One of the applications of this Technology is used in irrigation systems for farming.
Solar powered irrigation system can be a suitable alternative for farmers in the present state
of energy crisis in India. This is green way for energy production which provides free energy
once an initial investment is made. Today the generation is heading towards ultra-
technologies. Water pumping has a long history; so many methods have been developed to
pump water.

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2.0 Literature survey

2.1 Solar photovoltaic water pumping system – A comprehensive review vilas
R.kalamkar

Researchers from all the fields and various regions of the world have carried out
experimental, theoretical and mathematical modelling on solar photovoltaic water pumping
system. These research articles covered research related to different components of the solar
photovoltaic water pumping system namely solar panel, pumps tracking mechanism, pump
controller, from the discussion it can be concluded that solar photovoltaic water pumping
system can be a major pumping method in developing countries to supply the water for
drinking and irrigation purposes. The research opportunities in the field of solar photovoltaic
water pumping system have also been presented in this review work.

Solar photovoltaic water pumping system has the great potential in India because of its
geographical in location. In spite of this, solar photovoltaic water pumping system in India
could not gain popularity and applicability. The major reasons for this unacceptability are
high cost and non-sustainability of the system. The author propose to investigate the techno
economic feasibility of low cost, low capacity, solar photovoltaic operated submersible water
pump for supplying drinking water for individual household and for irrigation of small
farmlands.

2.2 Research and current status of the solar photovoltaic water pumping system – A
review M. W. akram

This review paper summarized the status and different aspects of the solar photovoltaic water
pumping system. The first part describes the system and its components. Solar photovoltaic
water pumping system is composed of three main parts; Photovoltaic array, control system,
and motor-pump. The Photovoltaic array converts solar energy into electrical energy. The
control system employs inversion and maximum power point tracking, and further provides
the energy to motor-pump to displace the water.

The second part summed up the effect of parameters relevant to system components and
ambient conditions on the performance of Solar Photovoltaic water pumping system. These
includes effects of; Photovoltaic array adjustment, power control strategies, pumping head,
motor-pump type, and other external factors like Photovoltaic module temperature, and solar
irradiation. Different parameters have different influence on solar photovoltaic water
pumping system. Different combinations of the system components and parameters have
different applications.

The third part presented the assessment methods of solar photovoltaic water pumping system
with three assessing parameters LPSP, LCC, and LLP, which evaluate different aspects for
different needs. In addition to assessment methods, optimization techniques are also
presented to improve the efficiency and performance of whole system on the basis of system
itself and external factors. The introduction of control system based on maximum power
harvesting, optimization of water supply, water-foodenergy-climate nexus, temperature

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reduction, and cleaning of panels could optimize the performance of Photovoltaic pumping
system. At last, it was concluded that combination of the wind and solar energy is an
optimized method to meet high demand of water and improve the efficiency of the total
system. When the solar irradiations are insufficient to an extent that the Photovoltaic system
could not perform well to meet the water demand, then the wind energy supplements the gap
between supply and demand to keep the pump in operating condition. Of course, it will
increase the complexity of the control system and disimprove the efficiency and performance,
so further targeted control and optimization algorithms are required.

This review paper also presented different applications of solar photovoltaic water pumping
system in different regions of the World. These applications differ with respect to the type
and power of Photovoltaic array, pump, and motor. The demand and nature of use is different
for each discussed application and it was found that Photovoltaic system is suitable option for
use in agriculture and domestic sectors. This paper would be useful for the researchers,
engineers, manufacturers, and policy makers and may be a guide for efficient installation and
performance enhancement of solar photovoltaic water pumping system.

2.3 Brush less direct current motor driven solar photovoltaic array fed water pumping
system employing zeta converter Rajan Kumar

The solar photovoltaic array-zeta converter fed VSI-brush less direct current motor-pump has
been proposed and its suitability has been demonstrated through simulated results and
experimental validation. The proposed system has been designed and modelled appropriately
to accomplish the desired objectives and validated to examine various performances under
starting, dynamic and steady state conditions. The performance evaluation has justified the
combination of zeta converter and brush less direct current motor for solar photovoltaic array
based water pumping. The system under study has shown various desired functions such as
maximum power point extraction of the solar photovoltaic array, soft starting of brush less
direct current motor, fundamental frequency switching of VSI resulting in a reduced
switching losses, speed control of brush less direct current motor without any additional
control and an elimination of phase current and direct current link voltage sensing, resulting
in the reduced cost and complexity. The proposed system has operated successfully even
under minimum solar irradiance.

2.4 A simple brush less direct current motor drive for solar photovoltaic array fed
water pumping system Bhim singh

The starting, dynamic and steady state behaviours of the proposed solar Photovoltaic array
based buck-boost converter fed brush less direct current motor have been validated for water
pumping. The proposed system has been designed, modelled and simulated in
MATLAB/Simulink environment and implemented on a developed hardware prototype.
Simulation and test results have been found precisely similar. The buck-boost converter has
offered an unbounded region for maximum power point tracking. The fundamental frequency
switching of VSI, the absolute elimination of current and voltage sensing elements, and the
speed control without any additional control scheme or circuit are the significant features
which have contributed to develop a simple, cost-effective and optimized efficiency system
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for water pumping without scarifying its performances. The proposed system has been
designed, such that the performance is not deteriorated by the weather condition and
efficiency limitations of the converters and motors. Based on the simulation and experimental
results, a brush less direct current motor with the buck-boost converter has been proved as a
suitable and compatible combination for solar Photovoltaic based water pumping regardless
of the weather condition.

2.5 Solar photovoltaic water pumping system for irrigation – A review V. B. Shinde

Photovoltaic systems are especially designed to supply water and irrigation in areas where
there is no mains electricity supply. Their main advantages over hand pumps or internal
combustion engine pumps are their practically zero maintenance, their long useful life, that
they do not require fuel, that they do not contaminate, and finally that they are
straightforward to install. Another important characteristic is that, as they use the sun as their
energy source, the periods of maximum demand for water coincide with the periods of
maximum solar radiation. Solar photovoltaic (SPV) sets represent an environment friendly,
low-maintenance and cost effective alternative to irrigation pump sets which run on grid
electricity or diesel. It is estimated that India's potential for Solar Photovoltaic water pumping
for irrigation to is 9 to 70 million solar Photovoltaic pump sets, that is, at least 255 billion
litres/year of diesel savings.

2.6 Design, measurement and evaluation of the photovoltaic pumping system for rural
areas in Oman A.kazem

In this study, measures were determined for a PV water pumping system used for irrigation
applications in Sohar, Oman, in rural area applications. The optimum system components
selection requires the determination of PV modules, inverter, charger controller and batteries.
The recommended system has a daily load of 2.22 kWh/day, four batteries (12 V and 200
Ah), 0.84 kW PV modules and 0.8 kW inverter. The optimum cost of the PV system energy
is 0.309 USD/kWh, making it an attractive option compared to the diesel engine energy cost
of 0.79 USD/kWh. Most of the PV system options are more suitable than the diesel generator
alternatives. The proposed PV system is affordable compared to several systems found in the
literature. It is confirmed that the recommended PV solar water pumping system is an
excellent option for irrigation processes in rural areas in Oman. The study analysis shows that
using a PV system instead of a diesel generator protects the environment from greenhouse
gas emissions. The employment of this option eliminates about 924 kg/year of CO2, 2.28
kg/year of CO and 0.253 kg/year of NOx. It prevents 0.172 kg/year of HC, 1.86 kg/year of
SO2 and 20.4 kg/year of suspended particles from emission to the environment. The system
was implemented and tested, and the PV array can produce enough power without the need
for batteries or a tank in the peak hours. It would be advisable to use the irrigation system at
this time.

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2.7 Solar photovoltaic array fed water pump driven by brushless direct current motor
using landsman converter Bhim Singh, Rajan Kumar

A solar photovoltaic array-based brushless direct current motor driven water pump
employing a landsman converter has been proposed, and its starting, dynamic and steady
state behaviours have been analysed through simulation and implementation on the
developed system. The presented result have demonstrated the suitability of the proposed
system for water pumping irrespective of the practical operating conditions. The utilisation of
the landsman converter has eliminated external filtering requirement and has also contributed
to damp the oscillation occurred in the module current due to snubber element. The speed
control of brushless direct current motor by variable direct current link voltage has
completely eliminated the additional phase current sensing, direct current link voltage
sensing, additional control and associated circuitry. The distinct feature of the proposed
system include compactness, very good efficiency, unbounded maximum power point tracker
operation, soft starting of the brushless direct current motor, operation of the landsman
converter in ccm resulting in a reduced stress on devices, high-frequency switching losses
and successful operation up to the irradiance of 200 w/m^2. The landsman converter with
brushless direct current motor is hence proved as a compatible and suitable combination for
solar photovoltaic array-based water pumping.

2.8 Photovoltaic pumping system in bejaia climate with battery storage K. Rahrah

In this paper, presented a photovoltaic pumping system with battery storage. Three
optimization maximum power point tracking method (perturbation and observation, fuzzy
logic and neuro fuzzy). Have been applied to the studied system. The simulation of the
proposed system has been developed using Matlab/simulink package. The comparison
between these three algorithms enable us to concluded that the neuro fuzzy algorithms
presents better static and dynamic performances. Batteries have been added for storage.

2.9 Review of solar photovoltaic water pumping system technology for irrigation and
community drinking water supplies S.S. chandel

PV water pumping technology is reliable and economically viable alternative to electric and
diesel water pumps for irrigation of agriculture crops.

PV water pumping for urban, rural and community water supplies and institutions, is another
potential feasible sector but is not still widely utilized. The remote inaccessible locations with
no grid electricity also need special attention. These sectors still depend on conventional
electricity or diesel based pumping system resulting in increased recurring costs to the users.

Keeping in view the high installation costs of solar water pumps especially for large irrigation
and water supplies, more incentives are required to be provided by governments to make the
technology further attractive alternative to diesel and electrical water pumping.

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3.0 TYPES OF PUMPS USED IN SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC WATER

PUMPING SYSTEM
3.1 Submersible water pump

 is a device which has a hermetically sealed motor close-coupled to the pump body. The
whole assembly is submerged in the fluid to be pumped. The main advantage of this type of
pump is that it prevents pump cavitation, a problem associated with a high elevation
difference between pump and the fluid surface. Submersible pumps push fluid to the surface
as opposed to jet pumps which create a vacuum and rely upon atmospheric pressure.
Submersibles use pressurised fluid from the surface to drive a hydraulic motor down hole,
rather than an electric motor, and are used in heavy oil applications with heated water as the
motive fluid.

3.1.1 Submersible pumps

3.1.2 Working principle of submersible pump

Electric submersible pumps are multistage centrifugal pumps operating in a vertical position.
Liquids, accelerated by the impeller, lose their kinetic energy in the diffuser where a
conversion of kinetic to pressure energy takes place. This is the main operational mechanism

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of radial and mixed flow pumps. In the HSP, the motor is a hydraulic motor rather than an
electrical motor, and may be closed cycle (keeping the power fluid separate from the
produced fluid) or open cycle (mingling the power fluid with produced fluid down hole, with
surface separation).

The pump shaft is connected to the gas separator or the protector by a mechanical coupling at
the bottom of the pump. Fluids enter the pump through an intake screen and are lifted by the
pump stages. Other parts include the radial bearings (bushings) distributed along the length of
the shaft providing radial support to the pump shaft. An optional thrust bearing takes up part
of the axial forces arising in the pump but most of those forces are absorbed by the protector's
thrust bearing.

There are also screw-type submersible pumps, there is a steel screw which is used as a
working element in them. The screw allows the pump to work in water with a
high sand content and other mechanical impurities.

3.1.3 Advantages and disadvantages of submersible pumps

• One main advantage of using these submersible pumps is the way it is designed. It is
designed as a tightly contained unit, with watertight gaskets and seals that keep the liquid out
of the housing and internal components. This design for the submersible pumps in Perth
ensures that the pump don’t leak or short out electricity when submerged.

• Besides the tightly fitting features, these pumps have other advantages over non-submersible
models. The main advantage is how it pumps the water. The submersible uses direct pressure
through the pipe or hose to get the fluid out. This method is more effective than suction
method because it covers more distance.

• Being self-primed is another advantage over a non-submersible. Other types of pumps, such
as jet pumps or shallow well pumps require being primed to start up. Priming is not required to
start a submersible unit.

3.1.4 Disadvantages

• One potential problem would occur if a gasket were to rupture or lose its integrity. This
would cause the pump to leak, eventually corroding the internal components and causing it to
fail.

• The failure of the pump may result badly. It becomes difficult to notice the failure fast
because it is submerged inside water. This kind of failure needs to be repaired or replaced as
fast as possible.

• The cost is the second factor that can hit you hard. Non-submersible pumps cost lesser than
these pumps. Price is a vital factor but if you weigh the advantages over disadvantages, you
will always go for the submersible pumps.

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3.1.5 Application of submersible pump

 Pumping water from flooded basements.

 Pumping sewage out of septic tanks.
 Powering industrial and agricultural irrigation system.
 Pumping water from flooded areas at construction sites.
 Pumping oil out of the ground into the above ground treatment and holding facilities.
 Pumping water from wells deep undergrounds into above ground holding tanks.

3.2 Surface pump

Surface mounted DC/AC motor pump sets are located near the water surface and are used
primarily for moving water through a pipeline. Some surface mounted pumps can developed
high heads and are suitable for moving water to long distance or to higher elevations. These
pumps are generally discouraged because of their suction limitations when used in deep wells
compared to the achievable lift of a submersible pump. Based on the specification from
several manufacturers such as shurflow. Gaiam, a dankoff the typical suction abilities for
surface solar pumps are between 10 and 20 feet. Surface pumps have greater exposure to the
extreme climate, making them more vulnerable to freezing and harsh weather. These pumps
have higher rate of mechanical problems and failures because of the dynamic of pulling water
up from a well. The loss of priming fluid in surface pumps can cause the burning of motor,
requiring replacement. Cavitation is a common problem with surface mounted pumps. The
lower efficiency due to power losses in the shaft bearing and the high cost of installation is
the major disadvantages.

3.2.1 Layout of solar photovoltaic water pumping system with surface mounted pump

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3.3.1 Schematic of solar

photovoltaic water pumping
system with floating pump

3.3 Floating pumps

The versatility of the surface

floating unit set as shown on
above fig. Makes it ideal for
irrigation pumping, from
cannel and open well. They
draw the water from reservoirs by adjusting height ability. In this solar photovoltaic water
pumping system, the pump set is easily portable and there is a negligible chance of irrigation
pump running dry. Most of these types use a single stage submersed centrifugal irrigation
pump. The most common type utilize a brushless DC motor. Often the solar photovoltaic
panel array supports in corporate a handle or ‘wheel barrow’ type trolley to enable
transportation.

3.4 Performance specifications and requirements of solar water pumps

Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumps with Photovoltaic Panel capacity in the range of 200 Wp to
500 Wp may be installed on a suitable bore-well / open well / Water Reservoir / Water stream
etc.

3.4.1 For 0.25 hp Motor Pump Set and 300 Wp Solar Panel

Under the “Average Daily Solar Radiation” condition of 7.15 KWh / sq.m.on the surface of
PV array (i.e. coplanar with the PV Modules), the minimum water output from a Solar PV
Water Pumping System at different “Total Dynamic Heads” should be as specified below :

 Minimum 20, 000 liters of water per day from a Total Dynamic Head of 10 meters
and the shut off head being at least 12 meters.
 Minimum 10, 000 liters of water per day from a Total Dynamic Head of 20 meters
and the shut off head being at least 30 meters.
 Minimum 6000 liters of water per day from a Total Dynamic Head of 30 meters and
the shut off head being at least 45 meters.

The actual duration of pumping of water on a particular day and the quantity of water
pumped could vary depending on the solar intensity, location, season, etc.

Indicative performance specifications for the Shallow and Deep well SPV Water Pumping
Systems are given in the below table:

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Model - 1 Model - 2 Model - 3 Model - 4 Model - 5 Model - 6

PV array 300 wp 300 wp 300 wp 500 wp 500 wp 500 wp

Motor 0.25 hp 0.25 hp 0.25 hp 0.5 hp 0.5 hp 0.5 hp

capacity

Shut off 12 meters 30 meters 45 meters 12 meters 30 meters 45 meters

dynamic
head
Water 10,000 5,000 3,000 20,000 10,000 6,000
output Liters per Liters per Liters per Liters per Liters per Liters per
day from a day from a day from a day from a day from a day from a
total head total head total head total head total head total head
of 10 of 20 of 30 of 10 of 20 of 30
meters meters meters meters meters meters

Table 3.4.1

3.4.2 Mounting structure

The PV modules should be mounted on metallic structures of adequate strength and

appropriate design, which can withstand load of modules and high wind velocities up to 150
km per hour. The support structure used in the pumping system should be hot dip galvanized
iron with minimum 80 micron thickness.

To enhance the performance of SPV water pumping systems, manual or passive or auto
tracking system must be used. For manual tracking, arrangement for seasonal tilt angle
adjustment and three times manual tracking in a day should be provided.

3.4.3 Electronics and protection

 Inverter could be used, if required, to operate an A.C. Pump. The inverter must have
IP 54 protection or must be housed in a cabinet having at least IP54 protection.
 Controller for BLDC motor driven pumps, if required may be used. The controller
must have IP 54 protection or must be housed in a cabinet having at least IP 54
protection.
 Adequate protections should be incorporated against dry operation of motor pump set,
lightning, hails and storms.
 Full protection against open circuit, accidental short circuit and reverse polarity
should be provided.

3.4.4 Operation and maintenance manual

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An Operation and Maintenance Manual, in English and the local language, should be
provided with the solar PV pumping system. The Manual should have information about
solar energy, photovoltaic, modules, DC/AC motor pump set, tracking system, mounting
structures, electronics and switches. It should also have clear instructions about mounting of
PV module, DO's and DONT's and on regular maintenance and Trouble Shooting of the
pumping system. Name and address of the person or Centre to be contacted in case of failure
or complaint should also be provided. A warranty card for the modules and the motor pump
set should also be provided to the beneficiary.

3.4.5 Calculation of parameters of pump

Head:

General formula of head calculation (diameters of suction and discharge pipes are taken as
equal):

H = (p2-p1)/(ρ·g) + Hг + hп

H – head, m
p1 – intake tank pressure, Pa
p2 – receiving tank pressure, Pa
ρ – density of the pumped medium, kg/m3
g – gravity acceleration, m/s2
Hг – geometrical height of the pumped medium lift, m
hп – head overall loss, m

Power consumption:

Several kinds of power are singled out according to transmission losses taken into account by
different efficiency coefficients. Power spent directly on transmission of pumped fluid energy is
calculated by the formula:

NП = ρ·g·Q·H

NП – useful power, W

ρ – density of the pumped medium, kg/m3
g – gravity acceleration, m/s2
Q – flow rate, m3/s
H – total head, m

Power developed on pump shaft is larger than the useful one, and its excess is consumed for
compensation of pump power losses. Interrelation between useful power and shaft power is set
by pump efficiency. The pump efficiency includes leakages through seals and openings
(volumetric efficiency), losses of head while pumped medium is flowing inside pump (hydraulic
efficiency), and friction losses between moving parts of the pump, such as bearings and glands
(mechanical efficiency).

Extreme suction head for centrifugal pump:

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Centrifugal pump suction occurs due to pressure differential between vessel from which
pumped medium is taken, and impeller blades. Excessive increase of pressure differential
may result in the occurrence of cavitation – process when pressure drops down to value at
which fluid boiling temperature lowers below pumped medium temperature and it starts to
evaporate in flow space forming multiple bubbles. Bubbles are carried away by stream
further downstream where under action of building up pressure they are condensed and
collapse, accompanied with multiple hydraulic shocks that negatively tell on pump service
life. In order to avoid negative influence of cavitation the suction head of centrifugal pump
has to be limited.

Geometric suction head can be determined by the formula:

hг = (P0-P1)/(ρ·g) - hсв - w²/(2·g) - σ·H

hГ – geometric suction head, m

P0 – intake tank pressure, Pa
P1 – pressure of the impeller blades, Pa
ρ – pumped medium density, kg/m3
g – gravity acceleration, m/s2
hсв – losses due to overcoming suction pipeline hydraulic resistance, m
w²/(2·g) – suction pipeline velocity head, m
σ*H – added resistance losses proportional to head, m
where σ – cavitation factor, H – head created by pump

Cavitation factor can be calculated by the empirical formula:

σ = [(n·√Q) / (126H4/3)]4/3

σ – Cavitation factor
n – impeller rotation speed, s-1
Q – pump performance capacity, m3/s
Н – created head, m

There is also formula for centrifugal pumps for calculation of head margin providing absence
of cavitation:

Hкв = 0,3·(Q·n²)2/3

 Hкв – head margin, m

Q – centrifugal pump performance capacity, m3/s
n – impeller rotation speed, s -1

4.0 Solar photovoltaic water pumping technology

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4.1 Working principle of solar photovoltaic water pumping system with using maximum
power point tracking mechanism

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