A solar powered pump is a pump running on the power of the sun. It makes efficient use of solar energy and converts it into electrical energy for pumping water to great heights.
A solar powered pump can be very environmentally friendly and economical in its operation. This system operates on power generated using solar PV (photovoltaic) system. The photovoltaic array converts the solar energy into electricity, which is used for running the motor pump set. The pumping system draws water from the open well, bore well, pond etc. The water pumping system can be used to irrigate land, when the water is to be pumped from a depth of well or a pond
TYPES OF SOLAR PUMPS
There are two main types of solar pumps. Surface pumps sit above ground and move water through pipes. These are handy for moving large quantities of water at a slow pace. Surface pumps are commonly found on farms or large irrigation systems where water needs to be moved from a lake or other body to fields or landscaping. There are also submersible solar water pumps. These units are installed underground, but the solar panels are connected above ground. Submersible pumps are used to move water from inside wells to the surface
A photo voltaic solar powered pump system has three parts:
- solar panels.
- the controller
- the pump
SOLAR VFD
The solar drive converts the DC voltage input to a 3-phase AC output with variable voltage and frequency. The MPPT algorithm of solar drive extracts maximum power available from the solar panels during the day and operates the motor at variable speed based on the power input to the drive. The frequency range in which the drive operates depends upon the motor speed, hydraulic system and the power available from the solar panel. As the sunshine varies during the day, power input to the drive varies and the Solar drive generates variable V/F ratio thus controlling the speed of the motor, which in turn regulates the pump impeller speed. Water Level Sensor is used only when the water is pumped to overhead tank.
The solar panels make up most (up to 80%) of the systems cost.[citation needed] The size of the PV-system is directly dependent on the size of the pump, the amount of water that is required (m³/d) and the solar irradiance available.
Advantages
- It helps in saving Energy.
- There is no fuel cost - as it uses available free sun light.
- No electricity required.
- Can be operated lifelong.
- It is highly reliable and durable.
- Easy to operate and maintain
- It is also useful for clean, drinking water sanitation and also irrigation.
- It reduces the dependence on rain is reduced.
- It creates wealth for farmers by increasing no of crops