What is a Solar Water Pump?
Solar systems are used all over the world for the production of cheap electricity. The use of the solar system is increasing day by day. This is because the solar electricity cost is low than other sources of electricity. The solar system is used to drive different systems such as solar water pump, turbines and many other units.
Solar water pump is driven by the electricity produced by the PV (photovoltaic) panels or the radiant heat generated by collected sunlight. This is the opposite of a diesel or grid electricity water pump.
The solar powered pump uses solar energy for operation. It consists of a water storage tank, electrical cables, a breaker/fuse box, a DC water pump, a solar charge controller (MPPT), and a solar panel array.
A solar powered water pump is more efficient to operate. These pumps have low maintenance and installation costs.
Solar pumps have a lower environmental impact compared to pumps powered by IC engines or utility electricity. The pump with a solar system is a delightful technology with which remote areas can be supplied with water both ecologically and socially. Therefore, it is always the economic technology of choice.
Remote areas tend to require mostly diesel engines and human resources for water supply. Solar water pumps are replacing existing pumps and offer many benefits such as weather and socio-economy. These pumps are best suitable for reservoirs and irrigation systems.
The solar pumps utilize in places where grid power is not available, and substitutional energy sources (especially wind power) cannot provide enough power.
The solar powered water pump can deliver water where power lines can’t reach. These are commonly found in aeration, pond filtration, aquarium filtration, and well pumps.
These types of pumps mainly use in areas that have electricity issues. Otherwise, you will not have a stable power supply. This is an ideal water withdrawal system for green energy that combines the advantages of reliability, economy, and environmental protection.
The block diagram of the solar powered water pump mainly consists of a controller, electric motor or battery, water pump, and solar panels (PV).
Basically, the solar is an electric pump that works on the electrical energy obtained from solar panels. These panels receive energy from the sunlight. The connected battery or motor controls DC or AC. The controller used of this system uses to adjust the speed and output power.
A solar pump works on the base of the photovoltaic principle. During the working of a solar pump, PV (photovoltaic) systems absorb radiant solar energy and transform it into electricity. This produced electricity supplies to the entire system.
The inverter of the pump converts the direct current output of the PV system into alternating current, which drives the pump. These inverters also adjust the output frequency and voltage in real-time, corresponding to variations in the sunlight intensity to attains the highest power point tracking.
As the intensity of the sunlight becomes weaker, the water lifting system realizes the function of switching the municipal power that works as auxiliary energy for the water lifting system.
Solar pumps mostly use in water circulation, swimming pools, foundations, horticultural and agriculture areas, etc.
Solar pumps have many types, but the most major types are given below:
1)Submersible Solar Pump
2)Surface Solar Pump
3)DC Solar Pump
4)AC Solar Pumps
The solar system has the following major parts:
1)Water Pump
2)Solar Panels
3)Batteries
4)Pump Controller
5)Inverter
The solar pumps have the following advantages:
1) The solar pump has an easy installation.
2) It requires less maintenance.
3) It has low operating costs.
4) The solar systems work without fuel.
5) Solar water pumps are easy to move.
6) It doesn’s require regular utility power.
7) It can also use in remote areas.
8) These pumps have high durability and performance.
9) They have Strong design.
10) Long service life
11) These have easy maintenance and use.
12) Simple installation.
13) These are environmentally friendly pumps.
The major applications of the solar pumps are given below:
1) These pumps use to supply water for animals
2) They use for irrigation systems
3) They also use to supply water for drinking and cooking purposes
4) These pumps may also utilize as booster pumps for pumping fluids over long distance
5) Solar pumps use for water treatment applications
6) These also use for the extraction of oil and gas