Solar Water Pump:
Solar powered water pump with an electric motor run by electricity generated from
solar radiation by Photovoltaic panels or the Radiated Thermal energy. Photovoltaic
panels convert solar energy into direct-current (DC) electricity. Hence, a DC
motor is required to operate solar PV water pump. The AC motors can also be
used to run the solar PV water pump however, direct-current (DC) is converted
to alternating-current (AC) using an inverter which is more complex and costlier.
The solar-powered water pump is used to provide fresh water for different purposes
such as domestic use, industry, agriculture, livestock, fish ponds etc. Use of
solar powered water pump decreases the input cost up to 25% which can make
agriculture cost-effective. A solar-powered water pump used for irrigation. Solar
pumps are useful where grid electricity is unavailable or impractical, and
alternative sources (in particular wind) do not provide sufficient energy.
Also Read: Solar Energy
The various
uses of solar water pumps are as follows:
(a)
Domestic water supply:
Solar-powered water pump can be a good solution for a reliable supply of clean water.
Now-a-days, use of solar-powered water pump is increasing because of its several
advantages. A Solar water pumping system used for domestic water supply. The
solar water pumps are suitable for pump small quantity of water thus it is best
suited for villages as well as domestic water supply. Groundwater is a good
source of clean water which is used for different purposes especially for
drinking in villages. The reliability of regular supply of clean water in
remote and rural areas can be ensured by using the solar-powered water pump. When
water is pumped by solar water pump, the cost of water is very less as compared
to other water pumping methods i.e. diesel or electrical.
(b) Irrigation:
Water is
the basic necessity for crop production. Irrigation is an important input for
agriculture. Irrigation at right stage/time to the crops is important otherwise
crop yield will be drastically decreased. Hence, continuous water supply is
required for sustainable agriculture production. SPV water pumping system is a
viable solution to provide regular water supply for irrigation especially in
remote locations where a steady electricity supply or fuel supply is
problematic. SPV water pumping system used for irrigation.
(c) Livestock:
Livestock rearing is one of the important activities in rural areas. Regular
water supply is required for drinking, bathing of livestock etc. Use of PV
water pumps in livestock farm can be one of the alternatives for regular water
supply which is gaining prominence especially in off-grid areas.
(d) Solar Water
Pumps for Aquaculture and Fishing:
Power
aeration pumps are used in commercial fish and shrimp farms it helps in increasing
oxygen levels, which contributes significantly to productivity. Most of the
farms located in the remote, off-shore locations use conventional energy
sources like diesel generators and grid supply. These energy sources are costly
and present an ecological hazard, especially close to vulnerable aquatic
eco-systems. For small applications (aeration pumps) PV can be an economic
solution. For higher energy consuming applications, solar PV/diesel hybrid
systems can be an option.
Also Read: International Solar Alliance
Source: Swayam