Pumps & groundwater
Is it time solar power By Eric Macias
There is a natural synergy between the amount the sun shines and the amount of water that we need to achieve the highest crop yields.
Taking this thinking forward, it is easy to see how solar power could be a logical energy source for our energy-hungry irrigation pumps.
e world is changing
Using solar pumps for stock water applications has become ubiquitous; this application was really the first for solar pumping. Replacing windmills with solar pumps makes sense — no maintenance and low power requirements because of modest flow and storage of water in a trough. Most stock water applications use pumps in the 1-3 horsepower range.
When considering irrigation applications, the pumping requirements get much
bigger, quickly moving to 10, 20 and 50 horsepower (and bigger) pumps. Historically, using solar power for these types of applications was either technically not possible or cost prohibitive. However, today the technology, market and political agenda have moved forward:
• Prices of photovoltaic modules have reduced by 10 times, making large solar pumps affordable.
• Motor efficiency improvements have further reduced the power needs, which also improves the economics.
• Massive advances in microprocessor- driven controllers and software, specifically designed for solar water pumping, provide further efficiency and intelligent drives.
• Energy and fossil fuels are getting more expensive and, in many places, are becoming less reliable or are subject to forms of technical or economic rationing.
• There is a high level of interest in renewable energy, sustainability and responsible energy use.
Photo above: This 300-acre orchard in Croatia includes a “pond” built to store water that is fed by solar
pumps. The solar pumps are also used to pressurize the water to a drip system for apples and peaches. Photo credit: BERNT LORENTZ GmbH & Co. KG
irrigationtoday.org 15 to reconsider
irrigation in your operation?
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