Methodology for validating autonomous and direct photovoltaic pumping in drip irrigation

Current solar pumping technology uses electronic systems that increase the output power, performance and overall efficiency of the system. However, even with reduced efficiency, a system with a motor pump coupled directly to a photovoltaic panel is clearly suitable for regions where access to water is more of a priority than access to technology is, and for irrigation in areas not connected to the electricity grid Mokeddem (Energ Convers Manage 52(10):3089–3095, 2011). This paper therefore describes a methodology for validating an autonomous direct photovoltaic pumping system applied to drip irrigation by mapping its performance and limitations. The system’s behavior was monitored under different irradiances in a project consisting of four 10-m lateral lines, a 1.5 kWp photovoltaic panel, a DC converter and a centrifugal pump driven by a DC motor with a nominal flow rate of 31 L. \({min}^{-1}\) ${\mathit{min}}^{-1}$ The study showed that the use of a DC converter brings more flexibility and safety to photovoltaic pumping; however, autonomous pumping with direct application to irrigation can be considered viable if the photovoltaic arrangement respects the voltage and current limits of the motor pump and if the distribution uniformity of the applied blade is above 90% for irradiance values below 300 W. \({m}^{-2}.\) $m^{-2}.$