Optimizing the design of solar powered water pumping systems to minimize operation and maintenance costs.

Abstract

Water and energy are the key drivers of sustainable development, yet the world is facing severe energy and water crisis. Photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) is a mature technology that conserves both energy and water for sustainable applications to meet the growing demand for clean water especially in remote areas. However, to ensure the long-term viability and efficiency of such systems, it is essential to optimize the design of the system to reduce operation and maintenance costs. The first objective of this research project is to assess the available solar pump and panel power ratings of existing solar powered water pumping systems. Performance data from these systems was collected and analyzed to assess their effectiveness in meeting water pumping requirements with least cost of operation and maintenance and maximum power output. The second objective is to optimize and simulate the design of solar powered water pumping system using HOMER Pro software. This was done considering different system scenarios while varying parameters such as solar panel capacity, battery storage, and control strategies. In this case, a cycle charging (CC) strategy was used. The results of this study identified that a system with solar PV and battery was the best solution to minimize operation and maintenance expenses. The results analyzed indicated that the system would increase the total net present cost to $44,587.58 but minimize operation and maintenance costs (from $3,523.20 to $3,389.41) while maximizing power output (from 4.4 kW to 9.22kW) thus fulfilling objectives of the study. This study also provides a cost summary of PV panels, batteries, capital value, replacement, operation and maintenance (O&M), fuel cost, and salvage value in dollars.