CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The survival of the agriculture sector worldwide is greatly dependent on

the availability of water. It is an area which have an immense need for water

pumps which are mostly reliant on electricity to operate. This is the choice for

areas where there is a supply from the local utility provider, however, with the

current prices of energy, this can become very expensive. Without reliable

energy services, farmers and agribusinesses in developing countries are less

able to increase food production and engage in value-added processing. New

technologies, such as solar food dryers and solar water irrigation, allow farmers

living off-grid to replace expensive diesel generators with cheaper and cleaner

technologies as well as those living on grid to cut on the cost of electricity.

Solar energy might be one of the easiest ways for farmers to produce

energy. Indeed, better off farmers in many countries usually have several large

buildings whose roofs are directly under the sun, without being hindered by the

shadow of trees and others thus, turning them into an ideal place to settle a

photovoltaic system. At present, the use of solar energy in agriculture is

becoming increasingly popular and the energy produced from this renewable

source can be used as a supplement on the farm.

One of the areas in agriculture that benefits the most from solar energy is

irrigation, particularly in dry regions. The main reason is that using the sun for
irrigation represents a virtuous circle: when the sun shines, it supplies the energy

that is needed by the irrigation system which waters the crops since these need

more water when the sun shines for a long time in any given day. As such, a

large quantity of energy from the sun is actually available when it is needed, if the

proper system to harvest it is in place.

Renewable energy sources in rural areas where wind, solar, biomass, and

geothermal sources are abundant is gaining popularity. Renewable energy

sources are the best options in local applications where there is limited or no

access to an electricity grid, or where access to conventional energy is

prohibitively expensive. These are most efficient in local applications because the

energy production is located where it will be used, thus minimizing the need for

energy storage and transport. Of the energy consumers within agriculture, the

timing of irrigation requirements conveniently coincides with an increase in

insulation or intensity of solar radiation, creating great potential for the union of

irrigation and solar energy, specifically photovoltaics. (Williamson, 2006)

Solar panels are now being used in agricultural operations, especially in

rural areas. Water pumping using solar energy have several advantages

foremost of which are: it is easy to install, environment friendly and requires low

maintenance with no fuel cost. With the shortage of electricity in rural and remote

areas in many parts of the Philippines, solar water pump is one of the most

promising application of solar energy. Solar water pumps have become a widely

adopted solar energy technology because of the non-availability of electricity and

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the increase of fuel cost, it has become an alternative solution to pumping

problems.

Water supply in rural areas can be very erratic, thus, owning a water pump

is a necessity especially for farmers. Others use electric water pump but not all

remote areas can be supplied with electricity. Approximately 1.6 to 2 billion

developing country civilians live without electricity in their homes (Zahnd et al.,

2006). The use of Solar energy may answer their problem. Solar is selected as

an energy source since it can produce clean and free energy (Karyono 2003).

In the Philippines, many residents in the remote mountain town of Butong,

Ronda in Cebu have yet to see a cellular phone, but they have what the rest of

the world does not have - a solar-powered pre-paid water supply system. The

unique water supply project was launched and became operational in September

2003.Solar panels installed atop a hill convert 2,700 Watts from the sun's energy

to power a submersible pump, which in turn delivers 22 cubic meters of water

each day. Water from an underground river and an aquifer is lifted over 100

meters into a storage tank. Six kilometres of pipeline brings the water to 10

common water distribution points where users draw water from a tap using

rechargeable pre-paid cards.

The Philippines especially in Mindanao is suffering from energy scarcity

and blackouts due to constant growth on the demand side. Solar energy could

aid to alleviate the situation when the energy, water and agriculture are

developed together and when it is correctly utilized and managed.

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 To support the need for exploring alternative sources of energy and with

the consideration that the Philippines is an agricultural country, the Department of

Science and Technology's Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research

and Development have installed a solar-powered water pump in Pangasinan

State University in Asingan town to irrigate a 1.5hectare rice farm. PSU's Dr.

Artemio Diego reported that palay harvest improved when the water pump was

installed. (Offemaria, 2003).

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1.2 Paradigm of the Study

This research will follow the input-process-output sequence flow chart as

presented in Figure 1 for the research to be systematic.

INPUT
Available solar panel, inverter, accessories and water
pump equipment.
Possible locations for the solar powered water pump.

PROCESS
Assembly of a solar powered water pump.
Testing of the assembled equipment.
Improvement of the solar powered water pump and
its set-up.
Formulation of recommendations to be made.
OUTPUT
A working model of a solar powered water pump.
Recommendations on the best location, conditions and
set-up of the solar powered water pump.

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

1.3 Statement of the Problem

The study is being undertaken with the main aim of coming up with a

working model of a solar powered water pump which can be used by farmers for

small and practical applications. Specifically, the study aims to answer the

following questions:

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 1. What is the practical size of the solar panel and inverter that can supply a

small water pump?

2. What are the optimum conditions, parameters or set-up in which the solar

powered water pump can be operated?

3. Where are the possible locations for the solar panel to harvest maximum

sunlight?
4. How much energy can the solar panel harvest on a normal sunny day?

1.4 Scope and Delimitation

This study will focus mainly on the assembly of a working model of a solar

powered water pump. It will test the performance of the equipment in sunny

areas to determine the best conditions and set-up at which it may be operated.

The study will not deal with the efficiency and durability of the equipment.

1.5 Significance of the Project

Water is essential for daily living, without it life would be very difficult.

Without water, people do not have a means of watering their crops and,

therefore, no means of providing food for a fast-growing population. Water is also

a scarce resource which must be used properly. A solar powered water pump can

help aid in lessening the problem of water and energy problems.

In the Philippines, farmers have always played a significant role in the

society as they provide the countrys population with food. Many of them do not

have a water pump that is why a continuous supply of water is difficult to sustain.

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It is a fact that having a water pump can make the work in the field easier. It is for

this reason that the researchers proposed a solar powered water pump project

which will use sunlight as the main source of energy

The study can contribute to the knowledge of the researchers as regards

to process of making a project study, the technical knowledge of how to

assemble and troubleshoot or improve if needed a solar powered water pump.

The study will also enhance the learning of the researchers on the concepts and

practical applications of electrical engineering as a field.

1.6 Definition of Terms

Solar Panel. It is a device that converts light into electricity.

Battery. Itis a device that stores electricity.

Water Pump or Motor. It is a mechanical device that moves fluid in the cooling

system of an automobile that cause the water to circulate

Inverter. It is an electrical converter that converts direct current into alternating

current.

Photovoltaic (PV). This is a technology that directly converts sunlight into

electricity using semi conducting PV cells.

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 CHAPTER 2

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

2.1 Research Method

The researchers made use of internet research for the literature part of

the study. Journals, articles and previous studies made were read and used as a

guide.

The researchers will make use of prototyping in the study. A prototype is

an early sample, model, or release of a product built to test a concept or process

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or to act as a thing to be replicated or learned from. A prototype is generally used

to evaluate a new design to enhance an existing design. Prototyping serves to

provide specifications for a real, working system rather than a theoretical one.

2.2 Research Procedure

To complete the study, the researchers will follow the following

procedures:

1. Research and read on written literatures about solar powered water

pumps.
2. Canvass on the costs and availability of the materials and equipment

to be assembled.
3. Purchase the needed materials and equipment.
4. Assemble the solar powered water pumps.
5. Find the proper location to test the solar powered water pumps.
6. Perform tests and gather data.
7. Improve, troubleshoot and make necessary changes on the set up if

needed.
8. Make recommendations for the study.

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