This investigation focused on the research undertaken on solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies for pumping water generally for irrigation of remote rural farms specifically considering the Sub-Saharan African region. Solar PV systems have been researched extensively for irrigation purposes due to the rise in Oil prices and the upscaling in commercialisation of PV technology. Based on the literature the most effective PV system is presented for the irrigation of a small scare remote rural farm with respect to the cost, pumping capacity and system efficiency. Similarly, solar thermal systems are reviewed and the most effective system described. Unlike PV technology, solar thermal technology for water pumping is lacking especially in small scale operations. However, with the possibility of local production, low investment cost, easy maintenance and lower carbon footprint, solar thermal water pumping technologies may be able to overcome the shortcomings of the PV technology that has stopped widespread use of the technology for irrigation applications. Taking into consideration recent developments in concentrated solar technologies using the Stirling engine, novel solar thermal water pumping systems may be developed. This review also highlighted the different methodologies such as modelling, used to investigate and optimise the performance of solar powered systems.
Inadequate supply of safe water, the requirement of food exports, Low GDP creates a scenario where 26% of the population in the Sub-Saharan Africa suffer from food insecurity. Cultivation of food locally is necessary to drive the cost of food down. This can be done using the abundant groundwater source in the region, however, the energy cost of harvesting the water supply is very high and hence not presently utilised. While solar PV technology is readily available, PV solutions are much too expensive for small scale rural farmers. This research aims at developing a solar thermal powered Stirling pump that can be produced locally, using local resources to reduce irrigation costs and provide income, food and energy security in the region, by promoting independent farming through small-scale farms. In order to develop the Stirling pump, a Low Temperature Differential (LTD) Stirling engine has been modelled in 3D, simulated and investigated with the help of Computational Fluid Dynamics with ANSYS 16.1 software. The Analysis is aimed at obtaining a true representation of the pressure, temperature and compression ratio that dictate the functioning of a Gamma type Stirling engine. This model developed can then be modified and improved upon to further boost the performance of the Stirling Engine to be integrated with a water pumping system to extract ground water for irrigation purposes.
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