A review of sustainable solar irrigation systems for Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

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.

A Review on Renewable Energy Systems for Irrigation in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions

“…Ahmadia et al [20] reviewed thermal models for analysis of the performance of Stirling engine. According to Wazed et al [10], the most effective solar thermal system utilizes a solar concentrator powering a Stirling pump, there is no energy storage but instead the system functions at optimal sun hours and stores water.…”

Feasibility Study of 0.1 HP NanoSolar Pump with Gravity based Drip Irrigation System for Vegetable Cultivation

“…Hence, the need of the hour is to develop such systems which must be sustainable and will not cause any damage to the environment. In this situation use of solar power for water pumping is best solution in the field of irrigation which does not create any environmental pollution and also needs negligible operational cost (Lopez-Luque et al, 2015;Mohammed et al, 2018). The initial cost of large size solar pumps is much higher than the traditional electric or diesel pumps.…”

Energy Consumption Optimization in Irrigation Networks Supplied by a Standalone Direct Pumping Photovoltaic System

“…The key advantages of incorporating PV technology in the optimization problem consist of the reduction in the operating costs of pumping water into the system [18] and the associated environmental benefits [19]. However, the system should guarantee the supply for irrigating the crops and, as the hourly irradiance is an input in the optimization process, the location and the period of the year become important restrictions, as water needs are not the only parameter which controls the process.…”