Comparison of Tank and Battery Storages for Photovoltaic Water Pumping

Abstract

Photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPS) are a promising solution to improve domestic water access in low-income rural areas. It is challenging, however, to make them more affordable for the local communities. We develop here a comparative methodology to assess relevant features of both widely employed PVWPS architecture with water tank storage, and hardly used PVWPS architecture with a battery bank instead of tank storage. The quantitative comparison is carried out through techno-economic optimization, with the goal of minimizing the life cycle cost of PVWPS with constraints on the satisfaction of the water demand of local inhabitants and on the groundwater resource sustainability. It is aimed to support decision-makers in selecting most appropriate storage for domestic water supply projects. We applied the methodology in the rural village of Gogma, Burkina Faso. Results indicate that the life-cycle cost of an optimized PVWPS with batteries is $24.1k while it is $31.1k if a tank is used instead. Moreover, reduced impact on groundwater resources and greater modularity to adapt to evolving water demand is noted if using batteries. However, as batteries must be replaced regularly and recycled adequately, PVWPS’ financial accessibility could increase only if sustainable and efficient operation, maintenance, and recycling facilities for batteries were present or developed locally.

Energy Efficiency Optimization in Battery-Based Photovoltaic Pumping Schemes

“…The use of batteries in photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPS) presents some disadvantages, such as increased cost and reduction of efficiency [6] [7], and there are several studies cited in [8] [9] in which batteries are considered. A PVWPS in Oman incorporating a PV field with 840 W pk , no tank, and a 220 Ah lead-acid battery was the best solution analyzed after several simulations with HOMER [10].…”

“…A comparative cost analysis of energy storage in tanks and batteries was carried out in PVWPS used in urban water pressurized networks, and it was found that the use of batteries was the most efficient alternative with the shortest payback periods [13]. The conclusions of a recent study comparing a PVWPS with a tank versus the battery storage solution indicated that the latter ensured access to domestic water in low-income rural areas at a lower cost [7]. The main drawbacks of the batteries identified in this study (with regular replacement, local recycling facilities, sustainable and efficient operation and maintenance) are related to the technology of the lead-acid batteries.…”

Economic assessment of converting a pressurised water distribution network into an off-grid system supplied with solar photovoltaic energy

“…This is of paramount importance in Case A, where the great pumping operation hours need a great number of modules (reducing profitability). Some authors highlighted that the life-cycle cost of an optimised photovoltaic water pumping scheme with batteries is cheaper than embracing a tank as energy storage (Soenen et al 2021). But these authors highlight monetary conditions might decline if service managers do not keep maintenance and recycling.…”

Life Cycle Cost of Electricity Production: A Comparative Study of Coal-Fired, Biomass, and Wind Power in China

“…The methods of external cost calculation show a trend of diversification [30]. However, factors such as discount rate, environmental impact category model, and regional differences have a great effect on LCC [45][46][47].…”