Utilization of Solar Energy for Water Pump Installation Design

Abstract

In summer, the utilization of solar energy can possibly satisfy the water demand. This paper examines the fluid flow in solar pump systems with solar cells. Specifically, a solar pump system model was designed and subjected to an installation test. The model consists of two solar cell units connected in series, which generate electricity and flow into the pump system. By the principles of fluid mechanics, the test results were analyzed to optimize the pump efficiency. The analysis shows that the solar cell efficiency is influenced by solar intensity, while the pump loss is maximized by fluid friction. In addition, pressure increase could affect the time of water filling; the voltage and current tend to be stable or constant.