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Solar Power Irrigation Towards Saving Energy for Agricultural Production: a Feasibility Study

M. N. H. Khan
Centre for Irrigation and Water Resource Management, Rural Development Academy, Bogra-5842

M. H. Khan
Centre for Irrigation and Water Resource Management, Rural Development Academy, Bogra-5842

M. F. H. Khan
Centre for Irrigation and Water Resource Management, Rural Development Academy, Bogra-5842

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Renewable energy presents a better alternative to fossil fuels with greener impact on environment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the opportunities and viabilities of using direct solar power as a source of green energy in irrigation to make the rice farming profitable one. In the present study 24 Polycrystalline of each 270 watt solar panels were installed in scattered manner at Ð240 with a height of 7 ft. A D.C submersible pump of 3.5 KW was set up with a 90 ft depth deep-tubewell (DTW). In Bangladesh sunshine hour varies from 10 to 13 hours and solar radiation varies from 3.5 to 6.0 KW hm-2 day-1 through out year. By direct solar power, average running time of pump was 08 hours per day and full flow of water discharge was 4.5 hours per day. Average water discharge was 40710 liter per hour and total water discharge was 310 m3 per day. By the system a scheme of 15 acres of land was irrigated where 1.3 acre per day. The financial and economic value of BCR was 1.43 and 1.5, respectively; and the financial and economic value of IRR was 68% and 98%, respectively.

Keywords: Irrigation, Renewable energy, Solar power

Location: Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogra, Bangladesh

Start Date: 31-03-2013

End Date: 29-06-2013

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Supplemental irrigation

Objectives:

To evaluate the opportunities and viabilities of using direct solar power as a source of green energy in irrigation to make the rice farming profitable one.

Methodology:

Different tools were applied to evaluate and demonstrate the performance of direct solar power irrigation system. To accomplish the study different instruments, regular observation, literature survey etc. techniques were applied. Study area: The study was conducted at the demonstration farm of Rural Development Academy (RDA), Bogra that located 24042'18"north latitude and 89°23'34" east longitude. Instruments used: In our study total number of 24° solar panels was set up where each panel’s capacity was 270 watt, and the total capacity of these panels was 6.48 KW. Panels were installed in scattered manner at <24° with a height of 7 ft. Depth of DTW was 90 ft where housing pipe was 40 ft. With the DTW a D. C submersible pump of 3.5 KW was set up. Data collection: Total time of pump run, voltage and ampere loaded by the pump, static and pumping water level (in feet), water flow (liter hour^-1), time of full flow (hour), total water discharge (in m3 day^-1), total land area coverage (acre day^-1) by irrigation etc. data were recorded in daily basis from 31 March 2013 to 29 June 2013 with one hour interval time period from 07.00 am to 06.00 pm. Data analysis: Data were processed using MS Excel (Microsoft Excel) and analyzed as per objectives by tabular and graphical methods. The economic and financial analysis i.e. Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-cost Ratio (BCR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were calculated as cost benefit analysis.

Source of Information: J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 8(1): 125-128, 2015; ISSN 1999-7361

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

As a sub-tropical country, Bangladesh is suitable place for direct solar powered irrigation. Although, the installment cost of solar systems is very much costly, but once installed it can give service up to 20-25 years with proper maintenance. By the system, 6.48 kW solar panel, a land scheme of 15 acres irrigated in a season at free of cost, without electricity or diesel. The direct solar powered irrigation would be very much feasible and effective for the remote areas of the subtropical as well as low latitudes’ countries in terms of crop production as well as reduce the cost of electricity. It would also be applicable to save energy as well as reduce CO₂.

Knowledge Management: Journal