Photovoltaic-Based Water Pumping Systems
Summary
Photovoltaic-based water pumping systems convert solar irradiation into mechanical energy to drive pumps for agricultural irrigation, livestock watering and community water supply. They comprise photovoltaic (PV) modules, power-electronic converters, electric motors and hydraulic pumps, assembled into either stand-alone or grid-interactive configurations. Recent advances have focused on maximising energy yield from PV arrays under variable insolation, enhancing power‐electronic efficiency and refining control strategies to match pump hydraulic characteristics. By eliminating or reducing storage components, system complexity and lifecycle costs are decreased, while ensuring reliable operation in remote or off-grid locations. Practical deployments span from low-head gravity feed in arid regions to high-pressure borehole pumping, demonstrating the global significance of solar water pumping for sustainable water access and climate-resilient agriculture.
Research from Nature Portfolio
One study reported on the development of perovskite–silicon tandem photovoltaic modules optimised for low-irradiance water pumping. By tailoring the spectral response and integrating passive thermal management, the panels sustained over 85 % of peak output in diffuse light, extending daily pump operation by 30 % relative to conventional silicon arrays. A predictive control algorithm using cloud-cover forecasts further smoothed power delivery, reducing system downtime during transient weather. Another investigation introduced an integrated sensor network combining real-time flow feedback with adaptive maximum power point tracking. Through closed-loop regulation of DC pump speed according to solar input and demand, energy losses were curtailed by 15 %, yielding stable water delivery in remote off-grid installations. These advances underscore a shift towards resilient, cost-effective solar pumping solutions under variable environmental conditions.
Photovoltaic-Based Water Pumping Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in photovoltaic-based water pumping systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Photovoltaic array: An assembly of interconnected solar cells that converts sunlight into direct current electricity.
Maximum power point tracking (MPPT): A control technique that continuously adjusts electrical operating parameters to maximise power extraction from PV modules.
DC–DC converter: A power-electronic device that transforms one level of direct current voltage to another, optimising energy transfer to the load.
Brushless DC (BLDC) motor: An electric motor powered by DC current via an inverter, offering high efficiency, compactness and low maintenance for pumping applications.
Off-grid system: A configuration that operates independently of the utility grid, relying solely on on-site energy sources such as solar panels.
References
- Selection process of photovoltaic standalone pumping systems. Sustainable Energy Research (2023).
- Review on Solar Photovoltaic-Powered Pumping Systems. Energies (2022).
- Analysis of Grid-Interactive PV-Fed BLDC Pump Using Optimized MPPT in DC–DC Converters. Sustainability (2022).
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