Development of solar water pump for small scale paddy field irrigation

In this thesis, the solar powered water pump have been thoroughly investigated and analyzed in terms of the Photovoltaic (PV) module electrical output, performance, field observation, and modeling of solar radiation. The objective of this research is to obtain the solar radiation using Hargreaves method, determine the PV electrical output through some installation and specification required to apply for paddy fields irrigation. The field installation involved a 50 W PV module, direct connected to a 12 VDC water pump, solar tracking system and other installation include a 12 V 100 Ah battery, power inverter, AC water pump and battery charge controller. The parameters observed and monitored are voltage, current, power of PV module and water pump. While water flow for water pump and ambient temperature also include in data collecting. Earth orientation and solar geometry help to obtain suitable tilt angle to mount the PV module for fixed position otherwise tracking device as an alternative of development. This research had covered the theory and technical in solar water pump system design and installation. From the overall of this thesis, 30° tilt angle is most suitable to apply in equator latitude for fixed position to mount the solar panel. Otherwise using tracking system is better to increase the system output compared to fixed position in term of cost and technical performance. The solar water pump system able to support the small scale of paddy field from quarter acre up to seven acre. This system is completed with water level control for water reservoir and paddy field because paddy plantation behavior which is sensitive to water level. This research able to helps the farmer to improve the paddy production for outside the granary of paddy field.