Summary of Purpose Work
Summary of Purpose Work
The purpose of this research work is to develop a smart irrigation system powered by solar
energy for efficient water pumping. Traditional irrigation systems often rely on non-renewable
energy sources and lack intelligent control mechanisms, leading to water wastage and
inefficiency. This research aims to address these challenges by integrating solar energy
technology and smart control algorithms into the irrigation system.
The proposed system will utilize solar panels to harness the abundant and clean energy from the
sun. This renewable energy will power the water pumping mechanism, eliminating the
dependence on fossil fuels and reducing operational costs. Additionally, the system will
incorporate smart control algorithms to optimize water usage and irrigation schedules based on
real-time data such as weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and plant requirements. This
intelligent control will ensure that water is delivered precisely when and where it is needed,
minimizing water wastage and improving crop yields.
The research work will involve designing and implementing the solar-powered water pumping
system, developing the smart control algorithms, and evaluating the performance of the
integrated system.The results will be analyzed, and any necessary refinements will be made to
optimize the system's performance.
The ultimate goal of this research is to provide an innovative and sustainable solution for
irrigation practices, promoting efficient water usage in agriculture while reducing the
environmental impact. By combining solar energy and smart control technologies, this project
aims to contribute to the development of more environmentally friendly and economically viable
irrigation systems
Research Background: The development of solar-based water pumping systems has gained significant
attention due to their potential to address the challenges associated with conventional irrigation methods.
Solar energy offers a clean and renewable power source that can be harnessed efficiently in various
geographical locations. By utilizing solar panels to generate electricity, these systems can power pumps that
extract water from wells, rivers, or other water sources for irrigation purposes. This research aims to explore
the feasibility, benefits, and limitations of solar-based water pumping systems for smart irrigation,
considering factors such as energy efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
Introduction:
Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy in the world. Solar power is not onlyan
answer to today’s energy crisis but also an environmental friendly form of energy. Photovoltaic
generation is an efficient approach for using the solar energy. Solar panels (an array of
photovoltaic cells) are nowadays extensively used for running street lights, for powering water heaters
and to meet domestic loads. The cost of solar panels has been constantly decreasing which
encouragesits usage in various sectors. One of the application of this technology is used in
irrigation systems for farming. Solar powered irrigation system can be a suitable alternative for
farmers in the present state of energy crisis in Pakistan.In this proposal we propose an automatic
irrigation system using solar power which drives water pumps to pump water from bore well to a tank and
the outlet valve of tank is automatically regulated using controller and moisture sensor to control the flow
rate of water from the tank to the irrigation field which optimizes the use of water.
The study by Salman Zubair et al. (2016): evaluates the economic viability of solar irrigation
systems in Pakistan by analyzing the financial and technical aspects. It assesses the potential of
solar energy for pumping water and provides recommendations for implementation.
In this study by Khurram Iqbal et al. (2017): examines the performance of a solar water pumping
system for irrigation purposes in Pakistan. It evaluates the system's efficiency, reliability, and water
delivery capacity under different environmental conditions.
In this study by Muhammad Aslam et al. (2019): compares different solar water pumping
technologies used for irrigation in Pakistan. It assesses the performance, cost-effectiveness, and
energy efficiency of various solar pumping systems to identify the most suitable technology for the
region.
The study by M.Iqbal et al. (2018): focuses on the design and implementation of a solar water pumping
system for drip irrigation in Pakistan. It discusses the technical aspects, system components, and
performance evaluation of the solar-based water pumping system for efficient irrigation.
In this study by M.Maqsood et al. (2018): presents a case study of solar irrigation systems in Punjab
province, Pakistan. It assesses the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of implementing solar-based water
pumping for irrigation, highlighting the economic and environmental advantages of the technology.
The study by M.S Nawaz et al. (2016): presents a feasibility analysis of solar water pumping
for agriculture in Pakistan. It explores the potential benefits, challenges, and economic viability of
implementing solar-based irrigation systems, considering the agricultural needs and solar energy
potential of different regions in the country.
In this study by H.Raza et al. (2017): evaluates the performance of solar-powered water
pumping systems for irrigation in Pakistan. It analyzes various factors such as water requirement,
solar energy availability, and system efficiency to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of
solar-based irrigation in the country.
Possible Outcomes:
Energy Efficiency: Solar-powered water pumps use clean and renewable energy from the sun,
eliminating the need for grid electricity or fossil fuels. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and
contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly irrigation system.
Cost Savings: Solar water pumping systems have lower operational costs compared to traditional
pumps running on grid electricity or diesel generators. Once the initial investment is made in
installing the solar panels and pump, the ongoing operational costs are significantly reduced,
leading to long-term savings.
Increased Access to Water: Solar-powered water pumps can be installed in remote or off-grid areas
where access to electricity is limited. This makes it possible to provide irrigation solutions to
farmers and agricultural communities who previously had limited or no access to water for
irrigation.
Improved Crop Yield: Smart irrigation systems integrated with solar water pumping allow for
precise control of water delivery, ensuring that crops receive the right amount of water at the right
time.
In this proposed system we utilize the solar energy from solar panels to automatically pump water from
bore well directly into a ground level storage tank depending on the intensity of sunlight. While
conventional methods include pumping of water from bore well into a well and from this well onto field
using another pump, our system uses only a single stage energy consumption wherein the water is
pumped into a ground level tank from which a simple valve mechanism controls the flow of water into the
field. This saves substantial amount of energy and efficient use of renewable energy. A valve is controlled
using intelligent algorithm in which it regulates the flow of water into the field depending upon the moisture
requirement of the land. In this system we use a soil moisture sensor that detects the amount of moisture
present in the soil and depending upon the requirement of level of moisture content required for the crop
the water flow is regulated thus, conserving the water by avoiding over flooding of crops.
This study aims to develop clean energy-based cropirrigation model to combat water scarcity problem expected
to get worse in near future.
Investigate the feasibility of solar-based water pumping systems for smart irrigation.
Arduino UNO
GSM SIM module
DHT11 humidity sensor
12v relay
BC 547 transistor
Voltage regulator- 7805 and 7812
Solar panel
Battery
System description :
Proposed irrigation system mainly consists of two modules-
Solar pumping module and automatic irrigation module. In solar pumping module a solar panel of
required specification is mounted near the pump set. Then using a control circuit it is
used to charge a battery. From the battery using converter circuit it gives power to the water pump
which is submerged inside the well.Then the water is pumped into an overhead tank for storing water
temporarily before releasing the water into the field.
In automatic irrigation module the water outlet valve of the tank is electronically controlled by a
soil moisture sensing circuit. The sensor is placed in the field where thecrop is being cultivated. The
sensor converts the moisture content in the soil into equivalent voltage. This is given to a sensing
circuit which has a reference voltage that can be adjusted by the farmer for setting different
moisture levels for different crops. The amount of water needed for soil is proportional to the
difference of these two voltages. A control signal was given to a stepper motor whose rotational
angle is proportional to the difference in voltage. The stepper motor in turns controls the cross-
sectional area of the valve to be opened controlling flow of water. Therefore the amount of
water flowing is proportional to the moisture difference.
Renewable Energy: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that helps reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. By utilizing solar power for water pumping in irrigation systems,
it reduces the need for conventional energy sources like electricity or diesel generators, which often
contribute to pollution and carbon emissions.
Affordable Energy: Solar energy is becoming increasingly cost-effective and affordable, especially in areas
with abundant sunlight. Implementing solar-powered water pumping for irrigation can reduce energy costs
for farmers, making agriculture more financially viable and sustainable in the long run. It lowers the reliance
on expensive and unreliable grid electricity or costly diesel fuel, thereby promoting affordable energy
access.
Climate Resilience: Solar-powered water pumping systems are environmentally friendly and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-powered alternatives. By adopting clean
energy solutions, communities can mitigate the impact of climate change and build resilience to
extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent and severe.
Energy Efficiency: Solar-powered water pumping systems operate with high energy efficiency,
converting sunlight directly into electricity to power the pumps. This helps optimize resource
utilization and reduce overall energy consumption, contributing to sustainable energy practices in
cities and communities.
Improved Agricultural Productivity: Smart irrigation systems, powered by solar energy, enable
precise control of water usage based on real-time data and weather conditions. This optimization
reduces water waste, increases crop yield, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Improved productivity can lead to increased food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction
within communities.
Significance of Proposed Work :
The proposed work is significant due to several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the environmental
concerns associated with conventional irrigation systems by utilizing solar energy, a clean and
renewable power source. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the system contributes to carbon
emissions reduction and promotes sustainability. Secondly, the integration of smart control
algorithms ensures optimized water usage, minimizing water wastage and improving crop yields.
This leads to more efficient agricultural practices and increased productivity. Finally, the
research work provides a scalable and economically viable solution for farmers, reducing
operational costs and improving long-term profitability.
Research Methodology:
The research methodology for a solar energy-based water pumping system for a smart irrigation
system is crucial for effectively addressing the research objectives and obtaining accurate results.
This section outlines the proposed methodology for conducting the research.
The first step involves conducting a comprehensive literature review to understand the current
state of solar-powered water pumping systems and smart irrigation technologies. This review
will provide insights into the various approaches, techniques, and challenges associated with
integrating solar energy into water pumping for irrigation.
Next, the research will focus on defining the research objectives and formulating research
questions. These objectives will guide the study towards investigating specific aspects of solar
energy-based water pumping for a smart irrigation system, such as system efficiency, cost-
effectiveness, and environmental impact.
The research will involve designing and implementing a prototype of the solar-powered water
pumping system integrated with smart irrigation technology. This will include selecting
appropriate solar panels, a water pump, and other necessary components. The prototype will be
tested under different environmental conditions and irrigation scenarios to evaluate its
performance and efficiency.
The experiments will involve installing the prototype in actual agricultural fields and monitoring
its performance over a certain period. Data will be collected on water flow rate, solar panel
output, energy consumption, and crop growth parameters.
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