Comparison Study to Select an Optimum Photovoltaic Pumping System (PVPS) Configuration upon Experimental Performances Data of Two Different DC Pumps Tested at Ghardaia Site

摘要

Since, the majority of the Algerian desert area enjoys plenty of sun and abundance of huge underground water sources, the stand alone photovoltaic pumping system (PVPS) is an appropriate solution to supply water for domestic, livestock and irrigation in remote locations. In this view, a comparison study has been carried out upon experimental results of two submersible DC pumps, namely: Water Max A64 (300 W) and Shurflo (130 W). The purpose is to select an optimum direct coupling Photovoltaic Pumping System (PVPS) configuration suitable to provide the maximum daily average quantity of water to satisfy the need of a remote farms consumption, situated in Hassi-Gara region, about 110 km south of Ghardaia, where the borehole and well heads vary from 10 m until 40 m. Photovoltaic (PV) powered by different selected PV arrays, based on PV Isofoton (110/24) modules, the two mentioned DC pumps were put into tests for different heads, at our PV pumping test facility, under winter outdoor conditions of Ghardaia site. Through the study and the interpretation of the obtained performances data, including the daily cumulative water and the overall efficiency of each selected (PVPS) configuration, two different direct coupling (PVPS) configurations have been selected to be eventually installed: The first (PVPS) configuration consists of the Water Max A64 (300W) submersible DC pump, PV powered by the PV array which consists of (2 X 2 ) Isofoton PV modules, is suitable to meet the need of an average daily water volume ranges from 6 m3 until 8 however the second (PVPS) configuration which comprises the Shurflo (130 W) submersible DC pump, PV powered by the (2 x 1) Isofoton (110/24) PV modules can meet the need of the medium average daily water discharge less than 4 The daily pumped volume of water is selected for a period of 8 hours of pumping and can be extended by extending the daily pumping hour's period during the long daylight hours; moreover, the large tanks are necessaries to preserve enough water to be used during cloudy days.