Methodological Advances in the Design of Photovoltaic Irrigation

Abstract

In this study, an algorithm has been developed that manages photovoltaic solar energy in such a manner that all generated power is delivered to the system formed by a pump and irrigation network with compensated emitters. The algorithm is based on the daily work matrix that is updated daily by considering water and energy balances. The algorithm determines an irrigation priority for the sectors of irrigation of the farm based on programmed irrigation time and water deficits in the soil and synchronises the energy produced with the energy requirement of the hydraulic system according to the priority set for each day, obtaining the combinations of irrigation sectors appropriate to the photovoltaic power available. It takes into account the increment/decrease in the pressure of the water distribution network in response to increases/decreases in photovoltaic energy by increasing/decreasing the rotational speed of the pump, thus increasing/decreasing the power transferred to the system. The application to a real case of a 10-hectare farm divided into four sectors implies an efficient use of the energy of 26.15% per year and savings in CO2 emissions of 6.29 tonnes per year.