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Design and Economic Evaluation of Grid-Connected PV Water Pumping Systems for Various Head Locations
Electrical Engineering Department, An-Najah National University, Nablus, P400, Palestine
* Corresponding Author: Moien A. Omar. Email:
Energy Engineering 2025, 122(2), 561-576. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2025.059352
Received 05 October 2024; Accepted 26 December 2024; Issue published 31 January 2025
Abstract
This research investigates the design and optimization of a photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system to address seasonal water demands across five locations with varying elevation heads. The system draws water from a deep well with a static water level of 30 m and a dynamic level of 50 m, serving agricultural and livestock needs. The objective of this study is to accurately size a PV system that balances energy generation and demand while minimizing grid dependency. Meanwhile, the study presents a comprehensive methodology to calculate flow rates, pumping power, daily energy consumption, and system capacity. Therefore, the PV system rating, energy output, and economic performance were evaluated using metrics such as discounted payback period (DPP), net present value (NPV), and sensitivity analysis. The results show that a 2.74 kWp PV system is optimal, producing 4767 kWh/year to meet the system’s annual energy demand of 4686 kWh. In summer, energy demand peaks at 1532.7 kWh, while in winter, it drops to 692.1 kWh. Meanwhile, flow rates range from 11.71 m3/h at 57 m head to 10.49 m3/h at 70 m head, demonstrating the system’s adaptability to diverse hydraulic conditions. Economic analysis reveals that at a 5% interest rate and an electricity price of $0.15/kWh, the NPV is $6981.82 with a DPP of 3.76 years. However, a 30% increase in electricity prices improves the NPV to $10,005.18 and shortens the DPP to 2.76 years, whereas a 20% interest rate reduces the NPV to $1038.79 and extends the DPP to 6.08 years. Nevertheless, the annual PV energy generation exceeds total energy demand by 81 kWh, reducing grid dependency and lowering electricity costs. Additionally, the PV system avoids approximately 3956.6 kg of CO2 emissions annually, underscoring its environmental benefits over traditional pumping systems. As a result, this study highlights the economic and environmental viability of PV-powered water pumping systems, offering actionable insights for sustainable energy solutions in agriculture.Keywords
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