Solar pumping for irrigation of the Vine. Installation and operation.

To extract water from a well, the consumption of electrical energy is essential for the operation of the pump.

The energy sources for the operation of an irrigation pump can be obtained in two ways:

1º.- Conventional Electric Power: 

To do this, and given that wells are usually far from the availability of energy, the most important thing is to place it as close as possible to the water extraction pump.

In addition, the use of well water is usually seasonal, that is, no water is needed every day of the year. For what we basically pay throughout the year, the fixed term of Energy, when it is used temporarily.

2º.- Generating Sets:

This generator is located next to the water pump.

It consumes diesel or gasoline during operating hours. It also carries with it periodic maintenance costs.

Another added problem are the thefts that are taking place throughout the Spanish geography with the consequent damage to the farmer. To avoid such thefts, farmers are usually present on the farm during the irrigation period in order to carry out a face-to-face surveillance, being an evident problem both in the time spent and the constant concern generated by this situation of insecurity.

Solar coil for drip irrigation

The solar irrigation pumping system is an alternative both in economic savings and in peace of mind for the farmer.

It consists of installing the solar panels or panels next to the well, it does not produce noise and the source of energy is the solar rays. The decrease in panel prices in recent years makes this system very interesting.

Solar Pumping Operation

The system is made up of three fundamental pieces of equipment: solar panels, a frequency controller or converter, and a solar or conventional submersible pump.

SOLAR PANELS:  Solar panels convert solar energy into direct current electrical energy. Later it becomes alternate through the variator.

CONTROLLER: Converts the solar energy from the panels into electrical characteristics necessary for the operation of the pump.

SOLAR SUBMERSIBLE PUMPS: The solar well pumps are used in pump installations with a maximum power of 5 hp. Its operation and the volume of water extracted is variable throughout the day, depending on the existing solar radiation at all times.

Therefore, the SOLAR PUMPING system, once the corresponding project has been carried out, is a good alternative to solve the problem of electricity consumption and savings for the extraction of water in its different applications: Irrigation of the vineyard, water for livestock, agriculture and viticulture in general.

What happens if there is a conventional pump already installed in our irrigation system?

In the event that in said well there is already a conventional pump installed and operating through conventional electrical energy or through the generator set, it is necessary to incorporate a frequency converter.

Frequency converter. How does it work?

In order to use the solar system with the existing water pumps, we can replace the controller with the frequency converter.

The frequency converter has two main objectives:

1. Convert the direct current of the panels into alternating current at 380 V, to power the pump.
2. Vary the operating frequency, maintaining the voltage depending on the solar radiation at all times.

Advantages of Solar Pumping?

Investment:

The investment pays for itself in a reasonable time, since the monthly payments are usually the same as the savings in fuel consumption.

Financing agreements:

There are financing agreements with different banks. The farmer pays the fees that are equal to the cost of energy. After 2 or 3 years of amortization, you will have clean and long-lasting energy.

“Free” energy:

As it is a renewable energy, the winegrower will be able to irrigate every month of the year that he considers, at no cost for the minimum of the months that he does not consume.

Comfort:

One of the most important issues is comfort for the farmer, being able to schedule irrigation according to specific needs.

In short, Solar Pumping for irrigation is the future and this is corroborated by the strong demand throughout Spain and the growing increase in installations carried out.

Kit bombeo solar

Corresponding hydraulic calculations must be performed for professional installation.

Currently, after the modernization of irrigation and solar energy, kits have been developed to adapt them either to the existing well or to a new well.

What must be taken into account to select the most suitable kit for your needs?

The most important thing and everything is related, but it is where you have to look to see if the pump meets our needs are:

• The depth at which the water is
• The liters per hour that we need the pump to take out
• The power of the pump.

What kinds of solar water pumping kits are there?

To make the choice easier and not overwhelm with hydraulics calculations I have made a selection of three different scenarios that I think are sufficient for blog readers:

Direct Solar Pumping

• 1200 L / h, is the flow that this pump draws
• 35m deep
• 300W motor power