Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Experiment was carried out on how to generate and developed solar powered pumping system for smart irrigation. Solar power energy materials used consist of photovoltaic panel, solar charge controller, batteries, and inverter, distribution pipe, voltmeter, wiring accessories and water pump. The coupled energy materials were set at an angle of 150 South - east. The generated voltage recorded during the day time from the solar energy were recorded in two parts; from solar panel and voltage controller. The two solar panels generated an average solar energy of 24.63v, PV panel and 10.23v charge controller. Within 10 hours set for solar energy assessment from the panels,from 9:00 am to 6:00pm, PV panels recorded voltage that ranged between 19.3 to 30.2, while Charge controller recorded from 5.1 to 16.0v.The voltage kept increasing from 9:0am until it reached a peak at 3:0pm, and started declining at 4:0pm to the lowest voltage at 6: 00pm, when the sun rays have gone dim.The charge controller allows current into battery and protect and regulate its charge and discharge. The pump efficiency was tested using variation in pumping time (sec), which was set at 10,20, 30,40,50 and 60 seconds. The flow rate (L/sec) remained constant at 5 L/sec, because the battery was at full charge state. The pumping unit was coupled to an automated soil moisture-based drip irrigation system, developed using smart irrigation system. Internet of Things (IoT) components used were, Arduino, Veroboard and Timer Switch, Soil Moisture Sensor, Relay Module and Water Pump. The experimental plots were laid out in an improvised green house. Med emitters were used as irrigation drippers. Moisture sensor was set to trigger irrigation when soil moisture was below50%. The, solar energy generated, sustained pumping water required for the Smart irrigation system throughout the irrigation scheduled period to harvest time.
Author: Malum J. Flayin
Institution: Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7214070923