Work

Improving the Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic-Powered Drip Irrigation: Analysis of Pressure Losses

Year: 2026

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: This paper evaluates the energy efficiency of a drip irrigation system powered by a photovoltaic (PV) panel via an MPPT controller and an inverter with hybrid AC grid compatibility. The pumping unit under study is a Pedrollo F 32/200B centrifugal pump with an operating point of Q = 27 m3/h at H = 38.5 m and a rated power of 5.5 kW. It is demonstrated that at Q = 27 m3/h and η ≈ 0.51 within the H = 38.5 m operating mode, the hydraulic power is Ph ≈ 2.83 kW and the input electrical power is Pe ≈ 5.55 kW, resulting in a Specific Energy Consumption SEC ≈ 0.206 kWh}/m3. Scenario analysis shows that reducing the total head to H = 30 m decreases the SEC to ≈0.160 kWh/m3 (a reduction of approximately 22%) and lowers the power consumption to Pe ≈ 4.33 kW. This confirms the critical role of head losses (filters, valves, and piping) in the energy balance. The established correlations can be utilized for selecting energy-efficient operating modes and for the engineering optimization of irrigation networks when implementing renewable energy source (RES) power supply.

Source: International Conference on Nuclear and Renewable Energy Resources (NURER)

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2026160060

Authors: Zhanar Yeraliyeva, Murat Kunelbayev, Sholpan Tletay

Institutions: Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Language: English

Topic: Engineering and Agricultural Innovations

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W7225256334

FWCI:

Cites: 8

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Related to: 10