SOFTWARE DESIGN FOR SIMULATION AND MANAGEMENT OF SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION PUMPING SYSTEMS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD Cand. in Ag. Eng. Dept., Fac. of Ag., Ain shams U., Qalyubia, Egypt.

2 Prof. Emeritus of Ag. Eng. Dept., Fac. of Ag., Ain shams U., Qalyubia, Egypt.

3 Prof. Emeritus of Ag. Eng. Dept., Fac. of Ag., Ain shams U., Qalyubia, Egypt & Dean of Fac. of Desert Ag., King Salman U., Ras Sedr, Egypt.

4 Assoc. Prof. at Nuclear Research Center, Atomic Energy Authority, Sharkia, Egypt.

5 Assist. Prof. of Ag. Eng. Dept., Fac. of Ag., Ain shams U., Qalyubia, Egypt.

Abstract

Despite the increasing use of solar-powered pumping systems in agriculture, particularly in dry areas where effective irrigation water management is crucial, such as Egypt, remains a lack of user-friendly software tools tailored to local conditions to aid in simulation, planning, and management. To address this issue, this research develops a simulation-based software tool called Solar-Powered Pumping System Software (SPPS) for solar-powered pumping systems utilized in farming. This tool efficiently meets agricultural energy demands, while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and, promoting sustainable farming practices. It offers a simple interface where users can enter system details, design it, and simulate how it will work under different weather and usage situations. The software combines technical, environmental, and management aspects to support decision-makers in planning and managing water efficiently. It uses a model of solar energy, irrigation demand, and pump performance to simulate real conditions and find the best system setups and operation plans. The simulation results of the SPPS were validated against experimental data collected from a tomato crop cultivated inside the greenhouse under a drip irrigation system at the Nuclear Research Center’s Experimental Farm in Inshas city, Atomic Energy Authority, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The results showed a strong correlation of approximately 90% between the simulated and actual system performance. This research highlights the potential of integrating renewable energy into irrigation systems to enhance sustainability, especially in regions facing water scarcity or unreliable electricity. Efficient system design, correct PV panel alignment, and real-time monitoring are crucial to maximizing energy use and irrigation performance.

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References

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