Did you know that agriculture can apply energy efficiency solutions?

The search for sustainable energy solutions in the primary sector has driven the development of technologies that optimise energy consumption. One of the most promising is photovoltaic pumping, which allows water to be supplied by solar energy. This system generates electricity to power water pumps, reducing dependence on conventional sources such as fossil fuels or the grid.

In this article, we explore the advantages, limitations and applications of photovoltaic pumping, with and without batteries. A solution that can achieve a reduction of up to 98% in the energy costs of agricultural irrigation.

Introduction

In the context of the energy transition and the optimisation of water resources, a solar pumping system has been implemented in an agricultural community with the aim of guaranteeing water supply during the months of highest demand. This system has a 1.5 MW photovoltaic plant that allows the operation of an efficient pumping system, covering a territorial extension of 25 km and operating mainly in the central hours of the day, between April and October.

System Characteristics

Photovoltaic Plant

• Installed power: 1.5 MW.
• Type of panels: Monocrystalline silicon with Half-Cell technology.
• Support structure: Concrete supported on the ground.
• Generation capacity: Estimated annual production of 2,575,468 kWh.
• Number of panels: 2,736 photovoltaic modules of 550 Wp.
• Inverters: 6 inverters of 250 kW each.
• Zero injection system: To avoid discharges to the electricity grid.

Pumping system

• Pump type: High efficiency centrifugal pump.
• Maximum flow rate: Adapted to the needs of the agricultural community.
• Head: Designed to overcome differences in elevation in the supply area.
• Control system: Hybrid frequency inverter to optimise performance according to energy availability.

Storage Tanks

• Number of tanks: 2 units.
• Total capacity: Designed to guarantee a continuous supply during periods of low radiation or high demand.
• Strategic location: Located at key points to minimise friction losses in the drive system.

Operation and Benefits

This system has been designed to operate during the central hours of the day, when solar radiation is at its maximum, optimising energy efficiency. The energy generated by the photovoltaic plant directly powers the pumping system, transporting water to the tanks and, subsequently, to the consumption points according to demand.

The main benefits of this system include:

• Reduced operating cost, by dispensing with grid power.
• Environmental sustainability, with a significant reduction in CO2 emissions (1027.61 Tn CO2 avoided annually).
• Energy autonomy and independence, guaranteeing water supply without depending on fossil fuels.
• Optimisation of water resources, thanks to storage in reservoirs that allow efficient distribution according to agricultural needs.

Final Considerations

The implementation of this type of system represents a step forward in the modernisation of water management in agriculture. With the correct planning and management of energy and water resources, the sustainability and profitability of farms can be guaranteed. In this sense, the adaptation of renewable technologies in the sector allows not only to improve operational efficiency, but also to contribute to climate change mitigation and long-term water security.