Design and Analysis of a Solar-Powered DC Irrigation System: A Case Study of a Shrimp Pond

Abstract

In this paper, a new approach for supplying water to shrimp production ponds in Purworejo, Indonesia, is proposed. The paper covers the design of a solar-powered DC water pump system (SWPS), system performance analysis, and economic analysis by comparing it with the existing fossil-fuel-powered pumps. The mathematical approach for the designing process is shown and Lorents Compass alternative tool is introduced. By taking into consideration the daily water demand of 50 m3/day, the annual-averaged local solar irradiation of 4.7 kWh/m2 per day, and the available components in the market, an SWPS in Purworejo would comprise a 1200 Wp PV panel and a 600 W DC pump submerged in a borehole in the seashore. The SWPS would be able to meet the daily water demand with small seasonal variations. The financial analysis shows high feasibility to install SWPS in Purworejo with a 1,6 years simple payback period, which is very short. The SWPS would provide more than 20 years of free energy for the farmers to draw seawater to the pond each day when the sun shines. It can provide not only environmental and social benefits but also significant economic advantages, both at the farm and the national levels.