Energy Harvesting and Water Saving in Arid Regions via Solar PV Accommodation in Irrigation Canals

Abstract

The Egyptian irrigation system depends mainly on canals that take water from the River Nile; nevertheless, the arid climate that dominates most of the country influences the high rate of water losses, mainly through evaporation. Thus, the main objective of this study is to develop a practical approach that helps to accommodate solar photovoltaic (PV) panels over irrigation canals to reduce the water evaporation rate. Meanwhile, a solar PV panel can contribute effectively and economically to an on-grid system by generating a considerable amount of electricity. A hybrid system includes a solar PV panel and a diesel generator. Several factors such as the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), total net present cost, loss of power supply probability, and greenhouse gas emissions should be considered while developing a technoeconomically feasible grid-connected renewable integrated system. A mathematical formulation for the water loss was introduced and the evaporation loss was monthly estimated. Thus, this study also aims to enhance an innovative metaheuristic algorithm based on a cuckoo search optimizer to show the way forward for developing a technoeconomic study of an irrigation system integrated with an on-grid solar PV panel designed for a 20-year lifespan. The results are compared using the mature genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization to delimit the optimal size and configuration of the on-grid system. The optimal technoeconomic feasibility is connected to the graphical information system to delimit the optimal length and direction of the solar PV accommodation covering the canals. Finally, based on the simulated results, the optimal sizing and configuration of the irrigation-system-integrated on-grid solar PV accommodation have less impact on the LCOE without violating any constraint and, at the same time, generating clean energy.

Numerical assessment of riverbank filtration using gravel back filter to improve water quality in arid regions

“…So, the Nile Delta region is a warm zone and is generally dry, with an annual rainfall of less than 40 mm. The moisture ranges from 45 to 84%, while water evaporation rate is between 2.5 and 15 mm (El-Arabi et al, 2013;Alhejji et al, 2021).…”

Optimum design and analysis of solar pump with the help of genetic algorithm, a MATLAB tool, and RSM tool at minimum cost

“…7 The solar panel and diesel generator reduced the considerable amount of LCOE. 8 The solar water pumping system and the existing system run by conventional energy sources have been economically tested in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) in Jamia Milia and concluded that the total cost of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) system is around 10 lac that will return in 4 years payback period. However, the total life of the pump was 20 years then it will supply the water for up to 16 years without spending any cost.…”

“…The economic feasibility of the PV and diesel‐operated pump have been checked and model comparison was done based on power capacity at different locations and different conditions of the environment 7 . The solar panel and diesel generator reduced the considerable amount of LCOE 8 . The solar water pumping system and the existing system run by conventional energy sources have been economically tested in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) in Jamia Milia and concluded that the total cost of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) system is around 10 lac that will return in 4 years payback period.…”

Simulation of Water–Energy Nexus of the Spatial Patterns of Crops and Irrigation Technologies in the Cascade Pump Station Irrigation District

“…In recent years, much research has been carried out on the water-energy nexus in irrigation systems [4][5][6][7][8]. The nexus between water and energy in the CPSIDs is getting closer.…”