5. JMN thesis

`
ADIGRAT UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING)
DESIGN AND MODIFICATION OF SOLAR POWERED

PUMPING FOR SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment in BSc. degree in
mechanical engineering (motor vehicle engineering)
PREPARED BY: - NAME ID NO

1. MIKIAELE HAGOS----------------------------------------------RET/01037/09
2. NEGASI GIDEY---------------------------------------------------RET/01120/09
3. YONAS TEAME---------------------------------------------------RET/00529/09
ADVISOR: TEKESTE ABADI. (MSc)
Adigrat University, Ethiopia Tigray

March 2024
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We would like to thank the school of mechanical engineering, for giving us the opportunity to
choose this topic and provide it for us. And our appreciation goes to Ins. Tekeste Abadi for his
immense support in helping us throughout this project.
Finally we would like to thank all our instructors, classmates, friends for sharing us unforgettable
knowledge throughout our career and their continuous support during our study time.
DESIGN OF SOLAR POWERED PUMPING SYSTEM FOR SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION
ABSTRACT
In this paper, a solar energy operated water pumping system is designed for a small-scale
irrigation system which provides a best alternative to the farmers. The main concentration of
implementing solar power source is because of its abundance and it is more volatile than any
other fuel resources. The solar powered water pumps can be even implemented in remote areas
where transmission of power from grid is impossible which is common in Ethiopia Tigray. The
system consists of design and selection of solar panel and balance of system which includes
electrical pump, tanker and pipes are the main components. The cost estimation of the whole
system is included on this paper with its payback period with that diesel operated pump which is
common in the rural areas.
Power needed is 555.41watts.
The solar panel is faces the north at 23° from the ground and south north direction
Water required per day =7143 L, Total cost = 57,650 BIRR and 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 (𝑄) = 1 𝐿/𝑠𝑒𝑐
Key Words; Force, flow rate, friction, Energy, velocity, power
Page iii
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGMENT ...................................................................................................................................... ii
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF FIGURE ............................................................................................................................................. vii
LIST OF TABLE.............................................................................................................................................. viii
ABBREVIATION .............................................................................................................................................. ix
CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................................................ 1
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background of the study ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the problem ................................................................................................................... 2
1.3 Objective of the project ....................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.1 General objective .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.2 Specific objective .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Limitation ............................................................................................................................................. 3
1.5 Scope of the project ............................................................................................................................. 3
1.6 Significance of the project ................................................................................................................... 3
CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................................................... 4
2. LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................................................. 4
2.1. What is an irrigation system? ............................................................................................................. 4
2.1.1. Overview of Ethiopian Irrigation .................................................................................................. 4
2.1.2 History of irrigation in Ethiopia ......................................................................................................... 4
2.1.3 Different Types of Irrigation System: ............................................................................................ 5
2.1.4 Irrigation and the Energy Crisis ..................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Main components of solar powered pump ......................................................................................... 6
2.2.1 Water storage tank ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.2. 2 Types of Water Tanks ................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.3 Overhead water tanks................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.4 Circular tanks ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.5 Pump for the irrigation system ..................................................................................................... 8
2.2.6 Solar Panels (PV) ........................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.7 Basic Principles of Photovoltaic Effect .......................................................................................... 9
2.2.8 Efficiency of Solar panels ............................................................................................................ 15
Page iv
2.2.9 Where are solar panels used?..................................................................................................... 15

2.2.10 Energy that will be produced by a solar system ....................................................................... 15
CHAPTER THREE ........................................................................................................................................... 19
3. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS SELECTION ......................................................................................... 19
3.1 Methods ............................................................................................................................................. 19
3.2 Materials Selection ............................................................................................................................ 21
3.2.1 Storage tank construction materials ........................................................................................... 21
3.2.2 Pipe construction materials ........................................................................................................ 21
CHAPTER FOUR ............................................................................................................................................ 22
4. Design and calculations of the project system ........................................................................................ 22
4.1 Design specifications .......................................................................................................................... 22
4.2 Design of water storage tank ............................................................................................................. 23
4.2.1 Design analysis of water storage tank ........................................................................................ 24
4.3 Power calculation of a pump ............................................................................................................. 26
4.3.1 Pump selection and associated power needed .......................................................................... 29
4.3.2 Pumping Motor ........................................................................................................................... 30
4.4 Selection of solar panel ...................................................................................................................... 31
The number of panels required ........................................................................................................... 31
4.5 Storage battery .................................................................................................................................. 32
4.6 charge controller ................................................................................................................................ 32
4.7 Panel frame ........................................................................................................................................ 33
4.8 Cost estimation of the system............................................................................................................ 33
4.8.1 Cost of diesel pump .................................................................................................................... 34
4.9 Result and discussion ......................................................................................................................... 40
4.9.1 Results of the project .................................................................................................................. 40
4.9.2 Discussion of the project ............................................................................................................. 41
CHAPTER FIVE .............................................................................................................................................. 42
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ................................................................................................. 42
5.1 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 42
5.2 Recommendation............................................................................................................................... 43
REFERENCE ................................................................................................................................................... 44
APPENDIX ..................................................................................................................................................... 45
Page v
Detail drawing of water storage tank .......................................................................................................... 45
Page vi
LIST OF FIGURE
Figure2.1: water storage tank ........................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2.2: Solar Panel (PV ............................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 2.3: Crystalline structure of semiconductor material ....................................................................... 10
Figure 2.4: Closer look at the semiconductor Figure 2.5: Closer look at solar cells layers .......................... 11
Figure 2.6 p-type semiconductor ................................................................................................................. 12
Figure 2.7 n-type semiconductor ................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 2.9 PN Junction and internal electric field ........................................................................................ 14
Figure 2.8 Permanent internal electric field and lines of force ................................................................... 14
Figure 2.10: Series connected solar panels.................................................................................................. 17
Figure 2.11: Parallel connected solar panels ............................................................................................... 17
Figure.3.1. Block diagram of the methodology........................................................................................... 20
Figure 4.1: water source of a well................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 4.3: Hoop and longitudinal stress ..................................................................................................... 23
Figure 4.4: model of the tanker ................................................................................................................... 26
Figure 4.5: inc-co pump with 1/4 HP capacity ............................................................................................. 30
Figure 4.6: Brushless DC motor .................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 4.7: selected storage battery ............................................................................................................ 32
Figure 4.8: charger controller ...................................................................................................................... 33
Page vii
LIST OF TABLE
Table 3.1: describes the advantages and disadvantages of the common tank materials ..................................................... 21
Table 4.1: Standard item during a pipe fitting .................................................................................................................... 28
Table 4.2: results from the design analysis ......................................................................................................................... 40
Page viii
ABBREVIATION
SSI: small scale irrigation
PV: photo voltaic
C-silicon: crystalline silicon
N-type: negative charged internal electric field in PN junction
P-type: positive charged internal electric field in PN junction
LDPE: low density Polyethylene
PVC: Polyvinyl Chloride
DC PV: direct current photovoltaic
STC: standard test condition
TDH: total dynamic head
HL: Friction loss
P: Intensity of internal pressure
𝜎𝑡1: Circumferential or hoop stress
: Gravitational force
: Density
C: roughness coefficient
H: head
L: litter
A: area
Q: flow rate
D: diameter t:
Thickness V:
volt
I: current
PE: electrical power
Ph: hydraulic power
Page ix
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background of the study
Poverty reduction has been largely a result of economic growth. The economic growth and
extent of poverty in Ethiopia are determined primarily by the growth of agriculture because
agriculture is the largest component and back bone of the economy [1]. One of the major
factors behind the weak performance of Ethiopian agriculture is lack of adequate rainfall,
combined with variability in the onset and duration of rainfall [2]. Irrigation development is
one approach to address this problem, and it has been given significant attention in economic
development programs in the country.
Water pumping worldwide is generally dependent on conventional electricity or diesel

generated electricity. Solar water pumping minimizes the dependence on diesel, gas or coal
based electricity. The use of diesel based water pumping systems require not only expensive
fuels, but also create noise and air pollution. The overall upfront cost, operation and
maintenance cost, and replacement of a diesel pump are higher than a solar photovoltaic (PV)
pump. Solar pumping systems are environment friendly and require low maintenance with no
fuel cost.
Keeping in view the shortage of grid electricity in rural and remote areas in most parts of
world, PV pumping is one of the most promising applications of solar energy. The technology
is similar to any other conventional water pumping system except that the power source is
solar energy. PV water pumping is gaining importance in recent years due to non-availability
of electricity and increase in diesel prices. The flow rate of pumped water is dependent on
incident solar radiation and size of PV array. A properly designed PV system results in
significant long-term cost savings as compared to conventional pumping systems. In addition,
tanks can be used for water storage in place of requirement of batteries for electricity storage.
The primary purpose of this paper is to provide alternatives in all present and (near) future
options for lifting water on small scale irrigation of half hectare. Small land-holdings in this
size range are most numerous in many of the developing countries like Ethiopia, and extension
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of the use of irrigation in this small farming sector could bring huge benefits in increased food
production and improved economic well-being. It is also hoped that this paper will be useful to
those seeking techniques for lifting water purposes other than irrigation using one of the most
promising applications of solar energy in this country.
1.2 Statement of the problem

Water pumping throughout Ethiopia is generally dependent on conventional electricity (some
investors use) or diesel generated electricity (most in rural irrigation uses). Solar water
pumping minimizes the dependence on diesel, gas or hydro power based electricity. The uses
of diesel based water pumping systems require not only expensive fuels, but also create noise
and air pollution. In addition to this they have high overall, operation and maintenance cost.
Keeping in view the shortage of grid electricity in rural and remote areas in most parts of
Ethiopia. Solar pumping systems are environment friendly and require low maintenance with
no fuel cost. Solar pumping is one of the most promising applications of solar energy. The
technology is similar to any other
Manual water lifting is also possible. But it is impossible to lift high amount volume of water
and also time consuming. To come up this problem we will design solar powered pumping
machine.
1.3 Objective of the project

1.3.1 General objective
The general objective of this project is to design solar powered pumping system for small scale irrigation
1.3.2 Specific objective
The specific objective of this project is
 To design water storage

 To design battery
 To put a design analysis on the hydraulic energy needed and select a pump and solar panel that
deliver an appropriate power to the pump
 To model solar powered pump and put the layout of system using software
 To calculate the overall cost of the solar powered pumping system and know the payback
period over the diesel fuel
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 To provide a general future recommendation for the pumps implementation and deployment
1.4 Limitation
 Shortage of time
 Shortage of internet access
 Lack 0f material. Example computer, smart phone
 Lack of reference books
1.5 Scope of the project

The scope of this thesis is from data collection and literature review until to design analysis.
1.6 Significance of the project

 To Establish a competitive and diversified agriculture which is Independence against the increasing
price of oil and gas
 To choose the most cost effective and reliable water pumping system over its life time
 To promote environmentally friendly water pumping systems.
 To use as a reference for further study.
 To encourage people and to start using renewable energy which costs less and don’t pollute
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CHAPTER TWO
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
In order to design solar powered pump for irrigation, it is a necessity to have a better
understanding and clear view on irrigation system, technology used to distribute water
throughout the farming area and solar development in Ethiopia.
2.1. What is an irrigation system?

Irrigation is defined as artificially supplying and systematically dividing of water for
agriculture and horticulture in order to obtain higher or qualitatively better production [1]. The
irrigation system is defined as a system that distributes water to targeted area. Basically, it is
meant for agriculture purposes. The efficiency of the irrigation is based on the system used.
Since ancient times, the human life is based on agriculture and the irrigation system is one of
the tools that boost agriculture.
2.1.1. Overview of Ethiopian Irrigation
Ethiopia comprises 112 million hectares of land. Cultivable land area is estimated between 30
to 70 Million hectares. Currently, high estimates show that only 15 Million hectares of land is
under cultivation. For the existing cultivated area, the estimate is that only about 4 to 5 percent
is irrigated, with existing equipped irrigation schemes covering about 640,000 hectares [5].
This means that a significant portion of cultivated land in Ethiopia is currently not irrigated.
This section examines Ethiopia’s water sources for irrigation, current irrigation schemes, and
potential to Increase irrigated lands. Our premise is that well-managed irrigation development
is key in helping Ethiopia overcome major challenges including population pressure; soil and
land degradation; high climate variability, and low agricultural productivity [6]. In addition,
agricultural water development is crucial to improve smallholder livelihood and income in
Ethiopia, since irrigation can help farmers increase their crop production, increase crop
variety, and lengthen their agricultural seasons.
2.1.2 History of irrigation in Ethiopia

Sula’s et al. (2009) in the study conducted to investigate whether irrigation was a key factor in
state formation and urban development in the ancient civilization of Axum, Northern Ethiopia,
found non-sufficient information regardless of water managements of rain-fed agriculture.
4
However, in Ethiopia, traditional irrigation was practiced before centuries [1] Moreover, in the
highlands of Ethiopia, irrigation practices have long been in use since ancient times for
producing subsistence food crops [7]. Stressed that supplementary irrigation has been
practiced by smallholder farmers of Ethiopia for centuries to solve their livelihood challenges.
Spate irrigation has also been used traditionally in Ethiopia [6] particularly in Southern Tigray
and in some semiarid areas in Oromia region. This irrigation system has been used for water
harvesting from flush floods flooded from larger catchments at upper streams. These
traditional irrigation systems were developed and managed through forming a water user’s
association for functions of construction, water allocation, operation and maintenance and
were headed by individuals. This association comprises up to 200 users grouped into 20 to 30
groups of farmers who share a common main canal or its branches [3]. From the above
discussions, the exact date when irrigation was started in Ethiopia remains uninvestigated
regardless of routinely saying “irrigation was started in Ethiopia during ancient times” [4].
Modern irrigation was started in the early 1950’s by the bilateral agreement between the
government of Ethiopia and the Dutch company jointly known as HVA-Ethiopia sugar cane
plantation [4]. Most of the traditional irrigated lands in Ethiopia are dominantly supplied by
surface water sources, while ground water uses has just been started on a pilot basis in the East
Amara region. According to MoA, (2011a) pressurized sprinkler irrigation system was once
practiced in Fincha State Farm, Eastern Amhara, Southern Tigray and on some private farms
in the Rift Valley. The rift valley is a place where modern irrigation in Ethiopia starts
especially in the Awash River Basin at which adoption of pump-irrigation commences [4].
2.1.3 Different Types of Irrigation System:
Irrigation systems are often designed to maximize efficiencies & minimize labor & capital requirements.
There are three broad classes of irrigation system [5]:
1. Pressurized distribution: The pressurized systems include sprinkler, trickle, in which water
is conveyed to & distributed over the fields through pressurized pipe networks.
2. Gravity flow distribution: This system conveys & distributes water at the field level by a
free surface, overland flow regime.
5
3. Drainage flow distribution: Irrigation by control of the drainage system sub irrigation is not
so common but is interesting. Relatively large volumes of applied irrigation water percolate
through the root zone & become a drainage or ground water flow. By controlling the flow
at critical points, it is possible to raise the level of the ground water to within reach
Of the crop roots.
2.1.4 Irrigation and the Energy Crisis
Water and good land can often be found in side by side, but it is the provision of the necessary
power for pumping which is so often the primary constraint. Human muscle power or
domestic animals have been used since antiquity, and still are being used in many parts of the
world, to lift and distribute water, but as will be explained later, these techniques are often
extremely costly in real terms due to the low productivity that is achieved. Therefore,
mechanized lift irrigation techniques are becoming increasingly important to meet the
enormous predictable future demand. Household-based micro-irrigation systems can
encourage smallholder farmers to start small businesses based on water lifting technologies. In
many parts of Africa, smallholder farmers use motor pumps, hand pumps, treadle (pedal,
lever) pumps, rope and washer pumps and pulley systems to irrigate their farms [3].
In Ethiopia, motor water pumps are used commonly [6]. But they have higher operational
costs including for fuel, oil, labor and maintenance. Solar water lifting pumps are a promising
alternative that could lower costs for farmers because they have relatively lower operational
costs in addition to contributing fewer carbon emissions and pollution, which makes
smallholder farming more resilient to shifting rainfall patterns caused by climate change.
2.2 Main components of solar powered pump

There are seven most important parts in a solar powered pump for irrigation system. And these are
1. Water storage tank

2. Pump
3. pipe
4. Solar panel
5. Battery
6. Charger controller
7. Solar panel frame
6
2.2.1 Water storage tank
The water reservoir is used to reserve the water which is pumped and after or simultaneously
irrigating the farm lands. Whenever the sun light is covered by cloud or there is no sun light,
farmers can use the reserved water for irrigation .The elevation at which the reservoir is
mounted is higher than the farm land hence the pump is set at off position the water is moved
by gravitational difference. The reservoir can be constructed by concert like water tank or one
can use the plastic tanks which are installed on stands.
Figure2.1: water storage tank

2.2. 2 Types of Water Tanks
There are different type of water tank depending upon the shape, position with respect to ground level
etc. From the position point of view, water tanks are classified into three categories [7].
Those are,
a) Underground tanks
b) Tanks resting on ground
c) Overhead water tank
2.2.3 Overhead water tanks
Overhead water tanks of various shapes can be used as service reservoirs, as a balancing tank
in water supply schemes and for replenishing the tanks for various purposes. From the shape
point of view, Overhead water tanks may be of several types [8].
These are:
a) Cylindrical tanks
7
b) Conical or funnel shaped tanks

c) Rectangular tank
2.2.4 Circular tanks
Circular tanks are usually good for very larger storage capacities the side walls are designed
for circumferential hoop tension and bending moment, since the walls are fixed to the floor
slab at the junction
2.2.5 Pump for the irrigation system
In any pumping system, the role of the pump is to provide sufficient pressure to overcome the
operating pressure of the system to move fluid at a required flow rate. The operating pressure
of the system is a function of the flow through the system and the arrangement of the
system in terms of the pipe length, fittings, pipe size, the change in liquid elevation,
pressure on the liquid surface, etc. To achieve a required flow through a pumping system, we
need to calculate what the operating pressure of the system will be to select a suitable pump.
2.2.6 Solar Panels (PV)
Figure 2.2: Solar Panel (PV)
Solar panels are devices that allow for the input of sunlight, and convert this sunlight into
electricity. The shape of solar panels can vary in different rectangular shape and a combination
of these rectangular shaped panels are installed and used to produce the electricity. The solar
panel consists of solar cells which are semiconductor devices that change the sunlight into
electricity or direct current. The cells make up a module. The PV photovoltaic modules
8
comprise of photovoltaic cell circuits that are enclosed and "sealed in an environmentally
protective laminate". The solar panel includes from one or more "PV modules assembled as a
pre-wired, field-installable unit" [9]. The PV Array is the full unit that generates the power
and includes all the elements just discussed.
2.2.7 Basic Principles of Photovoltaic Effect
Solar Cells are devices, which convert solar energy directly into electricity. The most common
form of solar cells is based on the photovoltaic (PV) effect in which light falling on a two layer
semi-conductor device produces a photo voltage or potential difference between the layers. This
voltage is capable of driving a current through an external circuit and thereby producing useful
work.
To have a deeper understanding of PV effect, it is essential to become familiar with the

principles of construction and operation of a two-layer semiconductor device popularly known
as PN junction [10].
It is well known that all mater is made of atoms which consist of a small dense nucleus
containing positive and neutral particles (protons and neutrons) a surrounding “cloud” of fast
moving negatively charged particles (electrons). The outer most electrons (valence electrons)
seem to be arranged in symmetrical elongated shells or orbitals, like stretched out clouds.
Neighboring atoms share outer electrons, forming “bonds”. These bonds where electrons are
shared between atoms is what holds all mater together [11]. The valence electrons play very
important role in defining the electricity conducting capacity of a material.
Electric current is the flow of free (un-bonded) charged particles (electrons) in a matter. An
electron can take part in conduction of electric current if it is loosely bonded with the atoms.
In all metals, the valence electrons are loosely bonded with the atom and with some minimal
external energy applied (in the formal thermal energy) they become free and ready to take part
in conduction of electric current. In metals each atom can release one electron to become free.
Therefore the number of free electrons available in metals is very high (in one cubic meter of
matter there are about 1029 atoms; each atom releasing one electron to become free results in
about 1029 free electrons in metals) resulting very good conduction capacity (very low
resistivity) by the metals. On the other hand, materials classified as insulators have valence
electrons tightly bonded with atoms. Great deal of external energy is required to let these
9
electrons free. At normal temperature, the insulators have virtually no free electrons to
contribute for electricity conduction. That is why the conduction capacity of insulating
materials is extremely low (very high resistivity). There is another group of material whose
conductivity (or say resistivity) lies between that of conductors and insulators. This group of
materials are called semiconductor. These semiconductors are basic building blocks of all the
electronic components and the solar cells.
Silicon and Germanium are the examples of semiconductor materials. A silicon atom has 4 outer
electrons. Crystalline silicon consists of orderly bonding of each silicon atom with 4
neighboring silicon atoms. Such a highly ordered structure of atoms is also called a crystal
lattice. Each of the four outer electrons of one atom is shared by surrounding four atoms to form
an effect of 8 outer electrons (the most stable condition) for each atom. The bond that binds
each outer most electrons together is called covalent bond.
At the atomic level, light acts as a flux of discrete particles called photons. Photons carry
momentum and energy but are electrically neutral. When semiconductor material is
illuminated by light, photons of light actually penetrate into the material, traversing deep into
the solid. Photons
Figure 2.3: Crystalline structure of semiconductor material

With enough energy can collide with bonded electrons and knock them out of their original
position. During the collision the photon disappears and its energy is transferred to the
dislodged electron. The newly dislodged electron now becomes free and can wander around
the semiconductor material as conduction electron. This free electron carries a negative charge
and usable energy. It is at this moment of releasing the electron that sunlight energy has been
10
converted into electrical energy. And this effect of converting light energy into electrical
energy is called photovoltaic effect.
Whenever an electron is freed, it leaves a vacant position in its original position in the
covalent bond. Such an incomplete bond (with missing electron) is called a "hole". A nearby
electron with higher energy level can jump from its bond into the hole and fill it, but this
leaves a hole where the electron came from. In this way the hole moves in the material. But
wherever the hole is, an electron is missing, so there is a localized net positive electrical
imbalance there. The atom with a hole is referred to as positive ion. Therefore the hole appears
to be a positive charge moving in the solid, although it is really an absence of an electron
moving about. Overall, the net charge of the material is neutral. In the absence of any external
electrical field, newly freed electrons wander for a short time and then recombine with a
wandering hole. During recombination, the energy gained by the freed electron is released and
converted into heat. The key idea of producing usable output current is to sweep the freed
electrons out of the material before they recombine with the holes. This task of sweeping the
free charge carriers is accomplished by creating internal electric field in a junction of two
different types of semiconductors.
In pure silicon, the number of freed electrons is always equal to holes. Adding impurities in it
can increase the conductivity of pure or intrinsic silicon. The impurity is referred to as dopant
and the process of adding dopant is called doping. Depending upon the type of dopant used, the
impure or extrinsic semiconductor is called P type or N type semiconductor [11]. By joining
these two types of semiconductors, it is possible to create internal electric field to sweep freed
electrons out of the material and force them to produce usable current
Figure 2.4: Closer look at the semiconductor Figure 2.5: Closer look at solar cells layers
11
P Type Semiconductor
Boron is a type of semiconductor material having only three valence electrons. If we add
boron to intrinsic semiconductor, then each boron atom will bond with three atoms of silicon
leaving
One covalent bond of silicon half complete.
Figure 2.6 p-type semiconductor

The half complete bond represents a hole. The nearby electron can vibrate and jump into this
hole leaving a hole in its original position. So there exists in the semiconductor structure a
wandering absence of an electron. In other words, each doped boron atom will create absence
of electrons (in other words- the holes) with net positive charge. That is why the extrinsic
semiconductor doped with trivalent impurity is called P type or positive type semiconductor.
The concentration of boron is quite low, usually around one boron atom to every 106 silicon
atoms. The overall net charge in the semiconductor is neutral. But in the small regions, the
boron atom has net negative charge because one extra electron has fallen in the empty bond.
And the silicon atom from where the electron ran away remains positively charged because
one electron is missed from the bond.
N Type Semiconductor
Now if Penta-valent impurity (e.g. phosphorous) is added to intrinsic semiconductor, the
12
Four outer electrons of dopant make covalent bond with
Figure 2.7 n-type semiconductor
The fifth electron of dopant atom breaks away easily as there is no bond to hold it. This free
electron moves around the material carrying negative charge. Since there exists localized
excess of negative charge, the extrinsic semiconductor is called N type semiconductor. The
concentration of phosphorous atoms is again quite low, but typically greater than the boron
concentration, usually around one impurity atom for every 103 silicon atoms.
The PN Junction or Internal Electric Field

Regions of P type and N type semiconductors are created adjacent to another to form a PN
junction (fig.). Immediately after creation of the adjacent regions, free electrons from N type
semiconductor cross the junction and permanently fall into the holes of P region. As this cross
over continues,
13
: Permanent internal electric field and lines of

Figure 2.8
force
Figure 2.9 PN Junction and internal electric field

Every boron site that contributed a hole becomes permanently negatively charged
And every phosphorous atom that gave up an electron becomes permanently positively
charged. Two equivalent but oppositely charged regions grow on the either side of the PN
interface or junction, creating an electric field. This internal electric field, also called, potential
barrier, is oriented to push electrons in one direction, towards the N type region. Any holes are
swept by this field toward the P type region. Any stray charges that enter the zone of influence
of the electric filed are immediately swept out of that zone, so the zone is also called depletion
region.
The solar cell
The solar cell is nothing but a large area PN interface or junction. It is the internal electric
field of the PN junction that sweeps electrons out of the cell. When light penetrates into the
semiconductor material, knocking free electrons and giving them potential energy, the freed
14
electrons wander until they are pushed by the electric field across the PN junction. They are
forced out of the cell, and are available for useful work.
The electrons with higher energy level flow out of the cell through the wire to the load. After
releasing the excess energy into the load these electrons return back to the cell and fall into the
holes. So as soon as an electron leaves the cell from one side and enters the wire, an electron
at the other end of the wire moves into the cell. So the solar cell cannot “run down” like a
battery, nor can it “run out of electrons”. It produces output (electrical energy) in response to
the input “fuel” (light energy). A solar cell thus cannot store electrical energy; it can only
convert light energy into electrical energy.
2.2.8 Efficiency of Solar panels
The amount of Electricity used is dependent on a number of factors such as the solar panel
itself and the cell technology underlying it as well as the material used in making it; the
sunlight exposure at the specified location per year. The efficiency of solar panels depends on
the insolation, the irradiance, the heat, and the cleanliness in addition to some other factors
that don’t have a significant effect on the efficiency [9].
Insolation: this is based on the amount of solar energy that reaches an area or" spot on the earth".
Irradiance: This is the amount of solar energy that hits the earth.
Heat: The heat aspect can reduce the amount of power made.
Cleanliness: This factor can affect the amount of power outputted.
2.2.9 Where are solar panels used?
Solar panel technology are very versatile and can be found anywhere where there is consistent
enough sunlight to provide the source of energy. Solar panels location to direct sunlight is
necessary and therefore you will find these devices outdoors on roofs, buildings in the deserts
etc.
2.2.10 Energy that will be produced by a solar system
It is wise to have a discussion with a few solar panel installers on how various factors can
affect solar energy output. Solar panels show the amount of power that is expected to be
produced under conditions that are ideal, which is known as the maximum power rating.
15
The amount of electricity produced by the solar panel depends on a couple factors:
• Does sporadic shade block sunlight from directly hitting the roof?
• What is the average amount of sunlight that the roof receives?
• What is the size of the solar panels and what is the efficiency of the cells of the solar panel at
converting energy?
The seasons and the weather have an effect on the sunlight that hits the roof. Also there is a
variation in sunlight depending on the time of day. In these cases using the max power rating
by itself will give an inaccurate prediction as to the power that can be expected. Nonetheless
your location will give you the ability to calculate solar panels expected output.
Factors such as power, inverter efficiency and wiring will on average cause the solar system to
lose energy and will only give up to 80% of its capacity. Keeping in mind a solar panel watt
rating, location, and electricity produced grid cost, a solar calculator will give a table with
estimation of the amount of solar power to expect.
Arrays of More Than One Panel
Most people want more power than a single solar PV panel can provide. To increase the power
available, panels may be joined together. For this project the number of panels required is 3
solar panels to produce the required wattage amount. Panels can be connected in two ways [9]:
series connections or parallel connections.
Series-connected panels
When more voltage is needed than a single panel can provide, additional panels are connected
in series. If one panel provides 12 V, two in series will provide 12 + 12 or 24 V. Three in
series will provide 12 + 12 + 12 or 36 V. For every 12 V panel connected in series to other 12
V panels, the voltage will increase by another 12 V. The amount of amperes provided by
panels in series is the same as that provided by one panel because the same electricity flows
through all the panels, as they are connected in one long line. Each panel increases the
electrical pressure but the flow stays the same as with one panel. As power in watts equals
volts time amperes, the power increases as panels are added.
16
Figure 2.10: Series connected solar panels

The panels are connected in series by connecting the positive of one panel to the negative of the other; the
result is doubled voltage but the same amperage as one panel.
Parallel-connected panels
When the voltage from a single panel are the amount needed but there is not enough current, panels
can be connected in parallel. If one panel provides 2A in bright sunlight, two in parallel will provide
2+ 2 or 4 A. For each of these 2A panels connected in parallel, an extra 2A will be produced in bright
sunlight. With parallel-connected panels, the voltage remains the same as with one panel but the
amperage increases with each additional panel. As power in watts equals volts time amperes, the
power increases as panels are added. Note that for both series- and parallel connected panels, the
power increases as the number of panels is increased. Two panels in parallel produce the same power
as two panels in series, but the voltage and amperage are different.
Figure 2.11: Parallel connected solar panels

17
Two panels are connected in Parallel by connecting terminal of the same polarity. The amperage
is doubled but the voltage is the same as one panel.
Series-parallel connections
Solar PV systems to power refrigerators and other large appliances often use a 24 V battery
instead of a 12 V battery. Some even use 48 V batteries. As solar panels are almost always
designed to charge 12 V batteries, two panels have to be connected in series to charge a 24 V
battery and four panels have to be connected in series to charge a 48 V battery. Often more
amperes are needed than one panel can provide, so panels have to be connected in parallel as
well. This combination of series and parallel connections can be extended to as high a voltage
as needed by adding more panels in series and as high amperage as needed by adding more
panels in parallel.
There are many different ways of connecting a large number of panels correctly to get the
desired voltage and amperage. You can connect panels in series until the voltage is reached
then connect more series connected sets of panels in parallel until the amperage is reached.
You can also connect panels in parallel to get the amperes needed then connect more parallel
connected sets of panels in series to get the desired voltage. Perhaps this should be called a
parallel-series connection, but it really does not matter because the final voltage and amperage
are the same as in a series-parallel connection.
18
CHAPTER THREE
3. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS SELECTION

To do this project the following methodology is followed according to the objectives stated.
3.1 Methods
The overall research methodology is categorized into literature review, data collection, and
research on existing design of different examples on solar pump in other parts of the world. A
design of solar powered water pumping system is a task that involves gathering of relevant
information from a variety of sources. The following are the methodologies used to succeed or
done this project.
The first step includes collected data on existing pumping of water in Tigray, Ethiopia area
and the average discharge value of diesel pump with its challenges on the farmer and also
about solar energy system. In Tigray generally water is lifted either manually or diesel
operated pump in some parts of the cities of Tigray also electrical pump is used but it is not
common. And not all farmers are used those technologies because of different reasons. The
manual is common in most parts of Tigray but it is not productive due to difficulties on
operation they need high energy from the farmers and do not cover large irrigation area on
their delivery. To solve this diesel pump also introduced which they can discharge high
amount of water without losing human energy on their operation. But need a fuel during their
operation. For this fuel the farmers repay their income to buy the fuel most their income is
used to buy the fuel. Due to this and some other reason the farmers could not proceed their
irrigation [12]. Those all information were collected from the Tigray agriculture and rural
development, Tigray water works design and supervision Enterprise and Tigray water
resource and Energy Bureau.
In addition, literature review was carried out in order to select the best configuration, and to understand
the basis of the use of solar energy for water pumping. This included reviewing relevant literature in the
field, surfing the internet as well as by establishing contact with organizations which were conducting
different research on solar energy utilization.
19
The second step included discussion and output analyses based on the Engineering calculation made on
the design analysis and selection of the appropriate pump and solar panel.
The third step is modelling the configuration and layout of the system using computer software
called Google sketch up software this used to put the layout of the system and CATTIA software
was used to model the water storage tank put the detail dimension of the tank. The following block
diagram express in a short way the methodology we followed.
 Design of water storage using CATTIA software

 Design of battery using CATTIA software
 Water required per day =7143 L
 Intake (or suction) point = 0.5 m in depth
 Pump location = mount on dry surface at 1 m from water surface
 Water tank place = at the elevation of 3.5 m from ground surface
 Water discharge point = 3.5 m above the tank bottom
 Depth of water source=1.5 m
 Distance between pump and water tank = 25 m
 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 (𝑄) = 1 𝐿/𝑠𝑒𝑐
 Power input= 248.9 watt
Figure.3.1. Block diagram of the methodology

20
3.2 Materials Selection

3.2.1 Storage tank construction materials
Storage tanks are available in a wide range of materials. More durable tanks that are initially
more expensive may be cheaper in the long term when maintenance and replacement costs are
allowed for.
Table 3.1: describes the advantages and disadvantages of the common tank materials [12]
Storage tank type Advantage Limitations
Polyethylene Often cost effective for smaller Will eventually be damaged by sunlight
tanks
May be less resistance to earthquakes
No corrosion issue
Timber staves Initial cost may be low Treated timber potential to contaminated
with water if roof does not have a plastic liner
plastic liner Liner easily damaged

Coated steel or steel with Initial capital may be low Corrosion protection required
plastic liner
Coating must be suitable for potable use
Liner easily damaged

Concrete Likely to be cost effective for Specialist design for large tanks and
larger tanks foundation
Long service life if correctively Relatively complex construction

designed and constructed Very
resistance to damage
Using the table stated above polyethylene is selected for the tank that is going to be designed.
3.2.2 Pipe construction materials
A pipe is selected with the diameter from pipe manufacturer table of friction head loss for
schedule 40 PVC plastic pipe, PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride
• strong and rigid
• resistant to a variety of acids and bases
21
CHAPTER FOUR
4. Design and calculations of the project system

4.1 Design specifications
 The size of the land to irrigate s 50×50 m
 Onion is selected to be irrigated because it requires more water than the other crops.
 The water required for one square meter of onion is 20L/week
 Suction head is a maximum of 6 m
 Site area is in Adigrat.
 The water source is water from well, ponds and flooding water
Figure 4.1: water source of a well Figure 4.2: irrigation of onion
22
4.2 Design of water storage tank

Stresses in a tank due to an Internal Pressure
The analysis of stresses induced in a thin cylindrical shell are made on the following assumptions
 The effect of curvature of the cylinder wall is neglected.
 The tensile stresses are uniformly distributed over the section of the walls.
 The effect of the restraining action of the heads at the end of the pressure vessel is neglected.
Figure 4.3: Hoop and longitudinal stress

When a thin cylindrical shell is subjected to an internal pressure, it is likely to fail in the following two
ways
 It may fail along the longitudinal section (i.e. circumferentially) splitting the cylinder into two troughs,
as shown in Fig. above a.
 It may fail across the transverse section (i.e. longitudinally) splitting the cylinder into two cylindrical
shells, as shown in Fig. above (b).
Thus the wall of a cylindrical shell subjected to an internal pressure has to withstand tensile stresses of
the following two types:
a) Circumferential or hoop stress, and
b) Longitudinal stress.
We have that in cylindrical pressure vessel the longitudinal stress is half of the circumferential or
hoop stress. Therefore, the design of a pressure vessel must be based on the maximum stress i.e.
hoop stress.
23
4.2.1 Design analysis of water storage tank
Water requirement: The first step in designing a solar-powered water pump system is
determining the overall water requirement for the operation. The total volume of water
which is required for one-hectare onion irrigation is calculated as shown below:
Where,
Area = 2500 m2 and 1 m2 area needs 20L/week
, this amount of water is for one day.
Material used
The material that is selected for the water storage tank design is Polyethylene (Low density (LDPE)) with a
mechanical properties having the next table.
• Yield strength =9.0–14.5MPa
• Tensile strength= 8.3–31.4MPa
• Percent of elongation=100–650
The volume of water needed daily is:
Volume water storage tank = and the volume is

given by:
Thus
24
Take the diameter of the water storage to be two meter. For more safety.
And the length of the tank is 1.5 of its diameter [4]
Now the thickness of the water tank is calculated from the pressure vessel concept.
The total force acting on a longitudinal section (i.e. along the diameter X-X) of the shell= Intensity of pressure
× Projected area
And the total resisting force acting on the cylinder walls where
p = Intensity of internal pressure, d = Internal Diameter of the cylindrical shell, l = Length of the cylindrical
shell, t = Thickness of the cylindrical shell, and
= Circumferential or hoop stress for the material of the cylindrical shell
For safe design the total resisting force acting on the cylinder walls should be equal with the total force acting
on a longitudinal section [5].
𝜎𝑡1 × 2𝑡 × 𝑙 = 𝑝 × 𝑑 × 𝑙
𝑝𝑑
𝜎𝑡1 = 2𝑡
Thus
H=3.5 which is the height of the tank from bottom of tank to the delivery point.
, Which is the density of water
,
which is the gravitational force.
8.3MPa, which is the minimum tensile strength of the material. Now
25
Figure 4.4: model of the tanker
4.3 Power calculation of a pump

System layout: the layout of the proposed project system is based on the site specific data the researchers
are to decide all necessary distances and elevations for the intake (or suction) point pump location, PV
panel’s location, water tank place, and water discharge point as follows:
1) Intake (or suction) point = 0.5 m in depth
2) Pump location = mount on dry surface at 1 m from water surface
3) Water tank place = at the elevation of 3.5 m from ground surface
4) Water discharge point = 3.5 m above the tank bottom
5) Depth of water source=1.5 m
26
6) Distance between pump and water tank = 25 m
The tank, pump and PV panels can all be located in close proximity to one other in order to minimize electric
power and pipeline friction losses.
Design flow rate for the pump: To calculate the pump flow rate the following two important points are
required:
1. Daily water needs for half-hectare irrigation field is 7,143 L
2. Number of peak sun hours per day is six (6 hrs.)
Because of the pump’s design flow rate is based on the estimated daily water needs for irrigation divided by
the number of peak sun hours per day [6], as shown below:
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 7143 𝐿/𝑑𝑎𝑦

𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒(𝑄) = =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 3600(sec)/hr 2 ℎ𝑟𝑠 × 3600(𝑠𝑒𝑐)/hr
= 0.992374 𝐿/𝑠𝑒𝑐
Which is approximately one litter per one second. That is
𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 (𝑄) = 1 𝐿/𝑠𝑒𝑐
i.e. flow rate is equivalent with 60 litter per minute which is a better to the irrigation one farmer end his work
in lifting of water with a total of two hour for the half hectare to the tanker or to the farm area.
Total dynamic head (TDH) for the pump: To determine the pump’s TDH the following equation is used:
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑐 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑 (𝑚) = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 (𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑) + 𝐻𝐿
𝑇𝐷𝐻 (𝑚) = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 (𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑑) + 𝐻𝐿
Where,
Vertical lift: is the difference between the water surface at the intake or suction point and water surface at
the delivery point. Water depth is 1.5 m from deep surface of the water, the distance between pump and
suction point is 6 m. Distance between pump and maximum elevation is 4 m and the tank height is 3 m.
𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑡 = 6 𝑚 + 4 𝑚
27
= 10𝑚
Friction loss (HL): it is the loss of the pressure due to the friction of the water as it flows through a pipe. It is
determined by four factors:
1. A pipe size (inside diameter)
2. A flow rate
3. A length of a pipe
4. A pipe roughness
By using the Hazen-Williams empirical formula, calculate the head loss that caused by a friction within a pipe.
Where,
• C: roughness coefficient, when used in the equation it depends on the type of pipe and typically C
~150 [6]
• Q: flow rate in m3/sec=3.3 x 10-4 m3/sec
• D: nominal diameter of the pipe in meter=0.038 m
• L: total equivalent pipe length in meter
During a pipe fitting of this project, used the following standard item in the TABLE 1.
Table 4.1: Standard item during a pipe fitting.

Pipe fitting Quantity L/D
90° standard elbow 4 75.87
The following formula is used for any items during pipe fitting.
𝐸𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ (𝑚) = 𝑝𝑖𝑝𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 × 𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑦 × 𝐿/𝐷
In this project used four 90° standard elbows so that the equivalent length of elbow calculated as follow:
28
4.3.1 Pump selection and associated power needed
The pump can be selected by comparing the design flow rate and calculated TDH. It has been selected
centrifugal pump, because this pump is suitable for areas for which the water level is within 7 m below
ground level. Surface pump is suitable for pumping from lakes and wells. This selected pump is solar pump
that driven by a permanent DC motor which is connected directly to an array of solar panels.
Once a pump is selected, it could be determined at what voltage this pump will operate (12 V, 24 V, etc.,)
and how much power (Watts) is required to run this pump by assuming standard pump efficiency (40%)
[14]. this is the power that the PV solar panel modules must supply to operate the pump. The PV solar panel
takes into account temperature and soiling effects on the modules.
In first step calculate the needed power output from the pump.
In next step that is considered the loss of electricity in the cable and controls during transmission and in
converting electricity to the mechanical movements of the pump. The average output rate of these pumps is
29
about 45%. To adjust for this inefficiency, we must recalculate our power input by dividing the value by
0.45. Since minimum electrical efficiency of pumping motor is 82.05 Watt.
𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑑 = 248.91245 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠 ÷ 0. 45 = 555.41 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑠.
Wattage needed is 555.41 Watts of power which directly output from the solar panel. That is the solar panel
expected to produce 556 watt of electrical power.
This type of centrifugal pump with a power capacity of ¼ HP has been selected to pump the water from the
well
Figure 4.5: inc-co pump with 1/4 HP capacity

4.3.2 Pumping Motor
There are different types of electrical motors which are designed to perform different tasks. The electrical
motor which is designed to perform this project is brushless direct current (BLDC) motor
(Figure 23). The BLDC motors are one of the electrical motor types rapidly gaining popularity and
30
Figure 4.6: Brushless DC motor

Are used in industries and are found in the market. As the name implies the BLDC motors do not use
brush for commutation, instead they are electronically commuted and have many advantages over that of
brusheddirect current motors such as:
1. Better speed vs. torque characteristics;

2. High dynamic response;
3. High efficiency;
4. Long operating life;
5. Noiseless operation;
6. Higher speed ranges.
In addition, the ratio of torque delivered to the size of the motor is higher, making it useful in applications
where space and weight are critical factors.
4.4 Selection of solar panel

The solar panel which is selected to perform the project is DC photovoltaic (PV) cells which are made of
semi-conducting materials that convert the sun light ray directly to electricity.
The power derived from the solar energy should be 205W or above. To fulfill this need the appropriate
panel will be selected. Solar panels are generally rated under standard test condition (STC): indicating
1000W/m2 at a temperature of 25 degree Celsius. But, the efficiency of standard solar panel ranges from
15% to 20%, therefore, the solar panel has ability of producing from 150W to 200W per square meter. A
standard solar panel has dimension of Length 165.1cm, width 99.06 cm and thickness 4.572cm. That
means;
Length = 165.1 centimeters

Width = 99.06 centimeters
And its thickness = 4.572 centimeters.
The number of panels required
If one panel can produce 200 watts and the power needed is 555.41watts, then the number of panels required
will be calculated as follows;-
1 panel 200 watts
31
X panel = 555.41 watts

Then, X = 555.41watts/200watts
X = 2.777 panels, but considering the safety factor and to get the standard size with full power the number
of panels will be approximated to 3 solar panels of polycrystalline silicon panel.
4.5 Storage battery

The solar storage battery stores the electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. This chemical energy is
then performing electrical tasks when the circuit is completed. For this project, the storage battery whichis used
is 12 V, 20 Ah and come to operation when there is no sun light or the sun is covered with cloudy and the
pumping motor is needed to operate (FIG. 23). The most common type of battery found in PV system is the
lead acid battery. Therefore, the storage battery that is used is lead acid class of battery, because this type of
battery has higher performance characteristics and suitable for air transportation.
Figure 4.7: selected storage battery
4.6 charge controller

The charge controller is the component in the circuit which is used to control the condition of the charging,
that is whether the storage battery is fully charged, 50% charged or discharged and controls the panel itself
indicating whether the panel is in operation or not (FIG. 23).
In addition to this the charge controller monitors the state of charge of the battery bank, the charging
process and the connection/disconnection of loads.
32
Figure 4.8: charger controller
4.7 Panel frame

The panel frame is designed to hold the PV panel safely. We have three PV panels which are 165.1
cm by 99.06 cm. Rectangular and L shape cast iron should be cut with 2 cm clearance to each outer
side of the panels and two flat shaped steels with lengths of 192.6cm are crossed at the middle.
The cast iron with L shape is attached by welding the outside of the panel place.
4.8 Cost estimation of the system

According to the current status of market value the cost of solar panel and the other equipment used
on the system is analyzed as follows
Cost of arrays or panel = No. of PV modules × Cost/Module
= 3 × 200 × 43.75birr
=26250 Birr
Cost of electrical pump = 3000 Birr for 0.25 HP
Cost of tanker for 10,000 litter capacity = 10350 Birr
Cost pipe = price of pipe from source water to tanker + price of pipe distributed to the farm area
= 5× 500 birr + 25 × 50 birr = 3750 Birr
Cost of valves = gate valve + control valve =
1000 birr + 400 birr

= 1400birr
Construction materials = cement + steel metal + stone and clay =

1800+ 4000 + 1000
= 6800 Birr
The cost storage battery is 4200 ETB

33
Cost of charge controller is 1900 ETB

Now the total cost is the sum of all the above costs which is;
Total cost = 57,650 BIRR
4.8.1 Cost of diesel pump
Purchasing cost =46000 up to 52000
34
4.8.1.1 Operational cost of diesel pump

It consumes three liter per day which is one liter per hour and the pump is operates for three hours
per day. And the cost of one liter fuel is a minimum of 70 birr. Having this the operational cost of
the diesel pump is;
3liter × 70 Birr =210 birr which is per day and then the total cost of fuel per year is
=210 birr/day × 7days/week × 4 weeks/month × 4 month/year
=23520 Birr/year, this is without maintenance cost
Now we can estimate the return cost time of the solar pump over the diesel operated pump.
The total cost of the solar operated pump is 57650 birr and the total cost of the diesel per year is
48250 + 23520 birr = 71770 birr. Knowing this we estimate the return time;
Now let’s find the excess amount of birr

=57650 – 48250 birr
= 9400 BIRR
From this 23520 birr is used for fuel cost per year on the diesel pump and over cost of the
solar powered pump which is 14120 Birr. So the expected year to expense this amount of birr
by thediesel pump is:
9400/23520=0.4 year
Approximately 0.4 year which is approximately five months.
After this year solar panel will be cost effective when we compare with the diesel pump some of the
farmers used now a day.
35
4.9 Result and discussion

4.9.1 Results of the project
Table 4.2: results from the design analysis

Designed components Selected Material Results
Water storage Polyethylene V=7.143m3,D=2m,L=3m
t =0.413cm
Pump Mild steel Q=1L/sec
Pout=99.56watts
Pin=248.91watts
Pipe Schedule 40 PVC –Polyvinyl Dout=42.2mm,Din=35.1mm

chloride plastic pipe
L=48.18m,C=150
Solar panel Crystalline silicon L=165.1cm,W=99.06cm,t =4.572cm
Pout=205watts
N=3
Panel frame Cast iron L shape: L=W=4.6cm,t=0.5cm

Frame area: A=166.1cm * 99.06cm
LCross=192.6cm
Dpipe=10cm,Lpipe=150cm
Total Cost estimation Solar panel 57650 ETB

Diesel pump 48250 ETB without operational cost
40
4.9.2 Discussion of the project
According to the results the water storage designed can store a water needed to
irrigation for one day. And it is made up of polyethylene fiber material which is more
available and widely used in Tigray now a days so it’s simple to manufacture by
ordering to the enterprises. The pipes used on the system are selected from the local
market due to the availability on the different standards to meet the requirements
stated. The pump selection is according to the power required to lift the amount of
water per day. Which have a flow rate of one liter per second (that is 60 liter of water
per minute). Using this a centrifugal pump with capacity of 0.25HP is selected.
Because of the capacity of a single solar panel is 200 watts, three solar panels are used
to run the electrical pump assuming losses in the system as a whole. The solar panel
frames are easily manufactured using a low cost materials which available at any
welding shops. And it is easily to assemble each of the frame bars by welding.
The cost of the solar powered pumping system is estimated to be 57650 ETB and it
has a payback period of four months and twenty two days, which is approximately
five months when we compare with the conventional diesel operated pump. After
that the farmer uses this solar powered pump without operational cost. So it is less
cost.
41
CHAPTER FIVE
5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Conclusion
The economic growth and extent of poverty in Ethiopia are determined primarily by
the growth of agriculture because agriculture is the largest component and back bone
of the economy. Irrigation development is one approach to address this, and it has
been given significant attention in economic development programs in the country.
The primary purpose of this project is to provide alternatives in all present and future
options for lifting water on small scale irrigation. So this project has the benefits in
increased food production and improved economic well-being.
The solar panel is faces the north at 23° from the ground and south north direction
because Tigray is located north of the equatorial line in order for the sun ray to hit the
solar panel at its lowest and highest positions.
Solar water lifting pumps are a promising alternative that could lower costs for
farmers because they have relatively lower operational costs in addition to
contributing fewer carbon emissions and pollution, which makes smallholder farming
more resilient to shifting rainfall patterns caused by climate change.
Power needed is 555.41watts, Water required per day =7143 L, Total cost = 57,650 BIRR
And 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒 (𝑄) = 1 𝐿/𝑠𝑒𝑐
42
5.2 Recommendation
This project is done according to different books and researches that are a work of
different personals so it is recommended to read more before getting to practical use.
The results should also be recalculated if the design is to be used for different design
specifications for instance if more or less farm area is to be cultivated the flow rate of
the pump and the water storage have to be increased and keeping in mind the solar
panels too in order for the pump to run.
The number of peak sun hours per day is six and the working hours is two but it is
recommended that more time could take for the water storage tank to be full so 15 –
30 min is add to the peak sun hour. And also the time of the day that should be used is
starting from 3 – 9 o’clock so that the solar panel could get sufficient amount of sun
ray. When the solar panel is placed it is recommended that the panel faces the north at
23° from the ground and south north direction because Tigray is located north of the
equatorial line in order for the sun ray to hit the solar panel at its lowest and highest
positions.
The university and the government should provide us an opportunity to implement the
project and to discuss with farmers about detail advantage of solar on their economy
level. This is because the high initial cost the farmers could not buy this best
alternative.
Finally we recommended that the next generation should be manufactured the project with high
quality and performance.
43
REFERENCE
1. B. STANDARD, Unfired pressure vessels —Part 3: Design, 2009 CEN
2. C. S. A. &. t. W. Bank, "Ethiopia Rural Socioeconomic Survey," Central Statistical Agency &
the World Bank, addis abeba, May 7th, 2015.
3. u. o. c. engineering, "types and classifications of water storage worldwide," california, 2011.
4. D. M. 1. a. DS. K. 2, "Assessment of the Impact of Small-Scale Irrigation on tigray,ethiopia,"

Sanzidur Rahman, mekelle, 24 June 2016.
5. E. F. Kreith, Kreith, F.; Berger, S.A.; et. al. “Fluid Mechanics” Mechanical Engineering
Handbook, Boca Raton: CRC Press LLC, 1999
6. E. P. a. v. 0, "THE WORLD PV MARKET TO YEAR 2010," in EU PV association vol 0.
7. E. Toolbox, "www.Engineering ToolBox.com," ASTM D1785 "Standard Specification for
Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe. [Online].
8. Farmers, Interviewee, technics used to lift water in Tigray. [Interview]. 3 march 2018.
9. futsum, "types of agriculture and their practice in Ethiopia," Addis Ababa, 2015
10. G. o. Nepal, "www.aepcnepal.org," Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology,
Alternative Energy Promotion Center (AEPC), Julay 2011. [Online].
11. G. M. R. E. N. 2. a. S. B. A. Fitsum Hagos1, "Importance of Irrigated Agriculture to the
Ethiopian Economy," in international water management institution, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
2014
12. R. P. Dhital, "www.aepcnepal.org," Government of Nepal, 2011. [Online]
13. R. K. J. GUPTA, a text of machine design, first edition, 2005
14. T. B. a. G. Egziabher, "SUCCESSES AND CHALLENGES IN ECOLOGICAL
AGRICULTURE FROM TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA," CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
RESILIENCE IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, p. 53, 2015.
15. t. r. a. a. i. director, Interviewee, overall status of agriculture in tigray. [Interview]. 29 March
2018.
16. W. O. S. E. Power, "Solar-Electric Design Guide,"
12 march 2018. [Online]. Available: file://C:\Downloads\solar.htm.
15.J. William D. Callister, Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Iowa.
44
APPENDIX
Detail drawing of water storage tank
45
46
Table 4: Mechanical Properties of the selected Material
[1] [2]
47
Table 5: : typical weight and dimensions of industrial PVC and CPVC pipes are indicated in the table
below.
48
Assemble Drawing
49

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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF

DESIGN AND MODIFICATION OF SOLAR POWERED

PREPARED BY: - NAME ID NO

ADVISOR: TEKESTE ABADI. (MSc)

Adigrat University, Ethiopia Tigray

Key Words; Force, flow rate, friction, Energy, velocity, power

2.2.9 Where are solar panels used?..................................................................................................... 15

Detail drawing of water storage tank .......................................................................................................... 45

Water pumping worldwide is generally dependent on conventional electricity or diesel

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 Objective of the project

1.3.2 Specific objective

The specific objective of this project is

 To design water storage

1.5 Scope of the project

1.6 Significance of the project

2.1. What is an irrigation system?

2.1.1. Overview of Ethiopian Irrigation

2.1.2 History of irrigation in Ethiopia

2.1.3 Different Types of Irrigation System:

There are three broad classes of irrigation system [5]:

2.1.4 Irrigation and the Energy Crisis

2.2 Main components of solar powered pump

1. Water storage tank

2.2.1 Water storage tank

Figure2.1: water storage tank

b) Conical or funnel shaped tanks

2.2.5 Pump for the irrigation system

2.2.6 Solar Panels (PV)

Figure 2.2: Solar Panel (PV)

To have a deeper understanding of PV effect, it is essential to become familiar with the

Figure 2.3: Crystalline structure of semiconductor material

Figure 2.6 p-type semiconductor

Four outer electrons of dopant make covalent bond with

Figure 2.7 n-type semiconductor

The PN Junction or Internal Electric Field

: Permanent internal electric field and lines of

Figure 2.9 PN Junction and internal electric field

The solar cell

2.2.8 Efficiency of Solar panels

Cleanliness: This factor can affect the amount of power outputted.

2.2.9 Where are solar panels used?

2.2.10 Energy that will be produced by a solar system

• What is the average amount of sunlight that the roof receives?

Arrays of More Than One Panel

Figure 2.10: Series connected solar panels

Figure 2.11: Parallel connected solar panels

3. METHODOLOGY AND MATERIALS SELECTION

 Design of water storage using CATTIA software

Figure.3.1. Block diagram of the methodology

3.2 Materials Selection

plastic liner Liner easily damaged

Liner easily damaged

Long service life if correctively Relatively complex construction

3.2.2 Pipe construction materials

4. Design and calculations of the project system

 The water required for one square meter of onion is 20L/week

 Suction head is a maximum of 6 m

 Site area is in Adigrat.

Figure 4.1: water source of a well Figure 4.2: irrigation of onion

4.2 Design of water storage tank

 The effect of curvature of the cylinder wall is neglected.

Figure 4.3: Hoop and longitudinal stress