THERMOELECTRIC HYBRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM FOR ENHANCED CONTROL OF WATER PUMPS

Abstract

Water pumping has a history dating back to the earliest civilizations and many methods have been developed over the years to realize this task with the minimum of effort. Various power sources including human energy, animal power, wind and hydro-power, electrical (grid) power and fossil fuel powered generator/pump pumping sets have been utilised to accomplish this. Photovoltaic powered pumping systems are a relatively recent addition to this list. Photovoltaic water pumping applications are one of the most common uses of PV power throughout the world, with thousands of solar-powered water pumps installed both in industrialised and developing nations. Owing to their inherent low maintenance and high reliability, they are also increasingly being used as a replacement for mechanical windmill pumps. A true fixed orientation, direct-coupled, PV-powered water pumping system typically consists of an energy conversion process (photovoltaic – light to direct current electricity), a transmission...