SOLAR POWERED INTELLIGENT IRRIGATION MONITORING AND CONTROLLING SYSTEM

Abstract

To meet the growing demand of irrigation in India due to the uncertain climatic conditions, it is necessary to focus on sustainable irrigation approaches and improving the efficiency of the existing irrigation systems. Irrigation requirement varies from a couple of life saving watering during the monsoon season to assured year-round water supply. Due to rapid urbanization in India demand for water from urban sector is increasing. The scarcity of water will shoot up with time due to increasing population and growing demands. Study conducted by National Commission for Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD) reveals that the irrigation water demand in India will shoot up to 1180 Billion cubic meters (BCM) by 2050 from the demand value of 710 BCM in 2010[1]. Agriculture sector in India which consumes around 79 per cent of the total available water resources should introduce reforms in efficient water management and thus minimizing water wastage. Estimation of water requirement, proper scheduling of irrigation and implementation of efficient irrigation system are the key solutions of the above problem. India has huge untapped solar energy potential. One of the most promising sectors for solar utilization is solar water pumping. It is necessary to dimension photovoltaic installation accurately so as to reduce the cost and improve efficiency. The aim of the project work is to incorporate proper solar pumping sizing method with a properly scheduled intelligent irrigation system to make it highly efficient model. The objective is to tackle concerns on water wastage and over watering by accurately estimating water requirement of any crop, schedule the irrigation process properly and to design an optimum solar photovoltaic powered pumping system along with development of a prototype intelligent irrigation control facility.