EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Ormoc City, Campus

Ormoc City

“Remote Solar Water Pump: Efficient Irrigation Solution”

Faculty of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology

Major in Electronics

Technology Department

Eastern Visayas State University – Ormoc City Campus

Researchers:

Orteza, Jericho

Compa, Reynard

Nuez, Jeric

Evalaroza, Hazekiah

Magallanes, Mark

Marino, Mark Wilbert

Villarmino, Joemarie

Engr. Alan Reynaldo Mabitad, MSIT

Research Instructor
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Objective of the Study

Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework

Scope and Delimitation

Significance of the Study

Definition of Terms

II RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDY

Related Studies and Literature

References
III METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Instruments and Functions

System Flowchart

Sampling Procedure

Data Gathering Procedure

Research Environment
 ABSTRACT

The innovative solution—a remote-controlled solar-powered water pump created especially for

effective irrigation systems—is thoroughly examined in this thesis. Innovative irrigation

methods and alternative energy sources are more important than ever because of the rising

demand for sustainable agriculture practices. This water pump provides a clean, renewable

energy source that lessens reliance on fossil fuels and reduces environmental impact by utilizing

the sun's plentiful power.

The research delves deep into the intricacies of designing and optimizing the remote-control

mechanism, enabling farmers to effortlessly manage irrigation operations from a distance. By

integrating advanced sensors and automation technology, the system ensures precise and

optimized water delivery to crops, promoting water efficiency and sustainable agricultural

practices.

The results highlight significant advantages over traditional irrigation methods. The remote-

controlled solar water pump improves water management, reduces energy costs, and enhances

convenience for farmers. Its contribution to carbon emissions reduction establishes it as an eco-

friendly solution for sustainable agriculture.

Overall, this thesis provides insights and practical guidance for implementing remote-controlled

solar-powered water pumps in irrigation systems. By addressing water scarcity, energy

conservation, and environmental sustainability, the research promotes efficient and eco-

conscious agricultural practices.

 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

The need for sustainable agriculture techniques has never been greater than it is today,

with an expanding population and rising food consumption. Among the many difficulties the

agricultural industry faces, effective irrigation stands out as a key factor in guaranteeing the

best crop development and output. However, as energy saving and water shortage become

pressing issues, it is clearer than ever that creative irrigation methods are needed. The use of

solar power in irrigation systems has gained a lot of traction as a possible way to confront these

issues in the field of renewable energy integration.

The research focuses on optimizing the remote control mechanism, enabling farmers to

conveniently manage irrigation operations. Advanced sensors and automation technology

ensure precise water delivery to crops, promoting water efficiency and sustainable agricultural

practices.

Key aspects include selecting suitable solar panels and their optimal positioning for

maximum energy generation, developing a user-friendly remote control interface, and

integrating intelligent algorithms for regulating water flow based on crop requirements and

environmental conditions. Field testing and performance evaluations validate the system's

effectiveness.

The results demonstrate significant advantages over traditional irrigation methods,

including improved water management, reduced energy costs, and enhanced convenience for

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farmers. The remote-controlled solar water pump offers a viable and eco-friendly solution for

sustainable agriculture.

This thesis provides practical guidance for implementing remote-controlled solar-

powered water pumps in irrigation systems. By addressing water scarcity, energy conservation,

and environmental sustainability, the research promotes efficient and eco-conscious

agricultural practices.

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Irrigation plays an important role in our agriculture especially on farmers in rural areas.

Using solar powered water pumping system gives convenient, efficient output, and cheaper

expenses. Solar panels convert solar energy to electrical power through sun's rays converting

into electricity by exciting electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. This

electricity can then be used to supply renewable energy to irrigation areas in the Philippines.

The use of this system in modern day technology cannot be overemphasized. It will

contribute a great help in solving the problems in irrigation systems. It will lessen the burden of

the people that are dependent on irrigation sites.

However, this system may have some drawbacks which are: its installation cost is much

higher. It will always depend on sunlight, because solar panels generate power through

sunlight.

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 But this study will find solutions and ways to eliminate or lessen the problems that this

system may encounter.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The overall objective of this research was to determine the feasibility of using solar

powered water pump for a small irrigation system in the rural areas in our country Philippines.

Specific objectives were to:

a.) To help farmers insuring their planted plants, vegetables, rice grains, and etc. to get

the amount of water needed every day.

b.) Lesser expenses in the irrigation system of the farmers for the farms they own.

c.) Farmers in rural areas or areas where electricity is not present can continue their

farming activity without getting problems on the irrigation system.

d.) Environment friendly system and may preserve fossil fuel in avoiding using fuelled

machineries.

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THEORITICAL/CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Helping our mother nature in preserving its beauty and uses, instead of using those

diesel or fuel water pumps that helps in destroying earth. A solar powered water pump is an

environment friendly system that converts solar energy to electrical power that is useful in the

irrigation system in many farms in the Philippines.

Solar-powered photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun's rays into electricity by exciting

electrons in silicon cells using the photons of light from the sun. The DC (direct current)

electricity produced by the solar panels is stored in the battery and automatically stops the

charging when the battery is already full. Using inverter the power stored in the battery will be

inverted into AC (alternating current) and can now supply the 220V water pump.

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A simple diagram of the concept of the study is shown in Figure 1.

SOLAR PANEL 1 SOLAR PANEL 2

CHARGE
CONTROLLER

BATTERY

INVERTER

REMOTE

WATER SUPPLY WATER PUMP IRRIGATION SITE

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 Figure 1: Conceptual Framework Diagram

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This project is more efficient on the areas where electricity was not introduced,

especially in rural areas where the installation of electricity is impossible or not yet done. The

solar panels will be there source of power for their irrigation in the farms. The power that these

panels produced will be stored in battery and let it is the supply to start the water pump.

The duration of this project was in this 1st semester of school year 2016 to 2017. This 1st

semester of school year 2016 to 2017 was dedicated to the design and installation of the

equipment and instrumentation.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of this project is giving a great opportunity to the farmers in rural areas,

especially those areas where electricity is not yet installed. Using the solar powered water

pump lessens the problems encountered by the farmers for their irrigation system. Instead of

using fuel that is not always available in rural areas, solar powered water pump gives an

efficient solution to this dilemma.

This research project has the advantages that benefit both humans and nature. Here are

the following important advantages:

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 a) Even if installation of solar powered water pump is dealing with high expenses,

but its maintenance and operating cost were much cheaper than any powered

water pumps.

b) Solar powered water pump is an environment friendly system. It has no harmful

effects on nature.

c) Solar powered water pump is dependent from solar energy, and it is unlimited

source of energy so it’s easy and more effective system for irrigation.

The said advantages above are proofs that this system is more efficient, effective and

reliable for irrigation system.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

a) Alternating Current (AC) – the flow of electric charge periodically reverses direction.

Whereas in direct current (DC) the flow of electric charge is only in one direction. The

abbreviations AC & DC are often use to mean simply alternating and direct, as when

they modify current and voltage.

b) Direct Current (DC) – is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. It is produced by

sources such as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, commutated-type of electric

machines of the dynamo type.

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c) Fossil Fuel – is a general term for buried combustible geologic deposits of organic

materials, formed from decade plants & animals that have been converted to crude oil,

coal, natural gas, or heavy oils by exposure to heat and pressure in earth’s crust over

hundreds of millions of years.

d) Inverter – converts the variable DC current output of photovoltaic (PV) solar panel into a

utility frequency AC current that can be fed into a commercial electrical grid or use by a

local off-grid electrical network. It is a critical BOS component in a photovoltaic system

allowing the use of ordinary AC-powered equipment. Solar inverters have special

functions adapted for use of photovoltaic arrays, including maximum power point

tracking and anti-islanding protection.

e) Irrigation System – is the artificial application of water to the land or soil. It is use to

assist in the growing agricultural crops, maintenance of landscapes, and vegetation of

disturbed soils in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall. Additionally,

irrigation also has a few other uses in crop production, which include protecting plants

against frost, suppressing weed growth in grain fields and preventing soil consolidation.

In contrast, agriculture that relies only on direct rainfall is referred to as rain-field or dry

land farming.

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f) Photovoltaic (PV) – is a method of converting solar energy into DC current electricity

using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. A photovoltaic

system employs solar panels compose of a number of solar cells to supply usable power.

g) Solar Energy – is a radiant light and heat from the sun harnessed using a range of ever-

evolving technologies such as solar heating, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal energy,

solar architectures, and artificial photosynthesis.

h) Fuelled machineries – a machine that is fuelled by a particular substance works by

burning that substance.

i) Charge Controller – it is a charge regulator or battery regulator limits the rate ta which

electric current is added to or drawn from electric batteries. It prevents over charging

and may protect against overvoltage, which can reduce battery performance or lifespan,

and may pose a safety risk.

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 CHAPTER II

RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

RELATED LITERATURE

Historical Development

Long before our measurement of time, they dug wells to collect rain water,

surface water or ground water. Initially water was always collected by hand, but we

knew that in ancient Egypt they knew of wells and water wheels.

Even 2200 years ago, the Greek mathematician and physicist Archimedes,

invented an apparatus that could raise water from rivers, so it can be used for irrigation.

The apparatus is called Archimedes Screw, and it is still used in many places in the

world.

Types of Water Pumps

a) Jet Pumps – a jet pump can be installed at a couple of different depths below the

ground. The shallow and deep well jet pumps will pull water out of the ground between

25 feet and 100 feet. Both types of jet pumps use vacuum effect to pull water out of the

well and pump it to the well equipment outside the home.

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b) Submersible Well Pumps – it perform the opposite job to retrieve water from the well,

pushing water up from the well instead of using the machinery to pull the water out of

the hole. These types of pumps are lowered deeper into the ground, according to the

specifications of the local water district for obtaining ground water.

c) Manual Pumps – manual water pumps are a throwback to the past because the

consumer has to manually perform an action to pump water out of the ground. For

example, you can obtain water by turning a crank or pumping a lever up and down.

d) Sewer Sum pumps – sewer pumps are needed to pump sewage water from the house

into the sceptic system. Inside the sceptic tank, the water will breakdown and return to

the soil through the soil absorption system. The sewer sum pump is a pump submersed

into the ground. Pumping the sceptic tank every few years will help to improve the life

of the sum pump.

e) Circulation Pumps – circulation pumps are needed to circulate water around the house.

Two examples are pumps that pump water from the water purifier tanks outside into

the house and the water pumps that send water from the hot water heater into the

bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. The water circulation pump may use centrifugal

force to jump water from the source to the destination.

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RELATED STUDIES

On April 2012 Mahir Dursun & Semih Ozden studied an automatic drip irrigation

of dwarf cherry trees system with solar powered BRUSHLESS DC Motors (BLDC) has

been designed and implemented in Zile District of Tokat Province of Turkey. One of the

motor was used for driving deep well pump which has been utilized for the purpose of

water storing to a pool. The other one was used for driving centrifugal pump which has

been utilized for the purposed of transferring of water waited in pool to drip irrigation.

Optimum solar panels were selected according to calculated maximum power

consumption of motors. The need of energy of BLDC motors has been provided from

solar panels and batteries. Sun tracking system was used for increasing efficiency of

system. A DC-DC buck converter has been developed for feed motor and charges the

batteries safely. Automation of system was provided with RF modules, soil moisture

sensors, and solenoid valves.

On 2015 Niclas Bengtsson & Johan Nilsson conducted their case study that

focuses on solar water pumping for small-scale farmers in the Kilimanjaro Region of

Tanzania. The purpose is to investigate the possibilities for rural farmers to operate their

irrigation with solar power instead of their current option, fossil fuels, primarily petrol.

The study was conducted in three phrases, starting with pre-study in Sweden, followed

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 by field study in Tanzania from January to March 2015 and finishing with summarizing

and calculating in Sweden.

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

a.) RESEARCH DESIGN

The researcher designed a solar powered water pumping system. This system is

consisting of solar panels, charge controller, battery, inverter, switch, water pump, and

water supply. The solar panels are the main source of electricity. These panels will

provide electricity for the charging of battery. The charging will automatically stop if the

battery is already full because of the presence of the charge controller. This charge

controller will act as a protection and it will prevent the overcharging of the battery.

Next to battery is an inverter, it will invert the DC power to an AC power, because our

water pump needs an AC power to operate.

The circuit diagram for inverter is shown in Figure 2.

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 Figure 2: circuit diagram of inverter

Figure 4: circuit diagram of a charge controller

Figure 4: battery

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 Table 1: MATERIALS NEEDED

MATERIAL PICTURE

SOLAR PANEL

CHARGE

CONTROLLER

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BATTERY

INVERTER

WATER PUMP

WATER CONTAINER

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PVC PIPE

CONNECTING WIRES

ELECTRICAL TAPE

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b.) RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS AND FUNCTION

Solar Panel

Solar energy is created using the energy which has been generated by the sun. A

solar power panel is able to function using the solar energy which is derived from the

sun. Every solar power panel contains many different silicon cells or solar cells. They are

building blocks of solar panels. The energy from the sun is absorbed by these solar cells.

The solar energy derived from the sun is converted into electricity with the help of a

solar panel.

Charge Controller

A basic charge controller simply performs the necessary function of ensuring that

the batteries cannot be damaged by over-charging, effectively cutting off the current

from the photovoltaic solar panels or reducing its pulse when the battery reaches a

certain level.

Solar Battery

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 It is the artery of any efficient solar panel system. In some cases, they are like

kryptonite is to superman, without a battery the system is powerless. Battery stores the

energy produced by the sun and solar panels, allowing the energy to be used as needed

through the inverter.

Inverter

An inverter is an electronic device or circuitry that changes direct current (DC) to

alternating current (DC). The input voltage, output voltage and frequency, and overall

power handling depend on the design of the specific device or circuitry.

Water Pump

A pump is a device that moves fluids by mechanical action. Pumps can be

classified into three major groups according to the method they use to move the fluid,

direct lift, displacement and gravity pumps.

Water Container/Supply

It is where the water pump will get its source to deliver to the irrigation areas.

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c.) SYSTEM FLOWCHART
Solar panels
generating
PANEL 1 PANEL2 electricity

The charge
controller is
controlling the CHARGE
charging of CONTROLLER
the battery

Battery is
charging
BATTERY

When the battery is

already full the
inverter will invert DC
to AC INVERTER

Press the on
button to operate
REMOTE
the water pump

WATER WATER
IRRIGATION SITE
SUPPLY PUMP

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 The water is now
flowing to the
irrigation site

Figure 5: System Flowchart

d.) SAMPLING PROCEDURE

1.) Gather all the materials needed

2.) Install the solar panels in a 45 degrees angle facing the sun for efficient result.

3.) Connect the output of the solar panel to the charge controller that is connected to the

battery. Connect the battery to the inverter. The inverter to the switch, all the way to

the water pump.

4.) Charge the battery until it’s already full.

5.) Fill the water container of enough water to supply the irrigation.

6.) Connect the pipes from the container to the pump & from the pump to the site.

7.) Press the “ON” button to start operating the solar powered water pump system.

e.) DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE

We had a series of test of the materials and its system. First test done is putting

the solar panels in an area where sunlight is much expose, and in the opposite side we also

placed the panels in an area where it is unreachable sunlight.

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 Next test is using the battery to operate the water pump even if it’s not yet full.

And the final test is filling the water tank with less water, and still letting the water pump to

operate.

The installation cost of this system is higher than the fuelled machineries, but

the advantages of this system are its operating and maintenance costs are much cheaper than

any fuelled machineries. This system is an environment friendly system. This information is

based on the practical application of technologies now a day.

f.) RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

Courtesy of googlemaps.com

Figure 6: RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT

g.) COST ANALYSIS

Table 2: COST ANALYSIS

MATERIAL QUANTITY AMOUNT

SOLAR PANEL 2 P 4,400.00

CHARGE CONTROLLER 1 P 1,500.00

BATTERY 1 P 4,000.00

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 INVERTER 1 P 2,500.00

SWITCH 1 P 100.00

WATER PUMP 1 P 2,200.00

WATER CONTAINER 1 P 300.00

CONNECTING WIRE 10 meters P 250.00

ELECTRICAL TAPE 2 P 100.00

PVC PIPE 5 meters P 300.00

P 15,700.00

The table below shows the prices of water pumps available

Table 3: WATER PUMP PRICES

Water pump Prices

Anti-corrosion material water circulating US $ 200- $ 700 / set

vacuum pump

GODO QBY3-50/65 STAINLESS STEEL 316L US $ 50- $ 2000/ piece

WATER PUMP

Small portable sewage water pneumatic US $ 156/ set

pump

SHB-B95A circulating water vacuum pump US $ 200- $ 600/ piece

PDG hot water pump US $ 1310- $ 12000/ set

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Farm irrigation electric water pump US $ 2000- $ 3600/ set

CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

COMPRESSION TEST RESULT

The following table are the result from the tests made by the researcher.

Table 4: Test scenarios

SCENARIO RESULT

Placing the solar panels in the place where The charging of battery is more efficient

sunlight is more exposed.

Placing the solar panels in the opposite area Battery is still charging but it was so slow.

where sunlight is not present.

Starting to operate the water pump even if The water pump will still operate but in

the battery is not fully charge yet. much shorter time.

Instead of using the water container as The water pump, pumps water efficiently

supply, we use the water pump in the river. because the supply is not that limited.

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 Operating the pump even if the water The water pump still pumps water but it is

container was not having enough water not efficient and continuing to this action,

supplies. the water pump will be damaged.

DISCUSSION

In this research project there were many things to be considered to achieve

the desired results. We surely encounter many problems in the process but there will always be

a solution to that. To achieve efficient results in charging the battery using the solar panels we

provided, we have to consider many options and procedures. Facing the solar panels 45

degrees towards the sunlight is a great help in enhancing the capability of the solar panels to

produce power in charging the battery. When placing the solar panels, avoid the areas where

sunlight is not a big factor.

In using PVC pipes, select the exact diameter of the pipe that is suitable for the

water pump. The pipe plays a vital role in the water pumping system because it will act as a

passage way of the water. In maintaining the system there are also many procedures to be

considered. A daily checking of equipment is needed for the longer life of the system. Charge

controller must be checked to know if it’s functioning well. The charge controller is the one

ensuring the safety of the battery.

Solar powered water pump is more efficient when sunlight is always present.

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 CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION

The research paper presents design and implementation of a solar powered

water pumping system. The system depends on sunlight because it source of electricity is from

solar panels. This system is more efficient in the areas where sunlight is a big factor. In addition,

the water pump is effective when the supply of electricity and water is much greater.

Moreover, this system can provide a reliable result in helping farmers in their irrigation

problems. Lastly, the solar powered water pump plays an important role in improving the

irrigation system in the areas where electricity is not yet present, especially in rural areas.

RECOMMENDATION

After the research had been successfully done, we would like to recommend to

the people depending on irrigation systems to improve this research we successfully

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conducted. The solar powered water pumping system is a great help in the agriculture aspects.

But improving this research will be a greater help. Now a days technology is highly recognize.

Using our modern technology, researchers can now create a new and improve systems that will

add to the convenience of the people depending on irrigation and farming.

Disadvantages

 For some landowners or farmers, this initial investment may be a barrier.

 Sunlight is required for solar-powered devices to produce the electricity needed to

pump water. Days that are cloudy or rainy can dramatically lower the system's
performance and may lead to an inadequate supply of water for irrigation. This can be a
serious disadvantage in areas with uneven or little sunlight.

 Limited water pumping capacity: Compared to traditional diesel or electric pumps,

remote solar water pump systems often have lesser pumping capacities. This restriction
may make it more difficult for the system to supply water to areas with significant water
demand or large-scale agricultural operations.

 Challenges related to storage and distribution: In a distant solar water pump system,
extra water produced during prime sunshine hours needs to be stored for later use. This
necessitates the building of storage tanks or reservoirs, which can increase system
complexity and expense. In addition, it might be difficult to distribute water effectively
and efficiently to various fields, especially in bigger agricultural settings.

 Durability and maintenance: For solar water pump systems to operate at their best,
frequent maintenance is necessary. Solar panels, pumps, and controllers, for example,
may need to be repaired or replaced on occasion. This might be more difficult in isolated
locations with little access to technical support or spare parts.

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 Technical training: Setting up and running a remote solar water pump system involves
specific knowledge and technical expertise. On how to operate, maintain, and
troubleshoot the system, farmers or users must be trained. In rural or remote areas in
particular, it can be difficult to find such knowledge.

 System scalability: Increasing the capability or coverage area of a remote solar water
pump system can be difficult and expensive. Scalability may be a drawback because it
may necessitate major improvements or alterations to the current infrastructure in
order to add more panels, pumps, or storage space.

It's crucial to remember that while these drawbacks do exist, they are frequently able to
be reduced or eliminated with careful planning, system design, and maintenance.
Additionally, the benefits of remote solar water pump efficient irrigation systems, such
as less dependency on fossil fuels and environmental benefits, may often exceed these
negatives.

Advantages

 Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy. You may run your irrigation system
without utilizing fossil fuels or conventional electricity by installing a solar water pump
to capture the energy of the sun. Thus, carbon emissions are decreased, aiding in the
fight against global warming.

 Savings: Once built, solar water pumps use the free energy from the sun to function,
which greatly lowers electricity expenses as compared to conventional pumps that
depend on grid power or fuel. In rural or off-grid locations where connecting to the
electrical grid might be expensive, this is especially advantageous.

 Reliability and independence: Remote solar water pumps provide freedom from the
power grid. In remote areas or places without reliable electricity access, this is very

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 helpful. Farmers can cultivate crops even in remote areas thanks to solar water pumps,
which provide a reliable water supply for irrigation.

 Low Maintenance: Compared to traditional pumps, solar water pumps require less
maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. They require less maintenance and
replacement because they are typically more enduring and last longer.

 Flexible and Scalable: Remote solar water pumps are simple to install and move as
needed. These irrigation systems are modular so they may be modified to meet a farm's
expanding irrigation needs. They are appropriate for both small-scale and extensive
agricultural enterprises due to their flexibility.

 The use of solar-powered irrigation systems lessens the need for diesel- or
groundwater-powered pumps, which can deplete water supplies and increase air
pollution. The environmental impact of irrigation can be reduced while water resources
are preserved by using solar energy.

 Noise reduction: Solar water pumps work quietly, in contrast to conventional pumps
that may cause noise pollution. This is crucial in regions where noise pollution might
affect the environment, such as in residential areas or areas near to wildlife habitats.

 Government incentives: In some areas, the government offers discounts, rebates, or tax
advantages to encourage the use of solar energy equipment, including solar water
pumps. Solar-powered irrigation is more financially feasible when these incentives are
used to partially offset the expenses of initial installation.

Overall, remote solar water pumps provide many benefits for effective irrigation
systems, including cost savings, environmental sustainability, dependability, and
flexibility. They enhance water management techniques while delivering a greener,
more sustainable approach to agriculture.

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