System Modeling and Economic Analysis of Solar Powered Water Pumping and Desalination
Class
Article
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor
Jason Quinn
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
Increasing demand for agricultural production has put an increased strain on limited freshwater resources in Jordan and Palestine. The area currently has an abundant supply of saline water which has not been utilized for agriculture due to the economics associated with pumping and desalinization. Limited availability to electricity and high operational costs of diesel generators are major obstacles to irrigation pumping and desalination in the area. In order to determine the technical and economic feasibility of solar powered water pumping and desalination for agriculture, a detailed system model was developed using industrial component performance and geographically specific resource data. Hourly simulations over the course of one year were performed to evaluate different system configurations, technologies, and control strategies. Results show that while PV powered pumping and desalination is not profitable for most crops, under good conditions certain high-value crops yield reasonable returns. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to estimate water pumping and desalination costs in under a variety of conditions.
Start Date
4-9-2015 12:00 PM
System Modeling and Economic Analysis of Solar Powered Water Pumping and Desalination
Increasing demand for agricultural production has put an increased strain on limited freshwater resources in Jordan and Palestine. The area currently has an abundant supply of saline water which has not been utilized for agriculture due to the economics associated with pumping and desalinization. Limited availability to electricity and high operational costs of diesel generators are major obstacles to irrigation pumping and desalination in the area. In order to determine the technical and economic feasibility of solar powered water pumping and desalination for agriculture, a detailed system model was developed using industrial component performance and geographically specific resource data. Hourly simulations over the course of one year were performed to evaluate different system configurations, technologies, and control strategies. Results show that while PV powered pumping and desalination is not profitable for most crops, under good conditions certain high-value crops yield reasonable returns. Sensitivity analysis is also performed to estimate water pumping and desalination costs in under a variety of conditions.