‫ميحرلا نمحرلا هللا‬ ‫بسم‬

Sudan University of Sciences and Technology

College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Smart Agriculture System Powered by

Solar Energy
‫منظومة الزراعة الذكية باستخدام الطاقة الشمسية‬

A Project Submitted In Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements

of the Degree of B.Sc. (Honor) In Electrical Engineering
Prepared By:
1. Ibrahim Mohamed Ismail Altahir
2. Mahmoud Elhadi Ali Ahmed
3. Modathir Eltigani Ali Adam
4. Mohamed Sir-Alkhatim Ibrahim Mahmoud

Supervised By:

Dr. Salah Eldeen Gasim Mohamed

November 2020
 ‫اآليــــــة‬

‫قال تعالى‪:‬‬
‫ش ًْءٍ فَؤ َ ْخ َر ْجَُا‬ ‫ات ُك ِّم َ‬ ‫آء َيآ ًء فَؤ َ ْخ َر ْجَُا بِ ِّ ََبَ َ‬ ‫" َٔ ُْ َٕ انَّذِي أََزَ َل ِيٍَ ان َّ‬
‫س ًَ ِ‬
‫ط ْه ِع َٓا ِق ُْ ٌ‬
‫ٕاٌ دَاَِ ٍَةٌ‬ ‫َضرا ً َُّ ْخ ِر ُج ِي ُُّْ َحبّا ً ُّيتَ َرا ِكبا ً َٔ ِيٍَ انَُّ ْخ ِم ِيٍ َ‬ ‫ِي ُُّْ خ ِ‬
‫ظ ُرٔاْ إِ ِنى‬ ‫غٍ َْر ُيتَشَابِ ٍّ ا َْ ُ‬
‫انر َّياٌَ ُي ْشتَبِٓا ً َٔ َ‬‫انز ٌْتٌَُٕ َٔ ُّ‬ ‫ت ِ ّي ٍْ أ َ ْعَُا ٍ‬
‫ب َٔ َّ‬ ‫َٔ َجَُّا ٍ‬
‫ثَ ًَ ِر ِِ إِذَآ أثْ ًَ َر ٌََٔ ُْ ِع ِّ إِ ٌَّ فًِ ذ ِن ُك ْى الٌََا ٍ‬
‫ت ِنّقَ ْٕ ٍو ٌُؤْ ِيٌَُُٕ "‬

‫(سورة األنعام ‪ :‬االية ‪) 99‬‬

‫‪i‬‬
 DEDICATION
Affectionate mom, your little one has grown up and snow on the verge of
becoming an engineer as you dream. Thanks in your right is not enough... nor
is your debt on me repaid, because I was born because of you and grew up
with your kindness and care, this work is a dedicate to you.

My great dad, you have spent whole your life for our sake, you work night and
day striving for the sake of our breeding and education, my tongue is unable to
thank you, and my letters are incapable of carrying these feelings. So accept
this dedication from us.

To family, friends and batch 31, Takaful and our loyal teachers we dedicate
this work to you all.

ii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and above all, we praise God, the almighty for providing us this
opportunity, and granting us the capability to proceed successfully. Grateful
for this opportunity, we would like to give our sincere thanks to our
supervisor, Dr. Salah Eldeen Gasim Mohamed for his continuous
support in this project. His sharp mind, intuitive understanding, powerful
observation and immense knowledge were great help to us. Without his
assistant and dedicated involvement in every step throughout the process, this
project would have never been accomplished. Lastly thanks to our teachers in
electrical engineering school for their effort, without them we wouldn’t be able
to reach this far.

iii
 ABSTRACT
Smart agriculture system powered by solar energy is a system designed to
control the irrigation operation automatically, and use the solar energy as a
source of power to feed the pump. The main aim of the project is to design a
system that irrigate plants without human contribution, and to ensure a
minimum water losses, also to provide the system with power that needed by
solar panel. PVsyst software and hand calculations have been used to
developed a successfully design. The project automation is developed by using
Arduino Uno, soil moisture sensor, water tank float switches and relay. The
proposed automation design simulated on the simulation software Proteus to
test its functionality. An economic comparison was made between solar energy
system, diesel generators and the national grid to determine the most
appropriate system for operating the irrigations system in the area under study.

iv
 ‫المستخلص‬

‫مشظهمة الزراعة الذكية باستخدام الطاقة الذسدية ىي مشظهمة تتم فييا عسمية التحكم في ري‬

‫السزروعات آليا وتدتخدم الطاقة الذسدية لتغذية السزخة‪ .‬اليدف الرئيدي لمسذروع ىه ترسيم نظام‬

‫آلي لري السزروعات؛ لزسان اإلستغالل األمثل لسهارد السياه الجهفية بدون فقد ويدتخدم ىذا الشظام‬

‫الهاح الطاقة الذسدية؛ لتهفير الطاقة الالزمة لتذغيل السزخة‪ .‬تم استخدام طريقة الحدابات اليدوية‬

‫باإلضافة لبرنامج ”‪ “PVsyst‬لترسيم الشظام السالئم‪ .‬لعسمية األتستة تم استخدام ”‪،“Arduino Uno‬‬

‫محداس رطهبة التربة‪ ،‬عهامة كيربائية‪ ،‬و مرحل؛ لبشاء الشظام اآللي‪ .‬إلختبار الشظام وأدائو تست‬

‫محاكاة مشظهمة الري اآللي باستخدام برنامج ”‪ .“Proteus‬تم اجراء السقارنة اإلقترادية بين تكمفة نظام‬

‫يعسل بالطاقة الذسدية مرة مع نظام يعسل بسهلدات الديزل‪ ،‬ومرة اخرى مع نظام يتم تغذيتو من الذبكة‬

‫القهمية لمكيرباء لتحديد الشظام السالئم لتذغيل مشظهمة الري لمسشطقة مهضهع الدراسة‪.‬‬

‫‪v‬‬
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No
‫اٌَـــــة‬ i
DEDICATION ii
ACKNOWNLEDGEMENT iii
ABSTRACT iv
‫انًستخهص‬ v
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF FIGURES ix
LIST OF TABLES x
LIST OF ABREVIATIONS xi
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview 1
1.2 Problem Statement 2
1.3 Objectives 2
1.4 The Scope 3
1.5 Research Limits 3
1.6 Methodology 4
1.7 Project Layout 4
CHAPTER TWO
THEORETICAL BACKGROUNG AND LITERATURE
REVIEW
2.1 Introduction 5
2.2 Solar Resources in Sudan 5
2.3 Solar Pumping Techniques 6
2.4 Components of Solar pumping System 7
2.4.1 Solar PV module 7
2.4.1.1 Solar insolation 8
2.4.1.2 Angle of module 8
2.4.1.3 Current and voltage characteristics 9
2.4.2 Solar pumps 10
2.4.3 Controller 11
2.4.4 Water storage tank 11
CHAPTER THREE
METHOD AND SYSTEM COMPONENTS
3.1 System Description 13
vi
3.2 Solar System Design 14
3.2.1 Design of solar system using manual method 15
3.2.1.1 Water resource 16
3.2.1.2 Water demand 16
3.2.1.3 Total dynamic head 16
3.2.1.4 Peak sun hours PHD 16
3.2.1.5 Pump size 16
3.2.1.6 Inverter size 17
3.2.1.7 Solar array size 17
3.2.2 Design of solar system using PVsyst software 18
3.3 Solar System Components 19
3.3.1 PV panels 19
3.3.2 AC pump 20
3.3.3 Inverter 21
3.3.4 Storage tank 21
3.4 Economic Comparison 21
3.4.1 Comparison consideration 22
3.4.2 Methodology used for comparison 22
3.5 Smart Irrigation System Design 23
3.5.1 Smart irrigation system components 23
3.5.1.1 Arduino uno 23
3.5.1.2 Soil moisture 24
3.5.1.3 Relay 25
3.5.2 System flow chart 26
3.5.3 How the system works 27
3.5.4 Proteuse software 28
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction 29
4.2 Solar System Design Result 29
4.2.1 Design of solar system using calculations method 29
4.2.2 Design of solar system using PVsyst 30
4.2.2.1 PVsyst main result 30
4.2.2.2 Energy balance (per installed kWp) 31
4.2.2.3 Performance ratio 32
4.2.2.4 Balances and main results 33
4.2.2.5 Loss diagram 34
4.3 Approachment Between Calculation Method and PVsyst 35
Software
4.4 Economic Comparison 35
4.4.1 Cost of solar energy system 36
4.4.1.1 Construction (initial) cost 36
4.4.1.2 Operating cost 36
vii
4.4.1.3 Solar system cost per year 36
4.4.2 Cost for energized from the national grid 37
4.4.2.1 Initial cost 37
4.4.2.2 Operating cost over 10 years 38
4.4.2.3 System cost per year 38
4.4.3 Diesel generator 39
4.4.3.1 Initial cost 39
4.4.3.2 Operating cost over 10 years 39
4.4.3.3 System cost per year 40
4.4.4 KWH cost per year 40
4.4.4.1 Solar energy system 41
4.4.4.2 Diesel generator 42
4.4.4.3 National grid 42
4.5 Economic Comparison between Solar system and Diesel 43
System
4.6 Economic Comparison between Solar System and Grid System 44
4.7 Smart System Simulation 44
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion 48
5.2 Recommendations 49
REFERENCES 50
APPENDIX 52

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Title Page No.
2.1 The global horizontal irradiation in Sudan 6
2.2 The main components of solar pumping system 7
2.3 PV cell, module and array 8
2.4 V-I curve of a solar panel 10
2.5 Water storage tank 12
3.1 Smart irrigation system powered by solar energy 14
3.2 Pump sizing chart 17
3.3 PV panel 20
3.4 Submersible pump 20
3.5 Inverter 21
3.6 Arduino uno 24
3.7 Soil moisture sensor 25
3.8 Relay 25
3.9 System flow chart 26
4.1 Energy balance of the PV water pumping system 32
4.2 Performance ratio 32
4.3 Loss diagram over the whole year 34
4.4 Calculation method VS PVsyst software 35
4.5 Economic comparison between solar and diesel 43
system
4.6 Economic comparison between solar and grid 44
system
4.7 System starting up 45
4.8 Pumping starting up 46
4.9 Irrigation starting up 46
4.10 Pumping shutdown 47
4.11 Irrigation shutdown 47

ix
 LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page No.
3.1 Sizing solar system parameters 15
3.2 PVsyst input parameters 19
4.1 PVsyst main results 31
4.2 Balances and main results 33
4.3 Solar energy initial cost 36
4.4 National grid initial cost 37
4.5 Diesel generator system cost per year 40
4.6 KWH cost of solar energy system per year 41
4.7 KWH cost of diesel generator system 42
4.8 KWH cost of national grid system 42

x
 LIST OF ABREVIATIONS
PV Photovoltaic
PSH Peak Sun Hour
Si Silicon
DC Direct Current
AC Alternating Current
Voc Open Circuit Voltage
Isc Short Circuit Current
Vmp Voltage at Maximum Power
Imp Current at Maximum Power
Pm Maximum Power
MPP Maximum Power Point
MPPT Maximum Power Point Tracker
TDH Total Dynamic Head
ICSP In Circuit Serial Programing
USB Universal Serial Bus
PWM Pulse Width Modulation
Wp Watt Peak
HP Horse Power
LCD Liquid Crystal Display
GlobEff Effective Global, corr. for IAM and shadings
EArrMPP Array Virtual Energy at MPP
E_PmpOp Pump Operating Energy
ETkFull Unused Energy (tank full)
H_Pump Average total Head at Pump
WPumped Water Pumped
W_Used Water drawn by the user
W_Miss Missing Water
IAM Incidence Angle Modifier
STC Slandered Test Condition
USD United State Dollar
SDG Sudanese pound

xi
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
In most of the developing countries, the national economy mainly
depends on the agriculture. But all these countries are not able to make proper
use of agricultural resources due to the high dependency on rain. In the Sudan
the rain farming contributes 80% of whole agriculture area [1].
Nowadays more than 23 million acre compose the rain farming area
implants only in the rain season, and for all the remaining months remain
without plants, so there are need to irrigation systems ensuring a good exploit
this lands for whole year’s seasons. Sudan has solar shining about
, and solar brightness hours about 9-10hours/day, and the
underground water was estimated by 16 billion This resources must be
exploit [1].
The proposed solution is to use underground water which pumping by
solar pumping system. In addition it provides automatic control system
depended on soil moistures sensors to ensuring maximum water usage
efficiency by monitoring the water flow. In this proposed system, smart
indicates that there are no human intervention in irrigation process and all the
operations controlled automatically by using the soil moistures sensor float
switches and control board.
The world today suffers from a severe shortage in the amount of fresh
water suitable for drinking. However, the process of irrigation of agricultural
crops consumes large quantities of this water. Therefore automatic irrigation
using drip irrigation technology helps to reduce the amount used in irrigation,
as it reduces employment, which reduces the cost of the agricultural process
makes it more profitable.

1
 The proposed solution provides a good base for future study for more
improvement such as adding different control system. IOT can be used in the
system for continuous monitoring by the farmer.

1.2 Problem Statement

The developing African countries are totally dependent on agriculture as
the main engine of their economy, but all these countries lack modern
technologies and innovative agricultural methods that can increase their
efficiency and productivity to turn into economically stable countries.
In the State of Sudan, rain-fed agriculture represents 80% of the total
cultivated land, which is equivalent to 23 million acres, and more than 80% of
the total workers in the agricultural sector work in rain-fed agriculture. The
main problem here is that vast lands are used only in the rainy season and
remain unexploited for the rest of the year.
Large percentages of farmers are still below the poverty line, because of
the financial income from the seasonal agricultural process, so the percentage
of the poor and unemployment increased. As a result of poverty and
unemployment, many economic and social problems and security disturbances
resulted in a clear impact on the stability of the country.
Because rain-fed agricultural is only in the rainy season, the farmer
cannot grow much of the crops that can be grown in other seasons of the year,
thereby losing the ability to diversify the cultivated crops and thus not achieve
any good yields.
In the absence of rain, these societies suffer from severe food shortages,
which may result in famines and may cause many diseases. Drought can also
cause large numbers of livestock to die.

1.3 Objectives
The main objectives of this study are to:

2
  Design a solar powered irrigation system for small and medium
areas.
 Make an economic comparison between the irrigation system fed
by diesel, the irrigation system fed by the national grid, and the
irrigation system which be fed through solar energy.
 Design smart irrigation system to automatically irrigate crops
without human intervention, based on the plant needs for water.

1.4 The Scope

The research intends to answer the following questions:
1 - Which is better economically to irrigate small areas in the rural Bara region
of the Kordofan region, is it a diesel system, solar energy, or using the national
electricity grid?
2- How to design a solar powered irrigation system?
3- How to design a smart irrigation system that works automatically to irrigate
crops?
1.5 Research Limits
Most of the agricultural lands in Sudan depend on rain water for the
irrigation process, except for the adjacent areas to the Nile, as they depend on
surface irrigation from the Nile and small rivers. In areas far from the Nile and
water valleys, and for agriculture outside of the rainy season, we will need to
use groundwater.
In this project, the Umm Jnah village in the countryside of Bara 350
west of Khartoum was chosen as a case for study, where the predominant
activity in this area and its similarities is rain-fed agriculture with the presence
of small projects using groundwater by submersible pumps.
An area of one acre of land was chosen equal to 4200 of agricultural
land as an area that is supposed to be cultivated and based on it, the irrigation
system is calculated and designed, knowing that the tomato crop has been
identified as a crop to be cultivated in this area.
3
1.6 Methodology
The methodology followed in this project includes:
1- Collecting geographical and environmental data about the case study
area.
2- Using calculations and equations to design solar pumping system.
3- Using PVsyst to design the solar pumping system.
4- Using mathematical calculations and statistical methods to make an
economic comparison between the three systems, solar energy versus
diesel, and solar energy versus national grid.
5- Using Proteus software to simulate the smart irrigation system.

1.7 Project Layout

The project consists of five chapters: Chapter One presents an
overview, problem statement, objectives, methodology, scope, research
limit and project layout. Chapter Two reviews solar resources in Sudan,
solar pumping techniques, components of solar pumping system. Chapter
Three presents system description, solar system design, solar system
components, economic comparison, smart irrigation system design.
Chapter Four presents Solar system design results, approachment between
calculation method and PVsyst software, economic comparison, Smart
system simulation. Chapter Five presents a conclusions and
recommendations for future works.

4
 CHAPTER TWO

THEORETICAL BACKGROUNG AND

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

Solar Energy is the most important source across the agricultural sector in
developing countries, access to irrigation is important step in improving farmer
livelihoods and productivity as it increases productive yields. Through
providing water for portable use, irrigation, and livestock, solar water pumping
brings obvious benefits, especially to rural areas and remote communities.

2.2 Solar Resources in Sudan

Sudan is blessed with good solar radiation levels varying from a yearly
average of ⁄ (or 5.5 PSH) in the least irradiated regions to
⁄ (or 6.9 PSH) in those regions with best solar irradiance. PSH
indicates the average equivalent hours of full sun energy received per day, this
varies based on the location and the angle of module relative to the sun (Tilt
angle) [2]. Figure 2.1 shows the global horizontal irradiation in Sudan

5
 Figure 2.1 The global horizontal irradiation in Sudan

2.3 Solar Pumping Techniques

When the solar energy drops sun rays on the PV panels then the solar
panel converts the rays into electrical energy with the help of Si wafers fixed
within the PV panels. Then the solar energy supplies to the electrical motor to
operate the pumping system using cables. By the revolution of the shaft which

6
is fixed to the pump, then the pump begins to pick up the soil water and
supplies to the fields.

2.4 Components of Solar Pumping System

A solar pumping system mainly consists of a solar PV array, a pump, a

voltage controller (inverter or converter) and a water storage tank. For
pumping purposes, the water source can be a well, a pond, a stream or a river
[3]. Figure 2.2 illustrates the main components of solar pumping system.

Figure 2.2. The main components of solar pumping system

2.4.1 Solar PV Module

Solar PV is short for solar photovoltaic and is the same as solar cells.
When solar cells are coupled together, they are called solar panels. Groups of
solar panels coupled together are called arrays. Figure 2.3 shows PV cell,
module and array. When the sun is shining on a solar electric device, the solar
energy received is converted to electric energy in the form of DC electricity.
The most common cell materials are poly crystalline and mono crystalline
silicon. Poly crystalline is a module where the cells are made of many crystals
and mono crystalline modules are made of single crystals [4]. According to

7
[5], these operating principles of solar modules are important when sizing PV
system.

Figure 2.3 PV cell, module and array

2.4.1.1 Solar insolation

When talking about solar irradiance, one factor mentioned is the solar
constant, which is a measure of solar irradiance per unit area. The constant
measured above earth’s atmosphere is approximately 1,350 ⁄ . Though,
due to the absorption and reflection that occurs when the sun’s rays travel
through the atmosphere, the maximum power that can reach a solar PV device
is 1,000 ⁄ . This is called the peak sun condition and occurs only when it
is clear weather and full sun. When it is cloudy the power can drop down to a
tenth of peak sun. Furthermore, humidity, atmospheric clarity and the position
of the solar device on earth (latitude) are other factors that can affect the
irradiance [5].

8
 The solar energy received on a specific site over a set time period is
called insolation. Insolation is measured in ⁄ , which describes
the quantity of incoming solar energy on a square meter in a day. In the
calculations, peak sun hours, are used. This is how many hours
1,000 ⁄ hits the ground, thus the maximum power that can reach a solar
PV device. In fact, the insolation will not reach full power all sun hours. Some
hours the solar insolation will be less than 1,000 ⁄ [5].

2.4.1.2 Angle of module

When placing a solar module, the angle towards the sun affects the
electricity outcome. Solar PV receives maximum power when the angle
towards the sun is 90°. Therefore, this is the optimal position of the solar
panels. Depending on the location on earth, the seasonally and the hourly
variation of the insolation angle will affect the optimal position of the solar
panels. However, this variation is smaller on locations close to the equator [4].
Solar panels installed south of the equator will be placed against north and the
other way for solar panels installed on the north side of the equator. A general
rule that can be used to know in what angle the module shall be placed in, is
the site’s latitude + 10° [5].

2.4.1.3 Current and voltage characteristics

Current-voltage characteristics are important for the performance of the

solar modules. When the voltage is measured in an open circuit, the maximum
operating voltage Voc is showing. Further, in short-circuit condition, the
voltage is zero and the operating current I, is at its maximum, Isc. To show
how these parameters vary due to various temperatures and levels of
insolation, an IV-curve is commonly used. At a specific combination of
voltage and current the maximum power is generated. This voltage is defined
as Vmp and the current as Imp. Multiplication of the voltage, Vmp, and the
current, Imp, is denominated as Pm, the maximum power point as shown in
9
Figure 2.4. This value shows the greatest power a certain system can produce
[4].

Figure 2.4 V-I curve of a solar panel

2.4.2 Solar pumps

When choosing pump, water requirements, total head and water quality
must be measured. An optimal pump is one that can meet the daily water flow
and the height to lift the water. Pumps can be driven both by DC and AC
motors. DC pumps are difficult to maintain in remote areas as it needs
specialized service centers, also its price is higher than AC pumps [2]. There
are two main categories of pumps, positive displacement pumps and
centrifugal pumps. Both can be either DC or AC driven and function for water
pumping purposes. Further, both types exist as surface or submersible pumps
[6].

A submersible pump is a pump placed under the surface of the liquid to be

pumped. Therefore, the pump is designed to resist water and is customized for
under-water conditions. It operates by pushing the water, rather than pulling,
which allows a greater head. Submersible pumps can be used in both wells and
free streams, which enable a wide variety of applications, both commercial and
industrial [3].

11
 A surface pump is, unlike a submersible pump, placed over the surface of
the liquid to be pumped. It can pump water from both wells and free streams.
It operates by pulling the liquid into the pump and afterwards pushing the
water to the output. The shell of a surface pumps is water sensitive and it needs
to be protected from rain [3].

When choosing pump for a system a pump curve is often used. A pump
curve is a x-y graph where the performance characteristics of the pump is
shown. Pump curves can be presented in different ways. In one type on pump
curve, the y-axis shows the total dynamic head, which is the vertical head
added with pressure losses and the x-axis represents the flow rate .
Several lines then graphically show the pump power. A pump curve of a
specific pump is used to see if it suits the requirements. It also shows the
required power needed for the pump to operate. This is for the worst-case
scenario, on the highest possible head for the pump [7].

2.4.3 Controller

To match the voltage demand from the pump, a controller is used to

protect the system from overloading and to improve the system performance.
There are different types of controllers depending on if the system includes an
AC or DC-driven pump. For a DC system, a DC-DC converter is used and for
an AC system a DC-AC inverter is used. The controller sends a signal to the
converter/inverter which adjusts to the correct voltage [8].

2.4.4 Water storage tank

Solar energy is only available during the day, and can sometimes be
absent during heavy winter days, which would require storage for some
applications. In principle, batteries could be used storage method for
electricity, but it is a major burden due to its high cost and maintenance and
replacement requirements. For this reason, a lot of solar pumping applications

11
favor the use of water storage instead, here water is pumped whenever
sufficient solar power is available and stored in an elevated tank, form which
water can be withdrawn whenever required[9].

Water storage is very practical when the system is properly sized. During
sunny days, the system provides enough water more than the daily
requirements, since pumping is free, this water can be stored in water tanks
that should be sized to ensure sufficient storage volume depending on climatic
conditions and water consumption patterns. Figure 2.5 shows a water storage
tank.

Figure 2.5 Water storage tank

12
 CHAPTER THREE
METHOD AND SYSTEM COMPONENTS
3.1 System Description
This system provides a solution for unexploited resources in agricultural
sector, this project uses the sun radiation and underground water to achieve a
good using for this resource. The proposed solution is using the underground
water by electrical power pump powered with solar energy. In addition it
provides full automatic system depended on soil moisture sensor to ensuring
maximum water usage efficiency by managing water flow.
The system is operates in this following procedure:
The PV panel cell Receives the solar radiation and convert it in to
electrical power energy goes directly to convertor to ensuring steady output
used to operate the AC pump. The AC pump takes water outside the well, the
water goes into storage tank, in this tank there are limit sensors that controls
the tank feeding process. The irrigation system was controlled by using soil
moisture sensors positioned in the planted land. The soil moisture sensor
senses the soil moisture and sends a signal to Arduino Uno to open or close the
valve.
This system helps to optimize the use of groundwater reserves and to use
clean energy to extract water for irrigation purposes. The use of smart
irrigation system helps to achieve rational use of water, increase the
productivity of crops and reduce the cost of labor. Figure 3.1 illustrate the
smart irrigation system powered by solar energy.

13
 Figure 3.1 Smart irrigation system powered by solar energy

3.2 Solar System Design

To design a solar energy system that performs the purposes of irrigation of

agricultural projects, must first be familiar with all the details related to the
well, such as the depth in which the water is located, and the geographical and
environmental conditions of the well area, and before designing the system it
is necessary to determine whether the system is off grid or on grid and whether
it is The system will operate with batteries or without batteries, and determine
the type of pump is it AC or DC and whether to use a DC to AC inverter or
using a DC to DC converter. Proper selection from all these considerations
will lead to building and designing an appropriate system that provides the
energy needed to operate the system at an appropriate economic cost.

14
3.2.1 Design of solar system using calculation method

To find the size and specifications of the system such as determining the
size of the pump, the appropriate size of the inverter, determining the size of
the solar panel array and how to connect them with each other. The steps that
need to be followed in the manual sizing process of a new water pumping
system powered by solar are presented in the Table 3.1

Table 3.1 Sizing solar system parameters

Assessment Variables Output

-Water Source water depth- -Pump size
water level- -Capacity of water
Delivery capacity- available
Water demand Consumption profile Storage size
Storage capacity
Total head Static head Pump size
Dynamic head
Solar resources Solar radiation PV size
Sun peak hour
Flow rate Pump size
Sizing Input

Pump Flow rate

Total head
Solar array Pump size

15
3.2.1.1 Water resource

The distance between the well hole and the water depth is about 44 meter,
while the pump is lowered to depth of 50 meter.

3.2.1.2 Water demand

Its amount of water required to be provided daily by the system, in this

project a water tank with a volume of must be filled and it represents the
daily water demand for irrigation of crops.

3.2.1.3 Total dynamic head

The total dynamic head is the distance between the storage delivery points
to the submerged depth of the pump in addition head losses through the piping
system.in this project the TDH equal to 62 m.

3.2.1.4 Peak sun hour

Indicates the average equivalent hours of full sun energy received per day,
the well is located in an excellent location, as the number of beak sun hour per
day is 6.3 hour/day.
Required Flow rate:
The flow rate is the result of the demand in cubic meter divided by the
peak sun hours in hour
Flow rate = Demand ÷ PSH (3.1)
= ⁄ = 7.936 ⁄
3.2.1.5 Pump size
The pump power required can be calculated as usual by using the pump
sizing chart provided by the pump manufacturer and requiring two variables
only that are the total dynamic head and the flow rate, pump sizing chart are
shown in Figure 3.2.

16
 Figure 3.2 Pump sizing chart

3.2.1.6 Inverter size

The inverter performs the function of converting DC voltage into a three

phase AC voltage to operate the pump, the size of inverter is chosen based on
size of the pump and value of DC input voltage

3.2.1.7 Solar array size

After determining the size of pump and the inverter size, the size of solar
array will be determined based on the following equation:

The hydraulic energy required (kWh/day)

= volume required (m³/day) x head (m) x water density x gravity / ( )

… (3.2)

17
= 0.002725 x volume (m³/day) x head (m)

(3.3)

(3.4)

Power of array is at least 1.3 times of the pump power required

(3.5)

3.2.2 Design of solar system using PVsyst software

One of the oldest photovoltaic software, developed by the University of

Geneva. PVsyst is designed to be used by architects, engineer and researchers
and it is also a very useful pedagogical tool. In this project, the software was
used to design a solar energy system for irrigation purposes by finding the
appropriate capacity to operate the pump and the energy needed to be saved
from solar energy panels and compare it with the results obtained through
mathematical equations and calculations, and the software was also used to
assist in choosing the appropriate pump, inverter and panels for the system.
The main design and simulation input parameters are listed in the Table 3.2

18
Table 3.2 PVsyst input parameters

Parameter Simulation input value

Water required per day ⁄
Total dynamic head 62m
Water storage tank volume 50.00
Pump depth 50m
Borehole diameter 30 cm
Array tilt angle
Power conditioning MPPT – AC Inverter
Solar panels type Model:SPR-E19-310-COM,si-poly-
Manuf.sunPower.310w

3.3 Solar System Components

3.3.1 PV panel

There are different solar panels made with different materials Silicon
mono and poly-crystalline are most popular and used one. The Mono
crystalline solar PV panel is more efficient than polycrystalline panel. In this
project, 10 solar modules mono-crystalline were used, manufactured by
SunPower with high efficiency rate of 19.3%, in addiction because it has long
life time of 25 years. The capacity of one module is 310W. Two rows of
modules are connected in parallel, each row contains 5 modules connected in
series, all of solar array produce 3100W sufficient to operate the system.
Figure 3.3 shows the PV panel used in this project.

19
 Figure 3.3 PV panel

3.3.2 AC pump

There are two types of pumps, a surface pump and a submersible pump
that depend on the depth of the water level. The pump that was selected to
work on this project is Submersible QF 12A-15 2.2 kW manufactured by
Shakti. The pump pumps water from the well to the tank, then irrigates the
plants .Figure 3.4 shows submersible pump.

Figure 3.4 Submersible pump.

21
3.3.3 Inverter

Inverter ACS355 Tri 3.0 kW 440VAC manufactured by ABB is used to

convert DC voltage into 3 phase 440V. The Inverter supplies the pump with an
AC voltage of 440V. The following Figure 3.4 shows the inverter that was
used in this project.

Figure 3.5 Inverter

3.3.4 Storage tank

It is a large container for storing water and comes in different sizes, and it
is placed in different heights according to the level of pressure to be obtained,
in this project the size of the water tank was determined based on the
maximum amount of water required for irrigation per day, the storage tank
positioned at height of 8 meters with top feeding system and it was designed to
store 50 cubic meters of water.

3.4 Economic Comparison

An economic comparison is made between the cost of using the solar

energy system compared to the cost of using a diesel generator system, and the
cost of using the solar energy system compared to the cost of using the
national grid, in order to obtain the amount of water needed for irrigation in
the area under study. The comparison process aims to identify and choose the
21
most appropriate system for operating the irrigation system in the area under
study, according to the nature and geography of the area.

3.4.1 Comparison considerations

1- All prices for components are fixed and unchanged.

2- All systems are the same in size, type of pump and amount of water
required.

3- The components that are used in the three systems are not counted, such as
tanks pipes, and operating switches.

4- The period of time in which the comparison is made is 10 years.

5- Fuel and electricity bill from the national grid are fixed throughout the
comparison period.

3.4.2 Methodology used for comparison

To make a comparison between the cost of the solar energy system and
the generator system, and compare the solar energy system with the system
that operates on the public electricity network, based on the size of the pump
and the amount of water required, the number of kWh required to be provided
by each of the three systems during 10 years each year separately was
determined and Then, the details of the construction cost of each of the three
systems were obtained by private companies and government institutions, then
the operational cost of each system was calculated, and using forecasting
technique, the cost of each of the three systems was calculated for 10 years
each year separately. Then by dividing the cost by the number of the kWh
produced in each year we will get the cost of one kWh in each year of the
comparison period.

22
3.5 Smart Irrigation System Design

The smart irrigation system aims to convert the irrigation crops into
automatic techniques in which the irrigation is controlled by controller and
based on the reading of soil moisture sensor and the water level sensor
positioned in the tank, the water valve will be opened and closed.

3.5.1 Smart irrigation system components

The following component will be required for project`s objectives to be

successfully accomplished

• soil moisture
• Arduino Uno
• Relay
• Float switches
• Solenoid Valve

3.5.1.1 Arduino uno

Arduino Uno has been selected as controller in this project due to its low cost,
compact size, compatibility, easy interfacing over several other type of
controller such. Arduino Uno is microcontroller board based on ATmega
328P microcontroller. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be
used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz ceramic resonator
(CSTCE16M0V53-R0), a USB connection, a power jack, an ICSP header and
a reset button as shown in Figure 3.6.

23
 Figure 3.6 Aduino Uno

The Arduino gets parameters from the soil moisture sensor in order to trigger
the valve. The Arduino also gets parameter from float switches which are
inserted into the tank.

3.5.1.2 Soil moisture sensor

Soil moisture sensor as shown in Figure is used in this project to measure

soil moisture, the soil moisture sensor is buried in the ground at required
depth. The working of the soil moisture is pretty straightforward, the fork
shaped probe with two exposed conductors, acts as a variable resistor just like
potentiometer whose resistance varies according to the water content in the
soil. This resistance is inversely proportional to the soil moisture, the more
water in the soil means better conductivity and will results in a lower
resistance. The less water in the soil means poor conductivity and will results
in a higher resistance. The sensor produces an output voltage according to the
resistance, which can determine the moisture level. Figure 3.7 illustrate the soil
moisture sensor.

24
 Figure 3.7 Soil moisture sensor

3.5.1.3 Relay

In this project, two Relays are used. The first one is used to open or close
the pump circuit, and the other to operate or stop the solenoid valve. Relay
Gn325DlZ 4-32 VDC is used in this project, the relay receive the control
signal from the Arduino through transistor pin. Figure 3.8 shows Relay
Gn325DlZ 4-32 VDC.

Figure 3.8 Gn325DLZ 4-32 Relay

25
3.5.2 System flow chart

SYSTEM

ON

NO IS SOIL YES
DRY?

SWITCH OFF
YES I is TANK NO
Valve
EMPTY?

NO S TANK YES
I WITCH ON
S S WITCH ON
EMPTY? PUMP
Valve

NO I S TANK YES S WITCH OFF

FULL?
PUMP

KEEP
PUMP ON

Figure 3.9 System flow chart

26
3.5.3 How the system works

When the soil moisture sensor is injected into the ground, the control
system has to be initiated so as to act on the irrigation system. The Arduino
reads the sensor output through the analog input pin A0 using analog read
function which convert the voltage (in the range 0 to 5 V ) at the A0 pin into a
number (in range of 0 to 1023 ). In this way the voltage at A0 is compared to a
fixed number ( threshold ) for identifying the current status of the soil .When
the soil is dry, the system turns ON the irrigation system (open valve ). When
the soil is now wet enough, the system turns OFF the irrigation system (close
valve). The irrigation system is only turned on provided the tank providing the
irrigation water is not empty. When the tank is empty, the system turns ON the
pump to fill up the tank. Once the tank is filled up the pump is turns OFF. Two
float switches were inserted into the tank. One at the half level, and a second
one to represent the full level. The statuses of the float switches are compared
to identify the current water level and according to these both sensor statuses
the controller will switch the pump to ON or OFF condition.

27
3.5.4 Proteus software

Proteus is a virtual system modeling and circuit simulation application.

Proteus was used to come up with the circuit diagram and simulation. Due to
the difficulty or inability to represent some devices in the software design, it
has been improvised. Water tank levels had to be improvised using switches.
Soil moisture sensor had to be improvised by using variable resistance.
Solenoid valve had to be improvised by using lamp and the solar array with
MPPT converter by using DC supply.

The software parameters are:

 Arduino Uno
 Transistor
 Potentiometer
 Lamp
 LCD display
 Resistances
 Motor
 Switches
 Wires
 Power supply
 Relays

28
 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction

In this project, PVsyst software has been used to simulate the solar photo-
voltaic water pumping system. The simulation are performed based on the
maximum possible annul water demand. The pump and solar panels are
selected from the PVsyst software database to meet the maximum possible
annual demand.

Proteus software has been used to design smart irrigation system which
automatically irrigates crops without human intervention, based on the plant’s
need for water.

4.2 Solar System Design Results

The solar system was designed in two ways, which are the method of
equations and mathematical calculations and the second method using PVsyst
software.

4.2.1 Design of solar system using calculation method

PSH=6.3 h/day.

Demand= 50 m³/day.

TDH=62m.

Flow rate = Demand ÷ PSH (4.1)

= ⁄ = 7.936 ⁄

The hydraulic energy required (kwh/day)

29
= volume required (m³/day) x TDH (m) x water density x gravity / ( )
… (4.2)

= 0.002725 x volume (m³/day) x head (m)

(4.3)

(4.4)

Power of array is at least 1.3 times of the pump power required

4.2.2 Design of solar system using PVsyst software

PVsyst helps to get more accurate results because it takes a lot of

considerations and gives detailed results regarding system performance and
efficiency.

4.2.2.1 PVsyst main results

The inputs of this software are monthly average solar irradiation, average
daily water demand, well depth characteristics, selection of PV modules and
pump. The main simulation results are shown in Table 4.1.

31
Table 4.1 PVsyst Main results

Parameters Simulation results

PV size 310 Wp, 5 modules in series and 2
strings in parallel
Total area 16.3 m²
Pump power 3HP, 2.2 kW
Pump type Submersible QF12A-15,
manufactured by Shakti
Energy at pump 4942 kWh
Pump efficiency 60%
Water needs 18250 m³
Water pumped annually 17303 m³
Missing water 5.2%
Unused PV energy (Tank full) 411 kWh
System efficiency 81.0%

4.2.2.2 Energy balance (per installed kWp)

Figure 4.1 shows the energy balance of the proposed solar Photo-voltaic
water pumping system, as can be observed from the figure, the unused energy,
system and collection losses are low. This is because, the system is designed
based on the maximum possible water production volume within the year.

(Nominal power 3100 WP).

31
 Figure 4.1 Energy balance of the PV water pumping system

4.2.2.3 Performance ratio

The performance ratio of the designed system is shown in Figure 4.2

Figure 4.2 Performance ratio

32
4.2.2.4 Balances and main results:

The main results of the designed system are detailed in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Balances and main results

GlobEff EArrMPP E_PmpOp ETkFull H_Pump WPumped W_Used W_Miss

kWh/m² kWh kWh kWh meterW m³ m³ m³

January 219.3 570.1 433.2 78.03 56.89 1560 1550 0.0

February 205.7 525.5 388.2 79.74 56.88 1400 1400 0.0

March 224.0 564.8 431.3 62.46 56.79 1550 1550 0.0

April 209.5 522.7 427.9 12.17 56.65 1499 1500 0.0

May 193.4 484.8 414.1 0.09 56.54 1400 1426 124.4

June 176.7 447.5 393.1 0.00 56.53 1321 1329 171.5

July 173.3 444.5 396.1 0.00 56.53 1328 1311 238.6

August 176.0 452.9 406.3 0.00 56.58 1383 1401 149.0

September 190.6 480.2 393.1 19.79 56.65 1373 1370 129.9

October 198.3 496.8 410.8 7.66 56.63 1431 1434 115.5

November 215.0 545.2 417.9 67.63 56.84 1506 1472 28.0

December 218.1 563.4 430.2 83.44 56.88 1550 1550 0.0

Year 2399.9 6098.4 4941.9 411.01 56.69 17303 17293 956.9

33
4.2.2.5 Loss diagram:

Loss diagram over the whole year is shown in Figure 4.3.

2339 kWh/m² Horizontal global irradiation

+3.7% Global incident in coll. plane

-1.04% IAM factor on global

2400 kWh/m² * 16 m² coll.
Effective irradiation on collectors
efficiency at STC = 19.03%
PV conversion
7447 kWh
Array nominal energy (at STC effic.)
-0.89% PV loss due to irradiance level

-14.49% PV loss due to temperature

-1.00%
-1.10% Module quality loss
-1.32% Mismatch loss, modules and strings
6098 kWh Ohmic wiring loss
Array virtual energy at MPP
-0.56%
-0.02%
Converter Loss during operation (efficiency)
0.00%
Converter Loss due to power threshold
-9.41% Converter Loss over nominal conv. voltage
-2.54% Converter Loss due to voltage threshold
5353 kWh
En. under pump producing threshold
0.00% Electrical losses (converter, thresholds, overload)
-7.68%
Energy under draw-down limit
4942 kWh
2682 kWh Pump efficiency = 54.3% Unused energy (tank full)
17303m³ aver. Head = 56.7 meterW

Operating electrical energy at pump

0.00% Hydraulic Energy
-1.22% Water Pumped

Well: Draw-down head loss

Friction head loss

Missing: 957 m³ 17293 m³ User's water needs

Figure 4.3 Loss diagram over the whole year

From the Figure 4.3 the amount of water missing and energy losses are low
(the system is designed based on the maximum possible water production
volume within the year).

34
4.3 Approachment between Calculation Method and PVsyst
Software

Calculation method vs PVsyst software

results

calculation PVsyst

4942
4646

2960 3100

Solar size in W Energy at pump kwh

Figure 4.4 Calculation method VS PVsyst software results

It is noticed that there is slight discrepancy between the mathematical results

and the results of PVsyst software, because PVsyst software takes many
considerations, so its results are more accurate.

4.4 Economic Comparison

The cost of establishing and operating a solar energy system has been
studied and compared with cost of system, which is powered by diesel
generator. Also, the cost of establishing and operating a solar energy system
has been compared with cost of energized from national electricity grid. The
comparison was made over a period of 10 years.

The economic study of the system has two main aspects:

-The construction cost

-Operational cost
35
4.4.1 Cost of solar energy system

The economic study for establishing a solar energy system is as follows:

4.4.1.1 Construction (initial) cost

The cost of construction a solar energy system shown in Table 4.3.

Table 4.3 Solar energy initial cost

Description Quantity Unit price $ Total

Solar power plant 10 150 1500
310 w
Pump converter 1 390 390
Water submersibl 1 270 270
pump 3HP
Solar panel 1 280 280
support structure
Cables 1 130 130
Electrical Box 1 150 150
Civil work + 1 60 60
Accessories
Installation 1 150 150
Total 2930 $

4.4.1.2 Operating cost

No operating cost, but it needs regular cleaning at a cost of 100$ per year
(1000$ per 10 years).

4.4.1.3 Solar system cost per year

(For a period of 10 years)

36
System cost/year=initial cost/10 + operating cost

Average System cost/year =2930/10 + 100 = 393$

4.4.2 Cost for energized from the national grid

The economic study for connecting to the electricity network is as follows:

4.4.2.1 Initial cost

The initial cost of connecting to the electricity network shown in Table

4.4.

Table 4.4 National grid initial cost

Transformer conduit 127 $

Fuses 110 $
Fuse holder 12.7 $
30m Copper wire 70mm 177.9 $
(700sdg/m)
3 Shoes 3.8 $
(150 SDG/shoes)
12 Shoes 70mm 8.1 $
(80 SDG/shoes )
Ground nail 10.1 $
Material cost 210643.3 $
Checking cost 4212.8 $
Labor cost 52660.8 $
Total 267967.07 $

*1 USD = 118 SDG

Cost/year = 26796.7$

37
4.4.2.2 Operating cost over 10 years

*Supervising the construction process has a cost of 12638.59$ to be paid if

contracting with a private company.

OP cost= supervising +the cost of electric meter bill

Cost of electric meter bill per year = energy consumed per year * kWh cost

The cost of 1 kWh = 1SDG

(1SDG/kWh=0.00847$/kWh)

 For load of 3HP pump (2.23kW) operating for 6 hours per day and 365
day per year
 Cost of electric meter bill per year= 2.23*6*365*0.00847=41.38$

Cost of electric meter bill per 10 years=413.8$

OP cost =12638.59+413.8=13052.39$

OP cost per year = 13052.39/10=1305.239$

4.4.2.3 System cost per year

Average System cost per year=initial cost/10year +op cost per year

Average System cost per year =2679.67+1305.239=28101.939$

38
4.4.3 Diesel generator

The economic study for establishing a diesel generator system is as follows:

4.4.3.1 Initial cost

The cost of construction a diesel generator system is 1800$

4.4.3.2 Operating cost over 10 years

Operating requirement over 10 year

Fuel 7095.6$
Oil 2100$
Labor 6000$
Major service 1000$

*In the first year the machine consumes one liter of fuel per hour, and in every
next year this amount increases by 0.1 liter due to machine wear.

The machine operate 6 hour/day and 365 day/year

amount of fuel required each year =6h*365day*fuel consumed/day

*Fuel cost/liter = 0.2$/liter

Fuel cost/year= amount of fuel required each year*fuel liter cost

OP cost per year = (2100+6000+1000)/10+fuel cost per year

39
OP cost per year=910+fuel cost/year

4.4.3.3 System cost per year

Diesel generator system cost per year is shown it Table 4.5

System cost per year=initial cost/10year + op cost/year

=1800/10 + op cost =180 + op cost

Table 4.5 Diesel generator system cost per year

Year Liter Fuel Fuel cost Operation System Cumulative

consumed require (0.2$/liter) cost cost cost
1 1 2190 438 $ 1348 $ 1528 $ 3148 $
2 1.1 2409 481.8 $ 1391.8 $ 1571.8$ 4539.8 $
3 1.2 2628 525.6 $ 1435.6 $ 1615.6$ 5975.4 $
4 1.3 2847 569.4 $ 1479.4 $ 1659.4$ 7455.3 $
5 1.4 3066 613.2 $ 1523.2 $ 1703.2$ 8978.5 $
6 1.5 3285 657 $ 1567 $ 1747$ 10545.5 $
7 1.6 3504 700.8 $ 1610.8 $ 1790.8$ 12156.3 $
8 1.7 3723 744.6 $ 1654.6 $ 1834.6$ 13810.9 $
9 1.8 3942 788.4 $ 1698.4 $ 1878.4$ 15509.3 $
10 1.9 4161 832.2 $ 1742.2 $ 1922.2$ 17251.5 $

4.4.4 KWH cost per year

*For 3 HP pump

*When using solar system, the maximum energy that can be produced in the
first year = 3.1 x 6 x 365= 6789 kwh

*The system efficiency decrees by 1% every year

41
*When using diesel generator, the rating of the generator used = 5.5 kw, then
the maximum energy that can be produced in the first year= 5.5 x 6 x
365=12045 kwh

*The system efficiency decrees by 5% every year

*When using national grid the demand is 4883.7kWh

4.4.4.1 Solar energy system

The kWh cost per year is shown in Table 4.6

Table 4.6 KWH cost of solar energy system per year

Year Solar Cost/year KWH cost

KWH /year
1 6789 393 $ 0.0578 $
2 672.11 393 $ 0.0584 $
3 6653.22 393 $ 0.0590 $
4 6585.33 393 $ 0.0596 $
5 6517.44 393 $ 0.0602 $
6 6449.55 393 $ 0.0609 $
7 6381.66 393 $ 0.0615 $
8 6313.77 393 $ 0.0622 $
9 6245.88 393 $ 0.0629 $
10 6177.99 393 $ 0.0636 $

41
4.4.4.2 Diesel generator

The kWh cost per year is shown in Table 4.7

Table 4.7 KWH cost of diesel generator system

Year Diesel Cost/year KWH cost

KWH/year
1 12045 1528 $ 0.126 $
2 11442.75 1571.8 $ 0.137 $
3 10840.5 1615.6 $ 0.149 $
4 10238.25 1659.4 $ 0.162 $
5 9636 1703.2 $ 0.176 $
6 9033.75 1747 $ 0.193 $
7 8431.5 1790.8 $ 0.212 $
8 7829.25 1834.6 $ 0.234 $
9 7227 1878.4 $ 0.259 $
10 6624.75 1922.2 $ 0.290 $

4.4.4.3 National grid

The kWh cost per year is shown in Table 4.8

Table 4.8 KWH cost of national grid system

Year Grid Cost/year KWH cost

KWH/year
1 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
2 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
3 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
4 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
5 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
42
6 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
7 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
8 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
9 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $
10 4883.7 28101.9 $ 5.754 $

4.5 Economic Comparison between Solar System and

Diesel System

When comparing the solar energy system with the diesel system, the
construction cost of the solar energy system is greater, but with the passage of
years the cumulative cost of the diesel system will become higher due to the
increase in the operational cost of the diesel system as shown in Figure 4.4.

solar system vs diesel system

20000

18000

16000

14000
system cost

12000

10000

8000

6000

4000

2000

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

year
solar sys diesel sys

Figure 4.5 Economic comparison between solar and diesel system

43
4.6 Economic Comparison between Solar System and
Grid System

When comparing the solar energy system with a system fed from electric
grid it was found that the cost of solar energy system is much better. The
Figure 4.5 shows the economic comparison between the two systems where
the logarithmic method was used to approximate the results.

Solar cost/year vs grid cost/year

5

4.5

3.5
cost/year

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

year
solar cost/yera Grid cost/year

Figure 4.6 Economic comparison between solar and grid system

4.7 Smart System Design

The system simulation starts by screen definition, which carried out by

sending the message “ AUTO IRRIGATION SYS”, from the Arduino to the
LCD screen as shown in Figure 4.7. The programming is designed using
Arduino C language and proteus simulation.

44
 The system performed as expected. When the system startup, Arduino was
started to receive the field status signals from the sensors. The soil moisture
sensor manager to report when the soil was dry and when it was wet. The
water tank float switches also managed to indicate status of the water levels.
From low, good and full.

Figure 4.7 System starting up

When tank was empty, and soil was dry as shown in Figure 4.8, the
system turned water pump on. When the middle tank’s float switch was
switched on, the solenoid valve was opened to irrigate the filed, as shown in
Figure 4.9.

Finally when the full tank’s float switch was switched on, the system
turned water pump off as shown in Figure 4.10. Once the soil reached the wet
point, system was turned the solenoid valve off, as can be shown in Figure
4.11.

45
Figure 4.8 Pumping starting up

Figure 4.9 Irrigation starting up

46
Figure 4.10 Pumping shutdown

Figure 4.11 Irrigation shutdown

47
 CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSTION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

The project mainly aims to design a smart irrigation system powered by

solar energy, in addition to make an economic comparison between the solar
energy system with diesel generators, and then with the national grid
electricity to determine the ideal system for operating the pump and providing
the amount of water needed for the irrigation process.

The irrigation system using solar energy has been designed in two ways,
the first is the manual calculation method and the second is using PVsyst
software. The system is designed to drive a 2.2kW pump and 3.1kW solar
array to make the system run at an efficiency of 81%. As for the comparison
process, the construction and operational costs of each system were calculated
separately, and then the economic comparison between the costs of three
systems was made. After making the calculations and comparison, it was
found that the cost per unit kWh produced from the solar energy system starts
from 0.076 $ for the first year, which is less expensive than the cost of the
other two systems.

As a result of the project, a smart irrigation system was designed to

irrigate small and medium farms powered by solar energy in order to achieve
optimum utilization of solar energy and water resources in the area under
study. It has also been proven that the use of solar energy is the most
appropriate option to provide irrigation water in the area under study.

48
5.2 Recommendations

Recommendations and proposed ideas for improve the project:

1- Adding temperature, humidity, amongst other sensors.

2- The system can be further improved by adding IOT system.

3- The system can also be further improved by adding a tracker system.

4-Build an experimental setup of smart agriculture system.

49
 REFERENCES
[1] Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, “Food security indicators in Sudan”,

Accessed 2.Feb.2019 from: https://cutt.ly/Foodsecuritysd. 2017.

[2] Global Solar and Water Initiative, “Solar pumping guidelines for Sudan”,

Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, 2017.

[3] Chandel. S.S, “Review of solar photovoltaic water pumping system

technology for irrigation and community drinking water supplies”,

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, vol.49, p. 1084-1099,

2015.

[4] Salameh. Ziyad, “Renewable energy system design”, ScinceDirect,

Accessed 25.Oct.2020 from: https://doi.org/10.1016/C2009-0-20257-1 ,

2014.

[5] Hankins. Mark, “Stand-alone Solar Electrical Systems”, Earthscan,

London, 2010.

[6] Eker. B, “Solar Powered Water Pumping System”, Trakia Journal of

Sciences, 2005.

[7] Engineering Toolbox, n.d, “System curve and pump performance curve”,

Accessed 13.Mar.2020 from:

http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/pump- system-curves-d_635.html.

[8] Veerachary. M, Senjyu. T, and Uezato, K. “Neural-network-based

maximum-power-point tracking of coupled-inductor interleaved-boost-

51
 converter-supplied PV system using fuzzy controller”, IEEE

Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2003.

[9] Jenkins. Thomas,“Designing Solar Water Pumping Systems for

Livestock”, Engineering New Mexico Resource Network,2014.

[10] Gupta. Anamika, Navani. J.P, “ Smart irrigation system”,

IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2017.

[11] El Zein. Musadag, “ Solar energy potential in the Sudan”, Uppsala

University, 2017.

51
 APPENDIX

Arduino code written in Arduino C language

#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

LiquidCrystal lcd(6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11);

//Defining Pins on arduino

#define pumpPin 12

#define tleveF 5

#define tleveM 4

#define moisture A0

#define valvePin 3

const int thrsh = 800;

int F;

int M;

float moist ;

void setup() {

Serial.begin(9600);

lcd.begin(16, 2);

pinMode(pumpPin, OUTPUT);

pinMode(valvePin, OUTPUT);

pinMode(tleveF, INPUT);

pinMode(tleveM, INPUT);
52
 pinMode(moisture, INPUT);

digitalWrite(pumpPin, LOW);

digitalWrite(valvePin, LOW);

//LCD Startup display

lcd.clear();

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print(" AUTO ");

lcd.setCursor(0, 1);

lcd.print(" IRRIGATION SYS ");

delay(2000);}

void loop() {

lcd.begin(16, 2);

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("MOISTURE-");

moist = analogRead(moisture);

if ( moist < thrsh) {

lcd.print("LOW");

lcd.setCursor(0, 1);

lcd.print("TANK LEVEL-");

F = digitalRead(tleveF);

53
M = digitalRead(tleveM);

if (F == HIGH) {

lcd.print("FULL");

digitalWrite(pumpPin, LOW);

else if (F == LOW && M == LOW) {

digitalWrite(pumpPin, HIGH);

lcd.print("LOW");

else if (F == LOW && M == HIGH) {

lcd.print("GOOD");

delay(3000);

while (moist < thrsh && M == HIGH){

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("MOISTURE-LOW");

digitalWrite(valvePin, HIGH);

F = digitalRead(tleveF);

if (F == HIGH) {

digitalWrite(pumpPin, LOW);

54
}

if (moist > thrsh) {

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("MOISTURE-HIGH");

lcd.setCursor(0, 1);

digitalWrite(valvePin, LOW);

delay(3000);

if (M == LOW) {

lcd.setCursor(0, 0);

lcd.print("TANK LEVEL-LOW");

lcd.setCursor(0, 1);

digitalWrite(pumpPin, HIGH);

delay(3000);

55