Link to document:
Status
Electronic Resource
Call number
Publication
SAND Report: SAND79-8187, July 1979.
Collection
Language
Library's review
ABSTRACT:
This study reviewed the technology of solar powered water pumping. An overview of the technology and its economics is provided, based on a review and assessment of the open literature. It is shown that pumped water is used most extensively for irrigation, and that new irrigation methods,
This study reviewed the technology of solar powered water pumping. An overview of the technology and its economics is provided, based on a review and assessment of the open literature. It is shown that pumped water is used most extensively for irrigation, and that new irrigation methods,
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such as the center pivot system, have significantly increased the water pumping power demand in recent years. The coincidence of the peak irrigation season and peak seasonal insolation makes solar energy a good candidate to supplement or displace depletable energy sources currently used nor water pumping. Solar powered water pumping demonstration systems with capacities to 50 kWe have been built, utilizing solar thermal, photovoltaic and wind powered energy conversion. The prime movers of these systems either· drive the pumps directly or indirectly through electric power generation. A comparative evaluation of these and other proposed solar concepts was conducted and resulted in the selection of a reference system comprised of a number of individual parabolic dish collectors with integral Brayton cycle engines. This reference system provided a basis for economic comparisons with a typical conventional electric pumping system. It was determined that the cost of power from the reference solar concept will probably not break even with present-day utility powered pumping systems until at least the turn of the century. Show Less