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Talk · International Conference on Nuclear and Renewable Energy Resources · November 2, 2026

Improving the Energy Efficiency of Photovoltaic-Powered Drip Irrigation: Analysis of Pressure Losses

Zhanar Muratovna Yeraliyeva, Murat Kunelbayev, Sholpan Tletay

Murat Kunelbayev
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Abstract

This paper evaluates the energy efficiency of a drip irrigation system powered by a photovoltaic (PV) panel via an MPPT controller and an inverter with hybrid AC grid compatibility. The pumping unit under study is a Pedrollo F 32/200B centrifugal pump with an operating point of Q = 27 m3/h at H = 38.5 m and a rated power of 5.5 kW. It is demonstrated that at Q = 27 m3/h and η ≈ 0.51 within the H = 38.5 m operating mode, the hydraulic power is Ph ≈ 2.83 kW and the input electrical power is Pe ≈ 5.55 kW, resulting in a Specific Energy Consumption SEC ≈ 0.206 kWh}/m3. Scenario analysis shows that reducing the total head to H = 30 m decreases the SEC to ≈0.160 kWh/m3 (a reduction of approximately 22%) and lowers the power consumption to Pe ≈ 4.33 kW. This confirms the critical role of head losses (filters, valves, and piping) in the energy balance. The established correlations can be utilized for selecting energy-efficient operating modes and for the engineering optimization of irrigation networks when implementing renewable energy source (RES) power supply.

Engineering and Agricultural InnovationsPhotovoltaic System Optimization TechniquesIrrigation Practices and Water Managementdrip irrigationphotovoltaic power supplyenergy efficiency

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