Objective
The aims of the project are to define monitoring procedures for stand-alone PhotoVoltaic pump system operation and to set up and operate monitoring systems at sites in West Africa where PV pump systems are installed in the framework of a CEC-DG VIII/CILSS Regional Solar Energy Programme.
Applied monitoring of PV pumps has produced a valuable database of performance data. The project has also been particularly successful in designing monitoring equipment capable of being left unattended for long periods, often in harsh environments. An important finding was that the energy potential to be provided by the pumps was on average 40% higher than was actually necessary. This means that pumps could either be redesigned to match anticipated demand or downgraded into a less expensive design. Alternatively, additional features could be added to the pump to use the excess power, such as lighting or battery charging.
The data collected under real outdoor conditions during a one-year period will be the subject of detailed analysis. In the framework of this RTD work, standards and operative procedures for a specific monitoring approach at remote sites will be developed.
The main results expected from this project are as
1) A reliable and low-cost monitoring system adapted to the specific needs of the Regional Solar Energy Programme in the Sahel Region will be available.
2) A data bank of real site performance data on PV pumping systems will be created.
3) On the basis of the evaluated and assessed data, technical recommendations for designers and manufacturers of PV pumping systems will be derived.
4) A manual will be elaborated which advises on standards and operative procedures of PV pump monitoring.
Fields of science
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
MUENCHEN
Germany