ANALYSIS OF A SOLAR WATER PUMPING SYSTEM

Abstract

A solar thermal water pumping system operating using R-113 has been analysed. A flat-plate solar collector generates saturated vapor and the difference between its pressure and the condenser pressure is used to pump water from the well. The pressure difference has a range from about 50 to 200 kPa. This range is a much lower mean effective pressure than can be effectively utilized in a reciprocating engine. For this reason, the bellows are used in motor and water pump and serve as pistons. The effects of different parameters such as delivery head, ambient temperature, collector area, operating temperature, and Freon condensation temperature on the system theoretical performance have been studied. Also, the theoretical study shows that the system overall efficiency including solar collector has a range of about 0.67% to 2.52% are obtained for heads of 4 to 20 m. Finally, an economic comparison with other systems showed that the studied system is more economic than other systems excluding the electric system.