Performances of solar water pumping system using helical pump for a deep well: A case study for Madinah, Saudi Arabia

The photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPS) constitute a potential option to draw down water in the remote desert locations for domestic usage and livestock watering. However, the widespread of this technique requires accurate information and experiences in such system sizing and installation. The aim of this work is to determine an optimum photovoltaic (PV) array configuration, adequate to supply a DC Helical pump with an optimum energy amount, under the outdoor conditions of Madinah site. Four different PV array configurations have been tested (6S × 3P, 6S × 4P, 8S × 3P and 12S × 2P). The tests have been carried for a head of 80 m, under sunny daylight hours, in a real well at a farm in Madinah site. The best results have been obtained for two PV array configurations (6S × 4P) and (8S × 3P) which are suitable to provide the optimum energy. Powered by the selected PV array configurations, the helical pump (SQF2.5-2) delivered a maximum daily average volume of water needed (22 m3/day).

► The best performance of helical pump has been reached for a deep well.
► Very high potential of solar energy at Saudi Arabia.
► Performance of solar water pumping system for a deep well of 120 m.
► We get the best efficiency of helical pump for the head of 80 m.
► The best configuration of PV generator (24 panels) has been obtained.