Hybrid-energy based irrigation system for Africa

Status

GCRF AgriFood Africa Innovation Awards Round 1

Location

Sudan

Theme

Crops

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About the project

UK-registered Partner: Aston University – Dr Muhammad Imran
Africa-registered Partner: Marsa Motors – Mr. Asim Eltayeb Osman

The primary aim of the project was to develop an efficient, cost effective and carbon free hybrid-energy pumping system for irrigation in Africa, considering Sudan as a case study.

During the project, the project partners developed simulation tools and models to assess the solar and wind energy potential, irrigation requirement for different crops, sizing of hybrid energy systems, and economic assessment of the hybrid-energy pumping system.

Results suggest that the Hybrid Energy pumping system is feasible for regions which have wind velocity of more than 10 m/s and annual solar radiation of 1500 kWh/m2. For the northern region of Sudan, which has annual solar radiation of 1800 kWh/m2 or higher, the solar pumping system is more economical than wind-solar hybrid pumping system. Furthermore, the region with wind velocity of lower than 8m/sec deteriorates the economic viability of the wind-solar hybrid pumping system.

The project concluded that the wind-solar hybrid pumping system is feasible for regions with wind velocity of higher than 10 m/sec for cultivated areas of more than 2 hectares. Therefore, for small scale farmers with cultivated land under 2 hectares, the solar pumping system is a cost effective solution for irrigation.

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