POTENTIALS OF SMART SOLAR POWERED IRRIGATION SYSTEM UNDER THE WEATHER CONDITIONS OF MAIDUGURI AND ENVIRONS
Manual labour, time and water wastage are problems faced by irrigation farmers, this Paper focuses on creating a sustainable and efficient irrigation solution through the "Design and Development of Smart Solar-Powered Irrigation System. The system incorporates solar panel to harness renewable energy, enabling cost-effective and environmentally friendly irrigation system. A key feature is the implementation of a timer-based control system, allowing autonomous operation without constant human monitoring. This Smart automation not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces water wastage by delivering precise amounts of water at optimal intervals. The successful integration of solar power, automation and water efficiency positions the system as a transformative approach to irrigation recording peak Voltages of 11.0 volts and 11.6 volts at peak periods of 11am to 12:30pm from the Solar Panel while maintaining an average pump flow rate of 3.3m3/sec addressing even and constant water supply problems while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Detailed results and discussions validate the system's reliability and efficiency under different conditions. Overall, this solar-powered irrigation solution emerges as a practical, impactful and forward-thinking approach to address agricultural challenges in the study area and Nigeria by extension. Future enhancements, such as integrating SMS/GSM Technology for remote monitoring, promise to elevate the system's capabilities.
Authors : Maina, M.B., Ibrahim, M. and Musa, H.
Category : Open Access Volume (Issue) : 10(2) Date Uploaded : 29th October 2024