Self Energy Production by a Floating Photovoltaic System Covers for Irrigation Reservoirs

Abstract

This paper studies the technical and economic viability of using photovoltaic energy generated by a photovoltaic floating cover system (CFFV). Therefore, a pumping system of a water supply network will use the renewable energy instead of using the traditional sources of energy. The case study is exemplified into a real situation, the irrigation community named “C.R. Virgen de las Nieves de Aspe” (Alicante). This community has a drip irrigation sector covering an irrigated area of 330 ha which uses a pumping system to achieve the conditions of pressure and flow needed. Firstly, the paper studies the current hydraulic and power situation. Then, the conceptual design of the CFFV is performed assessing the green energy produced. Since the production of renewable energy is greater than the irrigation energy needs, several solutions combining self-consumption and exporting the electricity back to the grid are proposed. Finally, an economic study is performed confirming the viability of the photovoltaic covering. Furthermore, the technical solutions are flexible to the extent that the installation can be performed into gradual steps according to the power needs and the affordable investment.