Off-grid farm reduces energy costs and increases irrigation abilities with solar pumping technology

Problem

In Piaui, Brazil, Farm Camaratuba is located in a semi-arid region, making production of livestock fodder difficult. Thus, there is a need to transport a large amount of fodder to the farm. A 150KVA diesel generator was used to pump water from a 150ft deep tubular well into an irrigation system feeding 17 hectares of land. There was no control over the amount of water pumped from the well.

Solution

The farm’s owners worked with WM Engenharia on the project. They designed and installed the complete system which consisted of 15 photo-voltaic panels on a six-string system using an Invertek Drives Optidrive P2 Solar VFD which controlled the pump. This fed water into a reservoir and only the required amount of water into the irrigation system.

Farm Camaratuba in Piaui, Brazil, has successfully eliminated the use of an expensive and inefficient diesel generator water pumping system by implementing a solar-powered solution controlled with variable frequency drives (VFD). Situated in a semi-arid region, the farm faced challenges in producing livestock fodder and distributing water for irrigation and livestock needs.

Previously, a 150KVA diesel generator was employed to pump water from a 150ft deep tubular well into a 17-hectare irrigation system. However, the system lacked control over water consumption, resulting in wastage. To address these issues, the farm collaborated with WM Engenharia to design and install a comprehensive solar-powered system.

The system comprises 15 photovoltaic panels connected to an Invertek Drives Optidrive P2 Solar VFD, which effectively controls the pump. Another drive is planned for a future pumping system utilizing a PV system. By implementing this solution, Farm Camaratuba has eliminated the need for the diesel generator, enabling larger areas of land to be irrigated with precise water quantities when required.

Marcus Silva, Head of Sales at Invertek Drives Latin America, explained that the farm previously struggled to produce sufficient fodder without heavy reliance on irrigation or external suppliers. The introduction of the photovoltaic-powered pumping system has allowed the farm to enhance fodder production throughout the year, reducing transportation costs and diesel consumption, as well as minimizing generator emissions.

Moreover, the VFDs offer the advantage of controlling the water flow. Unlike the previous setup that provided a constant flow, the VFDs enable adjustment of the flow and quantity based on specific requirements, thereby preventing water wastage.

The outdated diesel generator has been replaced with a 47.7kW photovoltaic system that powers the existing 35HP submersible pump in the well. Two Optidrive P2 Solar VFDs (380V, 50HP, IP20 enclosure rated) have been installed, with one controlling the system and the other serving as a backup for future expansion. The P2 Solar Pump VFD offers extended DC operative voltage ranges, making it suitable for various applications such as watering, irrigation, agriculture, swimming pools, water treatment, and more, particularly in off-grid or challenging locations.

The Optidrive P2 Solar VFDs are available in IP20, IP55, and IP66/NEMA 4X enclosures, ensuring their adaptability to different environments and conditions. The range covers power ratings from 0.75kW to 250kW (1HP to 350HP) and includes extended DC operative voltage ranges of 345 to 800Vdc (HV) and 185 to 410Vdc (LV), enhancing system operational time and reducing interruptions caused by low array voltages during dawn and dusk.