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Alternative energy sources are vitally necessary for areas (primarily rural), where energy sources such as electricity, oil, and gasoline/diesel fuel are expensive and/or difficult to obtain.

TitleSolar-powered water pumping in Asia and the Pacific
Publication TypeMiscellaneous
Year of Publication1991
AuthorsExell, RHB
Paginationv, 55 p.: 14 fig., 8 tab., 5 maps
Date Published1991-01-01
PublisherUnited Nations
Place PublishedNew York, NY, USA
Keywordsasia, cab92/3, costs, design, motorized pumps, oceania, social aspects, solar energy, solar-powered pumps, surveys, use of facilities
Abstract

Alternative energy sources are vitally necessary for areas (primarily rural), where energy sources such as electricity, oil, and gasoline/diesel fuel are expensive and/or difficult to obtain. Solar energy is becoming increasingly less expensive as the level of technology increases, and is one of the alternative energy sources in these areas. This report presents an overview of solar pump technology, economic and environmental aspects, and the advantages and disadvantages. The solar pump is best suited for low power requirements (200 Watts to 5 Kilowatts) or as an assisting energy source for pumps powered by other means. The output a solar pump will vary with the hours of daylight, having a maximum output at noon. Several types and schemes are outlined, including the costs and useful water output for each scheme. Case studies in Thailand and Bihar, India are discussed. Solar pumps are already in use in many developing countries, including Mali, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco and many others. Australia and China also have extensive solar schemes. The Integrated Rural Energy Centre in Sri Lanka combines wind and solar power with biogas generation to produce electricity, to pump irrigation and urban water, to provide energy for household cooking, and to provide fertilizer for agriculture.

Notes15 ref.
Custom 1232.4

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