Economic analysis of photovoltaic water pumping irrigation systems

• Irrigation through photovoltaic water pumping (PVWP) system represents one of sustainable and attractivesolutions regarding the problems related to the Chinese grassland desertification. This paper is to investigatethe economics of PVWP systems taking in consideration of the key parameters affecting the sizing, and furtherthe initial capital cost (ICC), the life cycle cost (LCC) and revenues. In particular photovoltaic (PV) modules cost,availability of the well and of the irrigation system, designing water-head, irrigated area and related waterdemand, fuel price and grass production are investigated for the sensitivity analysis. The possibility ofcombining water pumping with electricity production for maximizing benefits is also discussed. Both PVWP anddiesel water pumping (DWP) systems are compared in terms of ICC and LCC. LCC, sensitivity, break-even point(BEP), net present value (NPV) and payback period (PBP) analyses are used to compare and evaluate theeconomic feasibility of the different alternatives investigated. The results show that the availability of the welland the depth of the ground water resources are the most sensitive parameters affecting the initial capitalcosts whereas the grass production and incentives affect mainly the NPV and PBP. The co-benefits for carbonmitigation and carbon credit trading through implementing photovoltaic water pumping system for the Chinesegrassland are also addressed in this paper.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Naturresursteknik -- Energisystem (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Environmental Engineering -- Energy Systems (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Photovoltaic

water pumping

irrigation

economic analysis

CO2 emissions savings.

Energy- and Environmental Engineering

energi- och miljöteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

kon (ämneskategori)