Design of Solar Steam Irrigation Pump

Abstract? Solar irrigation pump is this type of device which uses solar energy for water pumping. Water pumping is an energy intensive activity and consumes a large amount man power, diesel and electricity. Smallholder farmers in low income countries can benefit from affordable irrigation pump systems as they enable cultivation of high value crops during dry season. Currently the majority of small irrigation pumps are manually operated which is time consuming and requires a high level of physical exertion. There is a potential market for a low cost solar thermal pump that produces a high volume of water as well as reducing the labour burden. This will allow more crops to be grown and free up time for other productive tasks. Compared to the existing manual systems, many hours could be saved each day through reduced labour input.