Optimizing Irrigation with Solar Energy: Implementation of the Photovoltaic Integrated Control System (PICS)

Abstract

In Bangladesh, agricultural yields heavily depend on groundwater and traditional irrigation methods, creating dire water scarcity problems and energy inefficiency. The Photovoltaic Integrated Control System (PICS) has been developed as part of this research work to address this issue. As a sustainable irrigation model, the PICS optimizes resource consumption via renewable energy integration and intelligent automation using a quantitative and qualitative approach. The design of PICS is based on photovoltaic panels, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology, and fuzzy logic controllers, which means adjusting directly to weather conditions, soil moisture, temperature, and reservoir levels. Experimental results presented in the paper show that the PICS system saves up to 28.4 percent of water during operation and 53.56 percent in motor power consumption compared with the existing alternatives. These results underscore the potential for the model to aid in resolving groundwater depletion and enhancing energy efficiency. Additionally, integrating solar energy into the PICS enhances sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By combining renewable energy with automation, PICS offers farmers an innovative and transformative approach to irrigation, enabling more efficient and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Its scalability and adaptability across diverse environments, along with its ability to mitigate climate-related challenges and optimize resource utilization, position it as a highly promising solution for advancing agricultural sustainability on a global scale.