DESIGN, FABRICATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SOLAR-POWEREDRECIPROCATING WATER PUMP FOR IRRIGATION FARMING

This research focuses on the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a solar-powered reciprocating water pump for small-scale irrigation farming. The project was motivated by the challenges of inadequate water supply and the high operational costs associated with conventional diesel and electric pumps in rural agricultural communities of Nigeria. The system integrates solar photovoltaic (PV) energy with a reciprocating pump mechanism to provide an efficient, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable water pumping solution. The design methodology involved the selection of suitable materials, component sizing, and mechanical and hydraulic analyses to determine key parameters such as total head, cylinder and pipe diameters, discharge, and power requirements. A prototype was fabricated using locally sourced materials and tested under varying solar irradiance conditions. Experimental results showed that the pump achieved a maximum discharge rate of 0.000417 m³/s and a hydraulic power output of 12.3 W at peak irradiance (900 W/m²). The pump operated efficiently between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., confirming the suitability of solar energy for irrigation water supply. The study concludes that the developed solar-powered reciprocating water pump offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and renewable energy-based solution for smallholder farmers, reducing dependence on fossil fuels while promoting agricultural productivity and rural development.