African Farming Community Installs Solar Pump

A farming community in Africa is now able to irrigate its crops on a reliable year-round basis, thanks to a solar pumping solution from Moyno. The Sun-Sub submersible pump system is located on the banks of the Mereb River in Eritrea, where the community now has improved access to water.

Working with the team at Visual Direct Intl., a provider of energy management products and systems, the pumping system was fitted with a stationary array. This enables it to draw some 100 cu meters of water per day from the 7.3-meter deep well, and pump it over 228 meters to a concrete surface reservoir. This can hold up to a four-day supply, ensuring that the farmers always have water to irrigate their citrus trees. The Sun-Sub can operate at speeds of 1,800 to 2,400 rpm, and is powered by 2,400 W of solar panels.

“Severe shortages of diesel, and very high prices, mean that conventional pumps are often not an option for irrigation water duties in places like Eritrea,” said Moyno’s Maurice Calderon. “However, Moyno has a very successful track record of providing solar pumps for this type of application. We help farmers cut their costs, and make a reliable source of water a practical and affordable option. This helps them increase production and also generate new sources of income by planting new crops that were not previously viable.”

Available with either a stationary or GPS Tracking array and with power options ranging from 150 W to 2,400 W, the submersible pump can produce high flows and discharge pressures. It requires no external diesel or electrical power supply, and can be configured for automatic operation by the use of float switches, a pressure kit or a built-in electronic control. This allows the Sun-Sub to turn on when water is required, and then turn off once any storage vessels are full, thereby conserving water and reducing wear on the pump.

The unit's progressing cavity pump provides maximum water output, even in bores containing silt or iron oxide. It delivers water with every rotation, while its low speed capability extends rotor and stator life in abrasive bores. All Sun-Sub systems are supplied complete with prewired solar modules, array frames, pump element, submersible motor and solar motor controller. 

Source: Moyno