FINAL YEAR PROJECT PROPOSAL

FEASIBILITY AND TECHNO-ECONOMICS ANALYSIS OF SOLAR

WATER PUMPING SYSTEM FOR IRRIGATION IN SG, PELEK,
BANTING

SITI HAJAR BINTI ZAKARIA

50213112122

Report submitted to fulfill the Partial Requirements

For the Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechatronics
Universiti Kuala Lumpur
SEPT 2013

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the world is having an energy crisis. There has been a lot alternative energy
being introduced to reduce the cost of life such as solar energy. Solar energy is one of the
renewable energy that has less or no harmful emissions and it is increasingly important to
exploit it in future. Although there are several places that constructed green building use a
solar technology, still Malaysia has yet to accept it wholesale.
This paper takes into account the feasibility studies on photovoltaic solar on water pumping
system on the 5 acre of agricultural area at Sg. Pelek , Banting. As the area are having a
direct water resource from the state water supply, throughout this feasibility conducted for
supply the underground water for watering the plant by designing the photovoltaic solar
system.

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TABLE OF CONTENT
ABSTRACT .......................................................................................................................... ii
TABLE OF CONTENT ..........................................................................................................iii
LIST OF FIGURE ..................................................................................................................iv
LIST OF TABLE.................................................................................................................... v
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1
1.1Overview ............................................................................................................................. 1
1.2Problem Statement ............................................................................................................. 2
1.3Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Scope of project .................................................................................................................. 2
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................. 3
2.1 Critical Review .................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Feasibility Study.................................................................................................................. 5
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................11
3.1 Statistical Data Analysis .................................................................................................... 11
3.2 Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) ........................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH PLANNING ...............................................................................22
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................24
5.1 Expected Outcomes .......................................................................................................... 24
REFERENCE .......................................................................................................................25

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LIST OF FIGURE

Figure 2.1: Solar Water Absorbed ......................................................................................... 6

Figure 2.2: Relationship of Solar Radiation and Water Consumption..................................... 7
Figure 2.3: Flowchart for Solar Radiation and Water Consumption........................................ 8
Figure 2.4: Techno-economics Analysis ................................................................................ 9
Figure 2.5: Flowchart for Techno-economics Analysis ..........................................................10
Figure 3.1: Correlation Formula ............................................................................................12
Figure 3.2: Linear Regression Formula ................................................................................13
Figure 3.3: Rejection Area ....................................................................................................16
Figure 3.4: Minitab 16 ...........................................................................................................17
Figure 3.5: Net Present Value Formula ................................................................................19
Figure 4.1: Gantt Chart .........................................................................................................23

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LIST OF TABLE
Table 3.1: ANOVA Table ......................................................................................................14
Table 3.2: Sample of table for LCCA ....................................................................................20

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Overview
Solar energy is one of the renewable energy which will not affected the environment
but will give much more advantages in the environment. Solar-powered agricultural
irrigation is an attractive application of renewable energy. However, to be practical it
must be both technically and economically feasible due an air pollution.
In solar energy applications, the value of average daily global radiation is the most
important parameter. But, values of these parameter measurements are not
available at every location. This is due to the factors of cost, maintenance, and
calibration requirements of the measuring equipment. In places where no measured
values are available, a common application has been to determine this parameter by
appropriate correlations, which are empirically, established using the measured
data.
Solar

water

pumping

is

a pump

running

on

electricity

generated

by

photovoltaic panels or the thermal energy available from collected sunlight as

opposed to grid electricity or diesel run water pumps. The operation of solar water
pumping is more economical mainly due to the lower operation and maintenance
costs and has less environmental impact than pumps powered by an internal
combustion engine (ICE). Solar pumps are useful where grid electricity is
unavailable and alternative sources do not provide sufficient energy.
A solar powered water pump differs from a regular water pump only in that it uses
the sun's energy to supply electricity for the pump. The solar panels absorb the
sun's energy and convert it to electrical energy for the pump to operate. All the
pumped water is stored in a water tank so that there is constant supply even in bad
weather conditions and during night time where there is insufficient power to
generate the solar water pumps. Solar powered water pumps represent a higher
initial investment, however, over a period of 5 years they represent a cost benefit
due to minimal maintenance costs compared to AC pumps run with a generator.

1.2 Problem Statement

The reason that this paperwork are exist is because of the problems that exist at the
irrigation area at Sg. Pelek, Banting. The place is not received an appropriate water
supply which is from rainwater reservoir and make it impossible to watering the
whole plantation during dry season. As for this problem, the research is undertake to
solve this problem which is by making the Solar water pumping system in that area.

1.3 Objectives
1.3.1 Research Objective
This research has been divided into two student with a different objectives, which is
one is more focusing on designing the Solar water pumping system, and another
one is focusing on the relationship of solar radiation and water consumption, and
cost of living for the solar water pumping system. As for this paperwork the
objectives of this research are as follows:
1. To determine the relationship between solar radiation and water
consumption using correlation
2. To study financial (Techno-economics) through Life Cycle Cost Analysis
(LCCA)

1.4 Scope of project

This paperwork will focus more on the data distribution for the solar radiation and
water consumption. Throughout this research, the relationship between solar and
water consumption is being analyse to see whether they are related in making solar
water pumping. By this analysis, it also can show the suitable and sensible cost for
the design of solar water pumping.

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Critical Review
Journal 1:
Title: Solar energy in Malaysia: Current state and prospects
Author: S. Mekhilefa
Resource: www.elsevier.com
This journal shows the main factor that driving Malaysia towards green energy and
generation of power in a way to reduce the greenhouse emissions using the
renewable energy systems. It shows the current solar energy application that being
used in Malaysia. It is divided into two, which is:
1. Solar thermal application
Solar thermal consists of solar heating and cooling system such as Solar
Water Heaters, solar pool heating, solar assisted drying system, solar space
heating and cooling, ventilation, solar air conditioning and solar refrigerator
2. Photovoltaic (PV) technologies
Photovoltaic technology was introduced in Malaysia in 1980s with the aim of
providing electricity to rural areas (electrification and telecommunication),
communication towers and consumer products.
Throughout this journal it shows that solar energy is the most capable energy and
has many advantages then other resources. Solar energy is a naturally available
and clean energy source derived from the sun that can be exploited directly to
generate electricity. There is no pollutant to release with low maintenance and high
reliability, with life span expectation of 2030 years made solar power a favourable
source of energy to be used.

Journal 2:
Title: On the feasibility of solar-powered irrigation
Author: Leah C. Kelly
Resource: www.elsevier.com
This journal shows that the photovoltaic-powered (PVP) pumping for crop irrigation
is an energy intensive activity that is well suited for implementation with renewable
energy sources. PVP irrigation, like all alternative energy applications, must be both
technically and economically feasible. Through this journal the feasibility for
irrigation is dependent on many factors, such as crop type, location, water depth,
conventional energy costs, government incentives and carbon taxes.
In economics feasibility, it shows that the assumptions made for:
1. Assumption on design value
2. Capital cost
3. Operating and maintenance cost
4. Total lifetime cost

2.2 Feasibility Study

2.2.1 Study on the relationship of solar radiation and water consumption
Solar Radiation
Solar radiation originates from the suns core and eventually sent to Earth after
convection force it away from the suns core. It takes approximately eight minutes
for solar radiation to reach Earth after leaving the suns surface. Solar energy is
distributed unevenly across the globe by latitude and develop energy surplus. The
excess energy flows toward pole in cycle to keep the energy balance across the
globe.
Solar radiation have a different pathway when entering atmosphere. It has divided
into three main path as below:
i.

Scattering
It occurs when dust, gas, ice and water vapor present in atmosphere. With
shorter wavelength energy, it scattered more than longer wavelength.
Scattering and how it react with a different size of wavelength are shown
through atmosphere with a present of skys blue color and white clouds.

ii.

Absorption
When solar radiation is absorbed by water, its energy shifts to the water and
raises its temperature. This is common of all absorbing surfaces from a trees
leaf to asphalt. Solar radiation is retained by a substance and converted
into heat energy.

iii.

Reflection
Reflection is albedo. Albedo is a reflective quality of a surface, it express the
percentage of total reflection. The visible and darker colors shows it have a
low albedo, while ligter colour shows that it have a higher albedo. Angle of
sun reflect the value of albedo as lower angle of sun gives great reflection

since the energy is not as strong as from a higher angle. As additional,

smooth surface have a higher albedo, while rough surface reduce it.
The relationship between this three pathway is shown as below:

Figure 2.1: Solar Water Absorbed

Resource from http://www.physicalgeography.net/fundamentals/7f.html

Plantation Needs
Malaysia has the most suitable land for a plantation of vegetable which is most of
the area is in form of fine-textured clay and clay loam soils. In ne-textured soils
(clays), soil particles and channels are small, and much of the water is effectively
held by matric forces. Such soils do not drain freely and clay soils are able to store
large amounts of water, which can be used by plants provided root length density is
sufciently high.
It means that the water needed for a plant will be much lesser, and it can reduce the
water consumption.

Relationship of Solar Radiation and Water Consumption

Data from HOMER

Data from Log

MINITAB

Linear Regression

Analysis of Variance
Figure 2.2: Relationship of Solar Radiation and Water Consumption

Collect 3 years of data

on Solar radiation and
Rainfall

Calculate the average of

each month for all data

Analyse the data

collected

Determined the
relationship between
data

Make prediction on the

data analysis

Figure 2.3: Flowchart for Solar Radiation and Water Consumption

2.2.2

Study the economics analysis for solar water pumping system design

Technoeconomic analysis combines process modeling and engineering design with

economic evaluation to provide both quantitative and qualitatively understanding of
the impacts that technology and research breakthroughs have on the financial
viability of a conversion strategy

Figure 2.4: Techno-economics Analysis

Techno-economic modelling is that well-established process, which when developed

in concert with technology, ensures that market-driven prices can be achieved.
Typically, this is part of the stage-gate process in the corporate management of
product development and related research. As the foreground, and with its
components embedded in a selected designs system model, techno-economic
modeling becomes an invaluable, direction-steering tool.

Understand the concept

of techno-economics

Determined the life cycle

cost involved in this
project

Determined the initial of

cost of desingning the
system

Determined the
operational cost involved
in this system design

Analyse all cost involved

Predict the future cost

involved

Detrmined the pro and

con for the system
design cost

Figure 2.5: Flowchart for Techno-economics Analysis

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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Statistical Data Analysis
Statistics are set of methods that are used to collect, analyse, present and interpret
the data. Statistical methods used in variety to identify study and solve many
complex problems. In world of economics, statistical method makes a better
decision about uncertain situations being enabled. Statistical data analysis focuses
on the interpretation of the output to make inferences and predictions.
There is wide statistical information available in today global and economic
environment because of continual improvements in computer technology. Statistical
data analysis is used for statistical thinking and techniques to apply in order to make
a prcised and educated decision.
Studying a problem through the use of statistical data analysis usually involves four
basic steps.
1.

Defining the problem

2.

Collecting the data

3.

Analysing the data

4.

Reporting the results

The most commonly used techniques for investigating the relationship between two
quantitative variables are correlation and linear regression.
As it apply for this research is students are collecting the data of solar radiation and
rainfall, students need to analyse the data by seeing through the mean value which
represent the average of data collected by month, the mode value which showing
the most collected data within a month or year and the maximum value and
minimum value in a year.
From the solar radiation data, the PV power consumption can be estimated. Once
the PV power being estimated the pump power can be determined.

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3.1.1Correlation and Regression Method

Correlation
Correlation is a statistical technique that can show whether and how strongly pairs
of variables are related.
The correlation coefficient r is a measure of the linear relationship between two
variables paired variables x and y. For data, it is a statistic calculated using the
formula

s XY
sx s y

1 r 1

Figure 3.1: Correlation Formula

The correlation coefficient is such -1 r 1. If

y is a linear function of x, then r =1 if

the slope is positive and -1 if it is negative. It emphasize that r is a measure of linear

relationship, not functional relationship.
Properties of r:
1. r close to 1 or -1 indicate a strong linear relationship and has no units.
2. r close to 0 indicate a weak linear relationship.
3. r equal to 1: perfect linear relationship.
4. Whenever r is not equal to 0, x and y are said to be correlated.
5. If r = 0, x and y are said to be uncorrelated.
6. r measures only linear association.
7. Outliers can greatly distort the r, especially in small data sets
Although the correlation coefficient can enables measure strength of the relationship
between two variables, it cannot be used to make estimation or forecast on the
variables. That is why it needs to have regression to predict the variable of data.

12

Linear Regression
Linear regression uses one independent variable to explain and/or predict the
outcome. The general form of regression is:

Figure 3.2: Linear Regression Formula

Where:

Y= the variable that we are trying to predict

X= the variable that we are using to predict Y
a= the intercept
b= the slope
u= the regression residual.

Regression takes a group of random variables, thought to be predicting Y, and tries

to find a mathematical relationship between them. This relationship is typically in the
form of a straight line which is linear regression that best approximates all the
individual data points.

13

Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)

A One-Way Analysis of Variance is a way to test the equality of three or more
means at one time by using variances.
Assumptions
1. The populations from which the samples were obtained must be normally or
approximately normally distributed.
2. The samples must be independent.
3. The variances of the populations must be equal.
Table 3.1: ANOVA Table

Source of

Sum of Square

Degree of

Mean of

Variation

(SS)

Freedom (df)

Square (MS)

Between
Groups

Within
Groups

Total

F ratio (F*)

k-1

n-k

n-1

Where

And

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Hypotheses
The null hypothesis will be that all population means are equal, the alternative
hypothesis is that at least one mean is different.
In general, a hypothesis can be tested concerning the equality of treatment means
by these steps:

Null Hypothesis:

H0 ...

Alternative Hypothesis:

H1 = at least one of the mean is different

Test Statistic:

F* SB / MSW

Test Criteria:

and Fdf1, Fdf2

Where:

df1: k -1
df2: n-1

15

Rejection of hypothesis:

Figure 3.3: Rejection Area

Reject H0 if F* > Fdf1, Fdf2 or if p-value <

If Hypothesis 0 (H0) is being reject, it shows that there is enough evidence to
indicate that there is a different of performance between photovoltaic (PV) and Solar
Radiation. Otherwise if the H0 is accepted, there is no different of performance
between photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine.
The relation of this calculation is to meet the relationship between solar radiation,
PV power, and water and energy consumption
As for the statistical software that being used for calculating and analyse the data,
students are using the MINITAB 16.

16

MINITAB 16
Minitab is statistical analysis software. It can be used for learning about statistics as
well as statistical research. Statistical analysis computer applications have the
advantage of being accurate, reliable, and generally faster than computing statistics
and drawing graphs by hand. Minitab is relatively easy to use once know a few
fundamentals. MINITAB 16 is the most suitable software to be use since it is user
friendly and have a simple interface that can be easily understand.

Figure 3.4: Minitab 16

17

3.2 Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)

LCCA is a process of evaluating the economic performance of a building over its
entire life. Sometimes known as whole cost accounting or total cost of ownership,
LCCA balances initial monetary investment with the long-term expense of owning
and operating the building.
LCCA can be used as a management decision tool for synchronizing the divisional
conflicts by focusing on facts, money, and time.
Cost element of LCCA:
1.

Initial Cost:

Design & development cost

Investment on asset, or cost of equipment

Installation cost or erection & commission cost

2.

Operation & Maintenance Cost:

Labour cost

Energy cost

Spare & maintenance cost

Raw material cost

Steps for computation of LCCA

Step 1: Determine time for each cost element
For equipment analysis, life cycle means the life of the product that is installed or
in other word mean productive life time of the product. Supplier will provides the
life cycle of product according design calculation and experience that they got.
Based on the data from supplier, it decides the life cycle and considering the
effect of available maintenance facility, technological obsolescence, economic
uncertainty and time span for each component.

18

Step 2: Estimate value of each cost element

Estimate monetary value for each cost element. This estimated value will be
incurred in every year. This value is basically future income at each year, which
is estimated. To estimate the value, various sources can be used; e.g.
calculation based on facts and experience, MIS report for similar existing
machines.

Step 3: Calculate Net Present Value of each element, for every year
The present value of future income or future cost can be calculated by using
discounting factor and inflation factor.
Discount factor
The discount rate is an interest rate, a central bank charges depository
institutions that borrow reserves from it.
Inflation factor
The inflation rate is the percentage by which prices of goods and services rise
beyond their average levels. It is the rate by which the purchasing power of the
people in a particular geography has declined in a specified period.
Formula for Net Present Value (NPV)

Figure 3.5: Net Present Value Formula

Where, C is any cost element at nth year, I is an inflation rate and d is a discount
rate / interest rate.

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Cumulative value of Cost after nth year (in terms of PV)

Step 4: Calculate LCC by adding all cost element, at every year

PV of each cost elements is calculated for equipment (at every year). PVs of
each cost element in a year are added. The process is done for every year over
the life cycle, i.e. LCC is calculated for every year.
Initial Cost
Put the initial cost and operation and maintenance cost as in a table example as
below using the calculation on step 3:
Table 3.2: Sample of table for LCCA

Sl. No.

Cost Element

Value

Time phase

Remarks

Step 5: Analyze the results.

The data collected from LCCA are analyzed. If one product has to be selected
among equipment, then LCC is calculated for every product. Data for every
product are analyzed, and the lowest LCC option becomes preferred. But lowest
LCC option may not necessarily be implemented when other considerations
such as risk, available budgets, political and environmental concerns are taken
into account.
20

Payback Calculation
One way to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of LCCA alternatives is to look at their
payback against the base case. The payback term is the time it takes an option to
have the same life cycle cost as the base case. For example, the cumulative cost of
three LCCA alternatives compared to a base case. The point at which each
alternative line crosses the base-case line is the payback point, where the options
have the same cumulative cost.

Energy Power Consumption

Operational expenses for energy, water, and other utilities are based on
consumption, current rates, and price projections. Because energy, and to some
extent water consumption, and building configuration and building envelope are
interdependent, energy and water costs are usually assessed for the building as a
whole

rather

than

for

individual

building

systems

or

components.

21

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH PLANNING

The planning of this research is as follows:
1. Determined the title of project
2. Determined project scope and objective
3. Study on the solar water pumping system
4. Summarize the journal on Solar Water pumping (Feasibility Study)
5. Study the concept of Statistical Data for this research
6. Buy the meteorological data on solar radiation and rainfall
7. Determined the water consumption for irrigation
8. Determined the relationship between solar radiation and water consumption
9. After solar water pumping system design finish on determine start to calculate
the life cycle cost for the project
10. Prepared the documentation for research
11. Prepared the presentation for research

22

Figure 4.1: Gantt Chart

23

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
5.1 Expected Outcomes

1. Able to understand the concept of economics analysis for system design

2. Able to analyse the statistical data by the given relation between solar
radiation and water consumption
3. Able to determine the cost analysis for solar water pumping system design

24

REFERENCE
1. Leah C. Kelly, E. G. (2010). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. On the
feasibility of solar-powered irrigation, 2670-2680.
2. S. Mekhilefa, . A. (2011). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. Solar
energy in Malaysia: Current state and prospects, 386-395.
3. Viv Bewick, L. C. (2003). Statistics review 7: Correlation and regression.
Retrieved

November

28,

2013,

from

BioMed

Central

Ltd:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC374386/#!po=67.8571

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