A cost optimization of solar-powered, drip irrigation systems

This thesis presents a design and cost optimization for solar-powered, drip irrigation systems. Historical irradiance data and crop consumption data are considered and modelled during these design steps. A cost optimization is utilized in order to determine low-cost, optimum configuration that meets the required water consumption rate of a given crop. In this case, Jalgaon, India is used as an example to determine the configuration and cost per acre for solar-powered, drip irrigation systems for sunflowers, tomatoes, and barley. These configurations consisted of five 310 Watt solar panels coupled with a 5m³ water buffer, three 295 Watt solar panels coupled with a 5m³ water buffer, and three 320 Watt solar panels coupled with a 4m³ water buffer, respectively. These systems are projected to cost $4,600, $3,870, and $3,750, respectively. The results of this study show the value of a system optimization of solar-powered, drip irrigation systems.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Doan, David, S.B. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Amos Winter.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/112396

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/112396