Solar Water Pump Course

Lesson 1 • Photovoltaic Cell Physics

Explains the semiconductor p-n junction and the photovoltaic effect. Links cell-level physics to module-level output.

Lesson 2 • PV Module Characteristics

Analyses I-V and P-V curves, standard test conditions, and temperature coefficients. Enables accurate module performance prediction.

Lesson 3 • Solar Radiation and the Sun

Covers solar irradiance, sun angles, and seasonal variation. Provides the physical basis for sizing and positioning solar arrays.

Lesson 1 • Water Demand Calculation

Teaches daily demand estimation for domestic, livestock, and irrigation uses. Produces the demand baseline required for system sizing.

Lesson 2 • Hydraulic Fundamentals

Introduces pressure, flow rate, head, and fluid dynamics. Forms the hydraulic foundation for all pump selection and sizing tasks.

Lesson 3 • Water Source Assessment

Covers groundwater, surface water, and borehole characterisation methods. Ensures accurate input data for system design.

Lesson 4 • Hydraulic Power and Efficiency

Calculates hydraulic power, pump efficiency, and overall system efficiency. Bridges hydraulic theory to electrical power requirements.

Lesson 1 • Pumps and Motors

Covers DC brushless, AC induction, and permanent magnet motors paired with solar pumps. Enables correct motor-pump selection for given head and flow targets.

Lesson 2 • PV Modules and Mounting Structures

Details module types, frame materials, and mounting hardware for pumping installations. Connects structural choices to long-term performance and safety.

Lesson 3 • Controllers and Inverters

Explains MPPT pump controllers, variable frequency drives, and DC-AC inverters. Shows how these devices optimise energy transfer from array to pump.

Lesson 4 • Sensors, Switches, and Protection Devices

Introduces float switches, dry-run protection, fuses, and surge arresters. Ensures students can specify protection devices for safe system operation.

Lesson 1 • PV Array Sizing

Sizes the PV array to meet daily energy demand using peak sun hours and system losses. Produces array configuration with module count and wiring layout.

Lesson 2 • Controller and Wiring Sizing

Selects MPPT controllers and sizes all DC and AC cables for current capacity and voltage drop. Completes the electrical design of the system.

Lesson 3 • Site Assessment and Data Collection

Covers solar resource measurement, site surveys, and water source data gathering. Produces the verified inputs needed for accurate system sizing.

Lesson 4 • Hydraulic System Sizing

Calculates total dynamic head, pipe diameters, and flow rates for the full hydraulic circuit. Establishes the hydraulic specification that drives electrical sizing.

Lesson 5 • Pump and Motor Selection

Matches pump performance curves to hydraulic requirements and selects compatible motors. Ensures the pump operates near its best efficiency point.

Lesson 1 • Pump and Pipe Installation

Details submersible pump lowering, pipe jointing, and surface pump mounting. Ensures leak-free, mechanically secure hydraulic connections.

Lesson 2 • Controller and Protection Device Wiring

Covers controller terminal connections, fuse installation, and surge arrester wiring. Completes the electrical installation with all protection devices active.

Lesson 3 • PV Module Wiring and Grounding

Covers module interconnection, junction box wiring, and system grounding methods. Produces a safe, low-resistance electrical array.

Lesson 4 • Mounting Structure Installation

Covers foundation preparation, frame assembly, tilt angle setting, and structural fastening. Ensures mechanically sound and correctly oriented array support.

Lesson 1 • System Startup Procedure

Guides sequential energisation of the array, controller, and pump motor. Establishes a repeatable startup sequence that protects all components.

Lesson 2 • Electrical Performance Testing

Measures array voltage, current, and controller output against design values. Identifies wiring faults, shading losses, and controller misconfigurations.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Commissioning Checks

Covers visual inspection, insulation resistance testing, and polarity verification before energising. Prevents equipment damage and ensures safe startup.

Lesson 4 • Hydraulic Performance Testing

Measures flow rate, total dynamic head, and pump efficiency under operating conditions. Confirms the hydraulic system meets design targets.

Lesson 1 • Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Defines daily, monthly, and annual maintenance tasks for all system components. Reduces unplanned downtime and extends equipment service life.

Lesson 2 • Pump and Motor Maintenance

Details pump pulling procedures, impeller inspection, bearing replacement, and motor testing. Keeps hydraulic components operating within specification.

Lesson 3 • Common Faults and Remedies

Covers low output, no-flow, controller errors, and pump cavitation with corrective actions. Builds a practical fault library for field technicians.

Lesson 4 • PV Array Maintenance

Covers module cleaning, soiling loss assessment, and structural inspection. Maintains maximum energy harvest from the array.

Lesson 1 • Energy Yield Analysis

Analyses logged data to calculate specific yield, performance ratio, and capacity factor. Identifies performance gaps relative to design predictions.

Lesson 2 • Performance Monitoring Systems

Covers data loggers, remote monitoring platforms, and key performance indicators for solar pumping. Enables continuous performance tracking and early fault detection.

Lesson 3 • Long-Term Reliability Planning

Covers component lifespan estimation, spare parts inventory, and end-of-life planning. Ensures sustained water supply over the full project lifetime.

Lesson 4 • Shading and Soiling Mitigation

Quantifies shading and soiling losses and applies mitigation strategies including cleaning schedules and module-level power electronics. Recovers lost energy yield.