Solar Energy Irrigation Process

2.2 Solar Energy

The most abundant sources of renewable energy are solar energy. Solar energy is the radiant light and heat from the Sun that has been harnessed by humans since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Like any source of energy, solar energy also has advantages and disadvantages on its own. But, it is ubiquitous, clean and inexhaustible [3]. Solar energy can generate electricity without harmful emissions and combustion [3]. A study shows that more solar energy falls to the earth than the other inhabitant planet. The geographical location, time of day, season and light also affect the total of the solar radiation that can be use for electricity. Solar energy technologies have made huge cost improvement but they still more expensive than traditional energy sources. There are three types of solar radiation which is direct radiation, diffuse radiation and albeldo radiation. Solar energy system use either solar cell or some form solar collector to generate electricity. The primary of the solar energy technology for power generation is photovoltaic PV. This kind of cell consists of layers of silicon that have different properties. There are several types of solar cells: crystalline silicone thin film nonsilicon compound thin film nano-crystalline fullerene The theory is when sunlight strikes a cell, it frees some electrons and they began to flow from the positively charged layers toward the negatively charged layers. These electrons are captured in wires running through the cell and flow out of the cell in a direct electric current. Figures 2.1 below explain in detail about how electricity is being generated from PV cells. Figure 2.1: Electricity Is Being Generate From PV Cells

2.3 Irrigation Process

The aim of this project is to achieve the water pump flow the water to the crops or plants. This kind of process called irrigation process. Irrigation is an artificial application of water to the soil. It is usually used to assist in growing crops in dry areas and during periods of inadequate rainfall. There are several types of irrigation process like surface irrigation, localize irrigation, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, center pivot irrigation, lateral move irrigation, and sub-irrigation and many more. According to Oxford Dictionary, irrigation implies to supply water to the plant or crops to help their growth, typically by means and channels. But, the difference is this project is automatic while others are manual in process. It means that someone needs to trigger the “ON” button or switch to start the irrigation process. In this project, the section was being improved by placing a component called timer. The function of timer is to run the irrigation process automatically. As a result, the cost of employee will be reducing because the all the irrigation process is automatic and no need an extra employee to run the irrigation process.

2.4 Charge Controller