Irrigation Pumping with Wind Energy—Electrical vs. Mechanical

ABSTRACT DURING the past few years, researchers have been examining new wind energy systems to pump the large volume of water needed for irrigation. One new system uses a vertical-axis wind turbine to generate electricity that is compatible with utility grid power, and the pump is powered by this electrical system using a conventional electric motor. Another new system uses a vertical-axis wind turbine to produce mechanical power, and the pump is powered directly with this mechanical power or in combination with a diesel engine or electric motor. When the efficiency of converting wind energy to pumped water is compared for the two systems, the mechanical system provides 12% more energy than the electrical system. However, the electrical system is 2.5 times more profitable than the mechanical system because irrigation pumps are used seasonally. With the electrical system, energy generated in the non-irrigating season can be sold to the utility, but the mechanical system is only utilized when water is needed.