Simulation of the performance and cost calculations of the surface pump

The photovoltaic (PV) energy has an important advantage to contribute in the socio-economic development of the remote regions and particularly in the Sahara areas. In Algeria a large number of PV pumps are used to supply water for drinking needs, irrigation, and many other purposes. These pumps are installed mostly in the large Algerian Sahara areas ; the submersible and the surface centrifugal pumps present the state-of-the-art for most applications. This paper presents the electrical and hydraulic performance of a surface centrifugal pump. The performances are calculated for three PV array sizes (1050, 1400 and 1750 Watts peak) and several total dynamic heads. The results which are analyzed are illustrated by tables and curves. The study of this surface pump shows the cost of the water per cubic metre for low total dynamic head (less than 14 metres) , thus it will be able to contribute in supplying water in the remote Sahara regions.