direct PV driven waterpump

[billi]

Hi

I am looking for a min 6 metre head constant (when bright) pumping  idea  (perhaps 500-1000 litres per hour)
We have a 120 watt 12 volt Panel as a powersource

The "waterfeature " solar pond pumps seem to struggle to reach to that pumping hights  and the direct driven solar well pumps are pricey

There are some battery operated pumps (mainly bilge or so ) , is there a way to operate those direct with pv ?

Thanks Billi

[clockmanFR]

billi, Technically yes, if you follow manufactures specs etc.

However, to pump my grey or spring water up to a 7m head i use, harsh condition bilge pumps, 3off 600galls-perhour (2271LperH) which draw about 2 amps but pump, but head for each pump is only 2.2 meters.

 So No1 pump is permently immersed in the water, pond or the spring, and No2 and No3 are in-line pumps.
100 watts 12v panels would not cut the mustard, so i have now have 200w of PV panels and that does the trick.

It takes 1 and 1/2 hours to fill my 1,200 litre header tank.

Actually the pumps become very musical as they switch on and off and change note as the sun comes in and out. I mixed some Amorphous/ ambient light PV panels in, so that i still get voltage without direct sunlight.

Trust this helps.

[billi]

hi  thanks

i read about your set-up  , but thought you use a battery and PV Panels

Do you think the bilge pumps woulds work direct without battery ? 

[TwoHorsePower]

i have 2 X 12v pumps that may do the job if plumbed in series. 3M head & 3 gallons/minute  pumps, each designed for running on 15W PV . These use Mppt too so work efficiently and would use 30W. Not sure if they would deliver the 6M head if combined. PM me if you want me to investigate how these may perform if plumbed in series.

2HP

[clockmanFR]

Billi,
I have a switch that gives me the option, so on sunny days i let the sun do the work. Problem is i am not sure how long it takes to fill the main tank, only know this when the tank overflow is putting the water back into the collection pond.

Those bilge pumps are quite effective the other way round, as they are sealed solid nagnet armature's, and if the tank is full and at overflow condition, then when i switch off the pumps, they start operating as water turbines until the water level is below the incoming flow level. (must put a voltmeter across them to see what i am getting).

Hmm cunning plan evolving!!!!!!! 

[billi]

thanks Lads

we ended up ordering an "Oase" ( i think it is )  pond Pump   sure for a lot of pennies  , but most other 12 volt pump supliers did not like the idea of constant pumping 12 hours a day  for years



Hope she will pump enough water .....

[billi]

Pump arrived and installed ...

It looks that it is a modified pump with a seperate controlling idea   installed on top by my supplier  ( two power cables to the one PV Panel)  , still i think its an Oase pump  but this model is called Delphin 1500  (not an Oase name )

Anyhow its working very good and delivers according to the specs  and even  managed a sprinkler  total head at 19 volt Panel was arround 6.5-7 metres from waterlevle in the well

Finnished the Garden today  in Germany  and ferry to sweet home Ireland on Thursday

Billi