Integration of solar-powered pumping for urban water supply

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the most significant challenges to sustainable development. In this context, this thesis examines the technical and economic feasibility of battery-free solar photovoltaic pumping systems, applied to the supply of drinking water in three Algerian provinces: Ouargla, El Oued and M’Shria. Using a deterministic simulation model with hourly time steps programmed in Python, a 42.375 kW-peak photovoltaic array was modelled, powering a 37 kW submersible pump at a total head of 75 metres. The results showed annual pumped volumes of 68,869 m³ in Ouargla, 57,546 m³ in El Oued, and 99,510 m³ in Mechria. Ouargla emerges as the priority site for implementation, with an adjusted water cost of 6.27 DZD/m³, which is at least 37% lower than the electricity grid price. The results confirm that hydraulic storage constitutes an effective and cost-effective alternative to electrical storage at all three sites.

Ziani, Lotfi