SOL-IRR-DC-TANK-01
Smart DC Solar Irrigation System with Modular Galvanized Water Tank
For medium-size farms (5–10 hectares) or projects requiring 100–300 m³ daily water supply,
a battery-free solar irrigation structure can significantly reduce system complexity and investment cost.
Instead of using:
- Large hybrid inverters
- Battery storage systems
- High-power AC pumps
This solution uses:
- DC solar pump (direct drive)
- Modular galvanized steel water tank
- Automatic level-based refill
- Multi-zone irrigation controller
- Optional AC booster pump for pressure stabilization
This creates a stable, scalable, and low-maintenance irrigation system suitable for rural and remote farms.
1. System Architecture Overview
Core Structure Logic
Daytime solar energy is converted directly into water pumping.
Water is stored in a galvanized steel tank.
The tank acts as hydraulic energy storage.
Irrigation is executed sequentially through automated valve control.
This removes the need for:
- Battery banks
- High-power inverters
- Continuous pump operation
2. System Modules
2.1 DC Solar Water Pump
- Submersible or surface type
- MPPT integrated controller
- Dry-run protection
- Soft start
- Designed for 3–11 kW range
The pump operates only when solar radiation is sufficient.
2.2 Solar Panel Array
- Sized based on daily water demand
- Ground-mounted structure
- DC direct connection (no inverter required)
- Expandable design
2.3 Modular Galvanized Steel Water Tank
- 50–500 m³ capacity options
- Bolted modular structure
- Easy transport and installation
- Expandable for future growth
The water tank replaces electrical batteries as storage medium.
Water storage = energy storage.
2.4 Automatic Water Level Control
- Float switch or ultrasonic level sensor
- Automatic pump start when tank low
- Automatic stop when tank full
- Prevents dry running
2.5 PKYDrip Irrigation Controller
- Multi-zone sequential irrigation
- 8–60 stations supported
- Pump linkage control
- Optional soil moisture integration
- LoRa / 4G / WiFi remote monitoring
Sequential irrigation reduces required pump size and stabilizes pressure.
2.6 Optional AC Booster Pump
Used when:
- Long-distance pipelines
- High-pressure sprinkler systems
- Large elevation difference
System can switch between:
- Solar-only mode
- Grid-assisted pressure mode
3. Recommended Configuration
Scenario A – 5 Hectares Farm
Daily Water Demand: 100–150 m³
Recommended:
- 3–5 kW DC solar pump
- 120–150 m³ tank
- 4–6 irrigation zones
- 8–16 station controller
- Optional small AC booster pump
Operation:
- Solar fills tank during day
- Irrigation runs in scheduled cycles
- Pump auto-restarts when tank low
Scenario B – 10 Hectares Farm
Daily Water Demand: 200–300 m³
Recommended:
- 7–11 kW DC solar pump
- 200–300 m³ tank
- 8–16 irrigation zones
- PKY-60W master controller
- Pressure sensor + optional VFD booster
Operation:
- Tank buffers solar variation
- Sequential irrigation reduces instantaneous load
- Grid backup available when required
4. Why No Battery?
In agricultural irrigation:
- Pumping is not continuous 24/7
- Water tank provides natural storage
- Solar pumping during daytime is sufficient
- Batteries increase capital cost by 30–50%
- Batteries require maintenance and replacement
Water storage is more durable and cost-effective than electrical storage.
5. Comparison with Hybrid Inverter System
| Item | DC Tank System | Hybrid Inverter System |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Required | No | Often Yes |
| Large Inverter | No | Yes |
| System Complexity | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium-High |
| Initial Investment | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | 5–10 ha farms | Large commercial farms |
6. Automation Logic
Typical daily sequence:
- Solar pump fills tank during sunlight
- Level sensor stops pump when full
- Controller activates irrigation zones sequentially
- Booster pump activates only when pressure required
- System can switch to grid power during low-solar periods
All control logic managed by PKYDrip controller system.
7. Typical Application Areas
- Open field vegetable farms
- Orchard irrigation
- Vineyard irrigation
- Remote agricultural land
- Regions with unstable grid power
8. Engineering Notes
- Water source depth must be confirmed
- Pump head calculation required
- Tank foundation design required
- Pipeline friction loss calculation recommended
- Pressure sensor optional but recommended
9. Request a System Proposal
To receive a customized configuration, please provide:
- Farm size (hectares or acres)
- Crop type
- Water source depth
- Daily water demand estimate
- Available power source (solar / grid / both)
WhatsApp: +86 138 0337 3007
Message: “SOL-IRR-DC-TANK-01 – Request Design”