CLSU Technology's Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS): Generate, Conserve, Contribute!

                                                 

Officials from the DA-BAR visited Central Luzon State University to see the mobile research setup of a solar-powered hose reel irrigation system (SPHRIS) as part of the DA-BAR financed project "Renewable Energy Powering Agriculture: Integration of Photovoltaic Technology with Farm Production System."

As the main problem of the farmers of fuels price getting higher. The use fuel fuel-powered machinery in farms is very common, particularly during the harvesting and processing of cops. However, the price of soil is getting higher due to the global price of crude oil. Also, there are lots of negative impacts when it comes to fuel-powered machines, particularly the emission of harmful gases. So CLSU provides and develops technology to lessen this problem.

The Mobile Solar Pump Irrigation System (SPIS) is one of their technology and the deployment design of this is to provide reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable energy for decentralized irrigation services in a growing number of settings. SPIS a climate-smart technology that utilizes Photovoltaic technology–converting sunlight into electricity–thereby addressing uncertainties associated with fluctuating availability and price of diesel fuel.SPIS can save up to 1 peso per cubic meter of water rather than the conventional fuel-powered pump. Also, it allows the farmers to save more inputs because SPIS requires minimal maintenance.

On the other hand, the design of the irrigation system was made mobile so that SPIS can be moved from farm to farm, thus, more farmers can be benefited and more farms can be irrigated. It aims to irrigate/water plant beds, soil, or specific areas that will contribute to less human labor and avoid the use of a fuel-powered machine that contributes to the emission of toxic greenhouse gases.

It replaces the use of fuel-powered machines for the irrigation process on farms and lessens the need for a frequent maintenance check of the unit, As a renewable source of power, the solar powers hose reel irrigation system has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife and ecosystem.

This initiative is centered on the feasibility of providing clean, inexpensive, and clean water irrigation for crops.

Increases irrigation efficiency as it “allows [s] for efficient distribution of irrigation water and eliminates conveyance losses when using canals or ditches.”Dr. Espino

Center for Renewable Energy and Technology (CREaTE) is one of the centers involved in this project. The CREaTe is part of the comprehensive Philippines Energy Program, the National Renewable Energy (REP). It was formulated to help ensure the promotion and commercialization of renewable energy resources and technologies in the country.

"Ang role ng Center ay humanap ng community sa mga upland areas, yung mga tinatawag na off grid areas, when we say off grid areas, yun yung mga walang kuryente” Sir Marlon Dela Cruz

They implemented the use of the solar system in technology. When they have a client outside who needs assistance to connect or set up the technology, they just write to the president of CLSU and convey it to them so that they can set it up.

The project worked with local onion and rice farmer cooperatives and associations. Brgy. San Agustin, Brgy. San Jose City, and Brgy. Licaong and Munoz Science City, respectively, in testing the mobile system.

DA-BAR director Lales encouraged the team to continue its efforts to ensure that significant R4D outputs like these would be scaled up, especially to remote, rural areas of the region and beyond, to increase agricultural production and improve farmers' incomes. Sales recognized the potential of the innovation and technology that the project has developed.

REFERENCES

https://bar.gov.ph/index.php/media-resources/news-and-events/666-da-bar-chief-visits-solar-powered-irrigation-system-in-clsu