Experimental Analysis of a Solar-Powered Centre Pivot Irrigation Site and Hyperlocal Evapotranspiration Data
Süle, Bálint
Kalocsai, Renátó
Kubina, Lajos
Giczi, Zsolt
Nagy, Viktor
Gombköto, Nóra
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How to Cite

Süle B., Kalocsai R., Kubina L., Giczi Z., Nagy V., Gombköto N., 2024, Experimental Analysis of a Solar-Powered Centre Pivot Irrigation Site and Hyperlocal Evapotranspiration Data, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 114, 787-792.
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Abstract

In countries such as Hungary, the utilisation of solar energy for irrigation represents a pivotal consideration. As a consequence of climate change, the crop rotation period is characterised by an increased availability of sunny and bright days. A paucity of cloud cover and precipitation has distinguished recent Hungarian summers. The necessity for adaptation in agriculture, which produces raw materials for food, will also arise as a result of the increasingly extreme weather conditions caused by global climate change. The irrigation of crops is a vital process during increasingly frequent periods of drought. However, the cost of irrigation can be expected to rise significantly in response to elevated energy prices. The objective of this research is to ascertain the viability of utilising irrigation systems powered by renewable energy sources. Hungary is on the verge of a significant investment in its national irrigation infrastructure. Nevertheless, the investment may prove to be unprofitable as a result of the expense associated with the energy required for irrigation. In three research areas, the energy production of the solar farms associated with the pivot irrigation system has been monitored, and the hyper-local evapotranspiration data has been calculated. Regression analysis was employed to evaluate the results. The findings indicate that the dataset is significant. The field results and analysis can be useful for upfront investment in such projects. Precipitation, as a third variable, has a positive impact on the relationship between energy production and crop water demand.
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