U.S. Water News Online
BRASILIA -- Sistemas Energeticos Renovaveis (SER) was recently awarded a contract to supply 50 complete photo voltaic (solar electric) water pumping systems for agricultural purposes in remote areas of Brazil. The contract was awarded by the electric utility COPASA as part of its new utility program that will serve remote areas with no access to power. The project is the largest of its kind to date in Brazil.
SER, a Brazilian-owned company specializing in the design and installation of renewable energy systems, has provided PV power for a variety of applications, including water pumping, telecommunications, and lighting and refrigeration.
Photo voltaic (PV) technology (the conversion of sunlight into electricity) provides a cost-effective source of electric power for many developing regions of the world. The systems supplied by SER under the contract incorporate state of the art solar pumping equipment known for long-term reliability in remote regions around the world.
Grundfos stainless steel centrifugal pumps combined with a pump controller yield a system that offers 3-phase-AC pump efficiency and serviceability which can be powered by DC sources such as PV modules. The pump controller, providing maximum power tracking, power conversion, and common fault protection, is incorporated into one simple, solid state device which is mounted above ground in a weather proof enclosure.
SER has contracted the international PV engineering firm, Applied Power Corporation, of Lacey, Wash. to supply the solar water pumping systems and technical assistance required for the project.
Return to the U.S. Water
News Archives page
Or
Return to the U.S. Water News Homepage