Optimizing the Performance and Economic Viability of Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (PVWPS): A Multi-Objective Approach

Abstract Ensuring reliable access to drinking water in rural areas of Ethiopia remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by the high costs and logistical barriers of conventional pumping solutions. This study presents an optimized design and performance analysis of a photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) intended to supply drinking water to a remote Ethiopian community. Using a multi-objective genetic algorithm combined with a fuzzy ranking approach, this research aimed to minimize two key objectives: the life cycle cost (LCC) and the loss of load probability (LLP) of the system. The study focused on a rural site in Enderta Wereda, where the total daily water demand for a population of 980 people was estimated at 24 m³. The optimal PVWPS configuration identified consists of a 4-series, 5-parallel panel array powering a submersible pump, with a 57.73 m³ storage tank and a total dynamic head of 22.4 m. The system achieved an LLP of 0.0512 and an LCC of $10,155.26, indicating a cost-effective and reliable solution for off-grid water supply. Sensitivity analysis revealed solar irradiance as the most influential parameter affecting system performance, with significant variations in output observed at increased irradiance levels. This study underscores the potential of PVWPS as a sustainable, economically viable solution to water access challenges in underserved regions, providing insights for scaling solar-powered systems in similar settings.