Research Article
Enhancing Economic Viability of PV Water Pumping Systems for Alfalfa Irrigation Through Multi-Crop Irrigation
Belkacem Bouzidi*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
1-23
Received:
5 December 2024
Accepted:
24 December 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijees.20251001.11
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Abstract: Desertification in Algeria predominantly affects arid and semi-arid steppes, areas that traditionally support extensive livestock farming. These rangelands, which span approximately 32 million hectares, are experiencing severe degradation, negatively impacting livestock productivity and contributing to national shortages of milk and meat. To address this, we propose the installation of optimized photovoltaic water pumping systems (PVWPS) to irrigate crops such as alfalfa, barley, and corn, while ensuring a reliable water supply for both livestock and crops. The goal is to enhance ecosystem resilience and agricultural productivity. An economic and financial analysis was conducted to evaluate the project's feasibility and profitability. An economic and financial analysis was conducted to evaluate the project's feasibility and profitability. Results showed that the system’s lowest life-cycle cost is 10,069,710 DZD, with a levelized cost of water of 3.33 DZD/m³. Optimization efforts included selecting appropriately sized PV arrays and storage tanks, as well as adjusting the tilt of the photovoltaic (PV) panels, which improved water yield by 6%. Additionally, integrating alfalfa with other crops improved water efficiency by 26.40%. This integrated approach resulted in positive net present values (NPV), a payback period of 2.87 years, and a benefit-cost ratio greater than 1. Moreover, this solution is scalable to other arid regions, particularly in the Sahel, offering a sustainable method to address water scarcity and enhance agricultural practices in similar ecosystems.
Abstract: Desertification in Algeria predominantly affects arid and semi-arid steppes, areas that traditionally support extensive livestock farming. These rangelands, which span approximately 32 million hectares, are experiencing severe degradation, negatively impacting livestock productivity and contributing to national shortages of milk and meat. To addres...
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Research/Technical Note
Application of Potassium-Based Film-Forming Drilling Fluid in the Exploration of Wzk-4 Hole in Tanjianshan Gold Deposit, Dachaidan Town, Qinghai Province
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, February 2025
Pages:
24-30
Received:
20 January 2025
Accepted:
2 February 2025
Published:
17 February 2025
Abstract: Hole WZK-4 of "Tanjianshan Gold Mine Exploration Project in Dachaidan Town, Qinghai Province" is a key exploration well. During the early stage of construction, the alluvial-diluvial layer is loose and expanded, the stratum is broken and collapsed, the diameter shrinks and the spalling phenomenon is serious, during the drilling process, it is difficult to raise and lower the drill, and it is necessary to clean the hole to the bottom each time the drill is lowered. Conventional polymer drilling fluid systems cannot meet the construction requirements. In view of that above complicate difficulties, a potassium-based film for flushing solution system is adopted, and the main formula is as follows: 0.1%~0.2% caustic soda +0.5%~ 1% soda ash +3%~ 5% sodium clay +0.2%~ 0.6% salt resistant polymer STQ+1%~2% filtrate loss agent +3%~ 5% film forming system SCM+0.1%~0.2% liquid viscosity increasing inhibitor SN+0.5%~1% sloughing prevention plugging agent while drilling +3 - 5%KCl, by incorporating film-forming SCM treatment agent and liquid viscosity enhancer inhibitor SN, the above complex issues have been resolved, and no such difficulties arose during the construction process. The density 1.03~1.11g/cm3, API=5.2ml, the quality of mud cake is thin yet tough, drilling quantity planned for the project is 300m, The actual final hole is 303.8m. The effective drilling time of Tanjianshan Gold Mine in Dachaidan is about 15 days, which is equivalent to about 74.54 yuan/meter of washing fluid material cost per meter of footage, which can provide reference for subsequent construction.
Abstract: Hole WZK-4 of "Tanjianshan Gold Mine Exploration Project in Dachaidan Town, Qinghai Province" is a key exploration well. During the early stage of construction, the alluvial-diluvial layer is loose and expanded, the stratum is broken and collapsed, the diameter shrinks and the spalling phenomenon is serious, during the drilling process, it is diffi...
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