Technology : Electronics And Green Technology

Q 15 / 38

UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements:

  1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps,
  2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option

Both statement 1 and statement 2 are incorrect.

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: Solar power systems are capable of operating both surface pumps and submersible pumps. Submersible pumps are frequently employed for extracting water from deep sources like borewells, while surface pumps are suitable for shallow water sources. Therefore, the assertion that solar power is limited to surface pumps is incorrect.

  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar power systems can drive various types of pumps, including both centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps (such as piston pumps). The selection of pump type depends on specific requirements like desired flow rate and head. Centrifugal pumps are generally preferred for high flow rates, whereas piston pumps are more efficient for applications requiring high head and lower flow rates. Both pump types are compatible with solar energy.

Incorrect Options

  • Option (a) is incorrect because statement 1 is false, as solar power can be used for submersible pumps.

  • Option (b) is incorrect because statement 2 is false, as solar power can be used for piston pumps.

  • Option (c) is incorrect because both statement 1 and statement 2 are false.

SOURCEScience & Technology by Ravi Agrahari, Chapter on Renewable Energy