AUTONOMOUS POWERING OF AN ORCHARD IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND FRUIT STORAGE

This study presents a conceptual scheme of an autonomous solar energy system, which is used to power the irrigation system in orchards, combined with a fruit storage. It is accepted that the orchards/store have no direct access to irrigation water, nor electrical energy, therefore the photovoltaic system should work in an autonomous mode. During the months April to September, the energy of the photovoltaic system is used to power pumps, which use underground water for irrigation and store it in a reservoir. During October to January the generated solar energy is used to maintain the temperaturehumidity requirements of the fruit storage. The analysis also includes the irrigation and storing requirements of common Bulgarian fruits (apples and pears), and their compatibility with the climate in Ruse during the storing months.