Development of an Automatic PV-Battery Powered Water Irrigation System with Arduino Software for Agricultural Activities

Abstract

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to soil through tubes, pumps, and sprays, used when natural sources and rain are insufficient, irregular, dry, or drought-prone areas. This study proposes a drip irrigation-based solar-powered system for home grown plants and greenhouse gardens, utilizing solar energy for electricity consumption. The system is highly efficient for providing water and nutrients to crops, ensuring optimal growth, and conserving resources like water, fertilizers, energy, and crop protection products. A water tank uses an Arduino ATmega328 microprocessor to detect plant moisture levels and supply water to plants through a water motor and sensor. The system employs drip irrigation to pump water through pipes using a DC motor. The automated irrigation system utilizes a boost DC-DC switching converter, to step up input voltage and increase the output voltage, enabling remote monitoring of humidity, water, and energy consumption in flowerpots. The converter achieves significant step-up voltage gain with a suitable duty ratio and minimal voltage stress on the power switches. It is an off-grid automatic control system that operates independently of human intervention. The system utilizes a boost converter to indirectly optimize the power of two series-connected PV cells, increasing overall efficiency.