EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCES WITH SOLAR PUMPING SYSTEMS IN HIGHER TECHNICAL SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY ENGINEERING OF ALBACETE

J. Cervera Gascó, S. Laserna Arcas, J. Montero Martínez, J.M. Tarjuelo Martín-Benito, M.A. Moreno Hidalgo, A. Del Castillo Sánchez-Cañamares

Universidad de Castilla La Mancha (SPAIN)
The increase of greenhouse emissions, high price of fossil fuel and energy, scarce water resources, etc. constitute a potential threat for sustainability and the environment, compromising energy and economic requirements at the global scale. The close relationship between environment and energy demand embedded solutions in order to reduce the impact generated.

Solar Photovoltaics can be an effective solution to the existing problems, using a clean and renewable energy, having simple maintenance and installation, long operating life and high reliability.

The regional center of water-CREA in Albacete has technical resources and much experience with hydraulic systems and in saving water, consequently work is being done on drafting a Phd for the integration of hydraulic and solar models in order to develop a tool which will optimize the irrigation needs taking into account different levels of radiation.

The technology of pumping solar systems has enjoyed great development in recent years and is becoming increasingly popular. However, for correct functioning of the pumping solar systems it is essential that management in both hydraulic systems and installation of solar field is correct.

For that reason, the development of tools to help in decision-making in the design and management of the installations of pumping solar systems contribute to saving energy and wáter both new and old facilities.

The Higher Technical School of Agricultural and Forestry Engineering in Albacete teaches subjects related to solar energy where students can learn concepts and techniques related to photovoltaic systems. In addition, they can visit photovoltaic systems in technical field trips.

The knowledge and experiences generated during the research process contribute to the development of innovative methods and practices providing a new point of view on this subject, benefiting both society and university studies.