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?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: d

Explanation:

A solar water pump is an application of photovoltaic technology which converts solar energy into electricity to run the pumping system thereby, replacing erratic grid supply and pollution-causing diesel-powered versions. The solar water pump is powered by solar modules that helps draw surface or ground water out for irrigation.

Solar power can be used for both DC and AC range of Solar Water Pumps in both Surface and Submersible categories. 

Piston Pump and Centrifugal Pump both can be run on solar power that uses electricity generated from a photovoltaic array.

Surface pumps and submersible pumps are two types of pumps used to move fluids from one place to another. While both types of pumps serve the same basic purpose, there are several differences between the two.

• Surface pumps are pumps that are installed on the surface, or above ground, and are used to draw water from a well or other water source. They are often used in residential and commercial applications, such as irrigation, water supply, and fire protection systems. Surface pumps come in a variety of types, including centrifugal pumps, jet pumps, and positive displacement pumps. They rely on atmospheric pressure to lift water.
• On the other hand, submersible pumps are pumps that are designed to be completely submerged in water or other fluids. They are typically used in applications such as groundwater supply, drainage, and sewage pumping. Submersible pumps are often more efficient than surface pumps because they do not have to work as hard to lift water from the source. They also have the advantage of being less noisy than surface pumps.
• Centrifugal pumps operate on the principle of centrifugal force, which is generated by the rapid rotation of an impeller or an enclosed set of vanes within the pump. This rotation creates a low-pressure area at the centre of the impeller that makes liquid to be drawn into the pump. As the fluid moves outward due to centrifugal force, it gains velocity and is discharged from the pump outlet.
• Reciprocating pumps functions by using a back-and-forth or reciprocating motion to transfer fluids. Unlike centrifugal pumps, which rely on rotation, reciprocating pumps utilise a piston, diaphragm or a plunger to displace the fluid in a controlled manner. This reciprocating action creates a pressure differential that draws in the fluid on one stroke and then pushes it out on the return stroke.

Hence, both statements 1 & 2 are incorrect.

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