Futurepump SF1 Solar Pump

Product Description

The Futurepump SF1 is a solar-powered irrigation pump.

The product consists of three main parts: a PV panel, to convert sunlight into electrical energy; a motor, to use the electrical energy to turn the flywheel; and a pump, to draw water out of a well, river or lake. The SF1 solar pump is robust and portable.

As of September 2020, this product has been discontinued and superceded by the Futurepump SE1 and the larger Futurepump SF2. However the Futurepump SF1 is still available for purchase from distributors with stock remaining and datasheets are still available from some distributors (Davis and Shirtliff, Condor Pumps).^{Interview with representative}

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

The product is distributed by Futurepump and by distribution partners who already sell complementary products. In Uganda, Futurepump has partnered with SolarNow, who is distributing across the country.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Futurepump mass-produces the pumps at their bespoke manufacturing facility in Rajkot, India. They have internal quality controls in place at the factory to ensure high standards.

Intellectural Property Type

Other

User Provision Model

Users can get the SF1 Solar Pump through Futurepump or through the nearest distributor.

Distributions to Date Status

Commercially confidential.^{interview with representative}

Design Specifications

Specifications:

Pumps up to 12,000l/day at low heads and will lift up to 10m
Efficient 80W, 12V solar panel with USB port incorporated for powering phone charging and other small electronic devices.
Air vessels on either side of the pump for balanced and even water flow
Efficient DC motor with in-built controller
Low light option for cloudy days
1 ¼” inlet and outlet

Dimensions: Shipped in 2 cartons Carton 1: FuturePump SF1 pump (35 kg) 685 x 270 x 685 mm (L x W x H) Carton 2: FuturePump solar panel (8.2 kg) 950 x 50 x 700 (L x W x H)

Technical Support

Technical support (servicing and parts) is provided by the distributor for pumps during the warranty period.

Replacement Components

Spare parts are included in the free 24 months warranty.

Lifecycle

15 - 25 year lifecycle. Two years on-site parts & labour warranty (subject to location).

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Performance:

Max flow rate 0.5 L/s
Up to 15m head
Irrigates up to 1-acre
Works with 1" (25 mm) hoses
Compatible with 60 W or 120 W panels

Performance curve:

Vetted Performance Status

Stiftung Solarenergie - Solar Energy Foundation tested the Futurepump SF1 but do not provide data on parameters tested or results of testing, aside from their decision to proceed with using the pump for their project.

Safety

No known safety hazards are related to this product.

Complementary Technical Systems

A wheeled trolley was designed specifically by Global9Services (source no longer available online) to make the SF1 solar pump more portable.

Academic Research and References

DeMarco, J., Annejohn, N., 2018, Simple, low-cost solar pumping is now a reality. Proceedings of 41st WEDC International Conference, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya, 2018, Paper No. 3018.

Hartung, H., Pluschke, L., 2018, The benefits and risks of solar-powered irrigation – a global overview. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.

Holthaus, J., et al., 2017, Accelerating Solar Water Pump Sales in Kenya: Return on Investment Case Studies. Proceedings of SWC2017/SHC, pp. 1-10.

McKay, A.B., 2018, The Water Buffalo: Design of a Portable Bicycle Powered Irrigation Pump for Small-scale African Farmers. Ph.D. dissertation, University of California, Davis, CA.

Compliance with regulations

Unknown

Other Information

By September 2020, the Futurepump had stopped manufacturing the SF1, however they remain active, replacing it with the similarly sized but more efficient SE1 and the larger SF2. See the SF1 Solar Pump out in the field. This article provides background on the development of the SF1. A case study on the development of the SF1 and it's use in Honduras.