What is it?
Powering the rope pump to get more water is usually done with the aim of irrigating crops to earn money. If the power source is paid for, it is especially important that the rope pump is efficient as possible, see the Pump Efficiency and Model Equations for help. The below table shows an estimation of the relative merits of the different powered options.
| Pump Type | Cost to Buy | Flow Rate | Max h/day | Running Cost | Water | Vegetables per Pump @8mm/day | Running Cost per day | Max. Delivered Pressure | Max. Lifting Depth |
| Double Crank (2 man) Rope Pump | ~ $200 | 1.0l/s | 12h | *~ $5 /day | 40m3/day | 0.5 ha | ~$10 /ha | None | 60m |
No Rope Pump. Instead: | ~ $200 | 2.0l/s | 16h | **~$15 /day | 110m3/day | 1.3 ha | ~$10 /ha | 20m | 7m |
| Diesel Powered Rope Pump | ~ $450 | 2.0l/s | 16h | **~$15 /day | 110m3/day | 1.3 ha | ~$10 /ha | None | 60m |
| Horse Powered Rope Pump | ~ $350 | 2.0l/s | 12h | ***~ $4/day | 85m3/day | 1.0 ha | ~$4 /ha | None | 60m |
| Wind Powered Rope Pump | ~ $800 | 1.0l/s | 24h | ^~ $0.1/day | 85m3/day | 1.0 ha | ~$0.1/ha | None | 60m |
| Solar (PV) Powered Rope Pump | ~^^$450 | 1.0l/s | 6h | ^~ $0.1/day | 20m3/day | 0.3 ha | ~$0.3/ha | None | 60m |
All the above calculations are based on a total head of 10m. Further details on calculating the torque, speed, power, head and flow rate of the rope pump can be found on the Pump Efficiency and Model Equations page. Figures were taken from the quoted sources and elsewhere in June 2014.
* Based on 2 shifts of a total of 4 men on $1.25/day, 70W of power per man and a 65% pump efficiency
** Based on diesel @ $2/litre
*** Based on 2 shift of a total of two animals at $0.75/day and two men @ $1.25/day
^ Maintenance costs $50/year
^^ Based on 150W solar panel @ $150, 150W NCR MOTOR @ $100 and rope pump for $200
Used Ideas
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