Abstract

This study presents the design and preliminary field testing of a battery-assisted, mechanically buffered floating water pumping prototype developed for smallholder irrigation in contexts with limited access to energy and infrastructure. The system is conceived as a proof of concept that combines mechanical energy buffering, via compression springs and a flywheel, with intermittent electromagnetic assistance supplied by a battery, rather than as a fully autonomous energy system. The prototype was designed, assembled, and tested under real field conditions in the commune of N’Dali, northern Benin. At this exploratory stage, the evaluation focused exclusively on functional behavior and hydraulic performance, while energetic efficiency was intentionally excluded from the scope of the analysis. Field experiments based on volumetric measurements yielded a mean discharge of 0.21 L s-1 under a total dynamic head of approximately 0.87 m. The prototype exhibited stable flotation, reliable mechanical operation, and required minimal human intervention during test cycles. Although energy consumption, efficiency, and long-term durability were not quantified, the results demonstrate the technical feasibility of a low-energy, mechanically assisted floating pumping system adapted to smallholder irrigation. The prototype therefore constitutes a robust experimental platform for subsequent instrumentation, energy performance assessment, and design optimization.