Multistage Bounded Evolutionary Algorithm to Optimize the Design of Sustainable Photovoltaic (PV) Pumping Irrigation Systems with Storage
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript sustainability-709577, entitled “Multistage bounded evolutionary algorithm to optimize the design of sustainable photovoltaic (PV) pumping irrigation systems with storage” by Monís et al., deals with an interesting subject regarding the develop of an advanced (guided) heuristic optimization methods for photovoltaic pumping irrigation systems design.
The objectives of the study are interesting because from the correct system irrigation design can directly depends the sustainability and the success of photovoltaic irrigation approach. A relevant aspect of this study is that is based on a real scenario with a precise irrigation dimensioning that take into account both, the best technical solution and the maximum efficiency. The results from this study could interest a large number of areas where electricity supply is difficult and the use of fossil fuels is impossible due to their high cost.
The manuscript, of high values, presents a good language and form quality, therefore it needs small improvements to be published. For this reason, I suggest publishing the paper after it has been made the minor revisions with suggested changes.
My specific comments are reported in the attached file.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.pdf
Author Response
We really want to thank the reviewer for his/her comment about the interest of our work and for his/her detailed revision. His corrections and suggestions are appreciated.
We have upload a PDF file with specific responses to the comments of the reviewer.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
This paper studies the bounded evolutionary algorithm to optimize the design of sustainable photovoltaic (PV). The authors developed a new method for the design of PV. This is an interesting study, with the topic well suits for the journal. Before it is acceptable, I only have some minor concerns that should be carefully addressed by the authors.
Therefore, I recommend that this nice piece of work is acceptable for the journal after a minor revision. Details of my comments are shown as follows.
1. The uncertainty of the method should be analyzed.
2. there are some minor typos. For example, in Table 5. Please double-check.
3. Any literature experimental details that can support the results?
Author Response
We appreciate the comments of the reviewer about our manuscript and his/her suggestions to improve it. We have addressed the issues raised. The responses are hereafter.
The uncertainty of the method should be analyzed.
We have worked with average data of irradiation and irrigation requirements calculated from a time series, so the variability of the climatic and radiation parameters is considered in the paper. The reviewer raises the important issue of the uncertainty in the design. To assess the uncertainty, it should be necessary to simulate the systems performance for the complete series of data. This task is very time consuming and it exceeds the objectives and time devoted to this revision. It is an interesting topic to address in future research
here are some minor typos. For example, in Table 5. Please double-check.
We have performed an exhaustive revision of the document to correct all the issues pointed out by the reviewers and editor.
Any literature experimental details that can support the results?
In the introduction section, we have performed a complete literature review regarding the topic. However, comparison of our results to other research works is complicate since the type of system and the case study differ. Actually, we have provided the data of our case study as a benchmark to enable comparison to other future research works dealing with this type of PV irrigation systems.
