A maximum efficiency-photovoltaic-induction motor pump system

It is not economically viable to connect remote areas to the national electric grid, so pumping systems based on photovoltaic energy sources are suitable for these areas. The induction motor is more rugged, reliable, and maintenance free than d.c. motors. In this paper, a pumping system based on an induction motor driven by a voltage source inverter is investigated. Two control strategies are considered. First, the system is controlled to operate on the maximum power line of the PV array, with variable water discharge Q. Second, the induction machine is controlled to operate at maximum efficiency. The operating characteristic of the array is thus controlled to match the voltage and current required by the motor. Comparison is carried out between the two operating schemes.