Analysis of Grid-Interactive PV-Fed BLDC Pump Using Optimized MPPT in DC–DC Converters

Abstract

In solar photovoltaic (PV) system-based Brushless DC (BLDC) motors for water pumping application, the role of DC/DC converters is very important. In order to extract the maximum power from the PV array, an efficient DC/DC converter is essential at the intermediate stage. In this work, different DC/DC converter topologies suitable for BLDC motors are proposed. The converters are supported by an optimized maximum power point tracking system to provide a reliable operation. Recent optimization algorithms such as fuzzy logic, perturb and observe, grey wolf, and whale optimization are implemented with the PI controller in maximum power point tracking to maximize the conversion efficiency. The obtained results using SEPIC, LUO, and interleaved LUO converters provide a comparative study in the case of converter output, motor parameters, and grid output. The performance analysis on three different converters and multiple optimization methods are carried out. By analyzing the performance of different converter topologies, the interleaved LUO converter outperforms the other two converters with the results of a voltage gain ratio of 1:22, conversion efficiency of 98.3%, and grid current THD of 2.9%. Moreover, regarding the power quality aspect, the total harmonic distortion of the grid current is maintained below the IEEE-519 standard. In addition, the developed system has an advantage of operating both in stand-alone and grid-connected operation modes.