Performance of a Photovoltaic Pumping System Driven by a Single Phase Induction Motor Connected to a Photovoltaic Generator

Abstract

Solar energy is one of the most widely used renewable sources in the world. This explains the interest shown by researchers on the improvement of the quality and performances of this renewable source. The availability of low-cost solar cells increases the interest and needs in photovoltaic (PV) system applications following standard of living improvements. Nowadays, water pumping systems powered by solar-cell generators are one of the most important applications. In fact three phase induction motor fed by PVG is well known in literature, while the single phase induction motor for low power application used widely in domestic utility has never been investigated. In this paper the performances of a single phase induction motor (SPIM) connected to a photovoltaic generator (PVG) through an inverter are analyzed. Firstly, the mathematical model of the suggested structure is developed. Secondly, the concept of the Indirect Rotor-Field-Oriented Control (IRFOC) techniques is used to pilot the working of the single phase induction motor coupled with the centrifugal pump. Then, the chosen maximum power point tracking algorithm MPPT adjust pump operation to meet the desired water flow and pressure conditions. The proposed approach has the advantage no use the DC/DC converter, reduced size, low cost. This results in much higher overall system operating efficiencies. Finally, Simulation results show the effectiveness and feasibility of the suggested approach.