Simulation and Analysis of Photovoltaic Fed Motor Pump System with Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques

Solar power system finds extensive application in remote areas where access to the grid supply is impractical. From livestock watering to remote home or village water supply needs are met from the solar based water pumps system. Most of the Photovoltaic water pumping systems are connected directly to the solar arrays and use DC motor driven pumps. This system is easy to operate but is inefficient and requires frequent maintenance. Solar water pumps operated with AC drive uses an inverter with ac motor or induction motor. Induction motor offer better choice in terms of size, ruggedness, efficiency and maintainability. The DC power from solar array is boosted and fed to an inverter which gives AC. Output of inverter drives the motor coupled to a water pump. Photovoltaic power system usually require maximum power point tracking controller, which is an electronic system that operates the Photovoltaic modules in a manner that allows the modules to produce all the power they are capable of. There are different types of MPPT algorithms like Perturbation and Observation, incremental conductance etc. which can be grouped as traditional techniques. Photovoltaic powered water pumps are basically similar to any other pumping system. When there is enough sunlight, the system functions well.