Performance of SPV array fed pumping system with synchronous reluctance motor drive

This paper presents an analysis, design and control of a solar photovoltaic (SPV) array powered water pumping system driven by a synchronous reluctance motor (SyRM). In this proposed system, a boost converter is used for maximum utilization of solar PV energy through an incremental conductance maximum power point tracking (INC-MPPT) algorithm. Among several DC-DC converters, a boost converter is selected because it has low device stress and provides a constant output DC voltage. A SyRM is used here because it is singly excited and possess good structural integrity of its rotor without any windings or permanent magnets. This SyRM is relatively simple, low-cost configuration compared with other types of motors. Furthermore, the stator and an inverter power circuit are identical to those of an induction and permanent magnet brushless motors. The stator of SyRM is same as other AC machines and field orientation control technique is used for controlling it. The performance of the proposed system is studied for starting, steady state and dynamic conditions subjected to dynamic atmospheric conditions. The adequacy of proposed system is verified through simulated results using MATLAB/SIMULINK based developed model.