A New Configuration of Dual Output Buck-Boost Converter for Solar Energized Water Pump Driven by Switched Reluctance Motor

This paper provides a new configuration of a single switch dual output Zeta derived DC-to-DC converter for an efficient harvesting of photovoltaic (PV) power for a 4-phase switched reluctance motor (SRM) driven irrigation pump. The system is essentially developed to minimize both cost and complexity, while synchronously guaranteeing optimal operation of the PV array. The proposed converter is derived from a hybrid of a ‘Zeta’ and CSC (Canonical Switching Cell) converters and so it contains all the benefits of both converters including two balanced outputs. Due to an identical instantaneous duty cycle, the switching node is shared by both Zeta and CSC converters. The proposed converter offers continuous power to drive, low ripple in output current and balanced dual output voltages supply. The CCM (Continuous Conduction Mode) working of proposed converter, helps to reduce the stress on its parameters and to increase its conversion performance. The PV power optimization and smooth automatic start of SRM, are the two major objectives of proposed DC-to-DC converter. A new deviation free maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technique is also used in proposed system. Moreover, the proposed MPPT control has an additional advantage of regulating the flow rate of water pumping by adjusting the duty cycle of proposed DC-to-DC converter. Overall, the proposed system provides a cost effective, efficient and maintenance free PV energized water pump.