Improved Performance Design Realization of a Fractional Kilowatt Induction Motor With Predictive Current Control for Water Pumping

In this work, a predictive current controller (PCC) is designed and implemented to control a voltage-source inverter of the proposed system comprising of the single-stage topology of solar photovoltaic (PV) array fed an improved designed fractional kilowatt induction motor drive (IMD) coupled to a water pump. The currents, in a synchronous reference frame, are fed as inputs to the PCC after transforming it to (α–β) stationary frame. The IMD is fed from PV array, which operates at a maximum power point (MPP) using a peak power tracking perturb and observe scheme. The PCC is implemented for this system to achieve better control of motor speed, fast dynamic response, inherent decoupling between current components, and improvement in torque dynamics. The optimized design of an induction motor is investigated using the combined approach of the design of experiment and quasi-Newton algorithm for efficiency maximization, minimization of starting current, and maximization of starting torque. Initially, an analysis of the induction motor is performed with the classical approach to design machine and this method is verified by an explanation on the contemporary design using RMxprt and design optimization technique. Maxwell two-dimensional design software is used as a finite-element analysis tool to design and model the performance of a 1 hp, 4-pole, 230 V, 50 Hz induction motor. The novelty of this work lies in achieving an increase in efficiency while making the power factor constant. First, the designed motor is tested and its performance is compared with the fractional kilowatt standard motor as per IEC 60034-2-1. Subsequently, it is used in a system with PCC, which is simulated on MATLAB/Simulink to verify the fitness of the controller for sensorless control of a solar PV-fed IMD through a prototype developed in the laboratory.