Solar Energy based ZSI fed Induction Motor Drive for Water Pumping

For restructuring cost effective water pumping system in rural areas, the solar energy-based Z source inverter (ZSI) fed direct-drive water pumping system is presented. An incremental conductance (IC) method followed by sliding mode control scheme is used to track the maximum power and accordingly vary the speed of the induction motor (IM) under the change in atmospheric conditions. The conventional DC°C DC conversion stage is completely eliminated which results in reduction in cost, size and complexity with an increased efficiency. A mechanical sensor-less speed control approach is adopted for IM drive. The proposed mechanical sensor less system is robust and maintenance free and suitable for remote places. In the proposed scheme, simple boost with direct torque control method is used for the switching of the ZSI. The detailed performance evaluation is carried out in MATLAB simulation environment and validating under various climate conditions.