Maximum power point tracking inverter for photovoltaic source pumping applications

Inverters powered from photovoltaic arrays are becoming popular for water pumping in remote areas. The viability of these pumps will depend on the amount of power made available from the photovoltaic array. Solar trajectory tracking schemes and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) schemes have been discussed in literature. This paper examines MPPT in detail as applicable to the V/F controlled induction motor driving a submersible pump. In these the speed of the motor is varied to utilise maximum power available under different irradiation conditions. The microcontroller based controller offers the flexibility in computing which is vital to the success of the scheme. Tests are conducted on a 1 HP pump operating from a photovoltaic source inverter to verify the subject.