Hybrid Sepic-Cuk DC-DC Converter Associated to a SRM Drive for a Solar PV Powered Water Pumping System

The present paper describes a solar photovoltaic (SPV) powered water pumping system employing a switched reluctance motor (SRM) and a merged Sepic-Cuk DC-DC converter. The proposed solution was designed to use efficiently the available solar energy in order to supply water pumping systems. Solutions of this kind assume a special importance in the current scenario of natural and renewable resources optimization. The proposed DC-DC converter operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM), which combined with a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller, helps to optimize the power of the solar photovoltaic panel (SPV). The proposed DC-DC topology is characterized by high voltage static gain when compared with the classical boost topology and reduced voltage stress across the power switch and diodes. Several simulation and experimental results are presented in order to confirm the characteristics of the proposed solution for water pumping systems.