Mathematical modelling and simulation of directly coupled PV water pumping system employing Switched Reluctance Motor

Abstract

A mathematical model and simulation of directly coupled Photovoltaic(PV) water pumping system employing Switched Reluctance Motor is considered in this paper. This system is simple and consists of a switched reluctance motor driving a centrifugal water pump powered by a PV array. This motor is cheaper, efficient and reliable than conventional AC and DC electrical machines used for this type of application. This is because of its simple construction. PV array in this system is always operated at its maximum power point (MPP) by controlling the motor input current. A simple control system has been devised to achieve maximum power point tracking of the PV array. The feasibility of this control system has been demonstrated through dynamic simulation of the system developed in MATLAB/Simulink environment. Various simulation results are presented for different insolation levels of sunlight and at different temperatures.