Development of a low cost induction motor drive system using a PVM, boost converter and three

The purpose of this study is to implement a photovoltaic power scheme driven by a single panel for a low-power three-phase induction motor drive system and be as cost efficient as possible. The induction motor represents an emergency water treatment device. Due to the PV output voltage (~70V) a Boost converter was chosen to step up the input voltage to the induction motor's rated voltage of 120V. The PVM was simulated using the exponential model. Its characterization and inherent traits were studied for design purposes. The Boost converter and a three-phase three-level inverter using 180° conduction were simulated and then implemented in the experimental setup. The inverter output results in three-phase voltages that lag by 120° between each other. A routine was implemented in the Atmega328 to achieve speed control if needed for the application. These results show a feasible topology for an emergency water treatment device and the development of a low cost system seems promising.