OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR A PHOTOVOLTAIC WATER PUMPING SYSTEM

A photovoltaic water pump, comprising a directly coupled d.c. series motor centrifugal pump powered by a photovoltaic generator without any matching devices, is thoroughly analysed. The reality of the ideal matching of a directly coupled photovoltaic water pump has been verified. Three optimization techniques: (i) optimum value of motor constant; (ii) reconfiguration of photovoltaic modules; and (iii) changing the water head of the pump have been studied. A switching device for reconfiguration of photovoltaic modules has been designed and it is used for the optimization of the photovoltaic water pump by reconfiguration of the photovoltaic modules. The present model of a directly coupled photovoltaic water pump system is well verified by the studies of two pump systems under field conditions and other reported results.