Development of low-cost PV array-fed SRM drive-based water pumping system utilising CSC converter

Abstract

The prime objective of this study is to achieve a highly efficient and reduced-cost configuration of a solar photovoltaic (PV)-based water pumping system using a canonical switching cell (CSC) converter employing a switched reluctance motor (SRM). A CSC converter with a maximum power point tracking controller utilises a continuous conduction mode (CCM), which helps in power optimisation of PV array and limiting the starting inrush current in the SRM by requisite control. The CCM operation of CSC converter considerably reduces the stresses on its components. The fundamental switching of a mid-point converter lowers its losses and it improves the system efficiency. The proper selection of perturbation size and initial duty ratio of CSC converter provide the soft starting to SRM drive. An experimental prototype of the proposed configuration is developed and it authenticates its suitability over varying irradiance and different environmental conditions.