Efficiency optimization in stand-alone photovoltaic pumping system

Solar photovoltaic energy is a very promising and important sustainable global energy source. Despite its many advantages, it is still an expensive alternative, which explains the fact that it has not yet became commercially popular. Studies already show that the investments in such systems are paid back. The aim of this work is to extend and validate an alternative to reduce the payback time of photovoltaic stand-alone pumping systems, which optimizes not only the efficiency of the photovoltaic conversion, using a maximum power point tracking algorithm, but also, the losses in the induction motor. A prototype has been developed and experimental results are shown with the optimizing strategies operating simultaneously.

► This paper presents a low cost stand-alone photovoltaic pumping system. ► This work deals with the optimization of the efficiency of the induction motor. ► At the same time, maximum power operation point is tracked. ► Experimental results confirm the approach feasibility and performance. ► This decreases the payback time of the system.