Analysis of optimum matching of a DC series motor driven centrifugal pump to a photovoltaic generator

Direct coupling between a photovoltaic (PV) generator and a monoblock DC series motor connected with ventilator load torque centrifugal pump has been analyzed theoretically as a function of the no flow motor-pump speed (w₀) and the water head of the pump. The value of w₀ is directly related with motor terminal voltage which has been derived. The condition of the maximum motor-pump efficiency has been deduced mathematically in terms of the speed-torque constant K₁ at a given w₀ for different water heads. The variation of w₀ and perfectly matched motor constant (M₀) have been calculated at various solar insolation and different water heads. From these theoretical studies, the optimum matching condition has been suggested according to the requirements. One optimally matched monoblock DC series motor and centrifugal pump, of 125 W, was chosen for study. The calculated coupling efficiencies such as electrical energy, mechanical energy, and hydraulic energy of the pump, have been discussed. Some of these results are also compared to information available in the literature.     

Optimized photovoltaic generator–water electrolyser coupling through a controlled DC–DC converter

The coupling of a photovoltaic generator and an electrolyser is one of the most promising options for obtaining hydrogen from a renewable energy source. Both are well known technologies, however, since the high variability of the solar radiation, an efficient coupling still presents some challenges. Direct or through a DC–DC converter couplings are the options in isolated applications. In this work, three models, respectively, for a photovoltaic (PV) generator, a controlled DC–DC converter and a complete proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyser have been designed by using Matlab/Simulink. A PV-electrolyser specific algorithm to search for the optimum and safe working point for both elements is presented. Simulation results demonstrate that the use of a controlled DC–DC converter with the proposed algorithm shows better adaptability to the variable radiation conditions than the other coupling options. Therefore, it leads to a better compliance between the electrolyser and the sizing of the PV generator.     

Vectorial command of an asynchronous motor fed by a photovoltaic generator

In order to promote renewable energy, Tunisia has developed a large program to exploitate photovoltaïc systems (PV) to provide electric power in rural electrification. These needs increase continually following standard of living improvements, from lighting and media communication (radio, TV) to motors, refrigeration and pumping. The fluctuation of solar energy on one hand, and the necessity to optimise available solar energy on the other, it is useful to develop new efficient and flexible modes to control motors. A vectorial control of an asynchronous motor fed by a photovoltaïc system is proposed. In this case, the control of the circulating current becomes an important objective in the algorithm design. This paper presents an efficient current controller scheme that can achieve high accuracy and a fast dynamic response of induction machine. This scheme uses voltage decoupling and proportional integral controller loops (PI). Furthermore, to operate the PV array at its maximum power point for every instant, the PV system must contain a maximum power point tracking controller (MPPT). Good static and dynamic performances were obtained in simulation of the proposed structure.     

Matching of DC motors to photovoltaic generators for maximum dailygross mechanical energy

The matching to solar-cell generators of both separately excited and series DC motors driving pumping loads is addressed. It is shown that the maximum gross mechanical power can be obtained at slightly higher voltages and slightly lower currents compared to the maximum electrical-power points on the solar-cell generator characteristics at different insolation levels. Guidelines for constructing the loci of the motor voltage-current points for maximum mechanical power and for determining the optimal motor parameters to match the solar generator are derived in terms of the mechanical load characteristics and the solar array parameters. Results of applying these design criteria to practical case studies enabled the assessment and comparison of both kinds of motors, especially as far as the daily utilizable output mechanical energy is concerned. The superiority of the separately excited motors in such systems is quantitatively indicated. The results are also compared to corresponding information available in the literature     

Performance analysis of a PV powered DC motor driving a 3-phaseself-excited induction generator

Photovoltaic (PV) powered DC motors driving dedicated loads (e.g. water pumps) are increasingly used in the remote rural areas of many developing countries. The key to their success is simplicity (direct coupling, no DC-AC inversion, no storage batteries, etc.). In this paper, a PV powered DC motor is used to drive an isolated three-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG). It is found that due to the unique torque-speed characteristics of the SEIG, utilization efficiency is close to maximum at all insolation levels with no peak-power tracking. The proposed arrangement is useful as part of an integrated renewable energy system (IRES), which takes advantage of the inherent diversity of wind and insolation in most developing countries to improve power quality. The SEIG is driven by wind turbine, DC motor, or both. Performance of the system under different insolation conditions is analyzed     

A highly efficient PV system using a series connection of DC–DC converter output with a photovoltaic panel

A photovoltaic (PV) power conditioning system (PCS) must have high conversion efficiency and low cost. Generally, a PV PCS uses either a single string converter or a multilevel module integrated converter (MIC). Each of these approaches has both advantages and disadvantages. For a high conversion efficiency and low cost PV module, a series connection of a module integrated DC–DC converter output with a photovoltaic panel was proposed. The output voltage of the PV panel is connected to the output capacitor of the fly-back converter. Thus, the converter output voltage is added to the output voltage of the PV panel. The isolated DC–DC converter generates only the difference voltage between the PV panel voltage and the required total output voltage. This method reduces the power level of the DC–DC converter and enhances energy conversion efficiency compared with a conventional DC–DC converter.     

A photovoltaic panel emulator using a buck-boost DC/DC converter and a low cost micro-controller

In order to facilitate the design and testing of photovoltaic (PV) power systems, a PV emulator which models the electrical characteristic of a PV panel or array is needed. Among different approaches to modeling PV characteristic, namely the I–V curve, curve-fitting is a popular approach. Even though a single high-order polynomial equation may accurately represent the I–V curve, the process of derivation and implementation is rather complex. This paper hence proposes the use of piecewise linear approach which is easier to derive and implement in a low-cost micro-controller. A two-switch buck-boost DC/DC converter is selected as the PV emulator and is analyzed. Experimental results on a hardware prototype of the proposed PV emulator are reported to show the effectiveness of the approach.     

Identification and control of a DC motor using back-propagationneural networks

An artificial-neural-network (ANN)-based high-performance speed-control system for a DC motor is introduced. The rotor speed of the DC motor can be made to follow an arbitrarily selected trajectory. The purpose is to achieve accurate trajectory control of the speed, especially when motor and load parameters are unknown. The unknown nonlinear dynamics of the motor and the load are captured by the ANN. The trained neural-network identifier is combined with a desired reference model to achieve trajectory control of speed. The performances of the identification and control algorithms are evaluated by simulating them on a typical DC motor model. It is shown that a DC motor can be successfully controlled using an ANN     

A novel method to optimize photovoltaic generator operation

Photovoltaic (PV) energy is an alternative energy source for the future due to the world's limited energy resources. In this paper, a new technique to improve the performance of a PV array is presented. The study is based on the determination of the optimal configuration of a PV generator for a fixed number of modules. The aim of the study is to extract the maximum power from a PV generator connected in a direct coupling to a load. Different considerations (commutation current alone, commutation voltage alone, commutation current and voltage) are described. The presented method is based on microcontroller utilization. Very simple calculations allowed to decide, in real time, which configuration is appropriate for any load and any work conditions. Theoretical and experimental results are included. The effectiveness of the applied method is assessed by simulations and experiments. The method using commutation current and commutation voltage leads to good results unlike the other techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A maximum power tracking algorithm based on photovoltaic current control for matching loads to a photovoltaic generator

In this paper, a novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approach is studied. It is based on the photovoltaic (PV) current control. The last one is estimated using an estimation algorithm. It is established based on the Newton Raphson optimization algorithm. Digital simulation results for a resistive load are presented to highlight the improvement in performances of the presented MPPT approach.     

A DC linear motor with a square armature

One of the advantages in using DC linear motors for low speed linear drives is that the position and speed of these motors can be precisely controlled with the help of a feedback circuit. In addition, linear motors get rid of the rotary-to-linear conversion mechanism, hence reduce the weight cost backlash and dynamic complexity which produces friction, and eventually minimizes the space required by the drive. The neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) permanent magnet with high energy product has been used as the field source of these motors thus reducing the size and weight of the motors further. This paper describes the analysis of flux and force in a DC linear stepping motor built with NdFeB magnets. In order to verify the experimental results obtained for determining the performance of the motor, a computational method has been employed to compute the flux distributions throughout the machine. The discrepancy between the measured and computed values of axial and radial flux at most points ranges between 8% and 16% while the discrepancy between the measured and computed values of starting thrust is in the range between 4% and 13%     

Matching analysis of photovoltaic powered dc series motors and centrifugal pumps by varing motor constants

An analytical method for the direct coupling between a photovoltaic (PV) generator and a monoblock DC series motor driven centrifugal pump has been developed as a function of the no-flow motor-pump speed w₀ and its working speed w. w₀ is a function of the motor terminal voltage, and w is determined by the value of w₀ and the working water head of the pump. The different parameters of a monoblock DC series motor and a centrifugal pump have been derived as variables of w₀ and w. The optimum matching conditions at the maximum hydraulic efficiency are discussed. The mathematical approach to this study has been verified by experimental results from two different pump systems. The constants of a given motor-pump system are constrained by the requirements and design factors. Without alteration of these constants, better matching can be achieved only by changing the motor constant M₀. Some reported results also compare well with those of this model.     

A utility interactive wind energy conversion scheme with anasynchronous DC link using a supplementary control loop

The paper presents modelling, simulation and experimental verification of a utility interactive wind energy conversion scheme with an asynchronous link comprised of a diode bridge rectifier and a line commutated inverter. The control objective is to track and extract maximum power from the wind energy system and transfer this power to the electric utility. This is achieved by controlling the firing delay angle of the inverter. Since the diode bridge rectifier has no control on the DC link voltage, a supplementary control loop is used to limit the voltage within a preset voltage threshold. The proposed scheme for regulating the flow of power through the DC link ensures reduced reactive power burden on the self-excitation capacitor banks and better utilisation of available wind energy, while limiting the DC link voltage within a preset voltage threshold. The simulated results are experimentally verified and found to give good power tracking performance     

Speed control of a PV powered DC motor driving a self-excited3-phase induction generator for maximum utilization efficiency

Photovoltaic (PV) powered DC motors driving dedicated loads (e.g. water pumps) are increasingly used in the remote rural areas of many developing countries. The key to their success is simplicity (direct coupling, no DC-AC conversion, no storage batteries, etc.). Because of the relatively high cost of the PV array, the system designer is interested in maximizing its utilization efficiency. A PV powered DC motor can also be used to drive a three-phase self-excited induction generator (SEIG). This arrangement is useful as part of an integrated renewable energy system (IRES), which takes advantage of the inherent diversity of wind and solar energy in most developing countries to improve power quality. The SEIG is driven by a wind-turbine, DC motor, or both. Another advantage of this arrangement is its versatile control characteristics through the DC motor control. This paper describes a technique to maximize the utilization efficiency of the PV array by controlling the field current of the DC motor through a DC chopper     

Autonomous hybrid photovoltaic power plant using a back-up generator: A case study in a Mediterranean island

Using a stand-alone photovoltaic array as a unique source of supply for a local electric demand generally induces a significant excess in energy production. A solution to the problem appears through the use of a hybrid system, which gives a good way to improve the energy balance together with minimum investment. A sizing method starting from meteorological conditions in Corsica was extended to a twin-source system: solar/fuel electric generator with each source contribution being optimized. The results obtained from such an approach show that a 75% solar rate is an optimal value to obtain an energy balance fitted to the local demand when compared to other systems for decentralized electricity generation. The methodology was tested and validated, through an existing hybrid PV system in Corsica (44 kW). This paper does not present a general sizing method for the hybrid system, but is just a case study.     

Development and some photovoltaic parameters of a silicon solar generator with vertical p-n junctions

A new design of a silicon solar generator with vertical p-n junctions is described, and their photovoltaic parameters are given.     

Torque ripple analysis of a PM brushless DC motor using finite element method

Three-phase permanent magnet brushless DC motors are widely used. As a function of the rotor position, the torque produced by these machines has a pulsating component in addition to the DC component. This pulsating torque has a fundamental frequency corresponding to six pulses per electrical revolution of the motor. The shape of the torque waveform and, thus, the frequency content of the waveform can be influenced by several factors in the motor design and construction. This paper addresses the various factors that influence the torque waveshape. It is shown that in addition to the basic induced electromotive force (EMF) waveshape, the magnetic saturation in the stator core, and the accuracy in the skewing are also key factors in determining the torque waveshape. Computer simulation using finite element technique has been conducted to study the torque waveform. Simulation results successfully duplicated the torque waveforms measured in experiments under different excitation currents.     

Performance optimization of a photovoltaic induction motor pumping system

The performances of a photovoltaic pumping system based on an induction motor are degraded once insolation varies far from the value called nominal, where the system was sized. To surmount this handicap, an improvement of these performances by the optimization of the motor efficiency is described in this paper. The results obtained are compared with those of similar work pieces presented in the literature where the motor effeciency and air gap flux where optimized separatly. The simulation results show that the proposed system allows at the same time to combine the performances of the system with constant efficiency and the simplicity of implementation provided by the system with constant airgap flux.     

Advanced fault diagnosis of a DC motor

This paper presents a model of the DCc motor with an eccentric rotor. The winding function theory shows the effect of eccentricity fault on the motor inductances and the simulation is done using a nonsymmetric air-gap function. A modified equation is presented to show the existence of rotor slot harmonics in the DC motor current. To detect the eccentricity fault, a pattern recognition technique is utilized. The proposed algorithm works at steady state and uses armature current as input. The rotor speed is needed in order to provide the appropriate feature for the classifier. Therefore, rotor speed is estimated from the armature current using the commutation harmonics. The experimental results obtained from a 1/3-hp shunt DC motor verifies the proposed method. In order to cover different motor conditions, data are collected at different shaft speeds for both a healthy dc motor and a dc motor with an unbalanced load which exhibits static eccentricity.     

A robust control method for a PV-supplied DC motor using universal learning networks

In this paper, a new robust control method and its application to a photovoltaic (PV) supplied, separately excited DC motor loaded with a constant torque is discussed. The robust controller is designed against the load torque changes by using the first and second ordered derivatives of the universal learning networks (ULNs). These derivatives are calculated using the forward propagation algorithm, which is considered as an extended version of real time recurrent learning (RTRL). In this application, two ULNs are used: The first is the ULN identifier trained offline to emulate the dynamic performance of the DC motor system. The second is the ULN controller, which is trained online not only to make the motor speed follow a selected reference signal, but also to make the overall system operate at the maximum power point of the PV source. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed robust control method, the simulation is carried out at four different values of the robustness coefficient γ in two different stages: The training stage, in which the simulation is done for a constant load torque. And the control stage, in which the controller performance is obtained when the load torque is changed. The simulation results showed that the robustness of the control system is improved although the motor load torque at the control stage is different from that at the training stage.