Single-Stage PV Array Fed Speed Sensorless Vector Control of Induction Motor Drive for Water Pumping

This paper deals with a single-stage solar powered speed sensorless vector controlled induction motor drive for water pumping system, which is superior to conventional motor drive. The speed is estimated through the estimated stator flux. The proposed system includes solar photovoltaic (PV) array, a three-phase voltage source inverter, and a motor-pump assembly. An incremental-conductance-based maximum power point tracking algorithm is used to harness maximum power from a PV array. The smooth starting of the motor is attained by vector control of an induction motor. The desired configuration is designed and simulated in MATLAB/Simulink platform and the design, modeling, and control of the system are validated on an experimental prototype developed in the laboratory.