Evolving Power Factor Correction in Solar Water Pumping Systems through Zeta Converter-Based BLDC Motor Drives

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a new power conditioning system for a stand-alone solar-powered water pumping system. The system integrates a Brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive with a Power Factor Correction (PFC) Zeta converter to improve energy efficiency and reliability. In order to power BLDC motors for water pumping applications—which are essential for irrigation in isolated locations without access to the grid—the suggested solution attempts to overcome the difficulties related to the direct use of variable solar power. The PFC Zeta converter, which is the system's central component, is made to maximize power extraction from photovoltaic (PV) panels under fluctuating solar irradiation, guarantee high power factor, and reduce harmonic distortion in the electrical grid. A BLDC motor that powers a water pump is efficiently operated by this converter, which also optimizes the DC link voltage. A BLDC motor is especially well-suited for solar-powered applications due to its increased efficiency, dependability, and longer lifespan when compared to traditional induction motors. In order to continuously modify the PV panels' operating point to the maximum power point and maximize the amount of energy they capture, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm is incorporated into the PFC Zeta converter's control strategy. The BLDC motor drive control strategy is carefully designed to guarantee seamless operation and flexibility in response to the fluctuating output from the solar panels, upholding the best possible pumping action in any solar situation. The system's capacity to sustain high efficiency and power factor under a variety of operating circumstances is demonstrated by the experimental findings. When the PFC Zeta converter is used, the solar-powered water pumping system performs much better overall. It shows a notable increase in energy conversion efficiency and lowers total harmonic distortion, which prolongs the pumping system's lifespan. By offering a solid method for raising the effectiveness and dependability of solar-powered water pumping devices, this study advances the sector and holds the possibility of a long-term water supply option for agricultural irrigation in isolated locations. In addition to utilizing renewable solar energy's environmental advantages, the suggested solution tackles the real-world difficulties associated with putting dependable and effective water pumping equipment into off-grid applications.