Matching of DC motors to photovoltaic generators for maximum daily gross mechanical energy

Abstract

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. >