Photovoltaic Panel Based Pumping System: A Solution Without Batteries

The northeastern region of Brazil is heavily influenced by the semi-arid climate, subjecting the local population to severe periods of drought. On the other hand, this region presents high potential of solar energy with low interannual variability of solar irradiation averages. Given this scenario, there has been an effort to develop technologically and economically viable solutions so that the low-income population, living in isolated locations of the electricity network, have access to water. In this paper, a solution is presented for the pumping of water for domestic purposes or irrigation of small crops. The primary source of energy is the solar photovoltaic type and without batteries. To reduce the number of panels, a high gain, high efficiency boost converter is used to provide regulated voltage to a frequency converter. This is composed of three-phase induction motor and submerged centrifugal pump. Another important factor is the use of commercial equipment, which facilitates the replacement in a possible failure. The tests show satisfactory results, reaching in the maximum power condition a flow of 1100 l/h h at a pressure 25 mca. Therefore, we can conclude that the system shows potential to be used in applications where there is no conventional power.