DEVELOPMENT OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC PUMPING SYSTEM USING A BRUSHLESS DC MOTOR AND HELICAL ROTOR PUMP

A PV pumping system based on a brushless d.c. motor and helical rotor pump has been designed, simulated and a prototype constructed. The pap er describes the operation of the system and the development of compon ent models for the array, the brushless d.c. motor and helical rotor p ump. Simulation results and subsequent test results for the complete s ystem are included. Efficiencies of between 30 and 50% for the system (excluding the array) have been achieved over a range of loads and ope rating conditions for 4 x 1 and 4 x 2 array configurations.