Small scale photovoltaic water pumping : direct-coupled systems driving centrifugal pumps | |
| Author | Easwarakhanthan, Thirunavukarasu |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ET-81-10 |
| Subject(s) | Photovoltaic power generation Centrifugal pumps |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | A theoretical study, on photovoltaic pumping is undertaken to establish the most efficient direct- coupled system and to evaluate the relative merits of a system with a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) as an interfacing device, over the direct-coupled system. An experimental study on the performance of a direct-coupled system is carried out by setting up an installation of solar panels, direct-current permanent magnet motor and centrifugal pump. Using mathematical models of the system components, it is shown that the direct- current permanent magnet motor with centrifugal pump provides the best adaptation to the direct-coupled system. Further, a comparative simulated performance study shows that the system with MPPT starts pumping earlier than the direct- coup.1ed system and that it could pump even during cloudy atmospheres. Moreover, the simulation of daily flow, throughout a year, indicates that with MPPT, t he yearly flow increases by around 25% . The effect of an eventual sun tracking system is also considered in the theoretical studies. The experimental study carried out on t h e direct-coupled sys tern concludes that the system efficiency is between 3.2 and 4.1% for heads between 4.5 and 5.5 m, with the illumination levels above 600 W/m2 . The parameters of the regression models are obtained for the working curve of the system and for the characteristics of the pump, The performance curves are also given. |
| Year | 1981 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Energy Technology (ET) |
| Chairperson(s) | Follea, D.; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Saunier, G.Y. ;Walter, Despiegelaere, Ir. ; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | The Government of United Kingdom; |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1981 |