Smart Utility Interface for Solar PV Fed Vector Controlled Induction Motor Drive for Water Pump Applications

This paper presents a smart utility-interfaced solar photovoltaic (PV) system designed to power a pump load through a vector-controlled induction motor drive. Unlike conventional systems, this design addresses challenges posed by fluctuating solar irradiation by enabling dynamic management of surplus and deficit power. This is achieved through the innovative use of a bidirectional active power flow mechanism, enabled by a single-phase, voltage source converter linked to the DC bus. The front-end active converter (FEAC) topology used in this system, allows active power exchange between utility and DC link but also ensures optimal system performance under varying irradiation conditions. This guarantees that the pump system consistently operates at the best possible operating point. Furthermore, as induction motor is operated in vector controlled mode, the system dynamics gets enhanced. The proposed system is mathematically modeled, designed and simulated in a discrete-time frame in MATLAB environment using simulink and sim power system toolboxes. The simulation results affirm effectiveness of the control strategy designed for the system, demonstrating robustness and practical viability in real-world scenarios.