The use of solar photovoltaic technology as a substitute for outmoded energy sources such as petrol and diesel generators to power electric pumps has become progressively apparent. Solar PV technology is used widely by remote villages and farmers as the control source to pump water for local consumption, sanitation, livestock, and irrigation.
A variable frequency drive is an equipment that is specially designed for regulating the speed and rotational force on an electric motor. It is ideal to find one of the best variable frequency drive manufacturers to buy the best quality products as they are becoming a standard inclusion as part of the solar inverter pumping system controller. Below, I’m going to share the role of VFD in solar water pumping systems.
VFD in Solar Pumping Systems
Reducing Surge Current at Motor Start-Up
A VFD can offer a reduced starting voltage to the motor windings, therefore decreasing the starting current of the motor and giving it time for gaining momentum before applying the full load with water. It also allows users to start and stop the pump at a controlled, programmable rate. It helps to reduce the mechanical wear of the motor as well as the start-up loads on the PV array.
Reduce Energy Consumption
A variable frequency drive with variable torque load can be used in the water pump for reducing the input energy prerequisite. As defined by the affinity law, the power consumption of the law can drop pointedly with a small drop in the rapidity of the motor. Providing that the flow rate is adequate, running a pump at a lower speed over a longer period of time can provide substantial energy savings. The VFD can decrease the working speed of the motor, permitting a smaller PV array to be connected to offer the pumping requirement.
The capability of the VFD to control the pumping process also means that in case of overcast situations or times of decreased solar irradiation, the motor cloud still runs for providing bring pumping work.
Flexibility
A VFD can be automated to run the motor at a convinced speed for obtaining a chosen flow rate from a pump. There are many VFDs that come with a combined comparative integral derivative controller which permits the drive to originate as a set point generally based on definite feedback from the process, for example, from a flow transducer or tank level sensor, and operate in a closed-loop mode if required. A VFD with a fastened loop control delivers better system control and also rises the system reliability.
A VFD as used with a solar pumping system means that the solar PV array is more effective matched to the pumping system in terms of installed capacity and therefore cost. The inclusion of the VFD also delivers more flexibility in the control of the pumping systems, permitting the pumping regime to the varied to suit the application with the least energy use.
These are some effective uses of VFD in solar pumping water systems. You can find one of the leading variable frequency drive manufacturers for buying high-quality products for your application.
