Experimentally validated model of a self-switched solar motor for pumping application

Abstract

This paper presents an original and autonomous solar pumping system, based on a Switched Reluctance Motor commutated by photovoltaic cells (SRMPV) and powered by a photovoltaic generator. In this work, experimental tests characterizing the SRMPV are presented. Based on these experiments, the first mathematical model of this complex system is developed and implemented under the Matlab-Simulink platform. In order to optimize the design of the SRMPV, the simulation platform is used to perform a sensitivity study. This research will focus on the determination of the optimal number of coils, the optimal air gap, and the optimal winding cross area of the switched reluctance motor.