Solar pumping is experiencing a boom thanks to the constant technological evolution that allows frequency inverters to perform their pump and motor control tasks with the help of photovoltaic solar energy as the main power source. The high efficiency of the drives in motor control is coupled with the ability to be powered directly by the DC voltage of the photovoltaic panels in stand-alone installations or with the optional support of a generator or the grid in switched or hybrid installations.
The benefits of solar pumping with inverter drives are numerous, from the use of renewable energy in partial or total substitution of a generator, with the positive impact on the environment due to less pollution and noise, to an interesting list of savings of all kinds: in fuel, in access to grid electricity and in a longer service life of the motor/pump assembly.
Energy saving with frequency inverters
The use of variable frequency drives is key to energy savings in any installation with electric motors. In the case of pumping, an installation that pumps 2,000 liters per minute and consumes 10kW can pump 1,600 liters per minute with a consumption of 5.12kW by lowering the frequency setpoint from 50Hz to 40Hz in the inverter that controls the pump. In other words, consumption can be reduced by 50% and pumping capacity can be maintained at 80%.
The inverter for solar pumping applications has the MPPT function (integrated or through an external device) for the search of the maximum power point to optimize the performance of the panels, and can also have a “boost” or voltage booster that allows the reduction of the minimum number of panels required to operate the installation.
This is the case of small power drives, very versatile and with IP65 protection, which do not need to be installed inside an electrical cabinet. The higher the power of the installation, the higher the performance requirements of the drives, with specific pumping and motor protection functions.
Remote monitoring and control
As in the case of inverters, the user has access to smartphone applications or web platforms for remote monitoring and control of the installation, although these devices can also be incorporated into more complete supervision environments such as a SCADA.
The applications for this type of installation are very varied, from small private installations, whether for agricultural purposes or in the purification of swimming pools, to large pumping stations managed by irrigation communities or public administrations that guarantee access to water resources and provide enormous energy and investment savings. Groundwater extraction for filling reservoirs and agricultural irrigation are applications with excellent performance of solar pumping with inverters.
Vector Energy is a specialist in energy efficiency, automation and industrial control and markets VD and LS Electric variable frequency drives for solar pumping.
Learn more about Vector Energy’s solar pumping solutions with this presentation at the last edition of Nuevo Regadío Forum 2023: