Elsevier

Renewable Energy

Volume 6, Issue 8, November 1995, Pages 1029-1032
Renewable Energy

Technical note
High efficiency, long-life actuator for PV water pumping applications

https://doi.org/10.1016/0960-1481(95)00077-2Get rights and content

Abstract

A typical diagram-configuration photovoltaic (PV) water pumping system consists of a d.c. permanent magnet motor driving a diaphragm pump via a cam. The typical efficiency is low and the lifespan short. The use of a linear d.c. motor or actuator as the drive is suggested. A higher efficiency and life expectancy could be achieved. The aims of this project were to measure the pump, evaluate possible electromagnetic configurations with a finite-element analysis (FEA) package and to evaluate different electromechanical options. The results obtained for these criteria will be discussed concluding with a choice of the best topology.

References (3)

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    Finite element analysis of a constant-force solenoid for fluid flow control

    IEEE Trans. on Indus. Appl.

    (1988)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (2)

  • Solar photovoltaic water pumping system - A comprehensive review

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    Citation Excerpt :

    Moreover, by properly choosing the components like progressive cavity pumps, BDC motor, the day average efficiency of the pump/motor/controller system improved from 40% to 60%. Liebenberg et al. [109] investigated the performance of different designs of linear actuator configurations to replace motor of the diaphragm pump. Diaphragm pump (with MPPT) had low efficiency of 15% at 70 m head and 94 Wp supply.

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