Development of a low cost induction motor drive system using a PVM, boost converter and three

The purpose of this study is to implement a photovoltaic power scheme driven by a single panel for a low-power three-phase induction motor drive system and be as cost efficient as possible. The induction motor represents an emergency water treatment device. Due to the PV output voltage (~70V) a Boost converter was chosen to step up the input voltage to the induction motor´s rated voltage of 120V. The PVM was simulated using the exponential model. Its characterization and inherent traits were studied for design purposes. The Boost converter and a three-phase three-level inverter using 180° conduction were simulated and then implemented in the experimental setup. The inverter output results in three-phase voltages that lag by 120° between each other. A routine was implemented in the Atmega328 to achieve speed control if needed for the application. These results show a feasible topology for an emergency water treatment device and the development of a low cost system seems promising.