Peak Current Detection Starting Based Position Sensorless Control of BLDC Motor Drive for PV Array Fed Irrigation Pump

The generation of exact commutation to start the permanent magnet brushless direct current (PMBLDC) motor in position sensorless control mode is the most challenging task. A peak current detection starting algorithm based wide speed range position sensorless control for solar photovoltaic array fed PMBLDC motor drive for the irrigation water pumping is presented here. This starting algorithm controls the exact starting commutation along with the peak staring current. An elimination of position sensor and current sensor for rotor position estimation makes

the implemented drive compact and cost effective for agricultural application. The operation of the drive is first tested with simulation and the reliability is tested in the laboratory prototype as well as in compact industrial product prototype with cost-effective digital signal processor. The robustness of the system is verified with different simulation and test results at various operating conditions. The compact cost-effective solution fits perfect for low cost, demanding both irrigation and domestic water pumping.

Key Words — Incremental conductance (INC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm, peak current detection based starting, permanent magnet brushless direct current (PMBLDC) motor drive, position sensorless control, water pumping