Enhanced Performance of Single-Phase Inverter for Driving Single-Phase AC Motor in Solar-Powered Water Pumping Systems: A Comparative Study on Efficiency

Abstract

Solar-powered water pumps have emerged as a sustainable solution for providing clean water to remote areas where access to the electrical grid is limited. These systems typically require specific components to enhance the voltage from the solar panel to match the voltage rating of the water pump motor. One key component is the inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) from the solar panel into alternating current (AC) suitable for driving the motor. This paper proposes a novel approach using a single-phase boost inverter for solar water pumping systems, designed to efficiently increase and convert DC to AC voltage without the need for a transformer. The inverter utilizes Sinusoidal Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM), implemented through an Arduino Uno microcontroller, ensuring smooth and efficient voltage conversion. The proposed inverter design is tested using a 300W solar panel in a clean water supply system for mosques, demonstrating satisfactory results in terms of efficiency and functionality. The testing confirms that the system is capable of supplying clean water at a consistent rate, with the inverter effectively boosting the panel voltage to match the pump's required motor voltage. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed single-phase boost inverter for improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of solar-powered water pumps, offering a viable solution for off-grid water supply systems.