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Research Article |

Design and Simulation of a Standalone Solar Photovoltaic System for Water Pumping Using Induction Motor Drive

Author(s): Abdulathim Alabdali1*, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Abbas UĞURENVER2

Published In : International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Research (IJEER)        Volume 13, Issue 4

Publisher : FOREX Publication

Published : 10 December 2025

e-ISSN : 2347-470X

Page(s) : 722-729

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37391/IJEER.130412

Abstract

The rising demand for sustainable energy in off-grid regions has propelled the use of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for water pumping, particularly for irrigation. This study investigates the design and simulation of a standalone PV-powered water pumping system employing a three-phase induction motor (IM) for remote applications. The research aims to optimize energy extraction and ensure system stability under varying solar irradiance. The methodology utilizes MATLAB/Simulink to model the system, integrating a Perturb and Observe (P&O) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) algorithm, a DC-DC boost converter, and a Voltage Source Inverter (VSI) to drive the IM. A standalone solar PV array rated at 5.84 kW was designed to drive a 4-kW induction motor water pump. Under simulated dynamic irradiance conditions, the motor load temporarily dropped to 2 kW, demonstrating the system’s ability to maintain stable operation which reduces to 2.92 kW (half the rated capacity) during an irradiance drop from 1000 to 500 W/m² at t=5 seconds. The motor maintains a steady speed of 1430 rpm at a 4-kW load, with the P&O algorithm effectively adapting to dynamic conditions. The model acknowledges simplifications, noting that actual output may decrease by 10-15% due to temperature, inverter, and wiring losses. These findings affirm the system’s potential for off-grid irrigation, though further refinements are recommended to address real-world inefficiencies and enhance reliability.

Keywords: Solar PV, Water pumping, Induction motor, MPPT, Irrigation.




Abdulathim Alabdali*, MSc Student, Istanbul Aydin University, Turkey; Email: afaysalalabdali@stu.aydin.edu.tr

Asst. Prof. Dr. Abbas UĞURENVER, MSc Student, Istanbul Aydin University, Turkey; Email: abbasugurenver@aydin.edu.tr

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Abdulathim Alabdali, Abbas Ugurenver (2025), Design and Simulation of a Standalone Solar Photovoltaic System for Water Pumping Using Induction Motor Drive. IJEER 13(4), 722-729. DOI: 10.37391/IJEER.130412.