Various configuration and control techniques for photovoltaic fed motor driven water pumping system

In view of diminishing conventional energy sources, global warming and ecological issues, worldwide researchers are engaged tirelessly to explore the renewable energy sources. In developing countries like India, most of the population depends upon the agriculture for their livelihood. Agricultural production is greatly dependent on the effectiveness of the irrigation methods. Irrigation of the fields is required to be carried out at multiple times on regular basis. Traditionally, farmers either use, gasoline pump sets or electric motor pump set for the irrigation. To reduce the expenditure on the irrigation along with the carbon footprints, solar-based water pumping is nowadays getting popular. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of configurations and controls applied to develop efficient solar-based water pumping systems for irrigation in India. In addition, scope and constraints of photovoltaic-based solar water pumping system are also presented.