| Abstract | This paper presents the performance analysis of a photovoltaic (PV) energy source driving a synchronous reluctance (SyncRel) motor. The design considerations of the PV array, suitable
for driving a centrifugal pump, are studied. Three design approaches are proposed at an average
insolation of 0.5 kW/m2. These approaches depend upon determining the system operating point
firstly and then maintaining this point on the PV generator characteristics. The first approach takes
motor starting current into account as an additional design criterion. The second one is based on
achieving the maximum power at the system operating point. The third approach considers maintaining voltage regulation of the PV generator at a pre-specified suitable value. A sample of the simulation results is introduced using the SyncRel motor measured parameters and the estimated
parameters of the PV array. It has been found that the minimum number of cells can be achieved
using the second approach. |