Performance of SPV Array Fed Small Variable Speed Pumped Storage Power Plant

The paper presents the standalone solar photovoltaic (SPV) array fed small variable speed pumped storage hydroelectric power plant. The proposed system is designed by doing site survey at Government Engineering College Aurangabad (GECA). Single phase induction machine is used for the site condition at GECA and due to its simple operation in the motoring and generating mode. The SPV array system slightly greater than induction motor rating is selected by considering the losses related to the motor-pump assembly. The boost converter is designed to raise the voltage to require level. It provides constant output voltage and low device stress. The single phase induction machine is low cost and relatively simple among all type of machines. The system demonstrated the different performance indices for change in the solar irradiance and according to that the change in the flow rate for hydraulic system in motoring mode and motor performance in generating mode is analyzed. The proposed system is studied for the different irradiance condition and its performance is validated by using MATLAB/Simulink software.