Stand-Alone Solar PV-Fed Reduced Sensor-Based MPPT Controlled Pentamerous Cell Converter for BLDCM-Driven Milling System
摘要
This paper introduces a self-reliant solar photovoltaic (PV)-powered mill driven by a brushless DC (BLDC) motor without a position sensor, designed for remote areas without grid access. The system features a pentamerous cell (PC) converter, an advanced boost DC–DC converter, controlled by a reduced sensor-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm. This innovative MPPT approach eliminates the need for voltage sensors, relying solely on a current sensor, which simplifies the system, reduces costs, and enhances control speed. PC (Pentamerous Cell) converter offers several advantages over conventional boost converters. It provides continuous input current, reducing voltage and current stress on switches, and incorporates zero current switching, minimizing losses and boosting efficiency. Its low output voltage and current ripple allow for smaller capacitor sizes, making it highly efficient and compact for solar PV milling applications. BLDC motor’s sensor-less control further reduces the system's capital and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for position sensors, addressing time delay issues in conventional systems, and enhancing performance at higher speeds. Together with MPPT controller, the system ensures consistent torque delivery to mill, even under low solar irradiation, improving energy conversion efficiency. Proposed system was evaluated through simulations and experiments under varying solar irradiation conditions. Results demonstrate its high efficiency and stability in both steady-state and dynamic scenarios. The combined benefits of PC converter, sensor-less BLDC control, and reduced sensor MPPT algorithm make this system a robust and cost-effective solution for off-grid milling, offering reliable performance and optimized energy utilization. This innovative approach addresses challenges of energy access and efficiency in remote areas, providing a practical alternative to conventional solutions.