ABB’s Frequency Converters for Solar Pumps are addressing the challenges of providing water even in remote locations without access to the power grid. The drive uses photovoltaic panels as the energy source to operate water pumps. From dawn to dusk, the drive operates without energy costs easily and safely, with minimal CO2 emissions.
Solar photovoltaic systems for water pumping are becoming increasingly significant worldwide. They play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions. They can operate in areas poorly covered by the power grid, where a reliable water supply is essential to irrigate agricultural land, provide drinking water for livestock, and ensure potable water. ABB’s new generation of ACQ80 frequency converters for solar pumps is designed to meet this need by enabling efficient operation of solar water pumping systems with a low carbon footprint, using clean solar energy. Compared to diesel-powered pump systems, the ACQ80 solar pump frequency converter is an environmentally friendly product with a long lifespan and low maintenance costs, given that it runs on solar energy.
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Key Features of the ACQ80 Frequency Converter
The ACQ80 frequency converter includes built-in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology, combined with a wide input voltage range of 225 to 800 VDC and PID control to achieve the desired water pressure in the pumping system during irrigation. This enables the converter to drive the pump motor even if the output power of the solar panels drops during periods of low sunlight. This broad range of operating conditions is a significant improvement over conventional frequency converters, allowing the maximum amount of water to be pumped at all times.
While the ACQ80 will mainly be used in off-grid installations that convert DC power from solar panels into AC power needed to operate the pump, this frequency converter can also be powered by AC voltage. This allows it to be connected to the local power grid or a generator, ensuring the continuity of the pump system operation during the night or periods of low sunlight by combining power from both DC and AC sources.
The ACQ80 also offers additional integrated functionalities required in pumping systems, such as flow calculation, dry-run protection, pump cleaning, and optimization of the water pumping process, minimizing human intervention. Additionally, it provides connectivity through Fieldbus communication protocols, allowing the frequency converter to be integrated into control systems. The ACQ80 is compatible with both asynchronous motors and highly efficient synchronous reluctance motors with permanent magnets (SynRM), suitable for both submersible and surface pump types.
The ACQ80 has been recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation as an efficient solution, confirming the product’s profitability and use of clean energy. This designation is awarded to products, services, and/ or processes that combine credible environmental and economic performance while outperforming traditional options in their market.
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Read the whole interview in the new issue of the Energy portal Magazine AGROSOLAR ENERGY AND RES.
