Field Oriented Vector Control of an Induction Motor fed by Multi-junction Solar Cells

Renewable energy fed electrics motors have drawn the interest of many researchers. Nowadays, solar energy is promising the primary source of renewable energy for electricity generation globally. Increasing of solar cells efficiency is generally the prominent factor in photovoltaic system research. Current multi-junction solar cells having an efficiency of about 30% and the next generation will have high conversion efficiency with a record value of more than 40%. Induction motors fed by high-efficiency multi-junction solar cell generators are one of the most attractive applications in industry systems; Speed control of induction motors can be achieved by varying flux and torque independently thereby incorporating field oriented vector control. Another application of these is the use in space vehicles and satellites. In this research work, we had studied, modeled and simulated the electrical characteristics of multi-junction solar cells in terms of efficiency for terrestrial and space applications. Then, we had investigated the effect of varying temperature on their characteristics and performance. Finally, we had simulated the field oriented vector control of an induction motor fed from the multi-junction photovoltaic system through a three phase solar inverter for variable-speed applications.