In the heart of Egypt, Mahmoud Hamouda, an electrical engineering professor at Mansoura University, is making waves in the agritech world with his groundbreaking research on solar water pumping systems (SWPS). His latest work, published in IEEE Access, introduces a novel, single-stage standalone SWPS that promises to revolutionize agriculture by making it more economical and sustainable.
Hamouda’s system is a marvel of efficiency and simplicity. It combines perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and interior permanent magnet synchronous motors (IPMSM) to create a cost-effective solution for water problems in agriculture. “The key to our design,” Hamouda explains, “is the integration of advanced control strategies that maximize power point tracking (MPPT) from PV panels and optimize motor efficiency using field-oriented control (FOC) and maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) strategies.”
The system’s design considers the degradation of solar cells over time and the effects of temperature, ensuring long-term reliability. Hamouda’s team built and tested the system using MATLAB/Simulink, demonstrating its technical and economic superiority. The results showed that the system can reach the maximum power point within 1.4 seconds, including the motor’s starting time, making it perfectly suited for SWPS applications.
The implications of this research are vast. For the energy sector, this means a more efficient and reliable way to harness solar power for water pumping, reducing costs and environmental impact. For farmers, it translates to a more sustainable and economical way to irrigate crops, potentially increasing yields and reducing reliance on traditional energy sources.
Hamouda’s work is a significant step forward in the field of solar water pumping systems. By addressing the challenges of degradation and temperature effects, and optimizing control strategies, he has paved the way for more efficient and reliable SWPS. This research, published in IEEE Access, could shape future developments in the field, inspiring further innovations in agritech and renewable energy. As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions, Hamouda’s work offers a promising path forward.