INVT GD100-PV Series Inverter used in elephant park in South Africa

Abstract: This article mainly presents INVT GD100-PV series inverter used for solar water pump system in a elephant part in SA. It introduces the structure, control principle and commissioning process of the solar water pump system. Also introduces the booster module which can save cost for users. Engineering practice shows that GD100-PV and booster module are cost-effective solution for living water system. 

Keywords: INVT, Solar pump, GD100-PV, MPPT, Booster module

1. Introduction

Nowadays, due to the serious aging of infrastructure, shortage of energy resources, and man-made destruction of power facilities, the power supply capacity in SA cannot meet the needs of the flat segment, and there is a large gap in power and electricity at the same time, and the power shortage problem is getting worse.

In order to meet the daily power supply needs, people have chosen new energy products, such as photovoltaic energy storage systems, photovoltaic water pump systems, to meet the electricity needs of lighting, TV, refrigerators and water supply systems.

INVT solar pump system uses the inexhaustible solar energy resources, no pollution. This technology has a wide application prospect in remote areas with less water and less electricity.

In this system, pump controller is a critical part which can transfer DC power from PV panels to AC power to drive the various AC motors.

The system schematic diagram is as below: 

GD100-PV series pump controller has the following features and advantages:

• MPPT based controller with dual power source: Solar panel DC power & Grid AC power;

• Suitable for BLDC, PM motor, single phase motor;

• Suitable for surface mount and submersible pumps with 3 phase induction motor;

• All day Run-Stop-Restart management with various self-protection features;

• Pump control function: water level control, dry run protection, lower sunshine protection;

• Boost module saving panel cost;

• Easy to install and commissioning, no need other controller.

2. Project information 

In the elephant park, there is no grid power, and there are two pumps, one for animals drinking pool, one for domestic water storage tank. The details are as below:

The animals drinking water pump is in the wilderness, power supply only PV panels, need unattended operation. 

And the domestic water pump is near the game reserve lodge, in the day time pump it’s running in PV power supply, in case of emergency or lower sunshine, the generator will run to maintain the pump running manually.  

Animal drinking pool

Domestic water storage tank

3. GD100-PV solution water system

According to the application control requirement and power supply situation, different solution are provided.

1) System configuration for animals drinking water pump:

2) System configuration for domestic water pump

3) GD100-PV panel and site pictures

 Animals drinking water pump control panel (with booster module)

Domestic water pump control room (with generator)

Domestic water pump control panel

4. Advantages

The both system are running very well, meet the animal drinking water and domestic water supply demand. And the systems have below advantages: 

• Boost module saving panel cost.

• Auto running with protection function, unattended operation.

• MPPT based controller with dual power source: Solar panel DC power & Generator AC power

• Easy to install and commissioning.

5. Conclusion

After commissioning, the system can met the requirement of the animal drinking water and domestic water supply, and all the protection functions are operating normally. The customer is very satisfied.

INVT GD100-PV series MPPT based solar pump controller is very easy to install and commissioning and the performance is excellent. It’s worthy to promote.