DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A SOLAR PHOTO VOLTAIC-POWERED PORTABLE WATER FILTER

Abstract

This research presents a hardware prototype of a solar photovoltaic-powered water filtration device. The aim of this prototype is to support the Qatrah program of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A DC-to-DC boost converter, also known as a step-up converter, is used to transform the energy generated by the solar photovoltaic system into power suitable for charging a 24V battery. In isolated areas, the water filter’s DC compressor operates using the energy stored in the battery.

The DC motor of the solar pump is powered by a boost converter that increases the solar panel’s input voltage to 25V. Solar energy is also utilized to recharge the batteries. Maximum solar energy generation is achieved when the boost converter switch is engaged. To extract maximum power from the solar photovoltaic system, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology is employed. The Arduino Nano microcontroller monitors and controls the pulse of the DC-to-DC boost converter during the MPPT operation of the solar photovoltaic system.