A new solar-powered variable speed drive (VSD) model compatible with a wide range of water pumps has recently been launched.

The Altivar solar ATV320 is Schneider Electric’s replacement offer for the Altivar solar 312 model, which the company says has reached the end of commercialisation.

“This product is part of our Access to Energy portfolio, so it is designed for use in remote areas or areas with no access to energy. However, it can also reduce energy costs if used in applications where there is electricity because it is solar-powered. When not connected to solar panels, the drive can be connected to the grid,” says Schneider Electric South Africa industry automation marketing manager Luthando Makiwane.

The drive is designed to be robust, simple to commission and easy to integrate for pumping applications. It is suited to a range of pumps, including submersible, surface-mounted and water storage tank pumps. The product is suitable for both residential and agricultural applications.

“The Altivar Solar variable speed drive has seen significant uptake in the agricultural sector, where farmers are looking to reduce energy costs and also to adopt green technology in their operations,” says Makiwane.

The new model VSD features a range of features that are an advance on the previous model, including: 

• Dual power supply mode (solar and grid): A wide DC voltage range enables high-wattage panels to be connected to the ATV320 solar drive
• Remote on/off feature using SMS or EcoStruxure energy access – livelihood platform
• Dedicated solar drive with in-built maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and solar-specific functions for multiple solar applications

“This variable drive harvests the maximum solar energy to run the pump for the maximum duration in a day by controlling the speed of the motor based on the power available from solar panels,” explains Makiwane. “The built-in MPPT function helps to ensure that you get the most power out of the solar panels and that the pump operates optimally throughout the day.”

The unit’s ability to connect to the grid as well as a solar PV source ensures that water pumping can continue at night and on cloudy days. The drive is optimised for pumping applications and is said to be able to achieve up to 30% energy savings. In addition, a built-in monitoring function helps prevent pumps from running dry.