High-efficiency predictive torque control of induction motors in PV water pumping using GTO-optimized PI controller

Abstract This paper proposes an integrated and optimally tuned photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) with high performance and operational stability under variable climatic conditions. The pumping process starts with PV arrays that transform solar energy into electricity to drive the centrifugal pump through an induction motor and an inverter. To evaluate and optimize system performance, three control strategies have been implemented and compared: Direct torque control (DTC), Predictive torque control (PTC), and the proposed Gorilla Troop Optimization-PTC (GTO-PTC) with an optimized PI speed controller. In this improved method, the GTO is applied to optimally tune the proportional integral (PI) controller parameters and address the limitations of conventional controllers. The Incremental Conductance algorithm has also been adopted for the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to achieve maximum energy extraction from photovoltaic panels, due to its high accuracy and excellent stability. The presented system was developed and tested in MATLAB/Simulink to assess its performance across various operating scenarios. The comparative results show that PTC outperforms DTC by reducing torque and flux ripples, improving current quality, and achieving faster dynamic response. Moreover, the integration of PI-GTO-PTC significantly enhances control accuracy, reduces oscillations, and improves the system’s overall efficiency.