Developments In Solar-Electric Pump Technology With the environment in a state of terminal decline, many businesses and individuals are doing their part to minimize their carbon footprints. Even governments are finding solidarity among themselves on the issue of climate change. Riverside Pumps has sought to join the effort through the development of a solar-compatible water pump, the EP221. This pump is the culmination of an extensive R&D process, which had our engineering team scratching its metaphorical head more than once. But fortunately, the work paid off. Electrical motors have been in existence for over a century and come in many varieties. Depending on one's environment, a number of electric motors surround us at any one time. Your computer has multiple electric motors within its shell, mostly BLDC (brushless DC motors) which it employs to power its small fans. Small household items, such as vacuums, blenders, and powertools, often use BLDCs, brushed DCs, or universal motors, all variations of a DC-powered motor. However, after considering the question of the ideal motor, Riverside choose to forego the DC motor for an AC induction motor, the workhorse of industry. Despite the fact that a solar system requires an inverter in order to power an AC motor, this motor can run longer and more efficiently than any DC motor. With two large electromagnets for a rotor and stator, the AC induction engine uses rotating magnetic fields to turn its rotor. There are no permanent magnets within an AC motor, unlike most DC motors which have permanent magnets for rotors, and because of this, require the replacement of brushes and experience reduced efficiency. Having specialized in engine-driven pumps such as trash, diaphragm, centrifugal, and agricultural pumps for the majority of its lifetime. this foray into the world of electrical engineering was a new challenge for Riverside, but like most challenges, taught us more than we ever anticipated. We felt strongly about designing an electrical pump that was compatible with solar panels because of the growing demand for solar power around the world. Developing countries like India, which experience many problems with their electrical grid have begun to transition into solar power with enthusiasm. Also many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which have never had the luxury of an electrical grid are skipping over that stage of development by embracing solar technology. In the United States, companies such as First Solar and Solar City install solar panels for residential and commercial use and are highly subsidized by the United States Government. With these facts in mind, Riverside pumps wanted to create a reliable pump that would be powerful enough to irrigate a small farm from a source of water such as a river, pond, or lake. This required an 2.65 kilowatt AC induction motor and a durable pump material that would be immune to corrosion. For this material we used a next-gen polymer known as Thermoplastic. It is lighter and stronger than aluminum, magnesium alloy, aluminum alloy and many other metals, and will never rust or degrade due to the elements. We hope this pump can fulfill the needs of many farmers and landowners around the world who might have limited access to power, as well as many other people without a sustainable water management solution. Sincerely, The Riverside Team
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