ABB's New ACQ80 Variable Speed Solar Drive (VSD) for Sustainable Water Pumping

Solar photovoltaic (PV) powered water pumping systems are gaining global significance due to their role in reducing CO2 emissions associated with water pumping. They are particularly valuable in areas with weak power grid coverage, providing essential water supplies for agricultural irrigation, livestock, and drinking purposes. ABB's new ACQ80 solar pump variable speed drive (VSD) addresses this need by ensuring efficient water pumping with a low carbon footprint, utilizing clean solar energy.

A standout feature of the ACQ80 is its built-in Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) logic, along with a wide input voltage range from 225 to 800 VDC. This allows the pump motor to operate even during periods of low sunlight, thanks to a broader operational window compared to conventional drives, maximizing water output under various conditions.

While primarily designed for off-grid solutions—converting direct current (DC) from solar panels to the alternating current (AC) needed by the pump—the ACQ80 can also accept an AC input. This flexibility allows it to connect to a local grid or generator, ensuring continuous operation during the night or cloudy periods by blending AC and DC inputs.

"A low CO2 emission solution is crucial for sustainable irrigation, farming, and water utility pumping. The ACQ80 is an ABB innovation set to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar pumping schemes worldwide, even in varying sunlight conditions. We are also proud it received the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label from the Solar Impulse Foundation," said Jugal Patnaik, Global Product Manager, Solar Pump Drives, ABB.

The ACQ80 includes features like flow calculation, dry-run protection, pump cleaning, and multiple smart-operating modes to optimize the pumping process and reduce the need for human intervention. It also supports fieldbus connections for integration into control systems and is compatible with both induction motors and highly efficient permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance (SynRM) motors in submersible and surface pumps.

The ACQ80's recognition with the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label underscores its profitability and clean energy operation. This label is awarded to products, services, and processes that demonstrate credible environmental and economic performance, outperforming mainstream market options. This recognition helps inform political and economic decision-makers, guiding more ambitious energy and environmental policies to achieve their objectives.