The GaNFast power integrated circuits (IC) technology from Navitas Semiconductor was utilized by Virtual Forest to create a powerful, emission-free 3 horsepower (2,250W) solar irrigation pump.
The Growing Need of Irrigation Pumps
Powerful pumps are needed by many farmers worldwide to raise water from rivers and streams to field level for irrigating distant crops. Most of these pumps are driven by costly, lossy long-distance electrical connections or noisy, polluting diesel engines.
Key Features of Virtual Forest Solar Irrigation Pumps
- When combined with solar panels and energy storage, the Virtual Forest solar irrigation pump with maximum power point tracking (MPPT) offers reliable, energy-independent, and environmentally friendly performance at the point of use.
- Using quad-band IoT, the 3 hp (2,250W) solar irrigation pump can be remotely accessed while using minimal electricity.
- It can lift more than 50 gallons of water per minute to a height of more than 90 feet, which is sufficient to irrigate 3 acres of land and contribute to the production of 10 tons of wheat.
- Additionally, by utilizing cognitive analytics to assure optimal water management, the IoT-connected solar pump minimizes the use of groundwater.
Opting Navitas Semiconductor GaNFast Power IC Technology
By combining Navitas Semiconductor’s two GaN power FETs with GaN drivers, level shifters, protective features, and high-efficiency loss-less current sensing, Navitas GaNSense half-bridge power ICs are created monolithically.
In a 3-phase motor inverter, high-efficiency NV6269 half-bridge integrated circuits (ICs) in user-friendly 8×10 mm QFN packaging provide 3–5 times the energy savings over conventional silicon IGBTs.
“The $450 million solar-pump market in India is expected to reach $1.5 Bn by 2026, calling for a solar revolution on Indian fields,” said Virtual Forest’s CEO, Omer Basith, adding “Reliable, off-grid systems are critical to overcome food insecurity and achieve energy efficiency. Leveraging Navitas’ high-power, efficient GaNSense™ half-bridge, we seek to deliver a robust solution to the market. We are nurturing our dream to drive gigatons of reduction in carbon emissions, thereby making the world a greener place to live in. Hence, our name — Virtual Forest.”
“The design team at Virtual Forest adopted the GaNSense half-bridges very quickly, for a fast time-to-market,” said Alessandro Squeri, Navitas’ Senior Sales Director. “With GaNSense ‘easy-to-use’ features, Virtual Forest comes into the partnership with high efficiency, low component count and a robust design for tough environments.”
For Further Info: Navitas Semiconductor | www virtual forest.in
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