The iSOLAR PDP Series is a range of 4-inch helical solar pumps designed for water transfer applications, powered by solar energy or alternative AC sources. These pumps are suitable for installation in bores, tanks, or open bodies of water, offering a versatile solution for remote water supply without external energy costs.
Function Description:
The core of the iSOLAR PDP series is the iSOLAR M220HR motor, a rare-earth, permanent magnet motor capable of operating on both AC and DC power. This motor features internal two-stage electronic frequency conversion and electronic motor management, incorporating Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and Vector control logic. This advanced control system allows the motor to select the optimal operating point for the pump based on available input energy, varying its speed from 0 to 3600 rpm to deliver water efficiently, even under less than ideal solar conditions.
The helical rotor design of the pump is particularly effective for small flows and high-head applications, contributing to overall system efficiency. The stator is made from a special wear-resistant rubber, developed for Australasian conditions, and paired with a chrome-plated screw (rotor).
For enhanced control and protection, the iSOLAR PDP pumps can be used in conjunction with either the iSOLAR V3 controller (item code: 805989) or the iSOLAR Pro controller (item code: 805893). While the motor's internal electronics offer some basic control and protection, the V3 and Pro controllers provide greater levels of protection, additional functions for user convenience, and improved reliability and durability. These controllers feature a display for motor power consumption, and can manage automatic switching between AC and DC power sources if an alternative power source is available. They can also be connected to compatible auto-start generators for automated operation and allow for external control devices like floats or pressure switches to maintain tank levels or prevent dry running. The controllers primarily prevent excessive motor starts.
Important Technical Specifications:
- DC Voltage: 60 - 380 Vmpp / 60 - 440 Voc
- DC Current: Max 12 Amp DC (Isc)
- AC Voltage: 90 - 280 V AC Single Phase
- AC Current: Max 10 Amp AC
- Maximum Axial Thrust: 3000N
- Maximum Submergence Depth: 150m
- Recommended Water Temperature: 10°C to 40°C
- Sand Loading Limit: Performance and service life are seriously reduced in water containing sand loading greater than 100g/m³.
iSOLAR V3 Controller Specifications:
- Ingress Protection: IP65 (weather-proof)
- AC Voltage Input Range: Single phase 90 – 280 VAC
- DC Voltage Input Range: 60 – 380 Vmpp/440Voc
- Inputs: Accepts up to 3 external control inputs (e.g., floats, pressure switches)
- PDP4 Solar 900: Hmax 300m (29.41 bar / 426.6 PSI)
- PDP4 Solar 1200: Hmax 200m (19.61 bar / 282.4 PSI)
- PDP4 Solar 1500: Hmax 140m (13.73 bar / 199.1 PSI)
PDP4 Minimum and Maximum Flows:
- PDP4 Solar 900: Minimum 3 lpm, Maximum 12 lpm (Recommended flow inducer I.D. to cool motor at minimum flow rate: 102mm ID)
- PDP4 Solar 1200: Minimum 7 lpm, Maximum 25 lpm (Recommended flow inducer I.D. to cool motor at minimum flow rate: 107mm ID)
- PDP4 Solar 1500: Minimum 11 lpm, Maximum 46 lpm (Recommended flow inducer I.D. to cool motor at minimum flow rate: 112mm ID)
Usage Features:
Motor Internal Electronics Functions:
The iSOLAR M220HR motor's internal electronics provide comprehensive protection and control:
- Accepts AC or DC power
- MPPT (maximum power point tracking)
- Vector control
- Dry run protection
- Reverse protection
- Over-head protection
- Over-load protection
- Over-current protection
- Lost-Phase protection
- Missing-voltage protection
- Over-power protection
- Low voltage protection
- Stall protection
V3 Controller Functions:
- Manual Pump Switching: ON / OFF
- Three Modes of Operation:
- AC MODE: Power supplied from a Generator or Mains power.
- DC MODE: Power supplied from a Solar Array or Battery storage.
- AUTO MODE: Automatic switching from DC to AC.
- LED Indication: Power On, Pump On, Pump Off, and operation interruption.
- Display: Motor power consumption.
- Protection: Over-voltage protection.
- Generator Management: Automatic start and stop of a compatible generator (contact White International for details).
- External Control: Enables connection of external control devices (floats, pressure switches) for automatic tank level maintenance or pump shutdown.
Installation Considerations:
- Solar Array: Must face True North, with an angle corresponding to the site's latitude. More vertical in winter, flatter in summer. Protect from stock and shading. Ensure panels are earthed.
- Cable Sizing: Recommended cable sizes are provided in a chart to minimize energy losses, aiming for a maximum voltage drop of 3%.
- Generator Sizing: Minimum kVa required from a generator is calculated as (Total kW of solar array x 1.1) / 0.8.
- Controller Installation: Install in a shielded location, away from direct sunlight and adverse weather, with good ventilation. Earth the controller body to ground.
- Electrical Connections: All electrical alterations must be carried out by qualified personnel. Ensure the controller is isolated before accessing low voltage circuit connections.
- Pump Installation:
- Borehole: Vertical installation preferred. Do not support pump weight by drop cable or power cable; use an unstrained safety rope connected to the lifting hook. Ensure the pump does not rest on the bottom or in sand (1.5 meters clear below pump). Maintain minimum water level 150mm above pump inlet. Install a check valve on the pump outlet or well head (additional check valves for heads > 80m).
- In-tank: Can be installed vertically or horizontally. Fit non-return valve to pump top. Rigid piping recommended. Include flushing/scour valve at tank base. Pump side needs to be higher than the motor; motor bleed hole must be upwards.
- Open Body of Water (Pond/Stream): Vertical installation preferred, but horizontal slinging is acceptable. Ensure constant water draw from below the surface without contamination. A buoyant pontoon from PVC fittings can be used for mounting.
- Pump Shrouding: Essential if motor current draw is above 2kW to ensure optimum cooling (water velocity of 80mm/sec past the motor).
- Pressure Pipe Selection: Use suitably pressure-rated piping. It is essential to fit a switching device (e.g., pressure switch) to the delivery line to prevent closed-head operation. Open loop systems minimize risk.
- Low-Level Float: MUST be fitted into the TWL circuit to prevent dry running. Installation without this float voids warranty. The float must be a minimum of 150mm above the pump inlet.
Maintenance Features:
- Clean Water: Helical rotor pumps must be used in clean, sediment-free water. Sand content greater than 100g/m³ accelerates wear and shortens lifespan. Warranty does not cover failure or wear due to abrasives. Stator and rotor are wear parts and may require replacement.
- Panel Cleaning: Dust or bird droppings impair energy output; keep panels clean.
- Cable Jointing: Detailed instructions for cable jointing are provided, including specific components (crimp connectors, heat shrink tubes) and procedures to ensure a properly sealed joint using a heat gun.
- Troubleshooting: A comprehensive troubleshooting section is provided, covering common issues such as pump not starting, no water delivered, poor water delivery, pump not shutting off, frequent starts, electric shock, oscillating pressure gauge, and electrolysis.
- Motor Earthing: The iSOLAR M220HR motor cable has an earth lead that MUST be connected to the V3 controller's earth (ground circuit to prevent lethal shock hazard.
- No Megohmmeter Checks: Never perform insulation resistance checks using a megohmmeter, as this can damage internal motor electronics.
- Warranty: A 2-year warranty is provided, subject to terms and conditions. For warranty claims, the motor must be returned with cable and joint intact, with the cable cut at least 100mm above the joint.
- Support: Contact White International for further assistance.