A new water-pump motor uses inexpensive, India-made ferrite magnets instead of costly rare-earth magnets. Its unique “semi-modular” spoke-type rotor and simple solar power controller make it both efficient and sturdy. Built to fit inside deep bore-wells, the motor and pump together form a fully self-contained, solar-driven system that can deliver reliable irrigation without diesel or grid electricity.
Figure (1) 3-D schematic diagram of the tubular submersible deep bore-well BLDC motor with the sensor-less drive; (2) Experimental setup of the submersible BLDC motor drive coupled to a dynamometer for loading.
In many rural areas, farmers rely on water pumps powered by diesel or electricity to draw water from deep bore-wells for farming. However, diesel pumps are polluting and expensive to run, while electric pumps may not work where there is no power supply. Solar-powered pumps are a good solution, but they often use motors that are inefficient, costly, or depend on imported parts. There is a strong need for an affordable, energy-saving, and easy-to-maintain motor that can run on solar energy and be made in India.
- Ferrite Magnet Sourcing: This product uses ferrite magnets made in India, cutting material costs and supply risks.
- Semi-Modular Rotor Structure: This feature combines two stacked rotor modules with non-magnetic spacers for strength and minimal magnetic leakage.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: This design offers higher efficiency than standard induction motors, reducing the size and cost of required solar panels.
- Integrated MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Inverter: This product integrates a single-stage inverter with MPPT, avoiding extra boost converters and simplifying electronics.
- Hermetic Sealing Protection: This design includes hermetic sealing (O-rings and oil seals) to protect internal parts from water and debris.
A full working prototype has been built with all major parts—shaft, rotor, stator, controller, inverter, and pump—assembled inside a stainless-steel housing. The prototype sits inside a mock bore-well and connects to a PV panel. All mechanical fits, electrical connections, and seals have been tested for leak-proof operation.
The system is at TRL 6 (prototype demonstration in a relevant environment). It has undergone lab and pilot-scale tests in bore-well-like setups, confirming reliable performance under real-world conditions.
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By replacing diesel engines and costly imported magnets with a domestic, solar-powered motor, farmers save significantly on fuel and maintenance. The switch to clean electricity cuts out harmful exhaust emissions, improving air quality and supporting climate goals. Local workshops can build and service these pumps using India-made ferrite magnets, creating jobs and boosting the national manufacturing sector. With reliable, off-grid water access, small farmers can irrigate more consistently, grow diverse crops, and secure steadier incomes.
- Solar-powered irrigation
- Rural water supply
- Off-grid agricultural systems
- Renewable energy equipment manufacturing
- Water resource management
Geography of IP
Type of IP
201821010872
549887