Abstract
Simple, cheap, and efficient water pumps are needed in developing countries. A reciprocating water pump driven by a switched reluctance linear tubular motor with double pistons that can be supplied from a photovoltaic power source seems to respond to this demand. This type of new motor (one with reciprocating motion) is presented in the paper. In order to develop a strong driving force at two extreme piston positions and achieve a long piston stroke, a double coil motor with a double secondary and two springs is proposed. Simulation results of force, current, and voltage waveforms obtained using MATLAB/Simulink are presented. The electromagnetic forces and coil inductances, which depended on the current and the secondary positions of the pistons, were determined using FEM. Simulation results are compared with those obtained from an experiment carried out on the motor prototype.