**6. Conclusions**

The modified LUO converter-fed VSI-BLDC motor with a solar PV array for a water pumping application was developed using MATLAB/Simulink and the Sim-power system toolbox, whose suitability was exhibited by simulated results. Initially, to meet the various desired objectives, the developed system was logically designed.

The proposed method was simulated and modelled to evaluate the performance under initial and steady-state conditions. The integration of the modified LUO converter was justified by evaluating its performance with the SPV array-based water pumping BLDC motor drive. The developed method availed many desired operations such as the absorption of MPP from the SPV array, BLDC motor soft starting, the fundamental switching frequency of the VSI (resulting in low switching losses), a reduction in the switch stress and the continuous conduction mode of the modified LUO converter for stable operation. Even at a very low solar irradiance, the developed method was operated successfully.

The GWO-optimized algorithm optimally extracted maximum power from the PV system when compared to the P&O and Fuzzy logic MPPT algorithms. The scaling-up of the power rating of the motor and converter did not affect the performance of the pumping system unless the incoming torque of the motor was not affected by the converter. Hence, the proper design of the converter ensured the overall performance of the system. The system may be economical if it is operating with better performance; as stated earlier, the incoming torque has a direct effect on the performance, which affects the overall economic value. While scaling up the system, considering the performance based on the systems' service life is essential, and this will allow us to make decisions on when to change the converter if any operating issues occur. The regular maintenance of the converters may ensure economic gains from the system.

Furthermore, from the results, it was seen that the proposed system was more efficient when compared to other MPPT algorithms and converter topologies, with a maximum efficiency of 97.8%. In comparison, the average performance shown by the Fuzzy optimized modified Luo converter was 94%, and the lowest performance, about 86%, as shown by the conventional P&O algorithm. The settling time was also better when compared to other methods, with a minimum settling time of 0.009 s for GWO and of 0.02 s for the P&O algorithm. Similarly, the voltage gain of the proposed method was higher, with a voltage of 298 V, while for Fuzzy and P&O it was 289 V and 280 V. The experimental outcomes were validated with the simulated results.

Furthermore, this work plans to extend the performance analysis of the BLDC pumping motor for a higher-rated three-phase power system with the proposed converter.

**Author Contributions:** Data curation, A.D.G.J., and M.S.P.S.; Formal analysis, A.D.G.J., M.S.P.S., and N.M.K.; Funding acquisition, U.S., and S.P.; Methodology, A.D.G.J., and M.S.P.S.; Resources, M.S.P.S., and N.M.K.; Software, A.D.G.J.; Supervision, M.S.P.S.; Visualization, N.M.K., and S.P.; Writing—original draft, A.D.G.J.; Writing—review & editing, M.S.P.S., N.M.K., U.S., and S.P. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors like to express their sincere gratitude to the Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Esbjerg, Denmark, and Renewable Energy research lab, College of Engineering, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for providing technical inputs.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
