Solar pumping systems are becoming an efficient, future-ready solution for water supply across remote, agricultural and industrial environments.
For more than 60 years, Franklin Electric Australia has played a vital role in supporting the nation’s essential water infrastructure, drawing on more than 80 years of global innovation and technical excellence from its parent company, the Indiana-headquartered Franklin Electric.
As Franklin Electric quickly becomes a global technology leader dedicated to moving water reliably, sustainably and efficiently, its Australian subsidiary is growing its reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance water systems tailored to Australia’s diverse and often demanding conditions.
That commitment to performance and sustainability is clearly reflected in the company’s Electroflo solar-ready pumping solutions – an integrated system designed to combine high-efficiency motor technology with robust pump engineering to deliver dependable results in challenging and remote environments.
Meeting growing demand
From remote livestock watering and rural water supply to mining camps and off-grid infrastructure, operators face heightened energy costs and stricter environmental targets, directing them to solutions that reduce reliance on diesel generation without compromising performance.
“Franklin Electric Australia’s Electroflo range has been developed specifically with these applications in mind,” Franklin Electric Australia national sales manager Stephen Jennings said.
“By integrating advanced drive technology, durable pump construction and high-efficiency permanent magnet motors, the system offers a purpose-built solar pumping package engineered for reliability, efficiency and ease of use.”
Central to the system is the Drive-Tech Mini – a compact-yet-powerful variable frequency drive (VFD).
Featuring advanced maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control, the Drive-Tech Mini optimises the use of direct-current (DC) solar input power, ensuring the system extracts the greatest possible energy from the solar array throughout the day. This capability is particularly valuable in Australia’s variable climate conditions, where sunlight intensity can fluctuate due to cloud cover, seasonal shifts or environmental factors.
The unit supports both alternating-current (AC) induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors, offering flexibility across a broad range of installations. Built-in diagnostics and integrated protection features safeguard the system, while a soft-start function prevents water hammer and reduces mechanical stress on connected equipment – extending overall system life.
“Durability is equally central to the design,” Jennings said. “With a robust IP66 rating, the Drive-Tech Mini is protected against dust, insects, weather and wildlife intrusion – critical considerations for installations in remote or exposed locations.
“As a VFD, it also provides flexible speed control, enabling users to adjust pump output to match demand while improving efficiency.”
For enhanced usability, the Drive-Tech Mini is fully compatible with the UnyConnect mobile app, allowing operators to monitor performance, adjust parameters and manage systems remotely. This level of connectivity supports proactive maintenance and reduces downtime – particularly important in applications where site access may be limited.
Purpose-built performance
Complementing the drive technology is the Electroflo PD pump, specifically engineered for solar operation. Its design focuses on reducing vibration and lowering drive-shaft stress, resulting in smoother, more stable performance and extended component life.
“The Electro PD range boasts enhanced drive-shaft design and a longer, wider seal line to improve durability and pump longevity,” Jennings said. “Constructed with a complete stainless-steel body, the pump offers strong corrosion resistance and long-term reliability in harsh or variable water conditions.
“Hydraulic performance has also been carefully optimised. Advanced rotor and stator geometry reduce start-up power requirements – a key advantage for solar-powered systems where available energy may vary throughout the day.
“The result is increased daily water output and improved efficiency.”
Operational capabilities are equally impressive, with the pump capable of reaching heads up to 220m and delivering flow rates between 10 and 40 litres per minute. This performance range makes it suitable for diverse applications, from stock watering and bore supply to commercial and light industrial use.
Driving the system is Franklin Electric’s four-inch encapsulated permanent magnet motor, which, due to its advanced electrical design, drives lower energy consumption compared with traditional alternatives, helping operators minimise running expenses over the long term.
“Designed to perform reliably in water with elevated salinity, the motor is well suited to Australian bore conditions,” Jennings said. “The proprietary StatorShield encapsulation system enhances insulation protection, while a pressure-equalising diaphragm helps manage internal stresses.
“With a thrust load capability of 4kN (kilonewtons), the motor is built to handle demanding operational requirements.”
Rated up to 2.2kW at 220V (100Hz), the motor operates across a wide temperature range of –15°C to +50°C and a nominal ambient operating temperature of 30°C with 0.08m/s cooling flow. These specifications ensure dependable performance across varied environmental conditions.
Designed for durability, efficiency and ease
As industries across Australia prioritise efficiency, resilience and sustainability, solar-powered water systems will play an increasingly significant role, positioning Franklin Electric Australia’s Electroflo solutions as a robust, dependable and future-ready option.
Pairing the Drive-Tech Mini, Electroflo PD pump and four-inch encapsulated permanent magnet motor creates a cohesive solar pumping solution engineered for long-term reliability.
Importantly, these solutions are designed and supported by Franklin Electric Australia, providing local expertise, technical support and quality assurance stemming from more than more than 60 years of local experience.
For more information, visit franklin-electric.com.au
This feature appeared in the Autumn edition of Pump Industry.
