ABSTRACT
An advanced control strategy for PV-diesel hybrid energy systems has been developed, which reduces cycling of the battery bank, operates the diesel generator in its most efficient load range, and maximises the utilisation of the photovoltaic resource. The objective of this research project has been to develop an efficient, generally applicable control strategy, adapting to changing demand patterns, modular changes to the system configuration, as well as seasonal and short-term variations of the available solar resource. Photovoltaic resource and load demand forecasts constitute the knowledge base for the novel, predictive control strategy. Experimental results, as well as detailed simulations of the performance of several systems, show that only marginal fuel savings can be achieved due to the predictive control algorithm. However, battery cycling can be improved significantly, with estimated savings in lifecycle cost for battery storage exceeding 25%.
