An optimum load management strategy for stand-alone photovoltaic power systems

Abstract

The subject of load management for stand-alone photovoltaic (SAPV) power systems is addressed. The objective is to minimize the total life-cycle cost of the system while, at the same time, the battery is protected and the load priorities are observed. The first step in this approach involves a general load classification. The idea is to manipulate the controllable loads in order to reduce battery size. For this reason, optimum curves are obtained for the controllable loads. Then an optimum load management strategy is mathematically formulated. Finally, a tracking algorithm has been devised in order to implement the optimum load management scheme. The previously described method yields cost optimum SAPV systems. An illustrative example using data similar to the first village PV power system of Schuchuli, Arizona shows the practical application of the proposed optimum load management strategy.