Abstract
In this manuscript, a novel topology is proposed to integrate on-grid and off-grid PV systems supplying the same load premises. The load side is investigated and analyzed, and critical and non-critical loads are separated in terms of power supply. Critical and seasonal loads usually place stress on the grid’s point of common coupling (PCC). In the proposed topology, they are supplied by a novel topology for an off-grid solar pump PV system that lacks energy storage integration. The lack of energy storage batteries requires a novel design and sizing scheme for the off-grid PV system, and a methodology is proposed in this manuscript. The on-grid PV system is conventionally designed and coupled with the storage-less off-grid PV system to maintain load supply. The proposed methodology minimizes the ratings of the PCC and hence relieves stress on congested grids with renewable energy penetration, especially in condensed urban areas. The proposed structure enables the operation of microgrids with high penetration levels of renewable energy resources and minimizes dependance on storage batteries for off-grid systems. A case study is presented and thoroughly analyzed with the proposed methodology. The outcomes of the design process are evaluated economically and were found to be feasible, as is detailed and supported with simulation results.
Highlights
Global demand and consumption of energy are increasing rapidly as a consequence of population and economic growth
The lack of energy storage batteries requires a novel design and sizing scheme for the off-grid PV system, and a methodology is proposed in this manuscript
Off-grid PV systems are usually not preferred in urban areas due to the added cost and hazards of the storage batteries needed
Summary
Global demand and consumption of energy are increasing rapidly as a consequence of population and economic growth. Grid-connected PV systems, while very intuitive and desirable from an energy consumption point of view, are designed to cover the load demand while engaging the solar PV generation as a current source in order to limit the energy consumed from the grid, but not the power. When light load conditions exist, the DC/DC converter control shifts away from the MPPT to keep the DC link voltage under the rated maximum, while the rectifier is turned off in this scenario In this case, the PV is the only source of energy for the load and does not fully supply maximum power, which gives the system enough margin of stability under fast varying generation conditions such as partial shading and cloudy environments. The critical loads are the ones with high-energy consumption with power demand profiles correlated with PV generation (during the day), while the non-critical loads are the small loads with continuous and semi-fixed power consumption behavior, such that their profile is predictable and does not present critical interaction with the grid
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