Optimal solutions for an automatic control system for medium capacity power supply facilities using renewable energy sources

Abstract

Introduction: extensive logistics costs (including long distance transportation and high fuel prices) and a high cost of electric energy, generated by diesel power plants, are the main problem of power supply to consumers by off-grid power systems. The author unlocks the potential of hybrid power systems using renewable energy sources and saving expensive fuel. The author offers the analysis of automatic control systems capable of improving the efficiency of subordinate power plant elements.Methods: the author provides a classification of wind-diesel power plants and describes their performance pro rata to the share of wind energy consumption. The author has also compiled a set of specifications applicable to the technological solutions of wind-driven power plants. He also formulates the principles underlying an intelligent automatic control system for off-grid power supply facilities. This system served as the basis for a software and hardware module designed and developed for an intelligent power conversion/control/distribution system. The author provides diagrams of (1) electrical circuits of a software and hardware module for an intelligent power conversion/control/distribution system, and (2) the operation of an off-grid power supply package using renewable energy sources and controlled by the power conversion/control/distribution system. The author analyzes the primary and secondary sources of power in an off-grid power supply facility and describes principles of their operation within a software and hardware module.Results and discussions: the author offers a methodology of intelligent control over off-grid power supply facilities within the framework of the project for development of a wind-diesel power plant in thevillage ofAmderma. The author describes the results of incorporation of a wind-diesel power plant into the power supply facility operating in the permafrost environment of the Arctic region.Conclusion: presently,Russia has pre-conditions in place capable of boosting the development of power supply technologies using hybrid facilities comprising renewable energy sources. The implementation of such off-grid power supply facilities, controlled by newly designed software and hardware modules designated for an intelligent power conversion/ control/distribution system optimizes electric power generation and consumption modes and substantially reduces fuel consumption by diesel power plants.