Abstract
This research study uses a computer simulation based on real input data to examine the impact of a supercapacitor module working as a fast response energy storage unit in renewable energy systems to increase energy self-consumption and self-sufficiency. The evaluated system includes a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 3.0 kWp and between 0 and 5 supercapacitor units with a capacity of 500 F per module. The study was carried out using experimental data for electrical load, solar irradiance, and ambient temperature for the year 2020, with a 1 min temporal resolution. The daily average ambient temperature was 10.7 °C, and the daily average solar irradiance was 3.1 kWh/m2/day. It is assumed that the supercapacitor could only be charged from a photovoltaic system using renewable energy and not from the grid. The simulation results showed that using the supercapacitors to feed the short and large peaks of the electrical load significantly increases energy self-consumption and self-sufficiency. With only five supercapacitor modules, yearly energy self-sufficiency increases from 28.09% to 40.77%.
Highlights
Solar energy is generally a feasible alternative in rural grid-connected and off-grid systems and may be a cost-effective solution
Chong et al [1] showed a detailed comparison between the typical off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system equipped with a battery (BA) and a supercapacitor module (SCM)
The results demonstrate that the SCM can absorb peak current and minimize battery stress by a substantial amount
Summary
Solar energy is generally a feasible alternative in rural grid-connected and off-grid systems and may be a cost-effective solution. Batteries are often used as a direct application but delivering high power in a short time degrades or even damages batteries or controllers, and alternative methods must be developed to supply large bursts of current. Several studies have looked at the usage of batteries as a storage system in hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES). Chong et al [1] showed a detailed comparison between the typical off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system equipped with a battery (BA) and a supercapacitor module (SCM). The simulation results showed that the BA-SCM-HESS system significantly extends the battery lifetime and reduces the battery maximum current by up to 8.6%, and this type of system improves the mean energy self-consumption. The study aimed to observe whether a supercapacitor module could extend the lifespan of the BA by simulating a typical load profile for a household
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