Solar PV System with Energy Storage and Diesel Generator

Abstract

Electrical energy is the richest form of energy being used and is produced mainly through burning of fossil fuel that are finite energy source in nature. Electrical energy generation through fossil fuel produces environmental pollution that cause global warming. One way to stop contributing to global warming and pollution is to decrease our dependency on fossil fuels and utilize healthy, renewable sources of energy, like solar. Unlike fossil fuels, solar power systems produce electric power with no carbon dioxide waste, thus contributing to cleaner air and fewer greenhouse gases. Since it is a renewable energy source, it cannot get exhausted. It is an efficient way to solve the problems associated with non-renewable energy sources with no ill side effects to the planet. This is a wonderful reason to feel good about going solar. The use of renewable energy source alone may not provide the reliability and energy security. In order to get better reliability and increased capacity factor of renewable energy system, these renewable energy systems may be used in integration with other renewable energy sources or with conventional energy sources. The solar PV with DG set can be integrated in three different configurations, i.e., series, switched, and parallel. In series configuration, the overall efficiency is low and large capacity of energy storage system is required. The switched and parallel configurations are more suitable for low-load, medium-load, and high-load operations. The sizing of solar PV, DG set, and battery bank hybrid power system (HPS) for different configuration for share of solar and diesel power simulated and enhanced the solar PV capacity factor for typical remote location are presented in this chapter. The increase in share of solar photovoltaic (SPV) power generation from 21.3 to 82.1% reduces the dependence on DG set from 78.7 to 17.9%, increases the energy supply from battery from 21.0 to 41.3%, increases the total capital cost from $9844 to $32,351, reduces the life cycle cost of energy (LCCOE) from $0.300 to $0.119 per kWh, reduces the reliability of system slightly, and reduces the CO2 emission from 42.1 to 10.0 tonne/year.