Storage battery operation in autonomous photovoltaic systems in Siberia and the Russian Far East. Practical operating experience

Abstract

This paper presents real-life experience in operating storage batteries in autonomous photovoltaic systems located in Siberia and the Russian Far East. A description is given of the photovoltaic systems’ installed capacity and the technical specifications of the storage batteries in use. Wide discrepancy in the adopted battery technologies leads to the conclusion that, at the design stage, prospective technical solutions are developed based on subjective evaluations rather than on composition modeling​ and optimization outcomes. The described issues that occurred in real photovoltaic systems in Siberia and the Russian Far East confirm this.The paper proposes methodological and technical measures designed to improve the storage battery operating environment in the harsh conditions of Siberia and the Russian Far East. One of such measures is to solve the equipment optimization problem with respect to storage battery categorization. Furthermore, it is necessary to take better account of the battery room’s in-house energy consumption, given the severe Siberian conditions. Part-time operation of storage batteries in photovoltaic systems throughout the year also needs to be considered. Practice shows that this measure considerably increases storage battery lifetime. This paper summarizes the authors’ examination of numerous photovoltaic systems with further analysis of the storage batteries’ operating modes and other technical factors.