Priority load control algorithm for optimal energy management in stand-alone photovoltaic systems

Abstract

In stand-alone PV System facilities no grid connection exists, therefore the solar generator and battery bank have to be carefully sized in order to supply the energy demand for a given period of time. Batteries are considered as a weak component of the system, comprising an important part of the total cost and are usually replaced one or two times during PV system lifetime. A priority load control algorithm has been developed in order to gain an optimal energy management over system loads and the battery storage, and therefore provides a better energy management efficiency and guarantee the energy supply for critical loads. This will increase the reliability of the system and the end-user satisfaction. This article describes a stand-alone PV system model used for the development of a priority load control algorithm and explains and implements the algorithm. The results of several test scenario simulations are shown and discussed.

Lucía Serrano-Luján

Associate Professor

Lucía Serrano-Luján is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science. Her research field is multidisciplinary. She developed a Life Cycle Assessment methodology to assess renewable energies and applied AI to their data. Her main goal is to impact energy-related materials production and find a more sustainable way to develop them. She has applied LCA to reduce graphene oxide and perovskites solar cells, build integrated photovoltaics, etc.