Optimization of photovoltaic penetration for a hybrid diesel and photovoltaic micro-grid via means of a cloud forecasting system

Abstract

This paper discusses how to achieve high PV penetrations for a hybrid diesel-PV micro-grid via the means of a cloud forecasting system. The micro-grid control system utilizes cloud forecasts to forecast PV transients and manage online diesel generation. Simulation results for the test micro-grid showed that an array size of 2 MW achieved an energy penetration of 30.8% with «11.5 annual faults. Additionally, the maximum return on investment was achieved at this array size. With this forecasting system, one could expect to save a minimum of 3.7% more diesel in comparison to a conventional PV-diesel control system.