A Python Tool for Simulation and Optimal Sizing of a Storage Equipped Grid Connected Photovoltaic Power System

Abstract

Optimal sizing of a photovoltaics power system equipped with energy storage is of critical importance to maximize the economic revenue and to reduce the early aging of the storage devices. In this work, a simulation model for the evaluation of the electrical behavior of a photovoltaic system, connected to the grid and equipped with a battery storage system, is proposed. The model is implemented in Python, and it is directly connected to the European PVGis portal to use temperature and irradiance profiles from arbitrary locations. The simulation system is coupled with a metaheuristic optimization algorithm to determine the optimal sizing of the power plant, considering as cost function the energy taken from the grid. Optimal parameters such as the number of panels (PV area) and battery’s capacity are obtained for several boundary conditions.