Optimizing battery energy storage and solar photovoltaic systems for lower-to-middle-income schools amidst load-shedding

IF 4.4 2区工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS

Energy for Sustainable Development Pub Date : 2025-02-24 DOI:10.1016/j.esd.2025.101675

T. Michael-Ahile , J.A. Samuels , M.J. Booysen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Energy reliability and cost efficiency are critical challenges for lower-to-middle-income schools in developing regions, where frequent power outages hinder academic activities and strain finances. This study presents a robust methodology to determine the optimal size of the photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with battery storage, under two distinct demand scenarios: “stable” and“intermittent”. The stable scenario assumes consistent year-round demand, while the intermittent scenario models 50% demand during load-shedding periods.

A proposed Unified Rule-Based (URB) scheduling approach was evaluated across different electricity pricing schemes. Optimal PV sizes managed with the URB strategy achieved up to 22% lifetime savings, reduced total energy demand by 47%, and peak-hour demand by 63%, while supporting 98% of the load-shedding requirements. This approach offers a scalable and practical solution for improving energy reliability, reducing costs, and enhancing environmental sustainability in low-income educational institutions. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the URB strategy and provide actionable insights for future policy implementations and the advancement of climate-neutrality targets.

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来源期刊

Energy for Sustainable Development ENERGY & FUELS-ENERGY & FUELS

CiteScore

8.10

自引率

9.10%

发文量

187

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： Published on behalf of the International Energy Initiative, Energy for Sustainable Development is the journal for decision makers, managers, consultants, policy makers, planners and researchers in both government and non-government organizations. It publishes original research and reviews about energy in developing countries, sustainable development, energy resources, technologies, policies and interactions.