Optimization of Hybrid Power System Operation

In developing countries, half of the world’s population lives without electric power. Hybrid power systems, consisting of photovoltaic (PV) modules, battery banks, and backup diesel generators, have the potential to become a cost-effective solution for delivering power to many of these remote villages where grid extension is cost-prohibitive. In this paper, we show that improved dispatch strategies can significantly decrease the cost of a hybrid power system. We propose using a genetic algorithm (GA) in combination with novel load and insolation predictive strategies to reduce the operating costs over the present state-of-the-art methods. Realistic simulations demonstrate that this technique provides an average cost savings of 20.9% over the Set Point Strategy and 13.8% over the Load Following Strategy. We show that this strategy is a viable means of reducing the cost of hybrid power system operation.