Optimal Design of a Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System
Authors: Agbonaye O, Odiase FO
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
This study focused on finding an optimal design method for sizing a stand-alone photovoltaic mini-grid to provide sustainable and reliable power to a house. Optimal size of the photovoltaic array, battery, and inverter was calculated using appropriate equations. Simulations were carried out using the Homer software to verify the optimal design for a residential house in Guru Karaftayi village in Kazaure Local Government Area of Jigawa state, Nigeria. After optimal design and simulations, the battery size with 12.96 kWh and a Photovoltaic Array size of 2.2 kW was chosen as optimal. Simulation results showed it could supply power for 10 years with annual capacity shortage of 171.86 kWh/yr and 502 outage hours in a year. The Net present cost of the system was $8,913. The project clearly proves that a standalone photovoltaic mini-grid can be implemented reliably and economically with this optimal design method.
Affiliations: Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, PMB 1154, Benin City, Nigeria
Keywords: Photovoltaic Systems, Standalone, Renewable Energy, Homer, Load Management
Published date: 2019/12/30
