A hybrid generation system modeling for residential use in isolated areas of Ecuador

Abstract

Several studies have been conducted on Hybrid Power Generation Systems (HPGS) to reduce the existing gap in access to electricity, especially in isolated and difficult access areas. The appropriate use of HPGS allows to power a community, reduces environmental pollution, and improves the performance of a system that only uses Fossil Fuel Generators (FFG). However, despite the efforts made in several countries, there are still isolated areas that remain without electricity due to several factors, such as the high cost of generation, transmission, and energy distribution. For this reason, this work seeks to generate new viable solutions to improve access to electricity especially in isolated areas of Ecuador, although the tool can be applied to any community without constant electricity access. For this purpose, the modeling of an HPGS is proposed, such system is composed of an FFG, a photovoltaic generator, and a hybrid energy storage system (i.e., electrical and thermal). A control algorithm for the FFG is used to adapt the motor rotational speed by using a minimum fuel consumption to supply the load profile. The results are obtained from simulations with real data of three case studies. A reduction in fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and loss power from renewable energy is demonstrated.