Hybrid pv/battery/diesel power source sizing and simulation under dsm strategies

Currently, the use of decentralized hybrid systems based on renewable energy is an economical and practical option for residential applications in remote and rural areas. The optimal sizing of hybrid systems depends extensively on the load data and the potential of used resources. Demand side management DSM is a solution that makes it possible to manage consumption profile in terms of time and amont of consumed energy. This paper focuses on the optimum and economic design of an off grid PV/Battery/Diesel hybrid system. The simulation was carried out by HOMER software under the real load profile and climatic conditions. Firstly, load management effect on optimal system sizing is simulated, the strategic conservation measures are implemented by improving equipments energy efficiency. Secondly, the effect of other strategies such as strategic conservation, load shifting and peak clipping with 30% variation from the original load profile is also simulated. The technical, financial and environmental results of the optimal hybrid system for different strategies are discussed with comparison, including net present cost (NPC), energy cost (CoE), renewable fraction (RF) and CO2 emissions. Based on the obtained results, the advantages of the DSM is demonstrated firstly by the dayli consumption and peak load reduction, secondy by the reduction of system components and cost, which leads to a reduction in system costs from 11,159 $ to 6,279 $, from 0.244 $/kWh to 0.240 $/kWh for cost of energy and from 705.486 kg/yr to 522.454 kg/yr in term of annual CO2 emissions.