Optimal Control of Remote Hybrid Power Systems, Part 1: Simplified Model

In this two-part study, time-series models are used to determine optimal dispatch strategies, in conjunction with optimally-sized components, in remote hybrid power systems. The objective of the dispatch optimization is to minimize the costs associated with diesel fuel, diesel starts, and battery erosion, based on a thorough economic analysis of present worth life-cycle cost. An ideal predictivecontrol strategy is used as a basis of comparison. In Part I (reported here), a simplified time-series model is used to obtain preliminary conceptual results. These results illustrate the nature of the optimal dispatch strategy and indicate that a simple SOC setpoint strategy can be practically as effective as the ideal predictive control. In Part II (at a later date), a more detailed model willbe used to obtain more accurate, quantitative results. We anticipate that these results will be correlated to dimensionless economic, design, and performance parameters, rendering them useful as design guidelines over a wide variety of load profiles, climates, equipment specifications, and economic variables.