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Optimal Design of a Mini-grid for Sustainable Integrated Coastal Development Using Genetic Algorithms

SAIFUL AZAM SIDDIQUE
Student, Maser of Science (M.S)
Examination Roll No. 06 Ag. Engg. FPM-JD 01M, Reg. No. 28474, Session: 2000-2001, January-June, 2008, Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Dr. B. K. Bala
Professor & Supervisor
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Dr. Md. Ashraful Haque
Professor & Co-Supervisor
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Professor Dr. Ashraful Haque
Chairman & Examination Committee Head and
Department of Farm Power and Machinery, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Power grid cannot reach everywhere. Yet there are alternatives. Renewable energy can offer an ideal source of electricity for the communities far from a grid- on an island, or other isolated situations. Such alternatives are hybrid photovoltaic systems. This research presents an optimal design of a solar-diesel hybrid mini-grid system for 132 families in an isolated island-Sandwip in Bangladesh. The electrical load is considered based on the local needs and the electrical load demand is 20 kWh. The system is optimized using genetic algorithms. If the renewable energy source produces more than the one required by the loads, the excess energy can be used to charge the battery while if the amount of energy demand is higher than the one produced by the renewable energy source, the control strategy determines the most economical way to meet the energy deficit.

Keywords: Optimization of PV-diesel, Hybrid systems, Mini-grid, Genetic Algorithm, Control strategies.

Location: In Bangladesh

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Farm Mechanization

Commodity: Farming System, Farm machineries

Objectives:

The specific objectives are: i) Optimization of PV-diesel hybrid systems for mini-grid using Genetic Algorithm (GA) ii) Optimization of operational control strategies.

Methodology:

Optimal Design Using Genetic Algorithm: A PV-diesel hybrid system has greater reliability for electricity production and least costly than the systems that use a single source of energy. When designing a hybrid system both the sizing of the elements and the most adequate control strategy must be obtained. Obtaining a good control strategy is essential since the performance of a PV hybrid system can be significantly affected by relatively small changes made in the control strategy. The optimal design of such a system can not be achieved easily using classical optimization methods. Genetic Algorithms (GA) appear to be the adequate search technique for such complex problems. The GA used here is divided into two parts: main algorithm and the secondary algorithm. The main one searches for possible component configurations of the hybrid system whereas the secondary one searches for the best strategy for each of the configurations found in the main algorithm. The main algorithm works with an integer vector with the number of PV in parallel, the solar generator type code (PV panel), the battery type code, the number of batteries in parallel and the diesel generator type code. The secondary algorithm works with a Boolean vector with the dispatch strategy. The main requirements for system design are: (i) The site information (environmental data), such as solar intensity, ambient temperature, relative humidity and cloudiness should be collected. (ii) The electrical load information such as the load type and time of use of electrical appliances should be identified. (iii) The specifications and cost information of solar panel, battery, inverter, charge regulator and diesel ac generator set. Cycle charging strategy: If the batteries cannot meet the net load, the Diesel. generator runs at full power (or at a rate not exceeding the maximum energy that batteries are capable of absorbing) and charges the batteries with any surplus power. If a SOC setpoint is applied, the Diesel generator will continue running until the batteries reach this SOC set point. The Frugal option also can be applied in this strategy. Combined strategy: This strategy combines both strategies. If the net load is lower than the Critical Charge Load, Lc, (kW), the Cycle Charging strategy is applied. If the net load is higher than L, the load Following strategy is applied. Main algorithm: The main algorithm works with an integer vector with the number of PV panels in parallel (4 the solar, generator type code (PV panel) (b), the battery type code (c), the number batteries in parallel,(d) and the Diesel generator type code (e): |a|b|c|d|e|. Each solar generator is from a different manufacturer and their characteristics are: power, voltage and acquisition cost.

Source of Information: A Thesis, MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S), IN FARM POWER AND MACHINERY, BAU, May-2008

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

An optimization of PV-diesel hybrid systems for mini-grid for an isolated island - Sandwip in Bangladesh using genetic algorithm is presented. It gives the best solution of all possible combinations, finding the best solution with the help of GA. It gives the number of PV panels and its type, and the number of batteries in parallel and their type, the number of generators and their type and number of Inverter and its type. This study reveals that the major share of the cost is for PV panel-Inverter and technological development in solar photovoltaic technology would make rural electrification in the isolated islands more promising and demanding. It is clear that human life can be sustained on earth in future only if, within a short period, we are able to replace conventional energy sources with an alternative source of energy. Solar energy in general and solar PV in particular, constitutes such a potential alternative. Solar energy utilization currently has many deficiencies. However, such deficiencies cannot remain permanently in front of human ingenuity and intelligence. The goal for the century ahead must be the complete substitution of conventional sources of energy by constantly available solar energy - in other words, a complete solar energy supply for humankind.

Knowledge Management: Thesis