Energy optimization for rural communities: an integrated approach to hybrid PV/Battery/Diesel systems

This study focuses on the design, simulation, optimization, and dispatch strategy of an off-grid hybrid PV/battery/diesel system to meet the annual energy demand of San Juan de Tarucani, Arequipa, Peru. It has been carried out using the HOMER program, and the results obtained highlight an optimal operation of the proposed system having a low Net Precent Cost, Cost of Energy, and a high percentage of a renewable fraction compared to the photovoltaic system supported only with battery. The energy production of the proposed system covers all the energy consumption of the place with excess energy of 40.1% during the year and minimum participation of the diesel generator, indicating the great potential of the solar resource of the place. The optimal Load Following dispatch strategy describes the energy flow of the system showing the participation of each generator on the day. Finally, the environmental impact of the system with and without a diesel generator is compared based on the amount of emission of pollutants in the environment throughout the year.