Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis through Optimization Strategies and Load Shifting in Isolated Hybrid Microgrids with Renewable Energy for the Non-Interconnected Zone (NIZ) of Colombia

In developing countries, electrification in remote areas, where access to energy is limited or null, has been one of the biggest challenges in recent years. Isolated microgrids with renewable generation are an efficient alternative for the energy supply in these areas. The objective of this work was to analyse the techno-economic viability of 6 isolated microgrids in different locations in the non-interconnected zone of Colombia, considering different climatic conditions, the availability of renewable resources, the current consumption profile, and a modified profile applying demand-side management. Modelling and simulation were performed considering storage systems based on lithium and lead-acid batteries. The resulting simulations provide the optimal system cost, emissions levels, electricity cost and battery lifetime. This study demonstrates that isolated hybrid microgrids with renewable energy are a feasible alternative to solve access to energy problems, reducing the need for diesel generators and optimizing the use of renewable energies and battery-based storage systems

Estimating Degradation Costs for Non-Cyclic Usage of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Estimating the degradation costs of lithium-ion batteries is essential to the designs of many systems because batteries are increasingly used in diverse applications. In this study, cyclic and calendar degradation models of lithium batteries were considered in optimization problems with randomized non-cyclic batteries use. Such models offer realistic results. Electrical, thermal, and degradation models were applied for lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technologies. Three possible strategies were identified to estimate degradation costs based on cell models. All three strategies were evaluated via simulations and validated by comparing the results with those obtained by other authors. One strategy was discarded because it overestimates costs, while the other two strategies give good results, and are suitable for estimating battery degradation costs in optimization problems that require deterministic models

Generalized discontinuous PWM strategy applied to a grid-connected modular multilevel converter

This paper presents a new PWM strategy for the control of active and reactive power flow, applied to a three-phase power inverter connected to a microgrid. Power quality and reactive compensation are essential in the integration of renewable energy sources in small grids (stand-alone mode or connected to the utility grid). The control algorithm of the grid-connected system is applied for voltage control. This technique provides independent control of the active and reactive power flow in the utility grid while maintaining constant the DC-link voltage. As a novelty, a Generalized Discontinuous PWM technique is implemented in the control algorithm of the grid-connected converter. Losses in the converter are reduced while the efficiency of the equipment is increased. As a technological innovation, in addition to the power flow control technique, a modular multilevel converter (MMC) is introduced. The main purpose of the system is to improve voltage unbalance and harmonic compensation in stand-alone grids. Some advantages of the model developed here include the cellular concept, easy thermal design, increased system efficiency and improvement in the system expansion capacity. The simulation model has been developed and tested using MATLAB/Simulink software

Embedding quasi-static time series within a genetic algorithm for stochastic optimization: the case of reactive power compensation on distribution systems

This paper presents a methodology for the optimal placement and sizing of reactive power compensation devices in a distribution system (DS) with distributed generation. Quasi-static time series is embedded in an optimization method based on a genetic algorithm to adequately represent the uncertainty introduced by solar photovoltaic generation and electricity demand and its effect on DS operation. From the analysis of a typical DS, the reactive power compensation rating power results in an increment of 24.9% when compared to the classical genetic algorithm model. However, the incorporation of quasi-static time series analysis entails an increase of 26.8% on the computational time required