A new tool to analysing photovoltaic self-consumption systems with batteries

• Published in: Renewable energy Vol. 168; pp. 1327 - 1343
• Main Authors: Muñoz-Rodríguez, Francisco José, Jiménez-Castillo, Gabino, de la Casa Hernández, Jesús, Aguilar Peña, Juan Domingo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2021
• Subjects: Analysis; Batteries; Iso self-consumption curves; Photovoltaic; Self-consumption; Photovoltaic; Iso self-consumption curves; Batteries; Analysis; Self-consumption
• ISSN: 0960-1481; 1879-0682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2020.12.060

Most of the studies that can be found in the literature for analysing self-consumption systems with storage focus on global self-consumption and self-sufficiency indices and it may be very difficult to define the role of the array power and battery. In this sense, a new approach to analysing this type of systems is provided where direct and battery self-sufficiency and self-consumption indices are defined. The latter represent the direct photovoltaic self-consumed energy and the one provided by the battery. New direct and battery ZEB points are also presented. Furthermore, this type of system is generally analysed using complex 3D plots. Therefore, a new and intuitive 2D contour tool is provided: the iso self-consumption curves. The new approach has been applied to three households located in Spain. Results show that it may be reached a global self-sufficiency of 50% considering array powers and rated capacities below 3.5 kWp and 1 kWh, respectively, where direct and battery self-sufficiency indices may reach 40% and 10%, respectively. This new method together with the graphical tool may help not only to analyse this type of system but to properly size the array power and the rated capacity from either an energetic or profitability approach. •New Battery and Direct Self-consumption and Self-Sufficiency indices.•New direct and battery ZEB points.•The role of direct and battery self-consumption can be separately analysed.•A new graphical tool based on iso self-sufficiency and self-consumption curves.•Capacities up to 10 kW h may provide a battery self-sufficiency index up to 45%.