Automation infrastructure and operation control strategy in a stand-alone power system based on renewable energy sources

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 196; no. 22; pp. 9488 - 9499
• Main Authors: Ziogou, Chrysovalantou, Ipsakis, Dimitris, Elmasides, Costas, Stergiopoulos, Fotis, Papadopoulou, Simira, Seferlis, Panos, Voutetakis, Spyros
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 15.11.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Alternative fuels. Production and utilization; Applied sciences; Automatic control; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cell; Fuel cells; Fuels; Hydrogen; Hydrogen production; Power management strategy; Renewable energy sources; Stand-alone power system; Greece; Automatic control; Renewable energy sources; Power management strategy; Stand-alone power system; Hydrogen production; Fuel cell; Automation; Electrical network; Control system; Electric power consumption
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2011.07.029

► In this study, we delve into the concept of automation design in integrated systems. ► The system is based on solar and wind energy with intermediate hydrogen storage. ► An operation strategy is applied according to Hierarchical Control Theory. ► Main objective is to efficiently combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. ► Simulated scenarios are applied aiming to identify required system design modifications. The design of the automation system and the implemented operation control strategy in a stand-alone power system in Greece are fully analyzed in the present study. A photovoltaic array and three wind generators serve as the system main power sources and meet a predefined load demand. A lead-acid accumulator is used to compensate the inherent power fluctuations (excess or shortage) and to regulate the overall system operation, based on a developed power management strategy. Hydrogen is produced by using system excess power in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and is further stored in pressurized cylinders for subsequent use in a PEM fuel cell in cases of power shortage. A diesel generator complements the integrated system and is employed only in emergency cases, such as subsystems failure. The performance of the automatic control system is evaluated through the real-time operation of the power system where data from the various subsystems are recorded and analyzed using a supervised data acquisition unit. Various network protocols were used to integrate the system devices into one central control system managing in this way to compensate for the differences between chemical and electrical subunits. One of the main advantages is the ability of process monitoring from distance where users can perform changes to system principal variables. Furthermore, the performance of the implemented power management strategy is evaluated through simulated scenarios by including a case study analysis on system abilities to meet higher than expected electrical load demands.