A model for evaluating the configuration and dispatch of PV plus battery power plants

Representing DC-Coupled PV+Battery Hybrids in a Capacity Expansion Model

“…For example, Fu et al (2018b) present PV+battery costs based on a constant DC capacity rating (e.g., PV panels or array size; Figure 3), which means both the costs and values will differ between the independent and hybrid systems considered. However, their findings are often used to support statements about the cost savings associated with hybridization more generally (Hledik et al 2019;Gramlich, Goggin, and Burwen 2019), which cannot be decoupled from corresponding changes in value (Gorman et al 2020;DiOrio, Denholm, and Hobbs 2020;Schleifer et al 2021). Determining the cost-optimal design of a PV+battery system further requires considering these configuration-dependent costs on a life-cycle basis, which accounts for equipment replacement costs that depend on how the plant will be operated; technology costs as a function of time; the probability of component failures over time (NREL et al 2018); and policy drivers.…”

“…PV+battery costs have been explored through bottom-up cost modeling (Fu, Remo, and Margolis 2018b) and reported power purchase agreement prices for select configurations (Bolinger, Seel, and Robson 2019). PV+battery value is most-often evaluated via site-level or project-level energy analysis based on price-taker analysis that maximizes revenue for the plant owner (Denholm, Margolis, and Eichman 2017;Gorman et al 2020;DiOrio, Denholm, and Hobbs 2020;Schleifer et al 2021). Green squares indicate PV+battery deployments, where the size of the square scales with the solar capacity.…”

Energy Storage Sizing Optimization for Large-Scale PV Power Plant

“…Energy storage frequency regulation includes the primary frequency regulation and the secondary frequency regulation [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25], which supports the grid against disturbances and faults. Storage could correct over and under frequency, prevent black-outs and costly equipment damage due to its fast response times and high flexibility.…”

Opportunities for Research and Development of Hybrid Power Plants

“…Multiple distinct architectures have emerged in solar plus storage system design, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. Recent analysis on solar plus storage configuration cost, operation, and value has been completed (Fu, Remo, and Margolis 2018;DiOrio et al 2020;Denholm et al 2017).…”