An Adaptive Power Management Tool for Sizing a PV-Battery-Hydrogen Off-Grid Electrical Energy System

Abstract

Off-grid electrical energy systems based on renewable energy sources (RESs) have become increasingly popular for their ability to generate low-carbon electricity in remote areas without access to traditional power grids. These systems rely on the effective management of RESs and storage solutions. Designing and sizing these systems can be a complex task, requiring careful consideration of various parameters such as energy demand, solar irradiance, storage capacity of batteries and State of Charge, power management of fuel cells, and hydrogen production and storage. This study presents an adaptive power management tool that facilitates the sizing of energy equipment for standalone low-carbon microgrids. The proposed simulation tool, implemented in Matlab/Simulink, is based on mathematical models for each energy unit and incorporates a specific power management strategy to determine the optimal size of each component in the system. The effectiveness of the tool is illustrated through a case study involving a PV-battery-hydrogen energy system designed to supply electricity to a standalone district. Results show that the developed tool can be a valuable aid for system designers and planners for creating sustainable and reliable off-grid electrical energy systems, as well as for educational and learning activities.