A logistical model for performance evaluations of hybrid generation systems

In order to evaluate the fuel and energy savings, and to focus on the problems related to the exploitation of combined renewable and conventional energies, a logistical model for hybrid generation systems (HGSs) has been prepared. A software package written in ACSL, allowing easy handling of the models and data of the HGS components, is presented. A special feature of the proposed model is that an auxiliary fictitious source is introduced in order to obtain the power electric balance at the busbars during the simulation stage and, also, in the case of ill-sized components. The observed imbalance powers are then used to update the system design. As a case study, the simulation program is applied to evaluate the energetic performance of a power plant relative to a small isolated community, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, in order to establish the potential improvement achievable via an optimal integration of renewable energy sources in conventional plants. Evaluations and comparisons among different-sized wind, photovoltaic, and diesel groups, as well as of different management strategies have been performed using the simulation package and are reported and discussed in order to present the track followed to select the final design.