Power management and optimization of a hybrid power system for remote communities: a case study

The hybrid energy system, which combines solar and wind power with an energy storage unit, offers a dependable and economical substitute for standalone power systems that run on diesel. This paper offers a comprehensive Simulink model of a hybrid power system designed to provide sustainable and reliable electricity access to remote communities. The model integrates photovoltaic and wind turbine generators, battery storage, and power conversion electronics, replicating a system suitable for isolated locations. Real-world challenges are simulated by incorporating variable wind speed, solar radiation, and load demand data from a village in India. The model, developed within the MATLAB/Simulink environment, serves two purposes: simulating system behavior and optimizing its performance through control strategy evaluation. This approach offers a valuable tool for developing cost-effective hybrid systems for remote regions. The results are promising: the model not only meets the community’s electricity needs consistently but also achieves this with optimized configurations. Specific configurations for both the summer and winter seasons are presented, highlighting their economic feasibility. This research emphasizes the importance of further studies aimed at maintaining a consistent battery state of charge, while also showcasing the model’s potential for enabling sustainable electrification in remote areas. Additionally, the adoption of a new sizing approach for smaller units contributes to improving the overall reliability of the system.