Novosibirsk state technical university (NSTU) is developing algorithms for selecting the optimal composition of generating equipment for an autonomous power supply system. This will ensure reliable energy supply in remote regions and reduce energy costs for consumers. The work is carried out within the framework of student project activities.
According to Sergey Mitrofanov, Associate Professor of the Department of Power Supply Systems of Enterprises, Candidate of Technical Sciences, the project is devoted to the problem of increasing the efficiency of autonomous power supply systems (ASE). ASE are not connected to a single energy system and are located in remote regions such as the Far East, the Far North, the Republic of Tuva and others. The most common source of energy there is diesel fuel. The problem is that electricity supply in such regions is quite expensive due to the high cost of transporting fuel.
"Since the 2000s, there has been a trend towards increasing energy efficiency and reducing diesel fuel consumption. Renewable energy sources (RES) have shown their effectiveness as part of autonomous power supply systems. They are a cheaper alternative to imported diesel fuel, but differ in the variability of production, as they depend on the weather. Therefore, the question arises of ensuring optimal operation of the autonomous power system, taking into account the inherent limitations (maintaining a balance between generation and consumption, as well as the technical capabilities of the installations). An effective approach is the integrated use of various energy sources: diesel installations in traditional generation, which generate electricity if renewable energy systems do not work, directly renewable energy sources and an energy storage system that equalizes the mode of renewable energy generation, smoothing out fluctuations, dips, and surges. This makes it possible to ensure that the requirements for uninterrupted supply of electricity to residents of remote regions are met," said Sergey Mitrofanov.
It is possible to optimize the operation of the autonomous power system by starting diesel installations only during periods when there is not enough energy from renewable energy sources. The active use of renewable energy sources (photovoltaic panels, wind turbines) will ensure a lower price of electricity for consumers due to the low cost of its generation. Small-scale hydrogenation can be considered as a cheap renewable energy source. The task of the algorithm being developed at NSTU-NETI is to search for optimal load distribution between traditional (diesel installation) and renewable energy sources, as well as an energy storage system. Thus, during periods of low consumption, it is possible to store energy in a storage device and redistribute it at times of peak load.
The algorithm is based on the forecast of electricity generation by renewable energy sources, which is used to plan the load for the day ahead, explained Sergey Mitrofanov. "When we know the load schedule for the day ahead, we determine the planned mode of all installations — traditional generation, renewable energy sources and storage. Among the possible options for covering with different energy sources, we are looking for the one that gives the highest efficiency."
As part of the work on the project, mathematical models were created that describe the relationships between the parameters of individual elements of an autonomous power supply system. For example, between the input parameter of the wind speed and the output parameter of the electrical power of the wind turbine. It is planned to refine them taking into account the operating mode and the selected equipment composition, that is, the technical characteristics of renewable energy installations, diesel installations located at the facility, storage characteristics, operating restrictions and the planned schedule of power consumption, etc.
The models will be implemented as a program code. The introduction of such a program into the automated process control system of the autonomous power supply system will reduce the price of electricity for consumers and the burden on the budget when subsidizing electricity supply to remote regions. In addition, it will increase the reliability of the power supply system, since in the event of an accident, the availability of multiple energy sources will ensure uninterrupted power supply.