Optimization of Solar Energy Utilization, System Reliability and Utility Savings using a New Framework

Abstract

The relevance of focusing on SPV systems with storage to meet the user specific requirement is discussed}. Existing Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) systems are studied and the need for introducing new classification based on the interaction with utility grid, solar module and battery backup, based on load types and end user application is proposed. In order to represent the entire SPV systems a generic framework is introduced known as the three-switch model. All the SPV systems under the new classification can be represented using the framework by changing the switch states. Using this framework, a method to convert existing backup systems into a grid-interactive system is proposed. The ways to enhance maximum solar utilization, utility savings and system reliability are discussed. The states of the grid-interactive systems are discussed and simulated using Typhoon HIL 600.