A sustainable prototype for renewable energy: Optimized prime-power generator solar array replacement

Abstract

Remote locations such as disaster relief camps, isolated arctic communities, and military forward operating bases are disconnected from traditional power grids forcing them to rely on diesel generators with a total installed capacity of 10,000 MW worldwide. The generators require a constant resupply of fuel, resulting in increased operating costs, negative environmental impacts, and challenging fuel logistics. To enhance remote site sustainability, planners can develop stand-alone photovoltaic-battery systems to replace existing prime power generators. This paper presents the development of a novel cost-performance model capable of optimizing solar array and Li-ion battery storage size by generating tradeoffs between minimizing initial system cost and maximizing power reliability. A case study for the replacement of an 800 kW generator, the US Air Force's standard for prime power at deployed locations, was analyzed to demonstrate the model and its capabilities. A MATLAB model, simulating one year of solar data, was used to generate an optimized solution to minimize initial cost while providing over 99% reliability. Replacing a single diesel generator would result in a savings of 1.9 million liters of fuel, eliminating 100 fuel tanker truck deliveries annually. The distinctive capabilities of this model enable designers to enhance environmental, economic, and operational sustainability of remote locations by creating energy self-sufficient sites, which can operate indefinitely without the need for resupply.

Estimation of renewable energy systems for mobile network based on real measurements using HOMER software in Egypt

“…There are two technological options for a charge controller: pulse width modulation (PWM) or maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The MPPT controllers eliminate the peak energy of the solar panels 51 , although they are more expensive than PWM controllers.…”

“…Additionally, MPPT is the only method for controlling grid connection modules for battery charging, and it provides excellent flexibility for system development as presented in Refs. 51 – 53 .…”

“…There are two types of solar DC cables for connecting design components and wiring solar panels 49 , 51 . The first type is “module wires” or “string cables,” which are typically embedded into solar PV panels, and the appropriate connectors are used to link them.…”

Optimizing the Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Remote Community Infrastructure

“…For example, a photovoltaic array and lithium ion battery system, as a power production alternative, was compared against a baseline of 60 kW generators. While the solar alternative saved the site nearly 3560 liters of fuel per day, the equipment itself weighed over 900,000 kg more than its generator competitor [39]. This extra weight imposed additional delivery costs and transportation emissions.…”

Cost Analysis of Optimized Islanded Energy Systems in a Dispersed Air Base Conflict

“…Solar photovoltaics are another critical component of a HES. Connecting a solar array to an energy-storage system allows excess energy produced during peak hours to be captured and discharged during periods of darkness, further reducing the fuel consumed by the generator [10]. Several military studies have also demonstrated the feasibility of connecting photovoltaic (PV) panels to soft-walled shelters to reduce the overall power demand [4,[11][12][13][14][15].…”