Hybrid power system model how to get the most from your system

With increasing loads in remote sites of Western Australia, there is an increased need to augment existing solar power systems. Higher loads also increase cooling requirements that translates to greater energy demand (i.e. fans and air conditioning). The upgrade of a pure solar power system requires significant investment and is sometimes considered non-viable due to a lack of space for the batteries and/or additional solar panels. The addition of a gas or diesel generator is a valid option, reducing the required quantity of solar panels and battery reserve when compared to a pure solar system. There are many variables to be considered in hybrid systems and they differ from the traditional ones. For example in pure solar power system the angle of the PV modules is set for the worst month (winter). Hybrid systems can work at angles closer to horizontal to capture more of the energy available in summer which can then be used for cooling purposes. The reserve time can also be reduced, but this has an impact on the service life of the battery. As always, a balance has to be reached and there are optimal points for a given configuration and conditions. In order to deploy hybrid power systems, a model was developed to assist the designer by calculating optimal angle of the panels, solar and generator energy contribution, fuel consumption, expected service life of the battery, etc. To improve the accuracy of the results, this model uses actual performance data of the PV modules gathered from site using the test method described in another Silcar Energy Solutions paper (Legacy PV Module Capacity).