Experimental analysis of a solar PV/diesel hybrid system without storage: Focus on its dynamic behavior

Integration of solar photovoltaic systems with diesel generators for the electrification of remote and rural areas would assist in expanding the electricity access in the sub-Saharan Africa region. In fact, countries of this region are well endowed in solar resource: their mean daily solar radiation exceeds 5.5 kWh/m2/day. They are, therefore, good locations for PV systems. This paper deals with an experimental study of the dynamic behavior of a hybrid system prototype (based on “flexy-energy” concept) set up at Kamboinsé, located at 15 km far from Ouagadougou (12, 22° N and 1, 31° W) in Burkina Faso. The prototype is composed of a 2.85 kWp PV array, a 3.3 kW single phase inverter and a diesel generator rated at 9.2 kW. Two resistive load banks of about 4 kW each are used to simulate the load profiles. Experimental results show that the PV generation leads the distribution feeder to shift toward higher voltages. The voltage rise is exacerbated when the PV generation is at its highest and the demand at its lowest. Care should then be taken to ensure that for a hybrid PV/diesel system, the PV rated power connected to each phase of the diesel generator is as equal as possible. The present study also points out that “well designed” inverters generate very small voltage harmonics and current distortions, even when high PV penetration systems are considered.

► An experimental study of the dynamic behavior of a hybrid PV/diesel system is done.
► Voltage regulation, current supply and harmonics distortion issues are examined.
► PV generation leads the distribution feeder to shift toward higher voltages.
► Voltage rise increases especially when the load demand is at its lowest.
► “Well designed” inverters generate very small harmonic distortions.