Priority load control algorithm for optimal energy management in stand-alone photovoltaic systems

•This paper presents a priority load control algorithm for stand-alone PV systems.•Different scenarios have been simulated in order to validate the algorithm.•The algorithm guarantee the energy over priority loads.•Algorithm meets a better compromise between batteries SOC and load availability.

In stand-alone PV System facilities no grid connection exists, therefore the solar generator and battery bank have to be carefully sized in order to supply the energy demand for a given period of time. Batteries are considered as a weak component of the system, comprising an important part of the total cost and are usually replaced one or two times during PV system lifetime. A priority load control algorithm has been developed in order to gain an optimal energy management over system loads and the battery storage, and therefore provides a better energy management efficiency and guarantee the energy supply for critical loads. This will increase the reliability of the system and the end-user satisfaction. This article describes a stand-alone PV system model used for the development of a priority load control algorithm and explains and implements the algorithm. The results of several test scenario simulations are shown and discussed.