The integration of pumped hydro storage systems into PV microgrids in rural areas

Photovoltaic (PV) systems are popular in rural areas because they provide low cost and clean electricity for homes and irrigation systems. The primary challenge of PV systems is their intermittent nature. The typical solution is storing energy in batteries; however, they are expensive and possess a short lifespan. This research proposes a new type of pumped hydro storage (PHS) which can be implemented as an alternative to batteries. The components of the system are modelled to consider losses of the system accurately. The mathematic model developed in this project assists the management system to make more efficient decisions. The proposed storage is integrated into a farmhouse that has a PV pumping system where economic aspects of implementing the proposed storage is investigated. The integration of the proposed PHS into a microgrid needs a management system to make this system efficient and 3 cost-effective. This research proposes a multi-stage management system to schedule and control the microgrid components for optimal integration of the PHS. The designed management system is able to manage the pump, turbine, and irrigation time on real-time taking into account both present and future conditions of the microgrid. This study investigates the technical aspects of the proposed system. The PHS and the management system are tested experimentally in a setup installed at smart energy laboratory at Edith Cowan university. Data used in this project are real data collected in the laboratory in order to have a realistic analysis. Economic analysis is done in different sizes with different conditions. Results indicate that the proposed system has a short payback period and a large lifetime benefit, featuring as a cost-effective and sustainable energy storage system for use in rural areas. Video abstract: https://youtu.be/VuyEvHRY7W8

Grantor dc:publisher

Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia

Year dc:date

2020

Author dc:creator

• Mousavi, Navid

• Pumped hydro storage system
• Energy management system
• Pumped hydro storage system modelling
• Energy storage system
• Renewable energy
• Solar photovoltaic system
• PV-PHS Microgrid
• Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2345

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ro.ecu.edu.au:theses-3347