PV Diesel Hybrid System

In many parts of the world, the power grid is either inadequate or non-existent. As a result, industrial consumers often secure their power supply through diesel generating sets. Electricity from diesel generators provides hundreds of gigawatts of power to industrial companies and countries around the world. However, rising fuel costs and additional transportation and storage costs can put their primary source of electricity at risk.

Grids in many parts of the world may be unreliable or unavailable. That's why industrial companies and countries are turning to alternative energy sources. Solar energy is often the most economical alternative energy source in remote areas of the world's Sun Belt. It makes sense to combine photovoltaic and diesel systems so that solar radiation, which is both abundant and free, can be profitably used as an energy source for industrial applications.

In recent years, the cost of photovoltaic systems and battery storage has fallen dramatically, making them an affordable source of energy for companies in remote areas. Using only PV systems and relying exclusively on solar radiation is not a safe option for industrial consumers, as PV production can be inconsistent. This is the reason why industrial companies are adopting PV diesel hybrid systems.

Let's take a deeper look at what it is and how it works.

Working of PV Diesel Hybrid System

The combination of a diesel generator and the photovoltaic system is ideal for energy supply in areas where main power is unstable or non-existent. The additional use of solar energy reduces fuel consumption and thus saves costs. In addition, the integration of the photovoltaic system brings a sustainability factor to the system. 

What is a PV Diesel Hybrid System?

A PV diesel hybrid system typically consists of a photovoltaic system, a diesel generator set, and intelligent management to ensure that the solar energy fed into the system is perfectly matched to the prevailing demand, with the diesel generator used to steadily fill the gap between the load and the power generated by the photovoltaic system. Battery storage can be used to enhance overall system performance to ensure the energy meets demand. Because diesel generators have limited capacity and inconsistent solar production, an energy management system can also be included to optimize the system.

How does a PV Diesel Hybrid System Work?

Basically, a PV system is a complement to a diesel generator set. It can provide additional energy when the load is high or reduce the fuel consumption of the generator set. The excess energy can be selectively stored in the battery, allowing the hybrid system to use more solar energy even at night.

When it is connected to the grid, this is a grid-connected system, and when it is separated, it is an off-grid system. In any case, these energy sources are used to complement each other. Whether the goal is to fill the gap caused by a grid failure or to reduce fuel expenses, a PV system can provide additional energy. Batteries can be used to store excess energy for later use.

What are the advantages of the PV Diesel Hybrid System?

Although the initial cost is higher than a system using diesel generators, PV systems can be amortized in as little as four to five years, depending on site and system size, and have lower operating costs.

In addition, PV systems are very flexible and can be expanded on a modular basis as energy demand grows. Photovoltaic diesel hybrid system has many advantages:

● Lower diesel costs - In the long run, solar power is much cheaper and more predictable than electricity generated by diesel generators.

● Fast return on investment - With a high potential for savings, the investment in a PV system will pay for itself in a very short time.

● Reduced CO 2 footprint - Generating solar energy reduces your carbon footprint. 

● Uninterruptible power supply - When the grid fails or PV power is insufficient, the system continues to operate. 

● No wasted energy - With the right equipment, the energy generated during the day is not wasted or fed back into the grid. It can be stored and used when needed. 

To ensure the stable operation of the PV diesel hybrid system, optimal control of the integrated components is essential. This can only be achieved by using high-quality and sustainable equipment. Choose Zenergy.

What are the Components of a PV Diesel Hybrid System?

● Diesel generator sets

Diesel generators provide energy through fuel consumption. They are used most of the time in poor grid conditions (frequent outages) or at off-site locations as a backup or primary energy source. They are expensive to operate because all connected equipment requires constant fuel use, but their operating costs can even increase due to fluctuating fuel costs. 

● Energy System Management (EMS)

EMS (Energy Management Software) is the core of the whole PV diesel hybrid system and is used to monitor, control, and optimize the performance of the power generation or transmission system, acting as a bridge between the PV system, the generating units, and the load. The EMS system not only ensures maximum safety but also minimizes CO₂ emissions, fuel and maintenance costs, enabling users to monitor their installations and analyze current load and grid conditions.

● Photovoltaic systems

PV arrays are complete power generation units consisting of any number of PV modules and panels. PV panels are designed to absorb the sun's rays and serve as an energy source for power generation. They use solar photovoltaic (PV) technology to convert solar radiation into DC electricity.

● Solar Inverter

A solar inverter is one of the most important components of a solar power system. It converts the variable direct current (DC) output of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels into 240V alternating current (AC).

● Battery

Batteries can be added to store the excess energy provided by the PV system. Therefore, it is used when there is a lack or absence of PV production.

Zenergy's PV Diesel Hybrid System Case

Project Description

This solar-diesel hybrid power system is located on Soneva Fushi island which is a really nice luxury resort in Maldives. Since local diesel price is fairly high, the system integrates photovoltaic and diesel power generation together to reduce power cost. With the current configuration, PV generation would reduce around 25% daily consumption of the island, and the investment can be recovered in less than 4 years. 

Key Features:

1. Representative hybrid system retrofitting based on classical resort diesel power supply system.

2. PV-Diesel EMS system using for coordinating the generation of each power source.

3. Canopy type mounting system, fully utilize valuable ground on island.

4. 10kV middle voltage power transmission, convenient for site locating and reduce cable loss.

Conclusion

The best place to use a PV diesel hybrid system is usually in remote areas. These locations are usually off-grid and diesel fuel can be expensive to transport and store. However, all situations can benefit from a hybrid system, whether they are poorly connected to the grid or off-grid. 

Zenergy offers PV diesel hybrid system technology that maximizes the use of solar energy combined with diesel fuel. Used in industries such as mining; raw material processing; agricultural companies such as flower farms and desalination systems as well as tourist facilities with high energy demands, it generates electricity with low costs, rapid operational readiness, and highest reliability and availability. The environmental benefits are also convincing: CO₂ emissions and noise pollution are significantly reduced, minimizing the environmental impact and making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

As a high-quality PV system manufacturer in China, Zenergy sets the highest quality standards and is committed to providing customers with stable, renewable, environmentally friendly energy and upgrading existing energy models to improve energy efficiency and system reliability. We would be happy to help you plan and implement your PV diesel hybrid system.