Optimal sizing of a stand-alone photovoltaic system with energy management in isolated areas

In this paper, a model of optimal sizing was recommended, to optimize the sizes of batteries capacity and photovoltaic (PV) generator for a standalone PV system without extra and with energy management of load. The recommended model was implemented in Matlab-Simulunk, takes into account the sub-models of the standalone PV system and the strategy of load management. This model uses two optimization criteria, the loss of power supply probability concept for the reliability and the energetic cost for the economic evaluation. The former is achieved by reducing the loss power supply probability and by reducing the shadings of load. The last is attained by lowering the batteries replacement during the operating years of the PV system, through the improvement of the battery life cycle. The adopted methodology is based on the real consumption profiles, real weather conditions, energy storage capacity and PV array peak power. A case study was conducted to an electrification project with the autonomous photovoltaic systems, which is intended to remote and scattered housings in Ghardaia site, Algeria. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.