Energy Systems Engineering

Isolated or stand-alone power systems are designed to generate electric power near the point of their utilisation. They have no interaction with the central electric grid. Such systems are useful in serving the power needs of remote locations where the extension of the grid is infeasible. They include small generation units, of the size needed to serve individual households or small businesses. The design of such systems has several options. The units may be based on diesel generator sets, renewable energy based systems like solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, small hydro-power based units or through a combination of these systems (hybrid energy systems). Renewable energy based electric power systems have the advantage of using resources that do not deplete over time. They also have the merit of being environment-friendly as compared to the conventional generators. In systems utilising renewable sources there is often a requirement of incorporating suitable energy storage devices like batteries. Mathematical models are useful tools in simulating and evaluating these options. In the present study, a mathematical model based framework is proposed for component sizing, long term performance evaluation and system optimisation for isolated systems. Component models would be utilised for studying the energy flows in the system and for analysing the governing parameters that influence the system size. The overall aim is to design the isolated system to electrify remote areas and to arrive at certain general design rules for such systems.