Overview of the off-grid photovoltaic diesel batteries systems with AC loads

• Published in: Applied energy 2015-11, Vol.157, p.195-216
• Main Authors: Salas, V., Suponthana, W., Salas, R.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charge controller; Mini-grids; MPPT; Multiport inverter; Off-grid; PV Hybrid
• ISSN: 0306-2619; 1872-9118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.07.073

•Off-grid Mini-grids can be implemented in different ways. It depends on the AC load profile.•Not always the AC coupled is the best option.•There are different PV inverters that can be used in the implementation.•New PV inverter concept, multiport inverter, is being deployed in off-grid Mini-grids.•In medium and high penetration the control strategy of all elements of the Mini-grid system is a key point. The target of this manuscript is to make a review about the Off-grid Photovoltaic Diesel Hybrid Systems (Off-grid Mini Grids) where only AC loads are connected. It will take into consideration the different types (performed through of the DC coupled, AC coupled or hybrid DC–AC coupled configurations), solutions (PV/Diesel and PV/Diesel/Energy Storage) related with the diesel hybridization of those systems and their main elements (power converters). So, it will encompasses an analysis about the current state of the technique of converters implemented in those systems, including the stand-alone inverters, bidirectional, multiport and even the grid-connected inverters implemented in the AC coupled systems. In addition, the standardization in this topic will be analyzed too.