Given the rapidly increasing costs of operating diesel generators as well as a growing focus on energy security, the focus of Task 11, the latest activity to get underway within the IEA PVPS Programme, is very timely.

Previous work within the Programme (Task 3, Use of photovoltaic power systems in stand-alone and island applications), completed in 2004, investigated the use of PV systems, including hybrid systems, in standalone and ‘island’ applications. During these investigations it became evident that PV hybrid systems were advancing rapidly – through the use of embedded microcomputer controls and other modern electronics, improved energy management, battery management and dispatch algorithms, and enhanced maintenance efficiencies.

At the same time, and for a variety of reasons, considerable interest is being directed at so-called mini-grids. These could include village electrification projects in less developed areas, to ‘power parks’ that offer ultrareliable, high quality electrical power to high tech industrial customers. Such systems can be complex, combining multiple energy sources and multiple electricity consumers, and may operate in both island (standalone) and utility grid-connected modes. They may be powered by a combination of PV, wind, micro-hydro, fossil fuel generators and other sources.

A particular focus of the new Task 11 is the operation of PV technology within these mini-grids. Issues of interest include system control and coordination, sustainability and the role of local electricity utilities in different jurisdictions – the main goal being to promote PV technology as a technically relevant and competitive energy source in mini-grids.

It is planned that Task 11 activities will address both technical and non-technical issues that affect the market penetration and uptake of PV hybrid systems. Technical issues include design methodologies for PV hybrid mini-grid systems, control, communication and interconnection of mini-grids, and increasing the energy contribution of PV versus fossil fuel generators within hybrid systems. These will form the bulk of the work in Task 11. Non-technical issues involve the social, economic and environmental conditions through which the market for these systems becomes sustainable.

In the end, Task 11 aims to enhance the knowledge-base concerning PV hybrid mini-grids and reduce barriers to market penetration of these systems through international R&D collaboration and dissemination of knowledge.

Information

• Contact: Operating Agent of Task 11
  Email: Konrad.mauch@ieee.org

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