Optimal operation strategy of a hybrid PV-battery system under grid scheduled blackouts

This paper addresses the optimal operation problem of a hybrid PV-battery system under grid scheduled blackouts, which is a usual case of discontinuous power supply in developing countries. An adapted operational model for the system considering new practical constraints is developed. Unlike previous studies, new six operation modes considering a long-term time horizon (i.e., one year with four seasons) are introduced. In addition, a multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to find the optimal seasonal operation mode schedule by minimizing, simultaneously, the total cost of energy dispatch and the total loss of power supply. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed model, operation strategy and solution approach, a real case study from Gaza city in Palestine is investigated. The results clearly show that the optimal schedule leads to a significant reduction of energy cost in comparison to one year fixed operation mode.