Case study: Optimization tools for the operational dispatch of a hybrid power generation system to reduce diesel fuel consumption

Cobija, a small city in Bolivia, has the largest hybrid electric power generation system of the country, which also happens to be isolated of the National Integrated System. This power generation system is comprised of a diesel fuel thermoelectric plant and a photovoltaic power plant. Nowadays, the diesel fuel supply in Bolivia is not guaranteed because the country depends on importation at very high prices. In this sense, this case study intends to reduce the diesel consumption of the hybrid power generation system in Cobija creating an operational dispatch optimization model. First, a comprehensive analysis of the power demand has been completed and curves of demand have been plotted. Then, the power supply of the Cobija hybrid system has been assessed. Subsequently, an optimization model has been developed using the software Matlab and its complementary package knows as the Optimization Tool Box. Using this model, a comparison has been made between the operational dispatch of the energy system with and without optimization. The results indicate that it would be possible to save 2622 liters per day of diesel consumption with an optimization process.