Efficient Energy Management in Seawater Pumping Systems: Solar Hybridization and Storage for Demand Optimization

This paper investigates the use of demand-side management (DSM) strategies based on economic model predictive control (EMPC) to optimize the operation of seawater pumping systems, focusing on integrating solar energy and battery storage. The study considers both real-time pricing (RTP) and maximum demand (MD) tariff types. The proposed model combines reservoirs, photovoltaic (PV) energy source, and batteries to perform load shifting and manage peak demand. Four scenarios were analyzed for a grid connected pumping system: load shifting with reservoirs; load shifting with reservoirs and PV energy sources; load shifting with reservoirs and energy storage; and load shifting with reservoirs, energy storage, and PV energy sources. Simulation results for a large mining water supply pump station demonstrate that operational costs can be significantly reduced through load shifting with reservoirs, utilizing solar energy to lower maximum demand, and including batteries for further load shifting and increased flexibility in peak demand management. The use of batteries alone for energy storage results in the least cost reduction compared to the other scenarios. DSM strategies based on EMPC enable the plant to respond to changing energy prices and demand patterns, leading to cost savings while ensuring reliable operation.