Impact of Load Flexibility on Battery Lifespan in PV-BESS Microgrid

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) combining photovoltaic (PV) generation and battery energy storage systems (BESS) offer a promising solution for rural areas by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, managing system operation costs and optimizing battery lifespan remain significant challenges for a stand-alone system. This study examined the impact of residential load composition on battery lifespan. Rather than managing the total residential load as a whole, the approach focused on analyzing how varying the proportion of flexible loads can influence the battery's operating cycle. Battery degradation was assessed based on the average depth of discharge, a key factor affecting battery life. Simulations were conducted using HOMER software, with the proportion of flexible loads ranging from 0% to 60%. The results indicated that a flexible load share of 45% yielded the lowest average depth of discharge, suggesting significant potential for extending battery lifespan through targeted load management.