Optimal Sizing of a PV and Battery Storage System Using a Detailed Model of the Microgrid for Stand-Alone Applications

Optimal sizing of PV arrays and storage has become an important issue in the past years. Usually, microgrids are analyzed from a high-level perspective, using simplified models of the components and targeting financial objectives only in the optimal design. Consequently, this optimal solution leaves important decisions to the implementation stage. This paper proposes a detailed model of the microgrid based on specific topologies and commercially available devices. This approach facilitates a comprehensive study of the scenario, considering the operating conditions of the microgrid. The detailed model is included in the optimization problem, maintaining the financial goals, and adding new goals obtaining a multi-objective approach. Finally, the optimal solution sizes the PV plant and battery pack in terms of the required number of parallel and series panels and batteries, respectively. This tool provides a better understanding of stand-alone microgrids, closing the gap between the optimal solution and the industrial implementation.