From Solar Home Systems to Smart Hybrid Mini-Grid Systems - A Nigerian Case Study

This paper introduces a hybrid mini-grid system based on the smart integration of isolated solar home systems. A novel algorithm has been proposed which prioritises photovoltaic supply over grid and diesel generator sources. The algorithm uses a Hidden Markov Model, global horizontal insolation data and Peukert's law to model and simulate two usage scenarios over a period of one year. It was found that even with erratic grid power supply, substantial cost savings can be achieved. These savings are dependent on the initial battery bank state of charge (SOC) amongst other variables, and can be improved if grid power supply becomes less erratic.