An Overview Of Control Aspects Of A Village Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Power System

As stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) energy systems have increased in size and diversity of loads, the importance of controls cannot be overstated. These systems represent "mini utilities" with the commensurate control requirements, albeit with the added complexity of not only the loads being variable, but also the energy source (sunlight received) being an uncontrollable variable. The first village stand-alone photovoltaic power system in the world, located in the remote Indian village of Schuchuli, Arizona, U.S.A., is used here as an example to show that stand-alone photovoltaic energy systems employing load management control are feasible and could play an important role in solving energy problems in developing areas of the world. The major components and control concepts of this photovoltaic energy system are reviewed. Performance considerations are briefly discussed along with research topics related to such systems. The foundation is thus laid for future generations of renewable energy system controls.