Advanced simulation tool for the optimal management of photovoltaic generation in combined systems

Photovoltaic generation is characterized by a low predictability, a high variability and a low controllability. Consequently, photovoltaic systems may be combined with energy storage devices, controllable loads or conventional sources in order to reduce the critical impacts related to their large scale integration into power systems. Such combinations lead to a need of energy management tools. This paper presents the development of a generic simulation tool for the energy management of combined power systems including photovoltaic generation. The developed software is named M2C, standing for Multi-Models Multi-Components. In this paper, the authors present the objectives and the proposed approach adopted for the development of M2C. Example of simulations carried out with M2C are shown for three case studies: a 50 electrical vehicle fleet combined with a PV system, a combined PV-storage plant connected to the grid and a stand-alone hybrid power plant including PV systems, diesel gensets and storage for supplying a village load.