Comparative study of adding PV/wind energy systems to autonomus micro grid

The micro grid system changes the traditional distribution system with single power source and radial network into a new distribution system with several power sources. Depending on the interaction level between micro grid and main grid, a micro grid can be classified as isolated or grid connected. In isolated micro grid a connection with the main grid is not existing requiring the micro grid to be self-sustaining. In this type of micro grid it acts as a small power system with its all component (generation, transmission, and distribution). The main driver for isolated micro grid is the availability of local energy resources. This paper introduces a comparative study of adding Photo Voltaic (PV) or wind energy systems to the micro grid in order to enhance the isolated operation of the micro grid. The study conduct a comparison based on adding the same capacity of PV or wind energy to the autonomous micro grid. The amount of energy not supplied to the load and for how long some loads are shredded are the two main factors through the comparison. A typical case study of the micro grid system located at Cairo-Egypt will be analyzed in details. A simulation model that calculates the electrical power output based on actual data at the site with respect to changes in the environmental parameters for both PV and wind energy systems will be introduced. The model was implemented using Matlab® m-file to accommodate any location in the world. The integration of the micro grid system with renewable energy resources will be an outcome of a development of the existing electricity networks towards a sustainable distribution network system. At the end the results is presented showing weather PV or Wind energy affecting the isolated operation of the micro grid.