Design and evaluation of a stand-alone PV system with fuel generator back up

The authors describe the design of stand-alone photovoltaic hybrid generators for supplying energy to telecommunication equipment to be installed in remote Italian areas. After a brief description of the photovoltaic system, they examine the individual components, including the photovoltaic module DC/DC converter, the DC generator, and the microprocessor control. Particular emphasis is given to the study and optimization of the system control to maximize the photovoltaic energy delivered into the battery and to provide the correct management of the fuel generator. A photovoltaic system for testing purposes has been installed by Telespazio SpA at the Fucino satellite Earth station near Avezzano to evaluate the field performances of modules, the controller, and the fuel engine