Demand Side Management for Stand-Alone Hybrid Power Systems Based on Load Identification

Within the field of Distributed Generation (DG), stand-alone Hybrid Power Systems (HPS) are a suitable solution to provide energy to isolated facilities where the connection to a centralized grid is not affordable. The logical evolution of such systems involves the optimization of power resources and related control strategies, but also enhancements concerning the management of energy loads. This paper introduces Demand Side Management (DSM) strategies specially designed for HPS. They are applied on a real and patented HPS that consists of PV panels, a diesel generator, an inverter and a set of batteries. DSM strategies are built up on a framework of distributed endpoint devices connected to a central control application where loads are identified according to their behavior. System network components, load definitions, the control application and DSM strategies are depicted. Finally, simulations show illustrative savings achieved by the application of some of the proposed strategies.