Reliability evaluation of stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic energy system for rural healthcare centre

This paper presents two methods for evaluation of reliability indices of stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic (PV) energy system. Markov model and frequency-duration (F-D) reliability techniques have been used for evaluation of reliability indices. Hybrid energy system is design and evaluated reliability indices for its configurations (Diesel only, PV/Battery and PV/Diesel/Battery). The system reliability is based on the system failure rate, interruption duration, unavailability, loss of load probability (LOLP), expected energy not supplied (EENS) mean downtime (MDT) indices, which are computed and compared different energy generation system configurations. This paper also presented hybrid energy system reliability analysis is based on monthly solar radiation and load demand data. It is observed that hybrid energy system failure rate, interruption duration, system unavailability, EENS, MDT and LOLP are least as compared to other configuration. The results show that hybrid PV/Battery/Diesel system is more efficient and reliable system as compared to other configurations. This research work will be useful for policymakers and system designers to determine optimal system in remote areas before installation.