An Iterative Algorithm for Sizing Stand-Alone Photovoltaic System

Abstract

This paper presents a methodology for sizing Stand-Alone Photovoltaic (SAPV) system. An iterative-based sizing algorithm, known as ISA, was developed for determining the optimal PV module, battery, charge controller and inverter such that the expected Performance Ratio (PR) of the system could be maximized. The ISA basically evaluates all possible combinations of SAPV system components derived from the respective database of each component. Two sizing scenarios were evaluated based on the types of charge controller that has been used, i.e. the standard charge controller and maximum power point tracker (MPPT)-based charge controller. Results showed that the optimal sizing solution was discovered within 14 to 19 hours based on an evaluation of 46,080 possible combinations of components.