The research project “PV Diesel: system optimisation and operating strategies for universally applicable, scalable, multi-megawatt PV diesel power plants for the global substitution of diesel by photovoltaics” aims to optimise the interaction of PV and diesel, both in smaller systems in the range of hundreds of kilowatts as well as in large island systems in the multi-MW range. In particular, a control panel will be developed which, together with modified diesel generators, enables a higher share of the electricity produced to come from solar energy and also increases the reliability and service life of the plant. The aim is to achieve the most flexible and extensive use of PV diesel hybrid power plants.

The project partners Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Fraunhofer Institute IEE, Fraunhofer Institute ISE, MWH – Märkisches Werk GmbH and SMA Solar Technology AG develop and research the control system, the components, interfaces and system design methods. Initially, simulation models were created that allow the optimisation of the hybrid power plants to be built according to various parameters – e.g. diesel savings. In a series of case studies (Egyptian industrial plant, Greek island, Nepalese village), the new system with its new load management system has already achieved between 5% and 30% in diesel savings. Depending on the existing loads, further savings are possible. Before developing design tools for PV diesel power plants, the simulation environment will be complemented by additional battery models.

The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) within the scope of the “R&D for photovoltaics” funding initiative and will run until October 2018.