Hybrid Power Systems Planning with Geographical Information System Models

Abstract

This paper presents planning models for hybrid

distributed generation systems, as well as the results

corresponding to a distribution system planning problem

obtained using a new computational tool based on a Geographic

Information System, GIS. This computational tool is a powerful

instrument for analyzing energy resources and energy

conversion technologies that can be used for the distribution

networks expansion. It has been used in the economic

evaluation of energy produced by hybrid systems. Thus,

suitable models and techniques have initially been applied to

obtain maps of solar and wind energy resources in a user

defined area and maps of costs for hybrid systems, identifying

the geographical locations that offer the best economic potential

in distributed generation with renewable hybrid systems,

supported (or not) with fuel to supply internal-combustion

electric generators. Accurate evaluations of the cost of the

produced energy need the use of geographic distributed costs

corresponding to refuelling, installation and maintenance of the

hybrid system.

The developed software tool is flexible, appropriate for

studying different scenarios, and enables geographical analysis

of the economic competitiveness of the hybrid systems with

different distributed generation resources (photovoltaic, wind,

hydraulic or biomass energy systems), and it is suitable to study

the optimal expansion of existing power distribution networks

(isolated hybrid systems versus connected ones).