Applications of Hybrid Solar Streetlamps: Electrical Performance Measurements and Development of Algorithms for Their Optimal Management

This study examines the electrical performance and management of hybrid solar street lighting systems with the objective of optimizing their operation for sustainable urban development. Hybrid solar streetlights, which integrate photovoltaic panels with additional power sources, offer resilience and reliability that are crucial for urban settings. A hybrid solar streetlamp was installed in a city in central Italy and monitored for over a year to analyze its electrical behavior and the illuminances obtainable under different boundary conditions and operational programs. The measured data permit the development of an optimization algorithm in a Python program for the optimal management of the solar streetlamp and the forecasting of the battery charging/discharging cycles, as well as the electricity taken from the grid. The simulation scenarios permit the development of a novel management algorithm that is capable of optimizing the battery usage with a minimal draw on the grid in order to achieve a state of near self-sufficiency for the solar streetlamp. The results demonstrate that tilted solar panels enhance energy production, while optimized LED power profiles and system management enhance efficiency. The study highlights the importance of maintaining the state of charge (SOC) of the battery above 20% to extend its lifetime and reduce replacement needs. Economic analysis indicates significant potential energy savings, emphasizing the necessity of system optimization for economic viability and environmental sustainability in urban lighting. Despite initial investment costs and challenges, adopting hybrid solar lighting in urban environments presents substantial benefits, paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-efficient urban future.

View this article on IEEE Xplore


Optimal Operations of Local Energy Market With Electric Vehicle Charging and Incentives for Local Grid Services

The development of a local energy market (LEM) in Thailand involves prosumers and electric vehicle (EV) owners in a low-voltage distribution system (LVDS). However, both maximizing social welfare through independent energy transactions and managing distribution network constraints (DNCs) remain challenging. Additionally, defining fair incentives and ensuring equitable participation in local grid service programs further add to these challenges. This paper proposes an optimal LEM operation incorporating participants’ selection of energy transaction partners and independent price negotiations to maximize social welfare. The distribution system operator provides grid service programs to address violations, define fair incentives, ensure equitable participation, and guarantee the resolution of DNC violations while participants maintain control over their power consumption. A novel penalty scheme is proposed to support these grid service programs. Numerical simulations on a 380-V LVDS in Thailand demonstrate that social welfare is maximized at 19.17 THB/h across all preference cases during the study period. The LEM trades electricity without violating DNCs while allowing self-management. Results show that EVs contribute 83.66% of the demand reduction required by the distribution system operator, while the penalty scheme discourages 100% of individual benefit pursuit. Revenue compensation covers 100% of all prosumers’ revenue before implementing the grid service programs for all periods.

View this article on IEEE Xplore