The planning software Polysun provides the technical tool for smart-grid simulations
While the term “smart-grid” is often regarded as an empty word, recalling long- term energy policy plans, the simulation software Polysun is able to provide the technical tool for the simulation of actual smart-grid controllers. The emerging challenge of power-grid stability can be answered by adequately storing the solar energy produced in the peak sun hours. To this end, it is an essential requirement to be able to compare different system solutions with each other, for example electrical storage in batteries and thermal storage.
Example 1: Comparison between battery storage and thermal storage
In the early stages of planning, the client looks for a solution that combines maximal solar energy storage with minimal power consumption from the grid. In a first stage, Polysun helps finding the suitable battery storage and size it adequately. In a second stage, Polysun will evaluate the option of thermal energy storage, which is based on a heat pump supplying domestic hot water. The self-consumption rate of the PV installation can be increased by feeding the PV power excess to the heat pump. Polysun calculates the resulting increase of the PV own consumption rate. Additionally, Polysun enables the user to calculate and improve the annual coefficient of performance of the heat pump and at the same time reduce the power consumption from the grid.
