Influence of control in cycling degradation when batteries perform PV ramp-rate control

This work studies the importance of the correct selection of control parameters in order to avoid unnecessary cycling in batteries when they perform PV smoothing. The classic ramp-rate control method (CRRC) is studied as smoothing technique and the key role of the state of charge (SOC) control is analyzed for a real 38.5 MW PV plant, particularly the influence of proportional gain (K). Depending on K, battery cycling degradation (CyD), power requirements, SOC limits and throughout energy performance were discussed. According to the results, the correct tuning could prolong battery lifespan by reducing cycling degradation up to 80% (depending on the fluctuation restrictions and K) and avoiding unnecessary energy losses, power requirements and undesirable SOC operation levels. Finally, a simple general rule is proposed to set K value when CRRC is used and its applicability is tested by simulating two additional PV plants with rated power of 1.1 and 75.6 MW.