The potential of low load diesel application in increasing renewable energy source penetration

Integration of renewable energy sources to displace diesel generation can present clear economic, environmental and social benefit within isolated power systems. While low level renewable energy source (RES) integration is relatively easy to achieve, both the cost and complexity escalate as systems target increasing RES penetration. Low load diesel (LLD) is one approach able to permit high RES utilisation, while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture. LLD is the ability to run diesel infrastructure below legacy load limits, for the acceptance of additional RES contribution. This paper investigates the performance and economic impacts of LLD application, finding the technology effective at not only reducing diesel fuel consumption, but also in simplifying isolated power system configuration. Validated power system modelling is used to demonstrate the ability of LLD application to reduce or delay the requirement for energy storage, independently supporting a 22% increase in RES utilisation. LLD is recommended as a transitional approach, able to maximise RES penetrations prior to energy storage system integration.