Efficient Charging Prioritisation and Optimisation of Solar PV-Powered Portable Electronic Devices

Tawanda Kunatsa (), Herman C. Myburgh and Allan De Freitas
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Tawanda Kunatsa: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
Herman C. Myburgh: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
Allan De Freitas: Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-23

Abstract: Efficiently managing and prioritising the charging of portable electronic devices powered by solar photovoltaic sources in off-grid and resource-limited environments is a huge problem. Ensuring that critical devices maintain operational uptime, especially when energy resources are scarce and in instances where multiple devices compete for charging from the limited solar power available is crucial. This paper introduces an optimisation framework designed to prioritise the charging of portable electronic devices powered by solar photovoltaic sources. The approach aims to maximise operational uptime for critical loads before addressing less essential ones. By strategically allocating charging priorities based on comprehensive evaluations of battery capacities, usage patterns, and operational requirements, the optimisation process seeks to enhance overall efficiency and readiness of portable electronic devices in dynamic, austere and resource-constrained settings. The charging prioritisation problem was solved using MATLAB’s (version number 9.13.0.2193358 (R2022b)) OPTI toolbox in conjuction with the SCIP solver. A case study, involving three portable electronic devices—a cellphone, GPS and radio, demonstrated the model’s effectiveness in maximising satisfaction by aggregating device priorities over time. The model prioritised charging of the GPS due to its critical operational role, followed by the radio for its essential communication function, while the cellphone, with lower usage demands, was assigned the lowest priority. The model developed in this study is versatile and applicable to diverse demand profiles and any number of portable electronic devices. Furthermore, it can be customised to operate effectively in various geographic locations, irrespective of solar radiation levels.

Keywords: optimisation; modelling; charging prioritisation; solar photovoltaic; portable electronic devices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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