Solar and wind energy systems in Western Sydney

This paper is presents a simulation study based on actual load, sunshine and wind data for the summer 2005 period at Penrith in western Sydney. A distribution feeder simulation model was constructed using this data to determine what potential benefit embedded wind, solar and storage elements could give to the distribution network. The results are compared to earlier studies for the western Sydney area. It was discovered that over the past 5 to 10 years, the hot weather peak load has extended from 3 PM to 6 PM and that a more north-westerly orientation of solar panels is of assistance. It was also found that wind is of little assistance in hot weather peaks, in contrast to data for the NSW central tablelands region; however solar contributes at least 50% of its nominal peak capacity. As hot weather peaks are now extending into the early evening, it was found that storage would be of great benefit and would enhance the use of renewable energy sources.