In rural areas without access to the electrical grid, it is essential to have autonomous and efficient energy solutions. This success story shows how Servintel implemented a hybrid off-grid microgrid for agricultural irrigation in Pilar, Córdoba, combining solar energy and thermal generation.
The solution made it possible to reduce the diesel generator’s fuel consumption without compromising the electrical stability required by the solar inverters. Below, we detail the project context, the technical challenge, and the solution applied.
Real Operating Conditions in an Off-Grid System for Agricultural Irrigation
In regions where there is no access to the electrical grid, the continuity of the production process depends entirely on autonomous energy solutions. This project presents a situation representative of the agricultural sector: how to guarantee a reliable and efficient supply in an intensive irrigation system operating completely off-grid.
Energy Infrastructure Used in the Agricultural Installation in Pilar, Córdoba
In the town of Pilar, province of Córdoba, an agricultural installation operates a pivot irrigation system in an environment without access to the electrical grid.
To meet this energy demand, the system had:
- A 200 kVA diesel generator set.
- A photovoltaic solar plant equipped with a GoodWe 80K-MT inverter.
Reduction of Diesel Consumption in an Agricultural Microgrid Without Losing Electrical Stability
Energy efficiency was a priority, but not at the expense of operational stability. The main challenge was to reduce the consumption of the thermal generator without putting at risk the operation of the solar inverters, which depend on a stable electrical signal to operate.
Role of the Generator Set as a Voltage Reference in Isolated Solar Systems
The main objective was to reduce the fuel consumption of the generator set by taking advantage of solar generation. However, solar inverters require a stable voltage and frequency reference, which must be provided by the generator.
This implied keeping the generator running, but with a reduced and controlled power contribution, without compromising system stability.
Hybrid Control System Without Retrofit: Solution Applied with Hybrid Control 1000
To solve the problem, Servintel developed a solution based on intelligent control that allows the integration of existing technologies without replacing equipment. This not only reduces investment costs but also implementation and commissioning time.
Integration Between Thermal and Solar Generation with Hybrid Control 1000
Servintel designed a control system based on Hybrid Control 1000, a technology that enables integration between photovoltaic and thermal generation without requiring:
- Retrofit or modification of equipment.
- Generator updates.
- Changes to the existing infrastructure.
Dynamic Demand and Generation Control in Photovoltaic Microgrids
The implemented control logic establishes:
- The generator set as the electrical reference of the microgrid.
- The photovoltaic contribution dynamically adjusts according to system demand and solar resource availability.
- Under optimal conditions, the solar plant assumes the main supply, while the generator operates at the recommended technical minimum (~30% of its nominal power).
- When the solar resource decreases or demand increases, the system automatically increases the generator’s contribution.
Efficiency Results in a Hybrid Microgrid for Irrigation with Solar and Thermal Energy
The system commissioning not only solved the original problem but also established an optimized operating framework for future expansions. This type of controlled hybrid architecture allows for a high degree of energy efficiency, ideal for rural or isolated installations.
Project Scope: Design, Integration, and On-Site Commissioning
The scope of the solution included:
- Design of the control scheme.
- Integration with the photovoltaic inverter.
- Connection with the generator measurement system.
- On-site commissioning of the hybrid system.
This case reflects a common situation in hybrid off-grid systems: how to maintain the generator’s electrical reference while at the same time reducing its contribution, through control logic that manages the balance of sources in real time.
Why Servintel Is a Leader in Hybrid Solutions for the Agricultural and Industrial Sector
Servintel’s experience in advanced energy control makes it possible to address this type of project with technical precision and minimal intervention in the existing infrastructure. This integration- and efficiency-focused approach positions us as a benchmark in hybrid solutions in rural and industrial environments.
The Hybrid Control 1000 system is a mature, flexible solution with no retrofit requirements, ideal for existing installations that need efficiency without replacing their infrastructure.
If you are looking to optimize fuel consumption, integrate renewable sources, or implement a custom hybrid system, contact us today.
We invite you to explore more about our microgrid solutions. You can also see more industrial, maritime, and energy solutions on our official website.
In Summary
What challenge did the hybrid off-grid microgrid installed in Córdoba solve?
Operating an irrigation system in an isolated environment, optimizing fuel consumption and without access to the electrical grid.
What control system did Servintel apply in the off-grid microgrid in Córdoba?
A hybrid control system based on Hybrid Control 1000, which integrates thermal and solar generation without the need to modify the generator.
How did the hybrid microgrid reduce diesel generator consumption?
By allowing the generator to operate at its technical minimum (~30%) while the solar plant covers most of the energy demand.
What benefits does a hybrid off-grid solution provide in agricultural systems?
Fuel savings, greater operational efficiency, guaranteed electrical stability, and adaptation without retrofit.
