Cost-benefit comparison of fuel cell-based and battery-based renewable energy systems

Meeting the electrical demands of remote places by integrating different renewable energy technologies into a single hybrid system is quite demanding. The integration and optimal utilization of different accessible energy resources into a self-contained micro-grid are examined in this article. Using the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) software (Version 3.14.0), an integrated hybrid renewable energy system (IHRES) strategy has been suggested and studied. This article is mainly focused on their levelized cost of energy (LCOE) supply and annualized cost system (ACS). Two combinations of energy sources and storage technologies, that is, i) solar photovoltaic (PV)/wind/battery and ii) solar PV/wind/fuel cell (FC) for the community load have been considered for the Kutch location in Gujarat. A recently proposed novel Hybrid Chaotic Particle Swarm Optimization and Black Widow Optimization (HCPSOBWO) method is used for optimum component sizing. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the results obtained are compared with HOMER software. The findings show that the proposed algorithm has excellent convergence characteristics and the capacity to provide high-quality output. According to the simulation findings, the suggested off-grid-connected hybrid solar PV/wind/FC power system is the most suitable and cost-effective option for the given location. The suggested system will pave the way for the creation of more sustainable, effective, and robust IHRES capable of meeting the energy needs of the whole mankind.

Automated summary

This article explores the integration of different renewable energy technologies into a single hybrid system to meet the electrical demands of remote areas. Through the use of the HOMER software and a novel optimization method, an integrated hybrid renewable energy system strategy is proposed and studied. The research findings suggest that an off-grid-connected hybrid solar PV/wind/fuel cell power system is the most suitable and cost-effective option for the specified location, paving the way for creating sustainable and effective energy solutions.