Optimal configuration for isolated hybrid renewable energy systems

The configuration of hybrid energy systems has a great influence on the cost of generated energy from the system. This paper introduces a design, simulation, assessment, and selection of optimum autonomous hybrid renewable energy configuration out of three different configurations. The proposed hybrid system contains photovoltaic (PV), wind, diesel, and battery energy systems. A new computer program has been designed to simulate different configurations of hybrid energy systems. A genetics optimization smart technique using a genetic algorithm has been used to calculate the optimum sizing for each component at different configurations of the hybrid system for minimum cost and highest reliability. The optimum penetration ratio of renewable energy systems (PV and wind) will be selected according to the lowest price. Actual data for one remote site in Saudi Arabia has been used in the input data of this computer program. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out to show the conditions for selecting any configuration under study. The results obtained from this study can help researchers, designers, and decision makers to answer many open questions regarding the design and installations of hybrid renewable energy systems. Published by AIP Publishing.