Optimal sizing of stand-alone hybrid photovoltaic/wind system using BAT algorithm

This paper presents a new optimal sizing methodology for a stand-alone PV-wind hybrid (PWH) energy system that is serving the electricity demand for an offshore petroleum platform. A BAT optimisation technique is implemented to minimise the annualised cost of the system (ACS) considering power balance constraint and to determine the optimal number of PV panels, wind turbines and batteries. The comparison of BAT algorithm with Homer and particle swarm optimisation algorithm is done in this paper and it shows that BAT algorithm finds optimal sizing of PWH easily with lower cost. The results show that considering reliability characteristics has a major impact on optimal sizing, load supply level and cost.

Automated summary

A new optimal sizing methodology for a stand-alone PV-wind hybrid energy system serving an offshore petroleum platform is presented in this paper, with BAT optimisation technique implemented to minimise the annualised cost. Comparison with other algorithms shows that BAT algorithm can easily find optimal sizing with lower cost. Importance of considering reliability characteristics on optimal sizing, load supply level and cost is highlighted in the results.