A comparative analysis of renewable energy simulation tools: Performance simulation model vs. system optimization

Whether you are beginning to learn about renewable energy or are an expert, there are a number of software tools that can be used to help simulate and optimize your system. Performance models simulate energy outputs with system configurations specified by the user, while optimization models can help plan appropriate system sizes to meet energy goals such as minimizing life-cycle system costs or maximizing carbon reduction. The models reviewed in this paper have been categorized into different project level subgroups: 'Multi-scale Renewable Energy (RE) Tools', 'District Level Tools', and 'Regional Level Tools'. The tools in each category will be compared to one another to show similarities and differences. Concluding this research, a summary of which tools are more suitable for each scale will be suggested.