Renewable Energy Sources Optimization: A Micro-Grid Model Design

This paper analyzes the possibility to develop the simple micro-grid model in optimizing the utilization of local renewable energy for on-grid area. The proposed micro-grid model integrates the power plants driven by renewable energy sources employing micro hydro (MHP) and photovoltaic system (PV) which is connected to grid system. This model is analyzed using HOMER and MATLAB software. Based on the load profiles and the availability of water resources, the HOMER simulates the proposed micro-grid model with three options of MHP capacity. The simulation results show that the micro-grid model with the largest capacity MHP produced the lowest energy cost, greatest reduction of CO2 emission, and largest fraction of renewable energy. However, these result required the expensive initial capital cost. In addition, the PV power generation was always recommended with a minimum capacity. Hence, MATLAB results show the performances of the power plants with renewable energy sources were used maximally. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.