Optimization of an off-grid hybrid photovoltaic/wind/diesel/fuel cell system for residential applications power generation employing evolutionary algorithms

In this study, the optimization of a multisource hybrid photovoltaic (PV)/Wind/Diesel/Fuel cell (FC) system is performed to meet three realistic loads demand for heavy, medium and small activities observed at Figuil, Cameroon. This paper also examines and compares the techno-economic viability of an off-grid hybrid PV/Wind/ Diesel/FC, PV/Diesel/FC and Wind/Diesel/FC systems in terms of net present cost (NPC), cost of energy (COE) and environmental emissions. The effectiveness of different evolutionary algorithms employed in the designing problem of the various hybrid systems is also investigated. The results revealed that, for maximum loss of power supply probability (LPSP) of 5% and minimum renewable energy fraction of 85%, the PV/Wind/Diesel/FC system is economically the best choice for supplying the three types of non-domestic loads demand with corresponding NPC, COE and LPSP values of 159319.4$, 1.087$/kWh and 0.0397 for heavy activity; 150185.8$, 1.753$/kWh and 0.0411 for medium activity; and 144588.0$, 2.384$/kWh and 0.0288 for small activity, respectively. The results also demonstrated that, in terms of pollution emissions minimization, the PV/Wind/ Diesel/FC configuration is a preferable option, with an overall yearly CO2 emissions of 2946.1 kg, 2043.6 kg and 1504.2 kg corresponding to an annual total fuel consumption of 1115.9L, 774.1L and 569.8L for heavy, medium and small activities, respectively.