Hybrid diesel generator/renewable energy system performance modeling

A Hybrid Energy System may been defined as a system in which different energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, diesel generator, etc.) as well as energy storage systems are interconnected to meet the load energy demand at any time. Given that the electrical contribution of energy each sources (taking individually) is dependent on the variation of the resources (sun, wind, water), and since the load energy requirement fluctuates, the main attribute of such hybrid system is to be able to generate energy at any time by optimally using each energy source, and storing excess energy for the later use in deficit generating conditions. The induced optimization problem is to compute the optimal size and operation control of the system with the aim of minimizing its initial, operation and maintenance as well as replacement costs while responding to the load energy requirements. In this paper our goal will be to propose an approach for optimal operation control of a hybrid multisource system with the aim of meeting the load energy requirement with reliability and minimized life cycle costs. The paper will be limited at the problem formulation and the development of the mathematical model for the performance of all the hybrid system's components. The proposed hybrid system model is based on a description of current flows from the different power sources, taking into account the losses and the impact of the operating decisions along the way up to the loads. The decision variables include the renewable energy sources sizes and number of modules as well as the operation control settings and strategies which lead to the determination the diesel generator and battery system output power. These developed model's decision variables can then be optimized using any suitable advanced algorithm in such a way to minimize the life-cycle costs subject while satisfying demand. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.