Modeling and performance evaluation of hybrid photovoltaic thermal, wind, and battery microgrids using optimization and dynamic simulation

This study aims to comprehensively develop a modeling framework to evaluate the dynamic performance of a photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system integrated with a hybrid off-grid microgrid. The advancements made by this research in investigating the optimal design of the PV/T system and dynamic performance assessment of the proposed hybrid microgrid are twofold. First, a nonlinear mathematical problem is formulated to determine the optimal system design that maximizes power, taking into account the thermo-electrical constraints. Secondly, the research highlights the development of a component mask with a user-defined functionality in MATLAB/Simulink using the optimal design parameters obtained from the optimization model. The developed PV/T component is then integrated with a wind turbine/ battery system. The resultant integrated energy system is then compared with a conventional PV/wind/battery microgrid system based on a 72-hour simulation. The outcomes showed that under cloudy, rainy, sunny, and windy conditions, the extra cumulative electricity generation from the PV/T system-based microgrid is 2.12, 2.74, 1.72, and 0.31% compared to the PV system-based microgrid. Additionally, improved battery system operation of nearly 1.8Wh was realized, signifying PV/T contribution to efficient microgrid operation.