Analysis and optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems for remote community applications

Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) can provide an effective approach to replacing diesel power in remote communities in Canada where people live off-grid. This paper deals with analyzing and optimizing HERSs that consist of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, a biomass power generator, and batteries with different combinations for remote community applications. A model is developed to design, simulate, and optimize the HRESs, aiming at minimizing the net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of the systems for Canada's remote and northern communities. Economic assessment of the HRES with different configurations is conducted, and the amount of electricity produced by each subsystem is calculated. The NPC ranges from $4.17 M to $8.68 M and the LCOE ranges from $0.33.9/kWh to $0.693/kWh for the five optimized HRES configurations in a selected remote community. It is shown that in Configuration A, the HRES generates 824,152 kWh/year of which the biomass electricity accounts for 484,632 kWh/year, the solar electricity accounts for 72,939 kWh/year, and the electricity generated by wind turbines accounts for 266,581 kWh/year. Through the present research, HRES is shown to be an effective option to supply green electricity in remote communities.