A comprehensive review of sizing and uncertainty modeling methodologies for the optimal design of hybrid energy systems

Energy demand is surging with the rise in population, economic development, and ever-increasing living standards. Due to sustainability and environmental issues, renewable energy sources have emerged as a credible option to meet this increased energy demand. However, it is plagued with the issue of variability and intermittency. Hybrid energy systems are proposed as a possible solution to this problem. The optimal sizing of hybrid energy systems ensures a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power supply. Therefore, this paper discusses different hybrid energy systems in both on-grid and off-grid configurations, followed by the review of various sizing methodologies. The article also discusses various multi-criteria design indicators acting as decision variables, sensitivity variables, and constraints in different capacities while preparing the mathematical model of hybrid energy systems. As renewable resources and their based systems are inherently uncertain, it becomes imperative to characterize and model the uncertainty associated with such systems. Sincere efforts were made to understand various sources of uncertainty and how to characterize and model these uncertainties using different methodologies. The existing uncertainty modeling approaches were studied, compared, and analyzed. Further, the need for conducting sensitivity analysis and its usage in hybrid energy system design considering different sensitive parameters were also studied.