Optimal Configuration and Energy Scheduling Algorithm for an Off-Grid Hybrid Microgrid

Abstract

Off-grid hybrid microgrid which combines power sources from different technologies based on the availability of such resources and the economic/environmental considerations is gaining global interest due to the unreliable nature of conventional power systems. This research seeks to obtain an optimal configuration and develop a simple energy scheduling algorithm for a modern market using PV/Battery storage/Diesel generator technologies. HOMER software was used in obtaining the optimal configuration and economic/environmental analysis. The development of the scheduling algorithm was done based on the concept of energy flow in an off-grid hybrid microgrid using MATLAB software. An estimated load of 389.79 kW and average daily solar irradiance of 164.09W/m² was recorded for the study site. The simulation results yielded Net Present Cost (NPC) of $6,405,234.36 and $0.2414 Cost of Energy (COE). A Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction of 42% was recorded for an off-grid system with solar renewable source. These clearly indicate that the use of optimized hybrid electrical energy resources with simple scheduling could greatly reduce both operational cost and environmental pollution.