Title: Optimal sizing of a hybrid energy system for a semi-arid climate using an evolutionary algorithm

Authors: Majid Vafaeipour; Omid Rahbari; Marc A. Rosen; Farivar Fazelpour; Seyed Mohammadreza Heibati

Addresses: Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Islamic Azad University – South Tehran Branch, P.O. Box 11365-4435, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Islamic Azad University – South Tehran Branch, P.O. Box 11365-4435, Tehran, Iran ' Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 7K4, Canada ' Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Islamic Azad University – South Tehran Branch, P.O. Box 11365-4435, Tehran, Iran ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pardis Branch, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 16555/135, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The use of a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimal sizing of an off-grid hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) is reported. As a pre-feasibility analysis and to determine the appropriate HRES type to be studied, wind energy potential and solar irradiation are first examined for the considered region (Tehran, Iran). These are inputs of the algorithm, and are assessed throughout a year utilising statistical and temperature-based approaches. After identifying the appropriate system type, three scenarios with different system constraints are defined. Applying the GA for each scenario identifies the minimum initial investment costs and net present costs as well as the optimum size of the system components. The results suggest that one scenario (3) has the lowest net present cost and includes 36% renewable energy generation, making it superior to the other optimised system scenarios.

Keywords: hybrid systems; HRES; PV; photovoltaics; diesel; renewable energy potential; genetic algorithms; optimal sizing; semi-arid climate; wind energy; wind power; solar energy; solar power; Iran.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2014.065381

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2014 Vol.5 No.4, pp.394 - 410

Received: 26 Dec 2012
Accepted: 02 Sep 2013

Published online: 31 Oct 2014 *

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