3 - Design and performance optimisation of stand-alone and hybrid wind energy systems

Abstract

Optimisation considerations in a hybrid energy system include the configuration of such a system, the sizing of the individual components and the percentage of load that will be covered by renewable energy sources (RES), depending on the needs of the specific site and various economic and environmental constraints. Therefore, there is a wide optimisation scope when dealing with hybrid energy systems, in their configuration and design as well as in their operation. The specific objectives of the present chapter are to analyse and describe the concepts and the parameters affecting the design and optimisation of hybrid energy systems. The main directions of the present chapter are to (i) identify the parameters determining the optimal design of each individual component as a part of a larger system; (ii) highlight the objectives and constraints governing the optimisation of hybrid energy systems; (iii) give a short review of the methods and techniques typically employed in the optimisation process; and (iv) provide an insight into the future prospects of hybrid energy systems optimisation.