Optimal Configuration and Sizing of an Integrated Renewable Energy System for Isolated and Grid-Connected Microgrids: The Case of an Urban University Campus

Navid Shirzadi,Ursula Eicker,Fuzhan Nasiri

doi:10.3390/en13143527

Navid Shirzadi, Ursula Eicker + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/en13143527

Copy DOI

Journal: Energies	Publication Date: Jul 8, 2020
Citations: 16	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Concordia University

Abstract

Although renewable technologies are progressing fast, there are still challenges such as the reliability and availability of renewable energy sources and their cost issues due to capital intensity that hinder their broad adoption. This research aims at developing a configuration-sizing approach to enhance the cost efficiency and sourcing reliability of renewable energies integrated in microgrids. To achieve this goal, various technologies were considered, such as solar PV, wind turbines, converters, and batteries for system configuration with minimization of net present cost (NPC) as the objective. Grid connection scenarios with up to 100% renewable contribution were analyzed. The results show that the integration of renewable technologies with some grid backup could reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) to about half of the price of the electricity that the university purchases from the grid. Also, different kinds of solar tracker systems were studied. The outcome shows that by using a vertical axis solar tracker, the LCOE of the system could be reduced by more than 50 percent. This research can help the decision-maker to opt for the best scenarios for generating reliable and cost-efficient electricity.

Highlights

Achieving the global aim for access to reliable energy supply and mitigation of emissions requires incrementing renewable technology usage as the only alternative
Microgrids using integrated renewable energy systems (IRES) in urban areas is a crucial strategy for attaining emission reduction or even net negative emission cities that can seize more carbon than what they emit in total, through supplying their own carbon-free electrical energy [3]
This paper analyzed the economic optimization of renewable energy supply for a University

Summary

Introduction

Achieving the global aim for access to reliable energy supply and mitigation of emissions requires incrementing renewable technology usage as the only alternative. Microgrids using integrated renewable energy systems (IRES) in urban areas is a crucial strategy for attaining emission reduction or even net negative emission cities that can seize more carbon than what they emit in total, through supplying their own carbon-free electrical energy [3]. There are several agreements around the world (such as the Paris agreement in 2015) that aim at keeping the global average temperature below 2 ◦ C by changing the ratio of renewable energy and fossil fuels [4]. Those systems commonly use renewable energy resources such as wind, biomass, and solar radiation. By the integration of battery storage (e.g., Li-Ion Batteries), the systems can operate with more flexibility, shift peaks and/or generate electricity during grid outages

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion