Optimal design of renewable integrated heat and electricity supply systems with genetic algorithm: household application in Iran

Abstract

The objective of the present study is the development of an optimization model for identifying the best configuration of renewable-based integrated energy systems. The system includes a combination of renewable energy systems such as wind, solar, hydropower and hydrogen production, storage facilities and conventional fossil-fuel generators. The developed tool consists of various modules where water heating assumes the utilization of waste energy as an option. Furthermore, the application, which is demonstrated for a case study in Tehran, has been considered. The power exchange with the distribution network and injection of hydrogen produced from excess renewable sources into gas network are included in the model. The renewable energy use fractions for stand-alone and on-grid systems are 96.7% and 98.1%, respectively. Also, over a 20-year span and considering a 5% discount rate, the optimum energy cost for the stand-alone system and net present value for the on-grid system rate are 0.28 dollars/kW h and 3944 dollars, respectively.