Optimal Sizing and Cost Analysis of Hybrid Electric Renewable Energy Systems Using HOMER

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents optimal sizing and cost analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems. HOMER Software is used for the optımızatıon and cost analysıs. Three different loads and their typical profiles are employed in the simulation. Simulation models are developed for a typical house, hostel and a small scale hospital in Bagalkot (16.1725° N, 75.6557° E), India. Load survey data of said systems were retrieved from the energy meters installed by HESCOM, Govt. of Karnataka. For optimization process, HOMER software simulates all configurations and lists based on Cost of Energy and Total Net Present Cost. Simulations are carried with various source combinations of Solar photovoltaic, Wind, Battery and Grid and corresponding results tabulated for all possible combinations. Results are analyzed systematically with cost of per unit energy as reference. Electricity generated by each source combination, unmet electric load, capacity shortage, excess electricity generated and renewable energy fractions are listed. For all the three loads solar photovoltaic (PV) with grid connected mode is proved as cost effective with least cost of energy. It is Rs. 4.8, Rs. 5.325 and Rs. 4.5 for house, hostel and hospital loads, respectively. It is concluded that for Bagalkot location Solar PV with grid integrated mode is most effective and economic option.KeywordsHybrid energy systemsOptimizationRenewable energySolar photovoltaicWind turbine generator