Abstract
Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) are a trendy alternative to enhance the renewable energy deployment worldwide. They effectively take advantage of scalability and flexibility of these energy sources, since combining two or more allows counteracting the weaknesses of a stochastic renewable energy source with the strengths of another or with the predictability of a non-renewable energy source. This work presents an optimization methodology for minimum life cycle cost of a HRES based on solar photovoltaic, wind and biomass power. Biomass power seeks to take advantage of locally available forest wood biomass in the form of wood chips to provide energy in periods when the PV and wind power generated are not enough to match the existing demand. The results show that a HRES combining the selected three sources of renewable energy could be installed in a rural township of about 1300 dwellings with an up-front investment of US $7.4 million, with a total life cycle cost of slightly more than US $30 million. Such a system would have benefits in terms of energy autonomy and environment quality improvement, as well as in term of job opportunity creation.
Highlights
Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) are recognized as effective means to locally exploit renewable energies for electricity and, in certain cases, heat-production
In the study presented in this article, photovoltaic (PV), wind and biomass electrical power from forest wood chips are the chosen renewable energy sources (RESs) used for the complementary seasonal and daily patterns of wind and PV power, and the flexibility added by biomass power, since it is an energy source that can be dispatched on demand [2]
The work presented in this article consists of the design and validation of an optimization methodology for minimum life-cycle cost grid-connected HRES, based on the usage of solar, wind, and forest wood chips energy sources
Summary
Hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) are recognized as effective means to locally exploit renewable energies for electricity and, in certain cases, heat-production. These systems combine two or more energy sources, one of them being a renewable energy source, usually combining sources that can counteract the weaknesses of the others [1]. The use of such energy sources would improve the development of rural areas, creating job opportunities, as well as revaluating local resources not currently used [6] This is especially significant in the case of forest wood biomass, a RES that, stimulates socio-economic progress of rural areas preserving landscape quality and biodiversity [7], and would help to create wealth and job opportunities in the fields of forest management and harvesting [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
