Optimization of a grid connected hybrid energy system

Abstract

Nowadays, energy policy makers in Turkey are discussing about transition to regional energy pricing policy due to the illegal usage rates in some regions in the country. A possible transition to regional pricing policy needs a detailed analysis on development of regional energy networks. By developing such networks, outer-dependency of energy can be reduced in regions and energy costs can reduce by using energy generation potential from renewable resources within regional networks. Moreover, the existing energy grid can be considered as a backup option to satisfy shortened demand after generation from renewable resources. In other words, grid-connected hybrid energy systems can be a promising solution to satisfy energy demand at a lower cost. Hybrid energy systems are discovered as a beneficial way to provide sustainable energy supply in regions with renewable energy potential. On the other hand, these kind of energy systems requires an analytic investigation in terms of design and operation, because of the existence of different energy resources. So, optimization of system design and operation decisions are extremely important. In this paper, optimization of a hybrid energy network is considered and a linear programming model to optimize operation decisions in a hybrid energy network for a town is proposed. The proposed model is solved on a numerical example with 10 demand points and 2 generation plants. An operation strategy for the numerical example is obtained after solution with a commercial LP solver. This model can be used a decision support tool for policy makers in development of energy policies.