Original Framework for Optimizing Hybrid Energy Supply

Amevi Acakpovi

doi:10.1155/2016/8317505

Abstract

This paper proposes an original framework for optimizing hybrid energy systems. The recent growth of hybrid energy systems in remote areas across the world added to the increasing cost of renewable energy has triggered the inevitable development of hybrid energy systems. Hybrid energy systems always pose a problem of optimization of cost which has been approached with different perspectives in the recent past. This paper proposes a framework to guide the techniques of optimizing hybrid energy systems in general. The proposed framework comprises four stages including identification of input variables for energy generation, establishment of models of energy generation by individual sources, development of artificial intelligence, and finally summation of selected sources. A case study of a solar, wind, and hydro hybrid system was undertaken with a linear programming approach. Substantial results were obtained with regard to how load requests were constantly satisfied while minimizing the cost of electricity. The developed framework gained its originality from the fact that it has included models of individual sources of energy that even make the optimization problem more complex. This paper also has impacts on the development of policies which will encourage the integration and development of renewable energies.

Highlights

Recent advances in renewable energy have contributed to the increasing deployment of hybrid energy systems as standalone energy systems for providing electricity in remote areas
The first part consists of the input variables to the renewable energy sources which directly or indirectly determine the energy produced by each source for a period of a month
A framework for hybrid system optimization has been proposed in this study

Summary

Introduction

Recent advances in renewable energy have contributed to the increasing deployment of hybrid energy systems as standalone energy systems for providing electricity in remote areas. A hybrid energy system, or hybrid energy, usually consists of two or more renewable energy sources used together to provide increased system efficiency as well as greater balance in energy supply. Hybrid energy systems are combination of two or more energy conversion devices or two or more fuels for the same device which when integrated overcome limitations that may be inherent in either. Extensive studies have been done to put together different sources of energy in order to design hybrid systems. The growing interest for hybrid energy system is being motivated by the identification of a huge deficit of electricity supply in most developing countries.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion