Performance analysis of hybrid PV/diesel/battery system using HOMER: A case study Sabah, Malaysia

Abstract

This study considered two decentralized power stations in Sabah, Malaysia; each contains different combination of photovoltaic (PV), diesel generators, system converters, and storage batteries. The work was built upon previous related site surveys and data collections from each site. Verification of the site data sets, simulation of different operational scenarios, and a comparison with the optimum design were all considered in the work. This includes all possible standalone diesel generators, hybrid PV/diesel/battery, and 100% PV/battery scenarios for the proposed stations. HOMER software has been used in the modeling entire systems. The operational behaviors of different PV penetration levels were analyzed to accurately quantify the impact of PV integration. The performance of these stations was analyzed based on technical, economic and environmental constraints, besides, placing emphasis on comparative cost analysis between different operational scenarios. The results satisfied the load demand with the minimum total net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). Moreover, sensitivity analysis was carried out to represents the effects of changing main parameters, such as; fuel, PV, battery prices, and load demand (load growth) on the system performance. Comparison of all operational behaviors scenarios was carried out to elucidate the advantages/disadvantages of utilizing each scenario. The impact of different PV penetration levels on the system performance and the generation of harmful emissions is also investigated. The results show more trends towards using renewable energy (RE) sources in energy generation and less dependence on standalone diesel generators. Hybrid PV/Diesel/Battery system is seen to be the best technical performance compared to all other scenarios, while also reporting good economic and environmental performance, which result in increased system sustainability. The 100% RE system showed the best environmental characteristics with the highest costs. This study has demonstrated that the presence of RE sources improves the performance of standalone systems and reduces energy storage requirements.