Sizing Design for a Hybrid Renewable Power System Using HOMER and iHOGA Simulators

Abstract

In this study, a comparative sizing design for renewable power systems was developed based on HOMER (Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources) and iHOGA (improved Hybrid Optimization by Genetic Algorithms) simulators. A comparative analysis of the solutions obtained with iHOGA and HOMER simulators for the same hybrid renewable power system (HRPS) is presented in detail. The system contained a new hybrid configuration that used fuel cell (FC) as a green energy source, replacing the polluting diesel generator system, as well as other renewable energy sources, namely, photovoltaic panels, wind turbine, a battery stack, power converters, and electric load. The same case study was carried out for the design of the hybrid system using HOMER and iHOGA simulators to perform a comparative analysis of the solutions obtained for potential investment. The analysis showed a higher share of renewable energy for iHOGA (92%) compared to HOMER (81%), so the first design produced 51.61 kg/year less carbon dioxide. Moreover, the operating costs (2134 RON/year for HOMER and 70.56 RON/year for iHOGA) and the cost of electricity were higher by 96% and 2.5%, respectively, for HOMER compared to iHOGA. Taking into account the need for high reliability, safe operation, and lower operation/exploitation costs, the design implemented in iHOGA is clearly more efficient and useful in practice, and this is supported by the three iHOGA case studies.