Hybrid Renewable System Research Articles

Techno-economic evaluation of hybrid renewable hydrogen systems in Saudi Arabia

Techno-economic evaluation of hybrid renewable hydrogen systems in Saudi Arabia

Environmental and economic analysis of cold ironing using renewable hybrid systems

Environmental and economic analysis of cold ironing using renewable hybrid systems

Hybrid Renewable Systems for Small Energy Communities: What Is the Best Solution?

This research developed smart integrated hybrid renewable systems for small energy communities and applied them to a real system to achieve energy self-sufficiency and promote sustainable decentralized energy generation. It compares stand-alone (SA) and grid-connected (GC) configurations using a developed optimized mathematical model and data-driven optimization, with economic analysis of various renewable combinations (PV, Wind, PHS, BESS, and Grid) to search for the optimal solution. Four cases were developed: two stand-alone (SA1: PV + Wind + PHS, SA2: PV + Wind + PHS + BESS) and two grid-connected (GC1: PV + PHS + Grid, GC2: Wind + PHS + Grid). GC2 shows the most economical with stable cash flow (−€123.2 annually), low CO2 costs (€367.2), and 91.7% of grid independence, requiring 125 kW of installed power. While GC options had lower initial investments (between €157k to €205k), the SA configurations provided lower levelized costs of energy (LCOE) ranging from €0.039 to €0.044/kWh. The integration of pumped hydropower storage enhances energy independence, supporting peak loads for up to two days with a storage capacity of 2.17 MWh.

Sustainable hybrid renewable energy management system for a community in island: A model approach utilising Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources optimization and priority setting‐based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition operation

Sustainable hybrid renewable energy management system for a community in island: A model approach utilising Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources optimization and priority setting‐based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition operation

Design of reliable standalone utility-scale pumped hydroelectric storage powered by PV/Wind hybrid renewable system

With a target of 35 % renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2030, the goal of this research is to support the Libyan government’s plan to maximize the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. This will be accomplished by making effective use of the region’s plentiful natural resources. The feasibility of wind and solar energy has been established by local research, and the presence of highlands that can store pumped hydropower (PHS) makes hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) even more feasible. These systems might offer a sizable edge over competitors in the regional energy market. In this study, PHS was utilized to stabilize electricity production in addition to storing energy. A hydropower turbine provides electricity to the load, and the PHS system is powered by a PV/wind supply. By lowering the volatility of wind and photovoltaic power generation, the suggested system could offer a more dependable renewable energy source without requiring complicated control mechanisms. This strategy could encourage a wider adoption of renewable energy, which could be especially advantageous for developing nations. Under particular load and climate conditions, the energy production of different solar PV array and wind turbine farm configurations was estimated using the System Advisor Model (SAM) software. The ideal HRES configuration consists of a 290 MW wind farm, a 154 MW solar PV field, and a 508 MW PHS system. This configuration will provide 100 % of the annual electrical demand of 513 GWh, plus a 20 % safety margin. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE), estimated at $211.65/MWh, is reduced by this configuration. It is anticipated that the $929.02 million initial investment will be recovered in 11 years, and the system will turn a profit in the following 9 years. Also, the planned HRES will stop 532.17 tons of CO2 emissions from being released each year.

Fine-tuning ocean energy storages for reservoir-integrated wave energy converters with dynamic activation of mechanical energy storage features

The proportion of renewable energy in the power supply has experienced substantial growth; however, its intermittent nature and inherent uncertainty present notable challenges in its integration. This study aims to explore the significance of energy flexibility in energy management by focusing on a hybrid renewable wave-wind zero-energy system implemented in a coastal building. Specifically, the study investigates various sources of flexibility within the system and introduces a novel energy storage mechanism utilising the in-built reservoir of the wave energy converter. The research provides new insights into the flexibility of control strategies from the generation and storage sides. The cost-responsive controls involved on/off-peak periods and monthly variations. Several attempts have been made to develop cost-responsive controls that depend upon the electricity tariffs; these include energy shift and peak shaving. The lower discharging limits and trigger lines were compared in the simulation environment to improve the cost-saving, energy-matching, and peak-shaving performances. In this study, the first group scheduled discharging; however, only limited improvements (0.5%) were achieved. Consequently, the second group shifted to varying the minimum fraction state of the reservoir under a lower discharging limit, which reduced operational cost by 4.5%. Using different discharging lines by considering the current month and the period, the third group achieved the expected peak shaving and correspondingly reduced the operational cost to 90.3 %. The final group showed that an additional battery could improve the peak-shaving and cost-saving performance but not the net present value, owing to high investment costs. Furthermore, annual savings increased for different battery capacities from 4.5 % to 6.8 % by conducting the energy shift. Peak shaving control with additional battery reduced maximum demand and substantially reduced costs from 6.4 % to 10.8 %. The study recommends focusing on peak shaving with extra batteries for further cost savings during the on-peak period. This research brings novelty by integrating flexibility control for both generation- and storage-sides in ocean renewable energy systems. It proposes using a wave energy converter as a mechanical energy storage reservoir, reducing costs and ensuring adequate capacity. The study emphasises dynamic storage control, adjusting in real time based on conditions and energy demands.

Hybrid renewable hydrogen systems in Saudi Arabia: A techno-economic evaluation for three diverse locations

This study presents a techno-economic evaluation of hybrid renewable hydrogen systems in Al Jouf, Yanbu, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, using HOMER software to model and optimize grid-connected and off-grid configurations. Grid-connected systems consistently demonstrate superior cost-effectiveness, achieving lower hydrogen (COH) and energy (COE) costs, particularly in resource-rich regions like Yanbu. Off-grid systems, while more expensive, offer crucial energy independence for remote areas or where grid reliability is a concern. Sensitivity analyses reveal that increasing solar irradiance reduces COH, COE, and net present cost (NPC), along with optimal PV array sizes, especially in grid-connected systems. Wind resources play a significant role in Yanbu, where abundant wind reduces reliance on solar energy. This emphasis on the role of wind resources in Yanbu provides the audience with specific regional factors affecting system design. Off-grid systems exhibit greater sensitivity to demand fluctuations due to their dependence on battery storage. The study highlights the importance of tailoring system designs to local resource availability, climate, and demand. Policy recommendations include promoting grid integration, supporting off-grid solutions in areas with limited grid access, investing in climate-resilient technologies, and fostering regional collaboration for a sustainable hydrogen economy in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region.

Microbial Fuel Cells for Bioelectricity Generation: Current Innovations, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Abstract: Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) have emerged as a compelling technological advancement that utilizes microbial metabolic processes to produce electricity from organic waste substrates. This review examines the latest advancements, prevailing challenges, and prospective developments of MFCs in relation to renewable energy generation and ecological sustainability. MFCs present a dual benefit by facilitating wastewater treatment while concurrently generating bioelectricity, thereby rendering them appealing for decentralized energy frameworks and waste management strategies. Recent progress in the fields of genetic engineering and synthetic biology has culminated in the development of optimized microbial strains and improved biofilm stability, which significantly enhances the efficiency of electron transfer. Innovations in electrode materials, including carbon nanotubes and graphene, have further augmented the performance metrics of these systems. Nevertheless, obstacles persist in augmenting power output, minimizing material costs, and scaling MFCs for larger industrial applications. This review also elucidates the environmental and economic implications of MFCs, particularly their capacity to mitigate carbon emissions and generate financial savings in the domain of wastewater treatment. Lastly, we delineate future research trajectories, concentrating on synthetic biology, hybrid renewable systems, and commercialization strategies that will catalyze the scalability and wider acceptance of MFC technology. The prospects for MFCs are indeed promising, providing innovative solutions to the pressing global challenges of energy production and waste management.

Smart feasibility optimization of hybrid renewable water supply systems by digital twin technologies: A multicriteria approach applied to isolated cities

This research presents a multicriteria approach for the best hybrid water supply solution of a multipurpose Pumped-Storage Hydropower (PSH) system, using the Generalized Reduced Gradient (GRG) method in Solver, with the optimization process considering key factors, such as Net Present Value (NPV), the number of energy conversion devices, renewable energy production, source availability, reservoir capacities, topographic constraints, and energy tariffs. The methodology combines a literature review, methodological development, and machine learning applications for hybrid water-energy systems. Results indicate that solar-only solutions are insufficient in high hydropower potential scenarios while integrating wind turbines significantly enhances energy production and profitability by generating surplus energy for grid sales. The timing of energy sales and the incorporation of battery storage also impact NPV, which can exceed 180 million euros. Wind energy contributes to continuous profitability and optimized system performance, particularly in isolated regions. The PSH system can manage 130,000 cubic meters of water daily, storing 25 MWh of energy, and reducing CO2 emissions by over 18,000 tonnes per year. These findings highlight the importance of renewables, such as wind energy, and effective operational management. It enhances the economic viability and environmental sustainability of hybrid water-energy systems.

Integrating hydrogen into a hybrid system to meet a laboratory's electricity demand

Providing quality electricity to improve the living conditions of rural and urban populations in Africa, particularly in Cameroon, represents a challenging but achievable task. Indeed, Cameroon has the second largest hydrographic network in Central Africa, and thanks to this network, over 90% of electricity comes from aging hydroelectric dams that cause permanent power outages. The desire to take advantage of other benefits that nature has given this country has directed this work towards renewable energies. Thanks to the HOMER Pro software, a renewable energy hybrid system with hydrogen gas serving as storage and energy vector was adopted. Photovoltaic panels and wind turbines are proposed as primary energy sources for the permanent, low-cost supply of the IRAD laboratory at the University of Maroua. The software proposes three systems, one with the wind turbine as the only primary source, and considered as the most optimal. It has an energy cost equal to $0.0633, an NPC of $20330, and an initial capital of $8500. The other two systems are hybrids with a renewable fraction equal to 100%, and a load distribution strategy that is the charge cycle (CC) like the first system. The first less expensive hybrid system has an energy cost and an NPC respectively of $0.0778 and $24986. As for the second hybrid system, it has an NPC and an energy cost respectively of $26195 and $0.0778. Hydrogen fully plays its role as an energy vector and storage in all three systems. A sensitivity analysis was conducted in this work to ensure that the system proposed for the laboratory can also be adapted in the 9 other regions of the country. It appears that the values of wind resources, solar radiation, and temperature have a significant impact on the energy cost. The cities of Yaoundé and Ebolowa, displaying respective wind speeds of 2.07 m/s and 1.76 m/s, are recognized for having the lowest wind speeds in the country, which hinders the overall energy production and profitability of the system. The hybrid system suggested for these cities proves to be expensive, with energy costs exceeding the standard electricity price set by the energy distribution and marketing organization in the country.

Enhancing on-grid renewable energy systems: Optimal configuration and diverse design strategies

This study explores the optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems in smart grids, incorporating configurations involving multiple sources such as solar photovoltaic, wind, and combined PV/wind systems with advanced battery storage strategies. The goal is to develop optimal sizing and energy management solutions that not only reduce the grid use factor but also enhance the sustainability and reliability of energy systems through innovative energy-saving methods and carbon-neutral approaches. Utilizing a novel methodology that integrates particle swarm optimization, long short-term memory, and genetic algorithms, this research identifies the most effective mix of renewable energy capacities alongside versatile energy storage solutions, to align energy production with consumption efficiently. The study demonstrates significant environmental benefits, crucial for sustainable management aimed at achieving carbon neutrality, including reducing CO2 emissions by 122.29 tons per year and maintaining a notably low levelized cost of energy at $0.0417/kWh. The model proves accurate in forecasting renewable energy generation, emphasizing its potential as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional energy sources. These findings underscore the critical importance of integrating optimal hybrid renewable systems that incorporate strategic energy storage, innovative optimization for energy savings, and robust measures towards achieving carbon neutrality, thus enhancing both energy sustainability and economic feasibility.

Charging Strategies for Electric Vehicles from Renewable Hybrid Systems

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze charging strategies for electric vehicles (EVs) in a hybrid system connected to the conventional electricity grid, to optimize the use of renewable energies. Theoretical Framework: This paper presents the concepts of hybrid systems, photovoltaic power generation, and electric vehicle energy demand. It emphasizes the importance of integrating renewable energy into the transportation sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Method: The research was based on obtaining load curves and photovoltaic generation in different climatic conditions. The energy available for charging electric vehicles was calculated, considering the limitations of the hybrid system. Different charging power configurations were studied. Results and Discussion: The results demonstrate the feasibility of recharging EVs with renewable energy and highlight the operational flexibility provided by storage systems. Different climate scenarios affect energy availability for charging, highlighting the importance of adaptive strategies. Research Implications: This research contributes to developing sustainable strategies in the transportation sector by providing insights into integrating electric vehicles and renewable energy. Practical implications include reducing carbon emissions and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. Originality/Value: This study stands out for its specific analysis of EV charging strategies in a hybrid context, providing new approaches for the efficient use of renewable energy in transportation. The integration of storage systems and adaptation to climatic conditions are innovative aspects that add value to the research.

Optimal Arrangements of Renewable Energy Systems for Promoting the Decarbonization of Desalination Plants

In this research, a renewable energy hybrid system (PV-Wind) is modeled to compare different design options based on their economic and technical features. The energy requirements of a Reversible Osmosis desalination plant located on the island of Tenerife with a water production capacity of up to 20,000 m3/day was considered. The system is connected to the electricity grid. The HOMER software, version 2.75 was used to produce optimum strategies for renewable energy. The assumptions input into the model were: the technical specifications of the devices, electricity demand of the desalination plant, as well as the solar radiation and the wind speed potentials. Numerous arrangements were considered by the software, version 2.75. The optimal results were obtained based on the use of renewable energy. The data used in the study were recorded in Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The experience of this research could be transferred to other Atlantic islands with similar renewable energy sources (specifically the wind) and water scarce conditions.

A hierarchical framework for minimising emissions in hybrid gas-renewable energy systems under forecast uncertainty

Developing and deploying renewables in existing energy systems are pivotal in Europe’s transition to net-zero emissions. In this transition, gas turbines (GTs) will be central for balancing purposes. However, a significant hurdle in minimising emissions of GTs operating in combination with intermittent renewables arises from the reliance on unreliable meteorological forecasts. Here, we propose a hierarchical framework for decoupling this operational problem into a balancing and emissions minimisation problem. Balancing is ensured with a high-level stochastic balancing filter (SBF) based on data-driven stochastic grey-box models for the uncertain intermittent renewable. The filter utilises probabilistic forecasting and less conservative chance constraints to compute safe bounds, within which a proposed low-level economic predictive controller further minimises emissions of the GTs during operations. As GTs exhibit semi-continuous operating regions, complementarity constraints are utilised to fully exploit each GT’s allowed operational range. The proposed method is validated in simulation for a gas-balanced hybrid renewable system with batteries, three GTs with varying capacities, and a wind farm. Using real historical operational wind data, our simulation shows that the proposed framework balances the energy demand and minimises emissions with up to 4.35% compared with other conventional control strategies in simulation by minimising the GT emissions directly with complementarity constraints in the low-level controller and indirectly with less conservative chance constraints in the high-level filter. The simulations show that the computational cost of the proposed framework is well within requirements for real-time applications. Thus, the proposed operational framework enables increased renewable share in hybrid energy systems with GTs and renewable energy and subsequently contributes to de-carbonising these types of isolated or grid-connected systems onshore and offshore.

Assessment of techno-economic analyzes of grid-connected nuclear and PV/wind/battery/hydrogen renewable hybrid system for sustainable and clean energy production in Mersin-Türkiye

The main novelty in the presented paper is that it presents an energy analysis for a hybrid system that integrates nuclear power plants with wind/solar power plants for sustainable and clean energy production. In addition, excess energy is used to produce hydrogen. A techno-economic feasibility assessment is performed to ensure continuous electricity supply for hourly and peak residential load requirements in Mersin located in Türkiye. In the first stage of the study, suitable areas and sizes for solar and wind energy for energy production were determined with ArcGIS and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methodologies. In the second stage, six scenarios were investigated in terms of electricity production, and excess energy was used for hydrogen production. The results brought out that more electricity was produced than the city's electricity consumption (5395 GWh) in all 6 scenarios considered. The maximum electricity production at a rate of 11900 GWh/yr and the maximum hydrogen at a rate of 132675 tons was produced in Scenario 4 with the cost of energy (0.31 $/kWh) and cost of hydrogen (12.6$/kgH2). In this scenario, the percentages of solar, wind and nuclear energy in total production 1 %, 12 %, and 87 %, respectively. According to the results, it was concluded that 236621 tons of carbon emissions were reduced when the city's energy needs were met according to the 6 scenarios in this study.

Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of a Renewable Hybrid System in Southern Morocco

Techno-Economic and Environmental Analysis of a Renewable Hybrid System in Southern Morocco

Management of a hybrid renewable energy storage system

The development of smart grids, made possible by advancements in computer technology, represents a transformative solution for electricity grids. These systems offer significant improvements in terms of security, reliability, and energy efficiency, while also promoting a low-carbon economy. Smart grids enable more efficient management of electricity supply and demand, as well as optimization of energy storage. However, despite these advantages, challenges persist, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity, and the reliability and speed of information processing. To address these challenges, we propose an innovative algorithm designed for energy management within electricity grids. This algorithm, specifically tailored for grids comprising hybrid storage systems, photovoltaic energy sources, and variable loads, aims primarily to balance supply and demand. This comprehensive approach not only ensures a continuous power supply but also reduces vulnerabilities associated with reliance on a single energy source. To evaluate the effectiveness of this algorithm, we conducted a series of rigorous simulation experiments using the MATLAB platform. These simulations meticulously tested the system's performance, providing substantial experimental evidence of its durability and viability in real-world scenarios. In summary, smart grids offer promising opportunities to enhance the security of electricity grids, maintain supply-demand balance, and promote sustainable energy storage practices. Despite persistent challenges in cybersecurity and information processing, our proposed algorithm represents a significant advancement in addressing these issues and strengthening the capabilities of smart grids.

A techno-economic perspective on efficient hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala, Cameroon’s grid-connected systems

Cameroon is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis, which is adversely affecting its economy due to cost, reliability, and availability constraints within the power infrastructure. While electrochemical storage presents a potential remedy, its implementation faces hurdles like high costs and technical limitations. Conversely, generator-based systems, although a viable alternative, bring their own set of issues such as noise pollution and demanding maintenance requirements. This paper meticulously assesses a novel hybrid energy system specifically engineered to meet the diverse energy needs of Douala, Cameroon. By employing advanced simulation techniques, especially the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro program, the study carefully examines the intricacies of load demands across distinct consumer categories while accommodating varied pricing models. The paper offers a detailed analysis of the proposed grid-connected PV/Diesel/Generator system, aiming to gauge its performance, economic feasibility, and reliability in ensuring uninterrupted energy supply. Notably, the study unveils significant potential for cost reduction per kilowatt-hour, indicating promising updated rates of $0.07/kW, $0.08/kW, and $0.06/kW for low, medium, and high usage groups, respectively. Furthermore, the research underscores the importance of overcoming operational challenges and constraints such as temperature fluctuations, equipment costs, and regulatory compliance. It also acknowledges the impact of operational nuances like maintenance and grid integration on system efficiency. As the world progresses towards renewable energy adoption and hybrid systems, this investigation lays a strong foundation for future advancements in renewable energy integration and energy management strategies. It strives to create a sustainable energy ecosystem in Cameroon and beyond, where hybrid energy systems play a pivotal role in mitigating power deficiencies and supporting sustainable development.

Techno-economic evaluation and comparison of the optimal PV/Wind and grid hybrid system with horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines

Applications for alternative energy sources range from very small scale to large scale grid-coupled hybrid energy systems. In addition, hybrid energy systems are safer to generate power and cheaper to produce than single-source energy systems. The main goal of this study is to determine whether renewable energy hybrid system with horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) or vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is more efficient and cost effective in terms of energy, economics, and environmental performance. The use of the Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) in MATLAB software for the sizing of hybrid sustainable energy system with wind turbine (horizontal and vertical axis), solar photovoltaic, and grid connection is evaluated in this study. The results revealed that the cost of energy, NPC and system total cost for the case where HRES consists of HAWT is $0.02 /kWh, $85,905, and $332,240, respectively, while for the case when VAWT is used, these values are $0.06 /kWh, $129,932 and $502,511, respectively. The renewable fraction and CO2 emission saving are 80.5% and 73.2% for cases 1 and 2, respectively. The use of renewable energy sources will spread more widely and there will be less air pollution as a result of less reliance on grid electricity. The findings from both situations show that adopting HAWTS-based HRESs is more cost effective and efficient for electrifying rural areas. This study paves the way for researchers to focus on types of wind turbines while designing HRESs.

Performance investigation and operation optimization of an innovative hybrid renewable energy integration system for commercial building complex and hydrogen vehicles

With the increasing in energy demands and carbon emissions of building and transport sectors, improving the penetration of renewable resources in these areas are inevitable trends. To further develop the theoretical method of energy integrated system in building/transportation area, load forecasting of commercial building complex and hydrogen vehicles are determined, a novel hybrid renewable energy integration system is presented and studied. Thermal, economic and environmental performances for poly-generation system are performed and optimized, optimal performance and configuration are obtained by NSGA-II algorithm and TOPSIS-Shannon entropy weight method. In addition, operating performance characteristics of integration system during typical weekday and weekend in different seasons are analyzed, the influences of critical parameters on comprehensive performances of integrated system are also conducted. The results showed that optimal exergetic efficiency, levelized cost of product (LCOP) and levelized CO2 emissions of product (LCEP) are 12.61 %, 0.0711 $/kWh and 0.0185 kg/kWh. Furthermore, thermodynamic performances of proposed system decreases while LCOP and LCEP rise with the increasing in HVs stock. Biomass and purchased electricity prices have different impacts on system comprehensive performances. In general, this study provides a new alternative for multiple renewable energy integrated system optimization in building and transportation sectors.