Solar Load Research Articles

A new analytical technique for obtaining the optimal sizing, location, and scheduling of BESS in a grid-connected microgrid with multiple cases of heavy DG penetration

This paper aims to provide an optimal location, power, and energy rating for a battery energy storage system (BESS) in a grid-connected microgrid. The microgrid is pre-installed with heavy renewable distributed generations like solar and wind power plants. The paper suggests a straightforward optimal operating schedule for BESS, considering real-time data on solar irradiance, wind speed, load profile, and electricity tariff obtained from the US Energy Information Administration. The proposed method analytically identifies the optimal size and location of the storage system using the modified Q-PQV load flow technique. The method also proposes incorporating seasonal variations of the real-time data to obtain the optimal BESS size. A detailed cost-benefit analysis is exhibited to validate the economic feasibility. The methodological superiority is established by comparing the proposed algorithm with other soft computing techniques like PSO, GA, and JAYA algorithms. The novel technique is executed on 33-bus and 136-bus test systems with multiple cases of solar and wind-distributed generations. The proposed method provided a significant reduction in annual energy loss with a definite improvement in the voltage profile and overall profit of the system.

A model predictive control strategy of global optimal dispatch for a combined solar and air source heat pump heating system

Due to low-carbon transformation of heating sources in northern China, the combination of the solar heating system (SHS) and the air source heat pump (ASHP) has attracted widespread attention due to their significant low-carbon and energy-saving characteristics. Nevertheless, different outdoor meteorological parameters simultaneously affect both the SHS and the ASHP. The heat supply of the SHS is primarily influenced by solar radiation intensity, and the efficiency of the ASHP is mainly constrained by outdoor temperature. The dual uncertainty and volatility of the output capacities of these two heat sources pose significant challenges to their coordinated control. Previous research has primarily focused on traditional rule-based control (RBC) and feedback control, prioritizing the utilization of solar energy while employing ASHP to compensate for heating deficiencies. However, these methods ignore the variations in ASHP efficiency due to fluctuations in outdoor temperature, leading to low whole-system operating efficiency and limiting the flexibility and responsiveness of the control. In this paper, a model predictive control strategy of global optimal dispatch for a combined solar and ASHP (SASHP) heating system is proposed, which focuses on the flexibility and adaptability of dual heat source dispatch under different external conditions. A Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN) was used to establish a solar radiation intensity and load prediction model. A solar heat production prediction was realized by combining the mechanism model based on solar radiation intensity prediction; a two-step room temperature prediction model was established by introducing new input parameters in the load prediction. This strategy achieves globally optimal dynamic planning of the heat supply and duration of the SHS and ASHP systems by considering solar radiation, outdoor temperature, room temperature, and energy consumption, ensuring the efficient and stable operation of the system. Compared to RBC, experimental results indicated that under conditions of sufficient solar energy, the heating proportion of the SHS increased by 31.1 %, the average COP of the ASHP improved by 8.7 %, the energy-saving rate was 14.6 %, and the room temperature control was also more effective; whole-season simulation results showed an average energy-saving rate of 8.35 %.

Optimal Energy Management of EVs at Workplaces and Residential Buildings Using Heuristic Graph-Search Algorithm

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, efficient scheduling methods that minimize operational costs are critical. This paper introduces a novel EV scheduling method utilizing a heuristic graph-search algorithm for cost minimization due to its admissible nature. The approach optimizes EV charging and discharging schedules by considering real-time energy prices and battery degradation costs. The method is tested on systems with solar generation, electric loads, and EVs featuring vehicle-to-grid (V2G) connections. Various charging rates, such as standard, fast, and supercharging, along with uncertainties in EV arrival and departure times, are factored into the analysis. Results from various case studies demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms popular heuristic optimization techniques, such as particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithms, by 3–5% for different real-time energy prices. Additionally, the method’s effectiveness in reducing operational costs for workplace EVs is confirmed through extensive case studies under varying uncertain conditions. Finally, the system is implemented on a digital real-time simulator with DNP3 communication, where real-time results align closely with offline simulations, confirming the algorithm’s efficacy for real-world applications.

Operational reliability and non-deterministic resilience estimation of active distribution network incorporating effect of real-time dynamic hosting capacity

Active distribution networks are increasingly recognized essential for achieving sustainable development goals. Traditionally, hosting capacity was considered as a static measure for planning distributed energy resources integration. This work introduces the concept of dynamic hosting capacity, which recurrently re-evaluates hosting capacity in response to erratic modern grid conditions. The introduction of dynamic hosting capacity facilitated testing variations of power injection from minimum to 100 %, sustaining power system governing parameter limits. This embarked the need of operational reliability assessment and enhancing situational awareness for optimum power injection and balance. To achieve operational reliability analysis based on dynamic hosting capacity, hybrid probability distribution function-based Monte Carlo simulation is proposed. This resulted in 85–90 %. improvisation of solar photovoltaic generation and load alignment, as this methodology provides comprehensive and accurate assessment of system performance under diverse uncertainties. The framework's validation includes projection of time-varying operational reliability indices, over time independent reliability indices i.e., dynamic loss of load probability, dynamic loss of load expectation, dynamic loss of load duration, dynamic loss of load frequency, dynamic grid margin, and dynamic grid dependency. This resulted in 30 % improvement in assessment of grid margin, facilitating reliable uncertainty handling competence. Additionally, expectation maximization algorithm is proposed to evaluate non-deterministic resilience due to ambiguities associated with solar photovoltaic distributed energy resources. The non-deterministic resilience assessment testified 80 % bounce-back rate, demonstrating better adaptability and robustness. The entire analysis is conducted in MATLAB, validated using Typhoon Hardware-in-Loop real-time platform, and compared with existing literatures to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Method for Wind–Solar–Load Extreme Scenario Generation Based on an Improved InfoGAN

In recent years, extreme events have frequently occurred, and the extreme uncertainty of the source-demand side of high-ratio renewable energy systems poses a great challenge to the safe operation of power systems. Accurately generating extreme scenarios related to the source-demand side under a high percentage of new power systems is vital for the safe operation of power systems and the assessment of their reliability. However, at this stage, methods for extreme scenario generation that fully consider the correlation between wind power, solar power, and load are lacking. To address these problems, this paper proposes a method for extreme scenario generation based on information-maximizing generative adversarial networks (InfoGANs) for high-proportion renewable power systems. The example analysis shows that the method for extreme scenario generation proposed in this paper can fully explore the correlation between historical wind–solar–load data, greatly improve the accuracy with which extreme scenarios are generated, and provide effective theories and methodologies for the safe operation of a new type of power system.

Mathematical Analysis of Novel Method to Solve Protection Issues Pertaining To Solar PV Integration

The integration of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems into modern power grids presents protection challenges, such as voltage fluctuations, fault detection complexities, and bidirectional power flow issues. These challenges compromise grid reliability, requiring advanced methods to address them. This study introduces a novel mathematical analysis approach to solve protection issues in solar PV integration, focusing on developing an adaptive protection scheme using advanced mathematical models. The proposed approach utilizes differential equations, optimization techniques, and machine learning algorithms to create dynamic protection settings responsive to varying grid conditions. The method integrates fault detection and classification algorithms based on wavelet transform and support vector machines (SVM), allowing for rapid and accurate identification of fault types and locations. The findings demonstrate that the proposed adaptive protection scheme significantly enhances fault detection accuracy, reducing false trip rates by over 30% compared to conventional protection systems. Moreover, the method efficiently distinguishes between transient and permanent faults, ensuring swift isolation and minimizing disruption to solar PV operations. The developed model also exhibits robustness in handling variations in solar irradiance and load fluctuations, making it suitable for real-world grid applications. This research provides a substantial contribution to the field of solar PV integration by offering a mathematically grounded, adaptive protection solution that ensures improved reliability and resilience in power systems. The proposed method paves the way for the development of more advanced protection schemes, ensuring the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into modern grids while maintaining system stability and security.

Enhancing microgrid forecasting accuracy with SAQ-MTCLSTM: A self-adjusting quantized multi-task ConvLSTM for optimized solar power and load demand predictions

Accurate forecasting of solar power output and load demand is critical for the efficient operation and management of isolated microgrids, where reliability and sustainability are paramount. Traditional methods often struggle with data scarcity, limitations in capturing intricate temporal dynamics, and lack of scalability. This research introduces a novel multi-task learning (MTL) model, the Self-Aware Quantized Multi-Task ConvLSTM (SAQ-MTCLSTM), which addresses these challenges by jointly forecasting solar power and load demand while leveraging shared representations across these interdependent time series. The SAQ-MTCLSTM incorporates a sophisticated architecture that combines convolutional and LSTM layers with self-aware quantization to enhance computational efficiency and model adaptability. This allows for effective knowledge transfer, improved data utilization, and the capture of intricate temporal patterns. Evaluated on a real-world isolated microgrid dataset from the Micro Reseau Mafate research project, the model demonstrates significant improvements in forecasting accuracy, with MSE values of 0.0021 for solar power output and 0.0037 for load demand forecasting, compared to single-task and other advanced models. Extensive experiments highlight the impact of data scarcity, seasonality patterns, and microgrid topology on forecasting performance. Such forecasting is essential to optimize the integration and utilization of renewable resources, enhancing operational stability and reducing dependency on external energy supplies.

Bi-Layer Model Predictive Control strategy for techno-economic operation of grid-connected microgrids

Effective management of renewable energy sources (RESs) alongside energy storage systems is crucial for maintaining stability and enhancing the economic performance of a grid-connected microgrid (MG). To address shortcomings in existing energy management strategies, which often overlook essential elements such as voltage support, battery degradation management, and uncertainties in load demand and solar generation, this study proposes a Bi-Layer Strategy for optimizing the operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) within grid-connected MGs. The proposed approach maximizes economic returns, minimizes battery degradation, and provides reactive power support to maintain voltage stability. The method consists of the Energy Management Layer (EML) and the Control Layer (CL). The EML adopts a Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework to optimize the BESS power output over a 24-h rolling horizon based on forecasted solar generation, load demand, and electricity prices. The CL translates the optimized hourly setpoints from the EML into real-time operational commands, ensuring that the BESS adapts to actual grid conditions and maintains stable operation. Simulations conducted on a test MG, comprising 150 households, 500 kW rooftop solar PV, and a 300 kWh Li-Ion BESS demonstrate the strategy’s effectiveness under both fixed-rate and Time-of-Use (ToU) pricing schemes. The strategy reduces costs, mitigates battery degradation, and enhances voltage stability by optimizing BESS operations. Compared to a similar method in the literature, it reduces battery degradation by 24%, leading to net savings of $10,000 AUD, while the compared strategy resulted in a $5000 AUD loss. Real-time validation using the OPAL-RT platform further confirms the strategy’s effectiveness in optimizing BESS operations under real-world conditions.

Optimizing the economic dispatch of weakly-connected mini-grids under uncertainty using joint chance constraints

AbstractIn this paper, we deal with a renewable-powered mini-grid, connected to an unreliable main grid, in a Joint Chance Constrained (JCC) programming setting. In several rural areas in Africa with low energy access rates, grid-connected mini-grid system operators contend with four different types of uncertainties: forecasting errors of solar power and load; frequency and outages duration from the main-grid. These uncertainties pose new challenges to the classical power system’s operation tasks. Three alternatives to the JCC problem are presented. In particular, we present an Individual Chance Constraint (ICC), Expected-Value Model (EVM) and a so called regular model that ignores outages and forecasting uncertainties. The JCC model has the capability to guarantee a high probability of meeting the local demand throughout an outage event by keeping appropriate reserves for Diesel generation and battery discharge. In contrast, the easier to handle ICC model guarantees such probability only individually for different time steps, resulting in a much less robust dispatch. The even simpler EVM focuses solely on average values of random variables. We illustrate the four models through a comparison of outcomes attained from a real mini-grid in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. The results show the dispatch modifications for battery and Diesel reserve planning, with the JCC model providing the most robust results, albeit with a small increase in costs.

An Enhanced Approach for Optimal Design of Hybrid CCHP System Consisting Gas Turbine/Photovoltaic/Thermal Collectors

This paper proposes a hybrid technique for optimizing Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power (CCHP) systems integrating a diverse set of components including geothermal heat pumps, gas turbines, absorption chillers/heaters, and photovoltaic/thermal collectors, along with storage units like batteries and water tanks. The innovation lies in combining the Capuchin Search Algorithm (CapSA) with the Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO) to concurrently optimize primary energy savings, cost reductions, and carbon dioxide emissions. Parametric distributions are used in probabilistic strategies to resolve uncertainty in solar radiation and building load. CapSA optimizes the CCHP system’s design, while WHO enhances its performance. The effectiveness of the proposed strategy is demonstrated through implementation in MATLAB, where it achieves an average ACSR (Average Comprehensive Saving Rate) enhancement of 5.48%. This numerical result highlights a substantial improvement over existing methodologies, showcasing the superior performance of the hybrid optimization approach in enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of CCHP systems.

Future energy landscapes: Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of nuclear-renewable integrated energy Systems in Retrofitting of coal power plants

Coal Power Plants (CPPs), despite their substantial contribution to global energy needs, pose significant environmental concerns due to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Thus, the world has started thinking of alternative generation sources to replace CPPs. To replace CPPs, some energy generation resources must come into the scenario that can outshine the advantages of CPPs, such as easy availability of fuel, operational safety, and cost effectiveness. Concerning this matter, nuclear-renewable integrated systems can play a vital role as a potential replacement for CPPs. In this study, we systematically explore the transitional approach from CPPs to advanced energy systems and conduct an exhaustive comparative analysis focusing on three proposed energy system models: Greenfield, Coal-to-Nuclear (C2N), and Coal-to-Integrated Energy Systems (C2IES). Before conducting the comparative analysis, we determine the most feasible coal sites from Alaska, our surrogate location for this study, using a GIS-based nuclear reactor siting tool named “Siting Tool for Advanced Nuclear Development (STAND).” To carry out the comparative analysis among the proposed energy models for the selected coal site, we find out the optimal configuration of each system using a robust and recent nature-based metaheuristic optimization algorithm, Mountain Gazelle Optimization (MGO), complemented by another nature-based metaheuristic optimization algorithm, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), for validation. The key data used in this study include solar irradiance, temperature, wind speed, load profiles, and comprehensive cost data for each system component. Since the proposed energy models are highly complex and consider several assumptions, the key research findings are strengthened by performing a comprehensive sensitivity analysis. The base case results show that C2IES can reduce the Cost of Energy (COE) by roughly 65 % compared to Greenfield and C2N and ensure the utmost reliability of the energy system. Although this cost-saving margin contrasts in the sensitivity analysis across a range of scenarios, C2IES consistently offers the most cost-effective solution, highlighting its potential for sustainable energy transition.

Distributed photovoltaic supportability consumption method considering energy storage configuration mode and random events

In order to improve the control capability of distributed photovoltaic support, a distributed photovoltaic support consumption method based on energy storage configuration mode and random events is proposed. A networked and constrained parameter analysis model for distributed photovoltaic power supply control was constructed. Based on the direct flexible mode of optical storage, an AC/DC voltage level control model for distributed solar power supply control was constructed. In the operation mode of DC hybrid distribution network, the demand response tracking identification method was used to analyze the uncertain characteristic parameters of distributed solar power supply load, and combined with the planned energy storage capacity parameters, the distributed solar power supply load and photovoltaic output were estimated. By configuring the optimal energy storage capacity, adjusting the power distribution of the microgrid, and integrating the analysis of uncertain factors and random events in the energy storage configuration mode, the design of distributed photovoltaic support consumption has been achieved. The experimental results show that the distributed photovoltaic absorption control using this method has lower load requirements, can effectively reduce the exchange power of the interconnection line, and improve the configuration scale, system reliability, and economy of the photovoltaic energy storage system.

Influence of different flow models on numerical simulation of solar updraft tower

Solar updraft tower is a new kind of solar heat utilization technology. In the numerical simulation of solar updraft towers, selecting different flow models will affect the accuracy of prediction results. To improve the reliability of the numerical simulation results of the solar updraft tower, this paper uses the solar load model is used to simulate the local conditions of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China at different times, and adds the ambient crosswind air domain to simulate the operation of the device under the actual environmental conditions. Laminar flow, Re-Normalisation Group (RNG), transition, and k-omega shear stress transport (SST) models were selected according to the Reynolds number corresponding to the characteristic length of the system at different positions to simulate and predict the flow field in the solar updraft tower heat collection system, and the results were compared with the test data. The results show that in the simulation of Hohhot at 13:00 and 17:00 on July 19, compared with the RNG model, the relative errors of the calculated data and experimental data of the transition model are reduced by 1.04% and 0.1%, respectively. The surface temperature distribution of the absorber is more consistent with the actual physical law. The superiority of the transition model in the numerical simulation of solar updraft tower is verified.

Improving the performance of PV/diesel microgrids via integration of a battery energy storage system: the case of Bilgo village in Burkina Faso

BackgroundPV/diesel microgrids are getting more popular in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where the national grid is often unavailable. Most of the time, for economic purposes, these hybrid PV/diesel power plants in rural areas do not include any storage system. This is the case in the Bilgo village in Burkina Faso, where a PV/diesel microgrid without any battery storage system has been set up. This power plant is composed of three diesel generators operating in parallel (two of 16 kW and one of 24 kW), coupled with a photovoltaic field of 30 kWp. It was observed that for such power plants, the grid management is not always efficient due to constantly fluctuating solar output and loads. This inconsistency in energy output raises the question if integrating battery energy storage systems could improve the grid's performance. While many studies in the literature focus on hybrid energy systems, only a few of them have tackled the optimization of existing and operational systems.MethodsThis study investigated three scenarios based on the existing microgrid's characteristics: conventional standalone diesel generators, PV/diesel without battery storage and PV/diesel with a battery storage system which are the main technologies used for off-grid rural electrification in Burkina Faso. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) was used to assess the economic performance of each scenario, and the calculations were made using the HOMER software.ResultsIt was found that the best among the scenarios considered is the PV/diesel/battery configuration which has the lowest LCOE of US$ 0.524/kWh. The battery storage system for the optimal configuration has a capacity of 182 kWh with about 8 h of autonomy.ConclusionsIt can be inferred from this study that a storage unit is necessary for an optimal management of a PV/diesel microgrid. Indeed, the storage unit significantly reduces the operating and maintenance costs associated with running diesel generators, as well as the excess electricity. The storage system also allows for a greater reduction in CO2 emissions compared to systems without storage.

Modified control approach for MPP tracking and DC bus voltage regulation in a hybrid standalone microgrid

This paper proposes modified MPPT control technique for hybrid standalone microgrid. Standalone PV based microgrid has emerged as potential solutions to electricity challenges in the region where grid is not available. The battery energy storage system (BESS) is integrated into the system to facilitate synchronized load control and power flow. Variation in solar irradiation, load demand and fluctuation in battery SOC results in DC voltage fluctuation and maximum power point tracking challenges. Hybrid PV-Battery systems therefore must require control algorithms that can both flexibly adjust power flows as well as stabilize bus voltages. Proposed control technique is successful in regulating DC bus voltage and balancing the power flow in system under various operating conditions. A bidirectional converter is employed to maintain the nominal DC voltage conditions by charging/discharging the battery due to intermittent PV generation. It regulates the voltage of the DC bus to the maximum power point of the PV array. The main goal of this research article is to implement modified MPPT technique which includes Incremental conductance algorithm with double closed loop controller to track maximum power and to regulate the DC bus voltage of the system under different type of dynamic and atmospheric conditions.

A Champernowne Adaptive Filter-Based Control of Grid Interactive Solar PV with Power Quality Enrichment

This work presents a variable step Champernowne Adaptive Filter (VS-CAF) based control architecture for a grid-integrated solar photovoltaic system. The control structure is implemented to successfully synchronize the two-stage solar photovoltaic at the point of common coupling where the source and domestic loads are connected. The control architecture ensures solar power injection and improvised power quality at the unity power factor. Moreover, the control structure provides only the balanced positive sequence fundamental sinusoidal source currents at solar irradiation alteration and load disturbances. The VS-CAF is exploited to estimate the peak of the fundamental component out of the harmonics-rich domestic load currents. To examine the efficacy of the suggested control technique, a 40 kW solar photovoltaic is simulated using MATLAB/Simulink. The performance assessment of the grid-tied solar generation system is carried out at solar irradiation alteration, zero solar irradiation, and detachment of one phase of the three-phase load. Various simulation results are carried out to verify the successful integration of solar photovoltaics into the three-phase grid following the IEEE-519 standard and satisfactory performance during various working conditions. Moreover, the simulation results are also verified with real-time results taken from the Opal-RT simulator.

Performance enhancement by integrating concentrated inclined solar still for jaggery production

While unrefined sugar/jaggery consumption has various health benefits, unsustainable and inefficient production processes can negatively impact the environment and health. This study proposes a novel, sustainable approach to jaggery production using solar energy. The primary concentration is done in a VARS system, followed by the secondary concentration in a solar still field at low temperatures to maintain jaggery quality. The study presents experimental observations from the developed inclined solar still with external reflectors to preheat and concentrate the juice. In the absence of sun, the solar still field functions as an evaporation-condensation unit under auxiliary heating. By connecting several solar stills in series, the energy requirements from the PTC field can be reduced. The system is capable of producing a by product of distilled water, amounting to 169.78 kg/day, under varying solar radiation in April at Chennai, India. The overall energy efficiency of the system is 48.31 % under solar load, and 63.05 % under auxiliary heating. The system also leads to enhancement in CO2 mitigations, amounting to around 3134.7 tons of CO2 from dry bagasse combustion. Due to the added revenue from distilled water production, the system's payback period is reduced to as low as 4.89 years, depending on product selling price.

Dual layer energy management model for optimal operation of a community based microgrid considering electric vehicle penetration

This work develops a dual-layer energy management (DLEM) model for a microgrid (MG) consisting of a community, distributed energy resources (DERs), and a grid. It ensures the participation of all these energy entities of MG in the market and their interaction with each other. The first layer performs the scheduling operation of the community with the goal of minimizing its net-billing cost and sends the obtained schedule to the DER operator and grid. Further, the second layer formulates a power scheduling algorithm (PSA) to minimize the net-operating cost of DERs and takes into account the load demand requested by the community operator (COR). This PSA aims to achieve optimal operation of MG by considering solar PV power, requested demand, per unit grid energy prices, and state of charge of the battery energy storage system of the DER layer. Moreover, to study the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) load programs on DLEM, the advanced probabilistic EV load profile model is developed considering practical and uncertain events. The EV load is modelled for grid to vehicle mode, and a new mode of EV operation is introduced, i.e., vehicle to grid with EV demand response strategy (V2G_DRS) mode. The solar PV and load demand data are obtained from the MG setup installed and buildings present at the university campus. However, a scenario reduction technique is used to deal with the uncertainties of the obtained data. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the developed DLEM, its results are compared to previously reported energy management models. The results reveal that DLEM is superior to the existing models as it decreases the net-billing cost of COR by 13% and increases the profit of the DER operator by 17%. Further, it is found that for the highest EV penetration, i.e., 30 EVs, the V2G_DRS mode of EV operation reduces the total energy imported by COR by 11.39% and the net-billing cost of COR by 7.88%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the proposed model with the introduced V2G_DRS mode of EV makes the operation of all the entities of MG more economical and sustainable.

Concurrent PV production and consumption load forecasting using CT‐Transformer deep learning to estimate energy system flexibility

AbstractThe integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) into power systems has increased significantly due to technical, economic, and environmental factors, necessitating greater flexibility to manage variable consumption loads and renewable energy generation. Accurate forecasting of solar energy production and consumption load is critical for enhancing power system flexibility. This study introduces a novel deep learning model, a spatial‐temporal hybrid convolutional‐transformer (CT‐Transformer) network with unique features and extended memory capacity. Additionally, a flexibility index (FI) is introduced to evaluate power system flexibility (PSF) based on the forecasting results. The CT‐Transformer forecasts PSF for the next 24 and 168 hours, using the FI to evaluate PSF based on forecasting results. The input data includes meteorological, solar energy production, load demand, and pricing data from France, comprising hourly data from 2015 and 2016 (about 17,520 entries). Data preprocessing involves correcting incomplete and irrelevant segments. The CT‐Transformer's performance is compared to other deep learning techniques, showing superior results with the lowest prediction error (2.5%) and a maximum error of 10.1% (MAE). It also achieved a prediction error of 0.08% for system flexibility, compared to the highest error of 0.96%. This research highlights the CT‐Transformer's potential for accurate RES and load forecasting and PSF evaluation.

Optimal planning of hybrid power systems under economic variables and different climatic regions: A case study of Türkiye

Renewable energy-based hybrid power systems (HPS), proposed based on demand in the transition to clean energy-indexed societies, are high-potential investments. However, cost-based optimal sizing and feasibility analyses are complicated due to unforeseen variables and do not guarantee a reliable and robust optimization framework. This study optimizes minimum-cost HPS planning for diverse loads across varied climates and economic conditions, providing holistic comparisons of technical, financial, and environmental viability. According to the analysis, fluctuating economic structure emphasizes that unsubsidized hybrid power system installations are inefficient, the severe imbalance between inflation and interest rates limits the benefits of hybrid power systems and creates an uncertain investment environment for stakeholders. The gradual increase in interest rates to limit inflation has created a more viable renewable energy investment environment, while payback periods are reduced to 7.21 years. Even under identical economic conditions, the renewable fraction of energy in regions with high solar potential can be up to 25 % higher than in regions with less potential. Moreover, payback periods can vary up to 6 years, depending on the variability in solar generation and load profiles. Considering the significant impact of economic uncertainty on HPS investments, optimization plans that reduce investment risks will be helpful to stakeholders.