Standalone hybrid PV/MHP/BES system sizing with complementarity adjustment

Abstract

The paper proposes a method to size a standalone hybrid PV/MHP/BES (photovoltaic/micro-hydro/battery energy storage) system. The proposed method is simple and easy to use. The size and location decoupled proposed approach can effectively size cost-effective systems. The method exploits variable renewable energy (VRE) resources adjustable complementarity proposing a CMACVRE (VRE Adjusted Complementarity Critical Month) term to size the hybrid system. By reducing capital investment and enhancing load sharing between VRE resources, the method inherently sizes cost-effective systems that minimise SnD gaps and operational expenses. The results show that the proposed method cannot only size a Homer Pro comparable system but can optimise a Homer Pro sized system further. Additionally, that the system sized by Homer Pro employing the proposed approach with adjustable complementarity delivers better results than the system sized by Homer Pro without it. The results show that the sized hybrid system meets load demand even considering ± 10% uncertainty. A North American site produces 4,069 kWh vs. 3,686 kWh of the energy required yearly; the Southeast Asian site produces 656 kWh vs. 607 kWh of the required; and the European site produces 12,982 kWh vs. 12548 kWh of the required, each considering −10% uncertainty.

Keywords

• Standalone hybrid PV/MHP/BES system
• variable RE critical month
• PV adjustable complementarity
• cost-effective system sizing