Optimizing hybrid PV/Wind and grid systems for sustainable energy solutions at the university campus: Economic, environmental, and sensitivity analysis

• Published in: Energy conversion and management. X Vol. 24; p. 100691
• Main Authors: Serat, Zainullah, Danishmal, Massoud, Mohammad Mohammadi, Fida
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2024; Elsevier
• Subjects: Grid integration; Renewable energy; Solar energy; Sustainability; Wind energy; Wind energy; Grid integration; Renewable energy; Sustainability; Solar energy
• ISSN: 2590-1745; 2590-1745
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecmx.2024.100691

•Identified a PV/wind/DG/grid system without energy storage as the most efficient and cost-effective solution for urban campuses.•The system Achieved a cost of energy (COE) of $0.0172/kWh, an ROI of 8.8 %, and a payback period of 7.64 years.•Reduced annual CO2 emissions to just 7,460 kg, achieving 94.8 % renewable energy penetration.•Significantly lower energy costs by 14 times compared to conventional DG/grid systems.•Demonstrated that increased solar and wind resources reduce costs, while higher electric loads and temperatures increase costs, underscoring the importance of local environmental optimization. In response to the urgent need for sustainable and resilient energy solutions, Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) offer a promising alternative to single-source energy systems, providing safer and more cost-effective power generation. This study assesses the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of a hybrid renewable energy system without energy storage, concentrating on energy, economic, and environmental performance, in urban settings where surplus renewable electricity can be sold back to the utility grid. Four scenarios were evaluated using HOMER Pro software to determine the most efficient configuration. The analysis identified the optimal setup as a PV/wind/DG/grid system without energy storage. This configuration achieves a cost of energy (COE) of $0.0172/kWh, a return on investment (ROI) of 8.8 %, and a payback period of 7.64 years. The system includes 117 kW of solar PV, 6 kW of wind capacity, a 25-kW diesel generator for backup, and minimal grid reliance, resulting in 94.8 % renewable energy penetration and annual CO2 emissions of just 7,460 kg. Sensitivity analysis indicates that increased solar and wind resources reduce costs, while higher loads and temperatures drive costs up. This study demonstrates the feasibility of providing reliable, sustainable energy without battery storage for urban campuses, showcasing significant economic and environmental benefits.