HYRES: A Multi-Objective Optimization Tool for Proper Configuration of Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems

• Published in: Energies (Basel) Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 26
• Main Authors: Donado, Katheryn, Navarro, Loraine, Quintero M., Christian G., Pardo, Mauricio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Climatic conditions; Configurations; Design optimization; Distributed generation; Energy; Energy storage; Feasibility studies; Generators; Genetic algorithms; Linear programming; Multiple objective analysis; Net present value; Optimization; Optimization techniques; Power supply; Random variables; Renewable resources; Software; Solar energy; Statistical analysis; Storage units; Systems design; User needs
• ISSN: 1996-1073; 1996-1073
• DOI: 10.3390/en13010026

This paper presents the Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HYRES), a powerful tool to contribute to the viability analysis of energy systems involving renewable generators. HYRES considers various input parameters related to climatic conditions, statistical reliability, and economic views; in addition to offering multi-objective optimizations using Genetic Algorithms (GAs) that have a better cost-benefit ratio than mono-objective optimization, which is the technique used in several commercial systems like HOMER, a worldwide leader in microgrid modeling. The use of intelligent techniques in HYRES allows optimal sizing of hybrid renewable systems with wind and solar energy generators adapted to different conditions and case studies. The elements that affect the system design like buying and selling energy from/to the grid and the use of storage units can be included in system configuration according to the need. Optimization approaches are selectable and include Initial Cost, Life Cycle Cost, Loss of Power Probability, and Loss of Power Supply Probability.