Optimization of a standalone photovoltaic-based microgrid with electrical and hydrogen loads

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 235; p. 121218
• Main Authors: Mah, Angel Xin Yee, Ho, Wai Shin, Hassim, Mimi H., Hashim, Haslenda, Ling, Gabriel Hoh Teck, Ho, Chin Siong, Muis, Zarina Ab
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 15.11.2021; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Algorithms; Cost analysis; Design optimization; Distributed energy system; Distributed generation; Electrical loads; Energy consumption; Energy management; Energy storage; Hybrid energy storage; Hydrogen; Hydrogen storage; Hydrogen-based energy; Microgrid optimization; Optimization; Particle swarm optimization; Photovoltaics; Potential energy; Sensitivity analysis; Solar energy; Solar panels; Solar tracking system; Hybrid energy storage; Distributed energy system; Particle swarm optimization; Solar tracking system; Microgrid optimization
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2021.121218

Despite the ability of renewables to decarbonize energy use, their intermittent nature causes inconsistent energy generation, thus energy storage is required to tackle the supply-demand mismatch. While the use of hybrid battery-hydrogen energy storage for microgrids has been extensively studied, there is a lack of study on the integration of electricity and hydrogen supply systems. In other words, the concurrent targeting of hydrogen and electrical loads in a microgrid with hybrid battery-hydrogen storage is lacking. This study presents an optimization framework for the design and operation of a standalone microgrid with electrical and hydrogen loads. Two energy management strategies have been proposed and the optimization model is solved using particle swarm optimization algorithm. The proposed methodology was demonstrated through a case study and the levelized cost of energy ranges from 0.4551 USD/kWh to 0.4572 USD/kWh for the base case scenario. The optimal microgrid design in base case scenario is found to have a high value of potential energy waste possibility, indicating that the solar panel is oversized to reduce energy storage requirement. Sensitivity analysis results showed that a significant cost reduction can be achieved when only 95% of loads are targeted. [Display omitted] •Optimization of microgrid using particle swarm optimization method.•Design of microgrid considering fluctuations in energy profiles.•Integrated hydrogen and electricity supply systems.•Evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of solar tracking system.•Results proposed the most appropriate energy management strategy for microgrid.