A TLBO algorithm-based optimal sizing in a standalone hybrid renewable energy system

Abstract

Depletion of fossil fuels, increase in fuel prices, and global warming have motivated the utilization of renewable energy resources like solar and wind, as they are eco-friendly. Due to the stochastic nature of PV and wind, using a single energy source is not reliable and uneconomical as it results in system over-sizing. Integration of renewable sources such as PV and wind can significantly increase energy reliability compared to single-source systems. PV and wind hybrid systems are economically advantageous in isolated areas for providing continuous and quality power due to their inherent complementary characteristics and availability in most areas. Utilizing grid-tied renewable energy resources is also economical and reliable to overcome power outages in remote areas. This study proposes a TLBO algorithm for optimal design and sizing of HRES in both standalone and grid-connected modes due to its simplicity and fewer parameters to adjust. The objective of the optimization problem in standalone, as well as the grid-connected mode, is to minimize the LCE and maximize the system reliability and renewable energy integration while satisfying the system constraints and load demand. The number of PV panels, wind turbines, and batteries is taken as decision variables optimally determined by the proposed optimization algorithm. The simulations are carried out in MATLAB software. The effectiveness of TLBO in designing and sizing the hybrid system is investigated, and its performance is compared with other well-known optimization algorithms PSO; the TLBO provides the best optimal solution, better performance, and faster convergence speed compared to different algorithms