Optimal Design of Hybrid Stand-alone Microgrids Using Tunicate Swarm Algorithm

Abstract

The current paper presents an approach for optimal configuration of stand-alone hybrid microgrids, while using battery storage system and diesel generator as a backup power supply. The proposed methodology highlights the application of a novel metaheuristic optimization technique, called Tunicate Swarm Algorithm (TSA) for optimal design of the proposed microgrid. A case study is carried out in an oasis located in the southwest of Egypt for a hybrid system consists of photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), battery storage, and diesel generator. The main target of the proposed methodology is to obtain the optimal installed capacities of the microgrid components while ensuring the minimum energy production cost and satisfying a high reliability index. The results given in this paper demonstrated that the proposed hybrid microgrid system is a profitable choice for electrification in this region.