Optimal Siting and Sizing of Grid-Connected Microgrid System for an Educational Institution Using HOMER Software

Abstract

This paper analyses the sizing of PV system installation in a selected location for optimal operation using Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable, HOMER software. The main objective is to reduce the total net present cost (NPC) and the size of the system. A grid-connected mode of operation is considered in which the main grid is used as a backup power system. The hourly real-time electric load demands, monthly temperature, and solar irradiance data are collected and used as input for the analysis. A centralized and distributed type of load demand is compared and found the optimal solution which gives the optimal size and costs of the system.