Optimal Configuration of a Grid-Connected Hybrid PV/Wind/Hydro-Pumped Storage Power System Based on a Novel Optimization Algorithm

In this paper, a novel metaphor-less Rao optimization technique is developed to solve the optimization problem of optimal configuration of a hybrid system consisting of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines and a hydroelectric pumped storage (HPS) system. Furthermore, the optimal design of this system was conducted based on real-time meteorological data of Ataka area, Egypt. Minimizing the cost of energy (COE) delivered from the proposed system is the essential goal of addressed optimization problem. In addition, statistical measurements based on various metrics has been studied to validate the accuracy of developed Rao optimization technique. Moreover, the simulation results obtained from the developed technique are compared with other recent optimization techniques. Finally, from the obtained simulation results, the developed technique proved effectiveness as a good competitor to other optimization techniques in optimal sizing of grid-connected hybrid system. The simulation process of proposed algorithm has been implemented using MATLAB software.