A Comparative Study of Various Optimization Techniques to Size a Hybrid Renewable Energy System

Because of increasing energy demand and environmental concerns, use of renewable energy resources has increased during the past two decades. Wind, solar, hydro power, biomass, and hydrogen fuel cells are some common renewable energy resources. Due to their complementary nature and inherit intermittency, renewable energy resources are often combined along with a battery backup to form an off-grid or grid-connected hybrid system, also known as renewable micro grid. Due to the cost and reliability concerns, proper sizing of such system is very crucial at the design stage. This paper reviews various optimization techniques for the optimal sizing of a renewable micro grid. Moreover, based on this review a hybrid strategy that combines various optimization techniques is recommended to optimally size and increase overall efficiency of a renewable micro grid.