In the heart of Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, a groundbreaking study is reshaping the future of energy distribution. Researchers, led by M. S. Elborlsy from the Process Control Technology Department at Beni-Suef University’s Faculty of Technology and Education, have optimized an islanded AC microgrid to power an international school, demonstrating a blueprint for sustainable and economical energy solutions.
Microgrids, which integrate various energy sources, are becoming increasingly vital in distribution systems. Islanded AC microgrids, in particular, offer a promising solution for supplying electricity to remote locations independent of the primary grid. Elborlsy’s research, published in Scientific Reports, focuses on optimizing the configuration of such a microgrid to meet the electrical demands of an international school in New Cairo.
The study employs Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software to determine the optimal size of energy sources within the microgrid. The goal? To minimize both the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and the Total Net Present Cost (TNPC). The results are impressive: a 200 kW photovoltaic (PV) system, a 180 kW wind turbine, a 50 kW fuel cell, a 50 kW electrolyzer, a 50 kg hydrogen tank, a 180 kW diesel generator, and a 686 kWh lead-acid battery form the optimal configuration. This setup yields an LCOE of $0.153/kWh and a TNPC of $1,775,300.00.
Elborlsy emphasizes the significance of these findings, stating, “This study not only provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for isolated locations but also sets a precedent for future microgrid designs.”
But the innovation doesn’t stop at optimization. The research also introduces a Model Reference Adaptive Control based PI controller (MRAC-PI) to enhance the microgrid’s dynamic performance. This advanced control strategy maintains system frequency and voltage amidst various disturbances, ensuring a balanced power generation and load demand. Comparative analyses against traditional controllers highlight the superior dynamic response of the proposed MRAC-PI, featuring reduced overshoot, undershoot, Integral of Time and Absolute Error (ITAE), and settling time.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world moves towards decentralized energy systems, the ability to optimize and control microgrids efficiently becomes crucial. This research paves the way for more reliable and cost-effective energy solutions, particularly in remote or isolated areas. “The dynamic performance improvements we’ve achieved can significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of microgrids, making them a more viable option for various applications,” Elborlsy adds.
The study’s findings are not just academic; they have real-world commercial impacts. Energy companies can leverage these insights to develop more efficient microgrid systems, reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Moreover, the advanced control strategies can be integrated into existing systems, improving their performance and reliability.
As we look to the future, this research sets a strong foundation for further developments in microgrid technology. The integration of renewable energy sources, coupled with advanced control strategies, promises a sustainable and economically viable energy landscape. The work of Elborlsy and his team is a testament to the potential of innovative research in driving the energy sector forward.
