In the realm of energy research, a team from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has developed a novel tool for planning microgrids in remote, arid regions. The researchers, led by Andres Intriago and including Rongxing Hu, Nabil Mohammed, and others, have introduced HyMGP, a customized algorithm designed to optimize the sizing of microgrid components for off-grid applications. Their work was recently published in the journal Applied Energy.
HyMGP is formulated as a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) problem, allowing for precise optimization of microgrid components such as photovoltaic (PV) panels, vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The tool was tested on a standalone microgrid in Saudi Arabia, where high solar irradiance and limited wind availability presented unique challenges. The microgrid’s load profile consisted of continuous cathodic protection and daytime cooling, requiring careful planning to ensure reliable energy supply.
The researchers compared HyMGP with HOMER Pro, a widely used microgrid planning software. They found that HyMGP provided more flexible and optimal solutions by allowing user-defined component specifications and strictly enforcing all constraints. This flexibility is crucial for tailoring microgrid designs to specific environmental and operational conditions.
Further analysis revealed that incorporating wind turbines into the microgrid design could reduce the Net Present Cost (NPC) by decreasing the required PV and battery capacities. However, increasing battery autonomy led to a higher NPC in both PV-only and hybrid systems due to the need for larger storage. The study also found that lithium iron phosphate (Li-ion LFP) batteries were more cost-effective than lead acid batteries, offering lower NPCs due to their longer lifespan, deeper discharge capability, and fewer replacement cycles.
The practical applications of HyMGP for the energy sector are significant. By providing a more flexible and precise tool for microgrid planning, HyMGP can help optimize energy systems in remote and off-grid locations. This is particularly relevant for arid regions with high solar potential and limited wind resources, where careful planning is essential to ensure reliable and cost-effective energy supply. The findings also highlight the importance of considering battery technology choices in microgrid design, as the type of battery used can significantly impact the overall cost and performance of the system.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.