Optimal Configuration and Sizing of an Integrated Renewable Energy System for Isolated and Grid-Connected Microgrids: The Case of an Urban University Campus

Abstract

Although renewable technologies are progressing fast, there are still challenges such as the reliability and availability of renewable energy sources and their cost issues due to capital intensity that hinder their broad adoption. This research aims at developing a configuration-sizing approach to enhance the cost efficiency and sourcing reliability of renewable energies integrated in microgrids. To achieve this goal, various technologies were considered, such as solar PV, wind turbines, converters, and batteries for system configuration with minimization of net present cost (NPC) as the objective. Grid connection scenarios with up to 100% renewable contribution were analyzed. The results show that the integration of renewable technologies with some grid backup could reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) to about half of the price of the electricity that the university purchases from the grid. Also, different kinds of solar tracker systems were studied. The outcome shows that by using a vertical axis solar tracker, the LCOE of the system could be reduced by more than 50 percent. This research can help the decision-maker to opt for the best scenarios for generating reliable and cost-efficient electricity.