Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis through Optimization Strategies and Load Shifting in Isolated Hybrid Microgrids with Renewable Energy for the Non-Interconnected Zone (NIZ) of Colombia

Abstract

In developing countries, electrification in remote areas, where access to energy is limited or null, has been one of the biggest challenges in recent years. Isolated microgrids with renewable generation are an efficient alternative for the energy supply in these areas. The objective of this work was to analyse the techno-economic viability of 6 isolated microgrids in different locations in the non-interconnected zone of Colombia, considering different climatic conditions, the availability of renewable resources, the current consumption profile, and a modified profile applying demand-side management. Modelling and simulation were performed considering storage systems based on lithium and lead-acid batteries. The resulting simulations provide the optimal system cost, emissions levels, electricity cost and battery lifetime. This study demonstrates that isolated hybrid microgrids with renewable energy are a feasible alternative to solve access to energy problems, reducing the need for diesel generators and optimizing the use of renewable energies and battery-based storage systems.

Optimal Operation of a Hybrid Power System as an Island Microgrid in South-Korea

“…Therefore, the power output of a floating PV system is the same as a photovoltaic system's power output. However, power output is influenced by solar radiation and module temperature equation as in (1) [10,43]. The floating PV system's power output is higher than the conventional PV system because the floating PV module has a lower temperature.…”

“…where P PV rate is the rated power under the reference condition [kW], G is the solar radiation [W/m 2 ], G re f is 1000 W/m 2 , T re f is 25 • C, K t is −3.7 × 10 −3 (1/ • C), and T is the ambient temperature [10,43]. The floating PV system's power output is higher than the conventional PV system because the floating PV module has a lower temperature.…”

“…Power generated from renewable energy is primarily sourced from solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal [4][5][6][7]. Advanced countries have been developing power generation technologies that use renewable energy sources and pursue various demonstration projects to promote their spread [8][9][10]. Aside from their abundant sources, photovoltaic (PV) and wind power generation systems have intermittent power supply characteristics and do not provide a stable power output.…”

Optimizing the Size of Autonomous Hybrid Microgrids with Regard to Load Shifting

“…Powerful computer tools such as, HOMER and iHOGA, are known. They are based on heuristic algorithms and are widely used in the practice of the HES design and research [18][19][20]. A disadvantage of some of the proposed methods, including those underlying some software packages, is the use of monthly average values of solar radiation or wind speed.…”

“…At the same time, the possibility of a demand response is not considered in most studies related to the HES size optimization. To the authors' knowledge, only a few studies have been conducted with respect to evaluating the effect of load shifting on the sizing optimization [20,22,23]. This is investigated in [23], which shows how the use of demand response affects the optimal size of an HES and its economic indicators that compose the net present cost (NPC).…”