Autonomous Microgrid Photovoltaic-Wind -Battery Storage System for Rural Electrification: A Case Study in Algeria

Abstract

Microgrids, incorporating solar and wind generators in conjunction with storage batteries, are increasingly employed to supply electrical energy to isolated sites. These systems can be designed with either solar or wind generators individually or as a combination of both. Determining the most suitable system configuration for a specific case involves identifying all possible configurations to meet the load demand with the desired level of reliability. Subsequently, an optimal solution is derived through economic analysis. The objective of this study is to size and optimize an electricity production system resulting from the synergy of two renewable energy sources, namely solar and wind, intended for the electrical supply of two distinct loads in two rural villages in Algeria. This system will be complemented by batteries, ensuring energy storage during excess production or compensating for power shortages during consumption peaks. The photovoltaic module and wind turbine will be modeled using MATLAB, facilitating a performance comparison of each system component with its behaviour on HOMER. The results obtained will be juxtaposed with those from the ABC algorithm to size an optimal solar PV-Wind-Battery configuration, tailored to meet daily electricity demand. The employed methodology enables the identification of the optimal configuration based on the cost over the system's lifetime and the desired level of reliability by the user. The system simulation utilizes real data from resources for wind power and solar power in combination.