Optimization of a Micro-grid with Solar PV, Wind Energy and Battery Storage Hybrid System for an agro-based off-grid rural landscape

Abstract

Micro-grids implemented in remote areas are faced with the uncertainty between variable supply resources and load demands. This gap is a major issue in agricultural-based remote landscapes due to the additional irrigation load demand. The available Hybrid micro-grid system models are not optimized with respect to sizing and costing to meet reliably and cost effectively the load demand of an agro-based off-grid remote communities. Therefore, a techno-economic feasibility study has been undertaken to investigate the prospects of renewable energy-based off-grid Hybrid micro-grid to support rural electrification to power residential loads and irrigation system loads. In this paper, a Solar PV, Wind and Battery storage Hybrid system is optimized with respect to sizing and costing using HOMER Pro software to meet the demand of an agro-based off-grid rural landscape, reliably and cost effectively.