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Optimization of a Hybrid Solar–Wind Microgrid for Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Antofagasta, Chile

Author

Listed:
  • Carlos Merino

    (Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal)

  • Rui Castro

    (INESC-ID/IST, University of Lisbon, Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000-029 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

This paper introduces a genetic algorithm designed to optimize the sizing of a hybrid solar–wind microgrid connected to the main electric grid in Chile, serving a simulated town of 2000 houses. The goal is to promote sustainable development by using renewable energy sources (RES) to supply a small village. The model, considering local meteorological conditions, aggregated load, and Chilean electrical regulations, establishes the optimal number of photovoltaic modules and wind turbine generators and allows for the monitoring of the microgrid’s operation, whose operating strategy is proposed herein. Adhering to Chilean regulations, a maximum exporting power of 9 MW is analyzed, with no restrictions on importing power, which is needed when the renewable resources are not enough to meet the demand. The optimization algorithm, aimed at sizing the RES supply, identified an optimal solution composed of 5 photovoltaic modules of 500 Wp each (2.5 kWp in total) and 123 wind turbines of 100 kW each (total of 12,300 kW), meeting around 85% of the demand through renewable generation. Due to time mismatches between generation and load patterns, the remaining energy was imported. The project’s net present value is approximately EUR 25 M, with a levelized cost of energy at 37 EUR/MWh. A comparison with HOMER grid simulations validates the efficacy of the developed model.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlos Merino & Rui Castro, 2024. "Optimization of a Hybrid Solar–Wind Microgrid for Sustainable Development: A Case Study in Antofagasta, Chile," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-19, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:9:p:3668-:d:1384222
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Anderson, Benjamin & Rane, Jayaraj & Khan, Rabia, 2023. "Distributed wind-hybrid microgrids with autonomous controls and forecasting," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 333(C).
    4. Yang, Yesen & Li, Zhengmao & Mandapaka, Pradeep V. & Lo, Edmond Y.M., 2023. "Risk-averse restoration of coupled power and water systems with small pumped-hydro storage and stochastic rooftop renewables," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).
    5. Rui Castro & Miguel Silva, 2021. "Experimental and Theoretical Validation of One Diode and Three Parameters–Based PV Models," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-25, April.
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