Optimizing a Grid-Connected Micro-Grid with Optimal Renewable Generation and Battery Energy Storage

Optimal sizing of renewable energy sources and associated energy storage system is necessary for efficient, economic and reliable operation of a micro-grid (MG). Under sizing jeopardizes the reliability of the system while over sizing may lead to financial loss. In this study a constraint based iterative search methodology is proposed for the optimal sizing of renewable sources in a grid-connected MG. The basic principle of the proposed technique is higher reliability at a lower possible cost. The technique is made more realistic by considering the forced outage rates of photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) and utilization factor of battery energy storage (BES). The proposed technique is validated using the hourly solar irradiation, wind speed and demand data of Dammam region situated in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.