Operational Optimization of a Remote Off-Grid Hybrid Renewable Energy System in Northern Canada

An optimal energy management strategy for a remote, off-grid Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) in Northern Canada is presented. The proposed control strategy aims at optimizing the day-ahead operational plan to achieve minimized costs and emissions. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is deployed to solve the underlying optimization problem. Special attention is given to enhance the operational efficacy of the oversized diesel generators. Two dispatching strategies are evaluated under the proposed operational optimization platform. Several case studies considering different seasons are presented. The results confirm the robust performance of the proposed method in achieving the intended objectives of day-ahead energy management.