Optimal Sizing of Hybrid Microgrids

Due to environmental and economic reasons, the world is moving from bulk generation towards distributed generation. Microgrids (MGs) are a group of distributed energy resources, loads, and storage units that are controllable within clearly defined electrical boundaries. MGs have the potential to provide better power quality, reliability, voltage profile, and outage management. This paper aims at modeling and optimizing the size and operation of a MG. The MG must be able to exploit available resources such as solar, wind and other renewable energy sources. Technical and economic constraints are taken into consideration. A mixed integer linear programming model is used to find the optimal size of the different components then GAMS modeling language was used to find the optimal size of the different components and the optimal strategy to be followed. This enables exploring different scenarios. These scenarios are based on different parameters such as load and supply profiles. Solar irradiance and wind profiles have been used from the weather station at Birzeit University. Therefore, the data represents typical profiles in Palestine. Yet, the framework can be used to study building a MG in any location in the world.