Optimal component configuration and capacity sizing of a mini integrated power supply system

This paper presents a study on the viability of a hybrid electric system as a power supply option for a university campus community. An energy audit of the campus was carried out and an optimum configuration and sizing of a hybrid system for the community was achieved through a simulation in which hybrid optimization model for electric renewables (HOMER) software is employed. Sources considered in the hybridization are a diesel engine generator, solar photovoltaic, wind energy, and a battery energy storage system. Descriptions of each of these components, resource specifications, as well as installation, operating, and maintenance costs, along with the project's lifespan, are supplied as input parameters. From the energy profiling, a daily peak power requirement of 1,750.37 kW was obtained for the campus, with an estimated daily peak consumption of 13,981.10 kWh and a yearly peak consumption of 3,509,530.88 kWh. Sensitivity analysis of the system showed that, out of 60 possible options, a hybrid configuration composed of a diesel engine generator/battery energy storage system (DEG/BESS) has the optimum advantage based on the techno‐economic implications. With its total initial capital investment of $285,940; per year operating cost of $429,315; lowest net present cost of $4,868,783 and $0.469/kWh energy cost, the winning configuration compares favorably with the diesel engine generator (DEG)‐only option that is currently in use on the campus. However, the runner‐up to the optimal option is a diesel engine generator/solar photovoltaic/battery energy storage system (DEG/PV/BESS) hybrid, which has inherent potential for more enhanced overall performances, as its two energy sources complement each other. The runner‐up option could, therefore, be more reliably adopted as the most feasible and affordable electricity backup solution for the campus community.