Modelling, simulation, and optimization of a hybrid PV solar system

Abstract EN

This paper presents a case study on the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG) photovoltaic (PV) solar system, being located in Gaza Strip.

The IUG system is a hybrid off-grid system which includes a PV array, DC to AC inverter, charge controller, battery bank and backup diesel generator.

The main target is to optimize the IUG system using HOMER Pro.

(Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables) developed by NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory).

The meteorological data of IUG location was taken from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The average daily energy consumption of the electrical loads connected to the system is 574.3 kWh/d.

The optimization yields the appropriate size of each component of the system and the lowest net present cost of the optimal configuration.

The desired benefits of this paper are to present a comparison between the installed system and the optimal configuration from electrical and economic aspects and to determine in quantities how renewable energy sources contribute to reducing emissions caused by non-renewable energy sources.

The results from the electrical point of view mainly showed that the DC-AC inverter was oversized.

However, looking from an economic point of view, there was $ 166384.36 saving in the net present cost of the optimal configuration over the installed one