Hybrid renewable energy systems optimization: A case study of an industrial application using HOMER

Abstract

This study designed four different scenarios for a grid-connected hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) to meet the energy demand of a factory in Balıkesir Organized Industrial Zone. The scenarios, which combine photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, biogas, and diesel generators, were simulated and optimized using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER Pro®) software. The optimization results showed that the most optimal solution is a grid-connected HRES with PV, wind turbines, and a biogas generator, having the lowest net present cost (NPC) of 104 million $ and cost of energy (COE) of 0.0708 $/kWh. This system can supply 79.4% of the factory's electricity demand, which averages 245,560 kWh daily, from renewable sources. The optimal configuration consists of a 4000 kW PV, 6000 kW wind turbine, and 5000 kW biogas generator. Sensitivity analysis revealed that a 22% increase in grid electricity prices results in about a 7% increase in both NPC and COE. Additionally, the effect of changes in the real discount rate (RDR) was analyzed, showing that a 200% increase in RDR leads to a 30% decrease in NPC and a 6% increase in COE.