Design optimisation of hybrid energy systems: a case study

Cities in developing countries are experiencing rapid population growth that exerts excess pressure on energy and adversely affects the environment. Uninterrupted supply of energy is possible through the use of hybrid energy systems. This paper is addressed towards identifying and integrating the locally available renewable energy sources of a city in a composite climatic zone of India by using ‘hybrid optimisation model for electric renewables’ software. A solar–biodiesel generator system in conjunction with a battery bank has been considered for obtaining the system's optimum configuration at a minimum annualised cost while satisfying the energy demand. Sensitivity analysis and validation of optimum results are also presented in this paper. This research work is an attempt to encourage the use of an off-grid hybrid system with locally available renewable energy resources in the composite climate of India for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.