Optimal design and performance evaluation of a grid independent hybrid micro hydro-solar-wind-fuel cell energy system using meta-heuristic techniques

This paper presents the design and optimal sizing of a grid independent hybrid energy system consisting of micro hydro, solar, wind and fuel cell for catering a specific load. The optimal sizing is obtained using a comparatively new optimization technique called Bees algorithm (BA) and the performance of the algorithm is compared with an established meta-heuristic techniques called particle swarm optimization (PSO) and also the system performance is evaluated in terms of the cost of the system. For obtaining the optimal sizing, net present cost (NPC) of the system has been considered. The system is designed such a way that the maximum utilization of the resources and carbon free electricity can be achieved. Keeping in mind this aspect, apart from renewable resources, electrolyser is introduced for production of hydrogen utilizing the excess power. It is observed that the system is quite feasible in meeting the load and in terms of cost of energy and also observed that though both the algorithms are capable of giving global solution, but Particle swarm optimization is fast in reaching optimal solution and takes less CPU time as compared to Bees algorithm.