Optimal Design and Cost Analysis of a Hybrid Renewable Energy System for a Small Hotel Based on the Arctic Puffin Optimization Algorithm

In an era where sustainable energy solutions are critical, this research work presents and introduces the optimal design of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for a small hotel by integrating solar power, battery storage, and grid interactions. MATLAB was used for the simulations, and the Arctic Puffin optimization (APO) algorithm was employed to minimize the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The optimization considered the PV power, battery size, and grid purchases. Results show that the system effectively utilizes solar energy and battery storage, thus reducing reliance on the grid and eliminating the need for diesel generators. The APO algorithm converged rapidly, thus validating its efficiency. The outcomes of the optimization process show an LCOE of $0.1236 per kWh and a total net present cost (TNPC) of $1.1567 × 10<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">6</sup>. The annualized cost of the system (ACS) was determined to be $91,494. Notably, the system sold 351,600 kWh back to the grid while purchasing 99,440 kWh, achieving a renewable energy fraction (REF) of 100%. This optimized hybrid renewable energy system offers reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy, promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies.