Assessment of reliability and efficiency of network topologies with hybrid renewable energy systems in remote areas

Purpose This paper aims to develop the original approach to assessing the reliability and efficiency of network topologies that incorporate hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) to ensure sustainable production of green energy and a reliable power supply to the consumer in remote areas across diverse topologies and operational scenarios. The main advantage of the original approach is the use of relatively simple calculation algorithms, which allow obtaining reliable results that are not inferior to the results of simulation modeling. Design/methodology/approach The use of the mathematical tools of probability theory along with special characteristics such as “weight,” “significance” and “contribution” of the component facilitates a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative comparative analysis of the reliability and efficiency of network topologies with HRESs in remote areas. Findings The research reveals that the networks with HRESs in remote areas represent large multi-level engineering systems with a complex structure, characterized by multi-functionality and redundancy. Therefore, they cannot be assessed by a single classical reliability index. Single and even double failures of components normally do not lead to the failure of the entire network topology and disruption of power supply to all consumers. The presence of territories with overlapping service areas of HRESs enables a reliable power supply to consumers under various topologies and operational scenarios. This arrangement, however, does lead to a decrease in network efficiency. The study is illustrated by examples of reliability and efficiency calculations made for various network topologies incorporating HRESs. Research limitations/implications The approach developed to assess the reliability and efficiency of network topologies with HRESs in remote areas will enable a technically optimal selection when designing them. Additionally, it is necessary to create a comprehensive range of standard solutions tailored to meet varying consumer requirements for the reliability of power supply. This approach will significantly simplify and accelerate the design process of network topologies with HRESs. Practical implications This study corroborates the choice of the efficiency criterion for comparative evaluation of various network topologies with HRESs in remote areas. We propose using special characteristics of individual components, such as “weight,” “significance” and “contribution” when analyzing the reliability and efficiency of network topologies with HRESs. The necessity for both qualitative and quantitative analysis when choosing network topologies depending on consumer requirements for reliability of power supply is established. The approach devised to identify overlapping and non-overlapping regions within the HRESs coverage areas enables the choice of consumer backup solutions. The method developed to assess the efficiency of network topologies with overlapping HRESs coverage areas facilitates reliable power supply to consumers under various topology and operating conditions. Originality/value The developed approach allows informed design technical decisions regarding the network topology options, the number of HRESs and electricity backup strategies for consumers in remote areas depending on their power supply reliability requirements. Conducting comparative calculations of the reliability and efficiency for the network topologies in remote areas is essential for the construction, reconstruction and identification of causes behind power supply disruptions for consumers.