Optimal Sizing of Hybrid Energy Storage System in a Microgrid

A microgrid is an advanced energy system that integrates various generation sources, energy storage solutions, control mechanisms and management strategies. Properly sizing the energy storage system is essential to improve a microgrid’s cost-effectiveness, reliability and efficiency. A systematic approach is required to determine the optimal capacities of the hybrid storage system, utilizing storage options with complementary characteristics, particularly in relation to the effective utilization of renewable energy sources. This paper presents a constrained optimization algorithm for sizing a hybrid energy storage system in a renewable energy-integrated microgrid. The mathematical model describes the relationship between them by carefully analyzing the energy requirements of both batteries and supercapacitors. Batteries are advantageous for long-term energy storage, while supercapacitors provide rapid power for short durations. A case study analyzed various generation and storage combinations to obtain optimized outputs using the finincon optimization tool in MATLAB, which were compared to results obtained from genetic algorithm (GA). The findings provide valuable insights for designing energy storage systems (ESS), like hybrid energy storage systems (HESS), to enhance performance and economic feasibility in future microgrids.