Optimal sizing and performance evaluation of hybrid photovoltaic-wind-battery system for reliable electricity supply

Given the advantages of hybrid renewable energy systems over single-source systems, this study proposes the optimal sizing and performance evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic-wind battery system to meet the electricity demand of an isolated community in Dakhla, Morocco. The objective is to achieve an economical approach to electricity generation. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and grey wolf optimizer (GWO) techniques were used to determine the optimal configuration of system components, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. The annual system cost (ACS) is minimized as the optimization objective, and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is used for economic comparison. MATLAB serves as the platform for implementation and evaluation. Results demonstrate the convergence and effectiveness of PSO and GWO in delivering high-quality solutions. PSO, however, achieves superior system reliability with a lower loss of power supply probability (LPSP) during peak demand. The optimal configuration achieves a minimal LCOE of 0.1065 USD/kWh, representing a 33.44% reduction compared to the applicable rate. These findings highlight the potential of advanced optimization techniques to improve the economic and operational performance of hybrid renewable energy systems, making them a viable solution for rural electrification in regions with limited grid access.